What's Really the Most Important?

Chapters

2 Pinkie's News
3 Dreams and Memories
4 The Spirit of Competition
5 Rainbow Dash vs. Spitfire
6 The Greatest Treasure of Rainbow Dash
7 The Worst Day
8 Suit of Hearts
10 The Seeds of Happiness
11 Quality Time
12 Dinner with a Wonderbolt
13 The Mysterious Magical Tailor
14 At Sugarcube Corner
15 A Flight to Success
Intermission - Rainbow's Diary
16 A Gathering of the Elements
17 The Shadow
18 Dark Side of the Moon
19 To Be Bearers of Bad News
20 My Sister's Keeper
21 Disputes, Disguises, and a Dragon
22 The Regal Rulers of Equestria
23 Dear Joey
24 Calm Before the Storm
25 Anxious Scootaloo
26 Summer Sun Celebration
27 Confrontations and Confirmations
28 Spitfire's Story
29 More Unwelcomed Guests
30 The Warlock
31 Arid Arrival
32 A Matter of Time
33 The Outcast Children
34 Justice in Gymkhana
Intermission - Of Souls and Spells
Intermission - Escalation
36 The Palace of Kings
37 Brothers No More
9 The Therapist
Act 2 - Desert Storm
35 Zugzwang
1 The Mother She Deserves
Act 2.5 - The Hour of Twilit Void

2 Pinkie's News

“Umm, hmm mmm...?” Scootaloo mumbled into her own arm, which was soaked with drool.

Dash rolled over and off the bed, standing up on her hind legs to open the blinds properly. “I said 'get up', bedhead! It's time for school,” she repeated, flooding the room with sunlight.

“Gah!” Scoot croaked, pulling the blankets over her head. “Are you trying to blind me?!”

Rainbow made her way around to the other side of the bed, carefully avoiding the junk and clothes littering the floor of her untidy bedroom. “No, I'm trying to get your flank moving!” she tapped the bundle of sheets that Scoot had wrapped herself up in. “I've gotta make this bed. Go take off your dirty jammies and brush your teeth.”

“And if I refuseee?” came a muffled, playful voice.

Rainbow Dash grabbed the sheets on the edge of the bed with her teeth and pulled them off, causing Scoot to roll out on to the floor with a thud. “Then that happens!”

“Ow...” Scootaloo complained, standing up as straight as Rainbow Dash and rubbing her leg. “Jerk!” The filly stretched her arms to the heavens and yawned loudly before dropping to all fours.

Dash rolled her eyes and began to make the bed. Scootaloo stayed still and simply watched her, occasionally looking about the bedroom. “Your room is a mess, Rainbow Dash,” she said cheerfully.

“Grown ups are allowed to have untidy rooms,” Rainbow said. “Hurry along, now.”

“You're a grown up? Why didn't anypony tell me? Probably 'cause it ain't true, I bet!” Scoot giggled, smirking.

“You're quite the pain in the butt this morning. Pretty lame, Scoot!” Dash remarked, stretching out a wing to casually flick Scootaloo on her way. “Now come on, Scootaloo. Brush your teeth and stuff, or we're gonna be late. Again. I've already had Cheerilee lecture me on being punctual once before. If it happens again, I'ma be rude and walk away from her. No one wants that!”

“Fiiine,” Scoot sighed, turning away and trotting out of the room at her leisure. “See, I'm going! Walking out and everything.”

Dash shook her head and turned back to the bed she still had to finish making. Fifteen minutes later, she made her way downstairs, buttoning up a shirt and adjusting a tie. Removing the hairbrush she was holding in her mouth, she started brushing out her hair and mane. She stopped at a mirror in the hallway, smirking at her reflection. “Aaawww yeah! Perfection. But I hate having to wear clothes at that stupid job. Ah well, I'm still awesome.”

Reaching the kitchen, Rainbow found Scootaloo leaning against the kitchen counter, munching on a red delicious apple and flipping through one of her colouring books. Dash smiled at her, seeing that Scootaloo had not only packed her own lunch, but Rainbow Dash's as well. Scootaloo might like to get under Dash's skin in the morning, but she could act really mature when she wanted to.

“Impressive,” Rainbow Dash said, coming over to her. “You might just earn your keep around here. Now, lemme see your coat.”

“I don't wear a coat!” Scootaloo said through a mouthful of fruit. “It's not even cold out!”

“C'mon, Scoots, you know what I mean,” Dash sighed at her, eyes rolling.

Scootaloo twirled on her heel with her arms outstretched. “My fur's fine. I look fab, as always,” she said.

“Your mane doesn't. I've gotta brush it out,” Dash said, pulling over a chair and sitting down. “You'll look 'fab' when you look as good as I do!”

“Look good as you do? Wearing that lame, geeky shirt and tie? You look like a bank owner!” Scoot gasped in mock horror, slapping a hoof to her face.

“Hey! You know about the dress code at the weather factory. Now, get over here.” Dash pulled Scoot in front of her and got to work getting the tangles out of her mane.

“Argh! Quit it!” Scoot snarled as she threw the apple core towards the garbage bin, her head jerking back with every stroke through her hair.

“Don't be such a baby, Scootaloo. Not a wimp, are you?” Rainbow asked as she worked.

“I'm not a baby! Or a wimp... It's just... bah! I. Hate. This.” Scoot pouted as Rainbow Dash continued grooming her. “Do you go out of your way to try and pull every hair out?!” She flinched as the bristles caught the hair around her ears.

“Scootaloo, I love when you try to act mad because I know you're completely full of it!” Dash smiled at her, pulling her into a hug once her hair was in a satisfactory condition. “Act as mad as ya want, Dashie knows you better than that!”

Scoot gave her a tight squeeze back. “I'm gonna fool you one of these days, big sister!” Scootaloo grinned, pulling away and looking into Dash's face with adoration.

Rainbow Dash smiled and placed a kiss on her forehead. “No, you won't. Let's go!”

Dash stood up and and put on the beige leather jacket she had hung over one of the chairs to keep her shirt from getting wrinkled from the wind. Scootaloo picked up her school saddle bag while Dash retrieved both lunchboxes. A minute later, they were standing outside the house. The morning was quiet and very warm and there was a feeling of approaching Summer in the air.

“Onward, faithful steed!” Scootaloo said, scrambling up on to Rainbow Dash's shoulders and wrapping her limbs tightly around the back of the mare's neck. “Your master commands it!”

“You can be master when you pay the bills,” Rainbow said, keeping a firm hold on to the lunchboxes as she bent her arms and hindquarters, expanding both of her wings out fully and giving them a powerful flap. “Hold tight!”

She felt Scootaloo's legs and arms tighten and heard an intake of excited breath. It was the same every single time Rainbow prepared to take off; the filly just could not get enough of getting to fly. And every day she got to fly with the fastest in Equestria. Dash could hear a faint buzzing noise, causing her to beam with happiness. She felt wonderful, knowing Scootaloo was flapping her own wings rapidly like a hummingbird's in joy, ready for take off. In an instant, Dash rocked into the sky, going from kneeling almost flat to the ground to being fifty feet in the air and climbing rapidly. Within seconds, they reached 200 feet, Dash's preferred cruising altitude lately.

Ponyville passed beneath them rapidly. Dash felt Scootaloo twisting to look back at the streak of rainbow and fuchsia trailing behind them. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes against the rush of air and couldn't resist grinning broadly. She was in her element in these moments. The speed, the adrenaline, the WIND IN HER MANE! There was nothing better than flying. It was a gift she was thankful she could share with a wonderful little girl who could not enjoy this feeling on her own.

Below them, the cottages seemed to rush by. The tired looking ponies beginning their mornings glanced up as the pair zoomed overhead, surprised and impressed. A wonderful smell of baking pastries was floating up on the wind to meet them from Sugarcube Corner. The post office came and went like lightning. Dash dropped low enough to circle the town hall once, hearing an excited cheer from Scootaloo.

“Yo!” Dash yelled, slowing down and dropping low to the ground as they passed by the Carousel Boutique. “'Sup, Rare?”

Rarity, who was just leaving her home, looked startled. The unicorn relaxed when she realized who it was. “Ooh, Dash, my dear! What in Equestria are you wearing under that ugly old jacket? Wait! Is that... leather?! Great heavens!”

However, Dash and Scoot were already zipping away. The orange filly barely had time to yell 'See you at school!' to Sweetie Belle, who was standing in the doorway behind Rarity. They touched down outside the school within minutes. Scootaloo slipped down from Dash's shoulders and sighed. She hated whenever they had to land.

“I wish... I could fly on my own...” Scootaloo bemoaned, frowning at the dirt and gravel at her feet. “It isn't fair. I hate having something wrong with me!”

“There's nothing wrong with you, Scootaloo. How often do I gotta tell you that before you believe it? The time just ain't right for you to fly. Who knows, one day you might with all that wing training we do in the basement." Dash ruffled the filly's hair. "Oh, darn it... I just brushed that!” She tried to flatten it with her hooves.

Scoot shook her head in disbelief, trying to pull her head away from Rainbow Dash. “Doctor said it won't ever happen, remember?”

“Pff, what's he know?” Dash asked, noticing Scootaloo's eyes growing wet. “Look, you have the GREATEST FLIER IN THE WORLD as your BIG SISTER!. With me teaching you, you might be a Wonderbolt some day. I definitely will!”

Scoot gave Rainbow Dash a weak smile. “That would be awesome...”

Scootaloo's ears perked up once she seemed to notice Apple Bloom by the school's entrance. Bloom waved and ran down to meet them. Scoot took a deep breath and hurriedly wiped her eyes, turning to smile broadly at the approaching earth filly.

“Hey, Rainbow Dash!” Apple Bloom said, screeching to a halt next to them and turning to the younger of the pair “Scootaloo! I've got this amazing thing to show you and Sweetie Belle! We're gonna get our cutie marks! TODAY!”

“Really?” Scoot asked in surprised, her wings buzzing rapidly again in her excitement.

“Know what we've never done? Magic! I found an old spell book!” Bloom said, a fire in her eyes.

“Uh, I'm pretty sure Sweetie Belle's done magic. She is a unicorn, after all! You two, however... aren't. How you gonna pull off magic?” Rainbow Dash asked bemusedly, handing Scoot her lunchbox.

“It's a secret!” Bloom said happily, leaning close to Dash and continuing in a stage whisper. “Cutie Mark Crusaders only! Y'all and your nerdy shirts are not invited to this club!”

Dash zipped up the jacket a little more, rolling her eyes. “You both are the worst!”

“No, but that is!” Bloom laughed, pointing at Dash's torso. “C'mon, Scoot!”

The fillies giggled together and Apple Bloom ran off. Scootaloo made to follow her, but stopped after a few paces. She ran back to Dash and hugged her tight. Rainbow Dash knew Scootaloo wouldn't let her go without a goodbye hug. She stretched out her wings and wrapped them around Scootaloo for a moment.

“See you later, Sis!” Scoot said, letting go and running towards the school.

“Later, kiddo!” Rainbow called after her, glowing with pride.

Flicking her wings once more, she took off again, shooting straight into the sky, spotting Rarity and Sweetie Belle walking down the road towards the school house. Dash could just make out Sweetie pointing out the streak of colours as she made her ascent.

Her next stop was in Cloudsdale. Leaving Ponyville as nothing but a small mess of toy cottages and trees, Rainbow Dash tore through the sky and clouds. Ever since buying her home, she had to pick up a part time job at the factory that produces precipitation and clouds in order to keep her coin purse full. Otherwise, she was still the main pony for weather maintenance in Ponyville.

She arrived in Cloudsdale after half an hour of flight. She sped through tunnels of cloud and zipped between pillars of stone and moss as she soared in the direction of the factory, enticing cheers from the other pegasai as her rainbow trail stretched behind her. Upon exiting a tunnel, however, she stopped dead. Her mouth fell open in surprise as she beat her wings to stay afloat.

“Hellooo! Rainbow Dash! Hi!” said Pinkie Pie, who was standing atop a pillar with a broad grin on her face.

Dash was quiet with surprise for a moment. “I-wha-wait-what...” she spluttered, her arms held out in front of her, as if to ask 'what gives?'.

“Guess what I just found out! C'mooon, guess! It's fun!” the pink earth pony cheered, bouncing up and down.

“How did you...? Get up...? Cloudsdale...” Dash asked, staring in disbelief.

“How else was I gonna tell you? A-duuuh!” Pinkie smiled, smacking herself in the head and pulling a goofy face.

Dash remained silent a moment, shaking her head back and forth. Although her question wasn't answered, her better judgement prevented her asking again.

Pinkie giggled. “Listen! Listen! Guess what, guess what, guess what, guess whaaat?”

“Okay, okay! What?” Dash asked, folding her arms but still gawking in amazement.

“You know that new stadium they just built in Ponyville?!” Pinkie asked, looking as though she were about to burst. “I heard Soarin is going to be there at the grand opening! You know Soarin, right? That pony you got a crush on, right? The one you said has an awesome butt, right?! I heard it on the radio when I woke up and I was like..." Pinkie continued, giving a huge gasp, "I said to myself, 'I've gotta go tell my bestest friend Rainbow Dash this wonderful, wonderful Wonderbolt news!' So here I am! Telling you! My bestest pal!"

Dash gave a little shriek, her blue cheeks flushing. “Whaaat? Are you serious?! Oh man, that's awesome! I am SO there!”

“The radio said that Soarin is going to preform an airshow before the game starts! There's gonna be try-outs to be his partner! You should try-out at the try-outs to try-out as his partner at the...try-out! I mean, airshow! Then you can tell him he's got an grand posterior in person!” Pinkie squeed. “Try it out!”

Rainbow Dash blushed ever more profusely. “Haha... maybe! Man, I'm psyched. Thanks for telling me, Pinkie Pie! I've gotta get to work now. Uh... how are you getting back to Ponyville? Don't you need to work at Sugarcube Corner this morning?”

Pinkie gave a sharp chuckle. “I'm going to WALK, silly!” she beamed.

Dash stared a moment, before shaking her head again. “Riiight. Well, see ya!”

Rainbow started to fly onward again as Pinkie smiled broadly at her. She kept flying until she reached another tunnel. Before she entered, she glanced back to the pillar Pinkie Pie was standing on. There Pinkie was, still smiling happily and just staring at her.

“Well, that was... strange,” Dash mumbled to herself, flying through the cloud tunnel. “I'm pretty convinced she's insane. Insane, but the best friend ever! Ohmigooosh! I am going to nail those try-outs! Soarin's going to be so impressed!"

Giving a loud and triumphant laugh, Rainbow Dash sped forward towards the factory, leaving a brilliant streak of rainbow behind her. She couldn't believe how good her fortune has been lately. What could possibly bring her down from this high?

The answer? Absolutely nothing, she told herself. Dash was happy as happy could possibly be. As she took her punch card to the clock and inserted it at work, her thoughts drifted back to Scootaloo. It was all for her.

She had a new house and she had Scootaloo with her. Dash's second job kept the cash flowing nicely and she would be meeting Soarin again soon. It would be a perfect opportunity to impress a member of the Wonderbolts. Her favourite one, too!

“Everything's comin' up Rainbow Dash!” she said to no one in particular, strolling off to her locker to deposit the leather jacket and her lunch.

Dash could not have any idea how important hearing Pinkie's news would turn out to be.

3 Dreams and Memories

“What a maneuver! Stupendous.”

“We can't beat her!”

“She's amazing...”

“Pfff, I could do that if I didn't sprain my wing!”

“Bring it on home!” Soarin yelled.

Rainbow Dash soared higher and higher, her body twisting majestically, leaving a trail of multi-coloured spirals beneath her. She felt absolutely weightless! The very air around her was her canvas and she would paint the greatest art with her greatest abilities.

“I'll bring it on home, Soarin! I'll take you home too, shall I?” Dash called out in a carrying voice that echoed over the field. “Watch this!”

She shot upwards, wings beating so fast they appeared not to move at all. Her limbs were pressed tightly to her body as she cut through the air like a javelin, the world vanishing beneath her. She flipped over in midair, feeling a sudden rush of wind in her ears. She hovered there, in the void, seeing nothing around her but blue sky and clouds.

Dash narrowed her eyes and flicked her wings so violently that it produced a terrifying noise. Was it like a clap of thunder, she pondered? She began her descent back to the crowd, temporarily invisible due to her staggering height. Gravity was her aid, but speed was her mastery. Rainbow's body was flat while her tail was aerodynamically positioned for minimum drag. She felt her hooves tearing through the solid sky as she accelerated back to earth. All she could hear was the rushing wind as she out-paced sound itself. A solid funnel of air was forming around her. Dash felt her body contract. Her grin was brighter than the sun!

There was an explosive bang that seemed to quake the very ground below. The visible light spectrum split open as a great ring of colour burst from the pegasus, expanding throughout the sky. Her rainbow trail had become completely translucent, a cascade of solid colours that did not fade with time, marking her path from the point of the Rainboom. Dash rushed straight to the ground, twisting and zooming off inches from the grass, her trail building a great wall around the field.

“There is nopony as perfect, nopony as athletic, absolutely no one, pony or otherwise, as TALENTED as you, Rainbow Dash!” Soarin spoke, gazing deeply into her eyes with an untold passion. “There's no one in the world I would be more honoured to call my partner for the upcoming show. Are you... doing anything tonight?”

“Why, thank you, good gentlecolt,” Dash said, tossing her long hair and giving Soarin quite the same look in return. “You will find me quite free this evening.”

There was a great bang of thunder overhead, though the sky was cloudless. It was precisely the same bang as the Rainboom had produced. Precisely the same noise her wings had made.

“I would love to take you out to dinner!” Soarin said, smiling broadly and winking. “Allow me to treat the best flier of our lifetime.”

“I would be delighted to go!” Dash agreed, extending a hoof.

Another bang of thunder as Soarin bent forward to kiss it, shaking the very world.

Wait... thunder didn't bang.

Rainbow Dash was grinning stupidly into her pillow, soaking it with an endless stream of drool. Bang! Her eyes shot open. What in name of Princess Celestia is that thumping noise, she thought? Bang! Rainbow stumbled out of bed. The novel she had been reading before dozing off tumbled to the floor with a smack. Eyelids heavy, Rainbow wiped off the stray saliva and checked her reflection in the mirror.

"Ugh..." Dash whispered silently. And she thought Scootaloo normally had a bad case of bedhead? Bang! “Oh, right,” Dash sighed. “That.”

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes and frowned over at her alarm clock. She felt a flutter of anger in her belly. 'Oh, you have gotta be kidding! What do they think they're doing, making a racket like that at this hour?' Dash thought furiously. She told them to be in bed!

She stomped down the hallway, throwing Scootaloo's bedroom door open with a crash. Her eyes panned the room quickly. Scoot was standing on the floor, pulling hard on one end of a large piece of rubber with all of her might. The other end was tied to one of her bedposts. Apple Bloom was next to her, pulling the middle of the rubber back like a giant elastic band, a stack of heavy books next to her. Across the room, Sweetie Belle was standing on the dresser, wrapped in a bed sheet like a ghost, arms held above her head menacingly. The floor at the foot of the dresser was covered in open books,. There was a small mound of towels and clothes, as well. It appears that the two Crusaders on the floor were launching books at the dresser, trying to knock Sweetie Belle off and into the pile of clothes. Dash recognized that most of the clothes pile were garments she had folded that very day.

One by one, the fillies turned to stare at her, horror in their eyes. Apple Bloom dropped the book she was about to load as the rubber snapped to the bed when Scootaloo let go of it. Sweetie Belle dropped down off the dresser, whipping the sheet off of her body quickly. The trio moved together in a close knot, looking up at Rainbow's scowl. Scootaloo glanced at her wall clock. It was almost midnight, and Dash only ever let her stay up until 10:00 PM whenever the other Crusaders had a sleepover. The three of them were looking very uncomfortable. Perhaps they were remembering that she had told them to be in bed by then, Rainbow Dash wondered?

“Um,” Sweetie began in what she assumed was a winning voice, “hi, Rainbow Dash! How are you?”

“Five seconds,” Rainbow Dash huffed, folding her arms and glaring at each guilty face in turn as she leaned against the doorway.

Apple Bloom gave a gasp and dived on top of the bed, yanking down the bed covers and crawling under them.

“S-sorry, Sis...” Scootaloo had the grace to look ashamed. She jumped in next to Bloom.

Sweetie Belle, realizing she was the only one left in the no-pony's-land between the door and the bed, smiled weakly and backed up to the bed herself. “You're in good spirits, then! Me too! Yep, me too!” With a panicked grunt, Sweetie crawled into the bed next to Scootaloo and reaching over to click off the lamp on the bedside table.

Dash continued to frown at them in the semi-darkness, the light of the hallway barely illuminating the room. She could just make out their eyes. Scootaloo's were looking directly into her own. Realizing the younger pegasus was still ashamed, Rainbow allowed her anger to ebb away.

“Not another sound from this bedroom, girls,” Dash said, her voice much calmer than before. “Scoots, you know better. Goodnight.”

Rainbow closed the door and sighed. She had been having such a good dream, too. Most of the details had already escaped her mind, as the memories of dreams are wont to do. She was pretty sure she was talking to Soarin after the try-outs in the dream, but specifics were vague and trickling away like running water. Dash wondered if she was being conceited, trying to recall the praise he was giving her flying. It had all been created by her own mind, after all. Making a mental note to be a little more humble should the need arise, Dash walked back into her bedroom, stumbling a little as she tripped over a record player cord and some rolled up gowns. Maybe she should clean up in the morning?

'Naaah.'

She crawled back into bed, gazing enraptured at her poster of Soarin once more. She knew she was rapidly becoming obsessed, but every time she thought about that pony, she got a little squirm of delight in her belly. It was like fluttering butterflies, or maybe, bumbling Fluttershys? What she wouldn't give to actually be able to go out on a date with him. He was most certainly too famous a celebrity, though. How was he ever going to make time for her?

'He's probably dating Spitfire anyway, those two are always seen together...' Dash thought sadly as she rolled over.

She had always liked that wonderful Wonderbolt. It didn't help that she had met Soarin plenty of times before, be it at airshows, the Best Young Fliers competition, the Grand Galloping Gala, or at the wedding of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. It was like being offered a slice of cake you weren't allowed to take. Rainbow Dash found it maddening.

Just...

One date...

"Or a chance to take that horse for a ride!" Dash grinned to herself.

"Um... Rainbow... Rainbow Dash...?" came a soft voice. "You're just... staring at the wall. Um..."

Dash gave her head a shake, trying to clear her mind. She had been standing still in the corner of the basement for nearly a full minute, completely lost in her thoughts and memories. She had completely forgotten the ponies she had invited over.

"Aren't you going to help Applejack? Um, if you don't want to, that's fine... I can try...” Fluttershy mumbled uncertainly.

“Oh!” Rainbow Dash said, finally back to reality. “Sorry, you two! I was just... yeah!"

“Pardon my French, but what in tarnation were you just thinkin' 'bout that could possibly make you forget you had to spot me less than sixty tappin' seconds after I asked?!” Applejack spat, arms folded as she sat on the weight bench.

“I was just thinking about last night! Now, hold your horses, I'm comin'!” Dash said, marching over to stand above Applejack. "Horses. Get it? Nevermind."

“What happened last night?” Fluttershy asked, watching Rainbow Dash help Applejack lift the barbel off it's support.

“I had another dream about him...” Dash said loftily, blushing slightly.

“Oh... here we go... again!” huffed Applejack as she began to lower and raise her hooves quickly, pumping the weight.

“Give me twenty, AJ! That's not that heavy.” Rainbow said, grinning down at her.

“Who did you dream about? Soarin?” Fluttershy asked.

“'Course... she did!” Applejack panted. “Just... to distract me with... her bedroom fantasies!”

“Oh, please!” Dash rolled her eyes. “As if you don't enjoy them!”

“I... never... said... that...” AJ gasped, finishing her set and making to get up.

“Hold it!” Dash said crisply, grabbing a pair of twenty pound weights with her wings and slipping them on either side of the bar. “Do ten. Slowly.”

“Are you flippin' crazy?!” Applejack snapped, giving a snarl as she struggled to take the weight back off the support again.

Rainbow grinned and placed a hoof under the centre of the bar, giving Applejack a little bit of extra push.

Fluttershy approached, waiting for her turn on the bench. “Are you... um, nervous about the try-outs?”

“A little. I mean, not that I expect to lose or anything. Gah, there I go again! I feel so conceited lately. But...” Dash gestured at the trophies adorning the wall, “it's not like I can pretend I'm not the best flier, at least in Ponyville or Cloudsdale. No, I'm not nervous about try outs in THAT sense... I'm just a bit nervous about seeing Soarin again. The concept of being his partner in an airshow, having to work personally by his side! It's exciting! So... I'm, I guess, nervous. Yeah...”

“Y'all should be thankful for the opportunity.” AJ said, rubbing her arms as she slipped off the bench and back onto all four hooves. “Yer turn, Fluttershy.”

“Is there... a level zero?” the yellow pegasus asked apprehensively as both Dash and Applejack pulled every single weight off the bar.

“Uh, yes?” Dash rolled her eyes, jabbing at the empty bar. “That. Just do twelve regular reps.”

Applejack took a gulp of water from a bottle she had on the floor as Fluttershy climbed on to the bench as if she were ascending the steps to a set of gallows. “So... you've been here two months now, right? Y'all still findin' motherhood the bee's knees, sugar?”

“Of course! It's...” Dash began, turning away from Fluttershy, who was struggling to push the bar up once. “It's been amazing so far. Still the best decision I've ever made, AJ! Scoots is an awesome kid! She's so clever! She's the most honest, humble, and sincere thing I've ever met. She's the sweetest thing, too! Remember me telling you girls about when I was talking to the matron when I went to adopt her? How she was worried that no one would ever want Scoot, because nopony seemed interested in a pegasus who couldn't fly? They just go for the earth ponies, y'know?”

“Yes, yes, I remember! You did a wonderful thing that day.” Applejack said, placing a hoof on Dash's shoulder. “I'm still so proud of ya. Any doubts I did have that y'all might not be able to handle raisin' a filly, let alone one of the Crusaders, has long been snuffed, Rainbow Dash. Of course, it woulda been easy for me, since I've had to raise a Crusader myself, with a bit of help from Granny Smith and Big Macintosh. Because of... y'know... that accident... They drowned back when she was still in diapers.”

“Thanks, Applejack,” Rainbow said quickly, trying to shove the conversation away from Applejack's parents as she watched the pain etch itself upon her friend's face. She placed her own hoof on Applejack's shoulders, returning the favour. “I know I can look to you for inspiration or advice when I need it, though! Like the clubhouse thing.” Dash finished with a warm smile before turning her head to Fluttershy. “All done, Flutters?”

“... four...” Fluttershy croaked, her arms quaking.

“But hey, despite that particular day kind of sucking, it's been smooth sailing! It's not really as hard as you would think,” Rainbow continued. “First off, there's nothing in Equestria that I can't handle. Secondly, Scoot's already a little independent, so most of the actual taking care of part she handles herself. It's just that the poor thing's never really had... anyone. You know, before me.”

Applejack shook her head, sighing. “It's scary how we've all lost loved ones. I've lost my parents, you've lost your mother... and even poor Scootaloo has lost a mom.”

Dash turned her face away so Applejack wouldn't see her scowl. “Yep... even Scootaloo's mom."

Dash closed her eyes, breathing deeply. She had to be careful or else she might end up looking suspicious. When she turned back to face Applejack, she didn't like the puzzled look on the earth pony's face. She spoke again hurriedly to disguise her momentarily bubbling anger.

“My dad's a tough cookie, though! When death comes to claim the great Radiant Dash, it better be prepared for a fight!” Rainbow laughed. “He's always been so rugged and strong! I mean, look who he had to raise! Even after my mom died...” Dash trailed off.

“That's all... I can do...” Fluttershy choked, rubbing her sore biceps.

“How many didja get?” Applejack asked.

“Six!” Fluttershy whispered softly.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash loaded as much weight as the bar could hold. Dash asked Fluttershy to sit up on it as well. Giving her wings a flick, Dash threw herself down on to the weight bench and pressed her wings against the underside of the bar.

“Hey, remember what I was like in school and summer flight camp?” Dash asked Fluttershy, wrapping her arms behind her head as she began to thrust her wings upward, lifting all the weight plus a fully grown pegasus with ease.

“Oh! Oh dear, you were a bad pony...” Fluttershy shivered, bouncing on the barbel.

“Yep. I was okay to my friends, like you, Fluttershy! But man, I put my poor father through hell and back...” Dash sighed, shaking her head. “I was a bully! I was a liar! I was a slacker when it came to anything unrelated to sports, so my grades were terrible. I used to break into the school at night as a dare. I would sneak out of my house, too! When I was born, I was my dad in miniature. We had the same colour fur and he's the only person I know who ever had a rainbow mane. But by the time I got my cutie mark, his fur was nearly grey. Stress, I tell ya! But he was always so tough! My mom was gone by then, so he had to handle a hyperactive and cruel filly Rainbow Dash all by himself!"

“It's no small wonder you can handle a little thing like Scootaloo, then!” Applejack laughed, tapping her hoof on her thigh as she counted Dash's reps silently. “Clearly, you learned from the best.”

“You got that right! Oh man, I must have been gettin' it once a week when I was at my worse. I can't believe he put up with me. I really wish I never made life so difficult for him, especially given how supportive he was of me... Even through I was the worst child a parent could possible ask for, he ALWAYS pushed me to try my hardest. I wouldn't be half the flier I am today if it weren't for Radiant Dash!” Rainbow continued to reminisce, her friends listening silently. “I can't wait to see him again once he retires and moves back home. He hasn't even been home to meet Scootaloo yet, but his letters make it sound like he totally can't wait! That's another thing that I am SURE made him suffer, knowing his baby girl wouldn't be able to give him grandkids... but he was never disappointed with who I was. Just, y'know, disappointed in my bad behaviour, I guess! I hope he loves Scoots... I'm sure he will! I bet you anything, he'll show up with seven years worth of birthday gifts, just to make sure he's caught up! He'll spoil her!”

Dash dropped the bar back on its support, getting up and flexing her wings. She flapped one gently across Applejack's face. “Gentle as a breeze...” she approached a punching bag and jabbed at it with the other, making the bag swing violently, “but strong as a minotaur! Sooo, how many?”

“I lost count around fifty,” Applejack said, shrugging. “Been busy listenin' to y'all monologue!”

“If you wanted me to shut up, ya shoulda said so,” Dash said, tossing her mane and frowning.

“I'm not complainin'. I love listenin' to family stories! I'm sure he'll love Scootaloo, too.” Applejack assured her.

“Speaking of... where are the fillies now?” Fluttershy asked.

“With Rarity.” Rainbow answered before jerking a hoof at Applejack. “This poor sap gets them tomorrow! As confident as I am with taking care of Scootaloo, foalsitting the Crusaders seems to get exponentially more terrifying with each one added. At least during the day times they can go about Ponyville on their own, but as soon as bedtime comes, watch out! It must be a nightmare whenever Babs Seed is in town, eh, AJ?”

Applejack smiled. “Well, I can handle it! And I'm sure Scootaloo would love to invite the others over for a sleepover next time Babs is stayin' with us! Then we can all see exactly how brave 'n confident you are, Dash!”

“I look forward to the challenge!” Dash smirked. “Anyways, thanks for coming over, girls!”

“Oh, it was our pleasure, I'm sure!” Fluttershy said sweetly. “We don't really get to spend much time together these days...”

“Yeah. It's hard, what with Dash workin' two jobs 'n' all. Besides, neither Canterlot nor Ponyville have been in much danger lately. There's been no real need for the Elements of Harmony! No need for the six of us to come together to fight somethin',” Applejack said, yawning.

“I know!” Dash exclaimed. “What a snore.”

“You mean a 'bore'?” Fluttershy corrected, raising an eyebrow.

“I know what I said! Anyways, wish me luck in the try-outs tomorrow!” Dash beamed, waving as her two friends made to leave the basement gym.

4 The Spirit of Competition

“So, is this what I've been reduced to? The great Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in Equestria, wielder of the Element of Loyalty, known throughout the land as one of the bravest and most skilled of Princess Celestia's trusted champions... sitting down in the shower, afraid she's not going to impress a dude,” Rainbow spoke quietly to herself, clutching her hooves to her head.

Dash watched the water rush continuously down the shower drain, feeling it beat the back of her neck and soak through her hair and fur. Two hours to go and then she would head to her doom. She had already been sitting here with the water running long enough that the heat of the running water was running out. Shivering, Rainbow reached up and twiddled the 'hot' valve a little further.

“Luna's moons, I'm falling apart! What's wrong with me? These nerves are nuts... way worse than I've ever felt in my whole life... 'the hell am I worried about?" Dash asked herself, staring at her tail tucked between her legs under her.

She looked sideways into a mirror that had been screwed into the walls of the shower. Some of her crimson-coloured hair strands were dangling down the centre of her face, hanging off her nose and dripping.

“He's just a stallion. I mean... I've been with plenty of them! Just look at me! Okay, so, not as many as Rarity, but enough that this shouldn't be so hard... One does not attempt to beat Rarity at promiscuity! She is simply the best there is. OH CELESTIA, I'VE LOST IT!” Rainbow roared suddenly.

The faucets creaked as she turned them off, throwing the shower curtain aside and spraying the bathroom with water. “Enough is enough. Pull yourself together, Rainbow Dash!” she told herself, throwing out her chest as she stepped out of the shower. “You can handle anything. Nopony walks with your grace!”

She slipped. The mirror over the vanity rattled as she landed hard on her rump. Dash's back, wings, and shoulders crashed into the side of the tub fixture. Employing a handful of her favourite swear words, she carefully made it to her hind legs, aching all over. She snatched a towel off the holder, her lip trembling.

“Yep, nopony. A lesser creature would have broken their neck just now.” Fuming, she limped from the bathroom.

She paused sadly outside of Scootaloo's empty bedroom. Dash wouldn't mind Scootaloo for some moral support right now, especially considering that she was presently falling apart at the seams. Perhaps the fillies were at Sweet Apple Acres already? It was noon and Rarity had them for the full day prior, so she may have dropped them off early, Dash thought. She decided to stop by there on her way to the try-outs.

Feeling slightly more cheerful at this idea, Dash went to her room to brush out her mane. Perhaps if she got to know Soarin better as his partner, she'd learn that he might be dating Spitfire? That would be a blow, but Rainbow would feel better knowing she had a right to be nervous. Of course, there's always the possibility that she might screw up and lose. It's entirely possibly that there will be a pegasus just as skilled or even better than herself, she reasoned. Unlikely, but possible. Losing would suck, but it would spur her on to greater heights, cause her to push her limits further. That would not be an unwelcome outcome, though very disappointing.

But what if she won, and Soarin was single? Would she get a chance to make her move? 'Oh man, there's the butterflies again.' Maybe he wouldn't be interested, but Dash knew that she was going to go for it if she had even the slightest chance of success. She's never had a crush on someone this badly or for this long. Well, whatever happens, happens.

Rainbow Dash left shortly thereafter, realizing it was impossible to try and eat anything. She still had plenty of time, but perhaps arriving early would quell her unease a little. Or maybe make it even worse? Her stomach couldn't decide what it wanted to do.

Rainbow Dash touched down in Sweet Apple Acres. She gave a wave to Big Macintosh, who was out in the carrot field, dragging a plough. 'If things don't work out, there's always Biggie Mac... He's kinda handsome, gotta admit! Best earth pony bachelor, by far!' Rainbow thought to herself as she approached the barn and pressed her ear to the wall.

They were in there, she realized with a rising sensation in her chest. Her heart leapt higher as she heard Scootaloo's voice. She could also hear a saw and the noise of a hammer. Wonder what the Crusaders are up to? She probably didn't want to know. Rainbow moved just outside the sliding door, which was ajar, and knocked three times.

“Yes, Applejack?” Apple Bloom asked after a moment, her hairbow proceeding her head as she leaned out. “Oh! It's you, Rainbow Dash,” Bloom said, smiling up at her before twisting around to yell into the barn. “Scootaloo! It's yer mom-sis pony!”

Thud. Apple Bloom went flying as Scootaloo knocked her aside.

“My mo-, uh, my Rainbow Dash?! Where?!” Scootaloo asked frantically, her head zipping every which way until her eyes caught the blue pegasus. “Sis!” she gasped, wings abuzz. Scootaloo jumped into Dash's arms and squeezed her chest tight. “You came to see me!”

Rainbow nodded, nuzzling her face against Scootaloo's hair. “I couldn't go on to the airshow try-outs without seeing my little sister first! Dashie missed you.”

Scootaloo beamed. “Really? Can't I come too?”

Rainbow shook her head. “Sorry, kiddo. They're not letting anypony watch. Just for the competitors. But I'll come see you again once it's over, okay?”

Scootaloo sighed, but nodded. “Okay... good luck, Sis!”

She watched Scootaloo return to the barn. Apple Bloom stumbled in after her, looking aggrieved.

'I love you, Scootaloo... I wish you could call me 'Mom' more often, because that was just the word I needed to hear right now! Dash thought, grinning as a feeling of great contentedness spread throughout her body. 'I wish I understood why you're not comfortable with saying it all the time, but I trust you've got good reasons, kiddo... Misty Skies being one of them.'

She flew to the farmhouse and peered through a window, trying to keep her elated feeling from bursting. Applejack was standing over a stove, placing a pot of water on the boil for the potatoes she had peeled. She was humming happily to herself. Rainbow Dash felt her grin broaden.

“Hey there, green-eyes!” Dash shouted loudly, slipping through the open window and causing Applejack to bang her forehead against the vent over the stove.

Applejack rubbed her head, turning to glare at Rainbow Dash. “Really? I mean, REALLY? Must y'all act like a foal?”

“Sorry!” Rainbow said earnestly. “As awesome as that was to witness, I... really didn't want you to bang your head! Startle you, yes. Hurt you, not today. That was pretty funny, though. Not gonna lie! I'm just in a great mood right now!”

Applejack gave a start. “The try-outs are over already? Hoooo-whee! Judgin' by yer smile, yer his partner! That's great news.”

"Whoa! Slow down, hammer hooves, I haven't tried-out yet! I'm on my way there now. I'm just feeling a lot better, that's all. I came to see Scootaloo,” Dash explained.

“I see...” Applejack said, still rubbing her head. “Golly, what a smack... Well, glad to hear yer feelin' better. Scootaloo was happy you came to see her, I bet! Anyway, feel free to bump yer head on a nice big rock for me, but y'all may wait until the competition is over first."

Dash grinned at her. “Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. And yes, she was! But not as happy as I was to see her. Well, see ya later! Hope that doesn't bleed!”

Dash jumped backwards through the window adeptly, twisting in midair and extending her wings. With a great flap, she ascended through the air and was off. She soared back over Ponyville, flying south. She knew the stadium had been built on the field southwest of town hall. She found out in the days after Pinkie Pie had told her about it that the try-outs would be held there as well. She felt her nervousness creep back into her as she approached the structure.

Rainbow Dash descended quickly, her blurred rainbow streaks trailing her to the ground. She landed in the middle of the field, and glanced around. Blue Skies was already there, stretching on the grass with Thunderlane and Snowflake. Silverspeed, Bluebell, and Airheart descended not long after. Clearly, Dash wasn't the only one who thought to be early.

Rainbow dropped to the ground and began doing pushups with her wings to distract herself while she waited. Seconds later, however, she heard voices drifting up from the entrance to the stadium. Her stomach seemed to fall out of her body as a group of Wonderbolts walked out on to the pitch, flanked by a few security personnel. Spitfire and Soarin lead the group in their military uniforms. Fleetfoot, Lightning Streak, and Blaze were behind them, each wearing the iconic Wonderbolt flight suits.

“I can see some worthwhile faces here, but not many,” Spitfire said, shaking her head in disappointment as she lowered her sunglasses, peering over them at the gathering. “Rainbow Dash is here, though. Well... that's at least one good attempt we'll get to see. How long are you going to wait?”

“Uh, not too long. Maybe we'll wait for a few more and get this wrapped up early? I mean, these ponies are fine...” Soarin shrugged, folding his arms and flying a few feet into the air to get a better view of the pitch. He watched as the burst brothers, Sunburst and Starburst, landed onto the field. “I'd be happy with a few of this group...”

Rainbow saw him look towards her and she turned away, her cheeks feeling hot as the sun. 'Deep breathes...' she thought to herself. 'Why does he have to look absolutely gorgeous today...?'

“That's two more. I'll get them started. Feel free to keep waiting if you want,” Spitfire called up to him. "It's your partner we're talking about, after all."

Spitfire stormed forward, extending her wings to their fullest extent. She drew all eyes, though her own did not move. She stopped in the dead centre of the field, next to Rainbow Dash.

“Captain,” Dash said, inclining her head to Spitfire.

“Rainbow Dash,” She nodded in return. “I am happy you showed up. You deserve proper accolades for your time in the Wonderbolts Academy. Now...” She took a deep breath and yelled, using the full strength of her diaphragm. “LINE UP, MAGGOTS. Ladies on my right, fillies on my left.”

Some of the pegasai who had flown closer looked confused, including Wild Fire, having just landed on the field.

Spitfire rolled her eyes. “Look, stallions on the right, mares on the left. MOVE IT.”

The collected group did as they were told, Rainbow Dash being the first one standing at attention on Spitfire's left. Next to her stood Wild Fire, Silverspeed, Airheart, and Bluebell. Opposite them stood Starburst, Thunderlane, Snowflake, Sunburst, and Blue Skies.

“You disappointing bags of feathers know why you're all here! You are being given an opportunity of the highest honour!” Spitfire's voice rang out, as she paced down the field between the two lines. “In TWO weeks, this stadium will host its FIRST GAME. THE WONDERBOLTS have been contracted to PERFORM AN AIRSHOW. There will be TWO pegasai. FIRST OFFICER SOARIN WILL BE LEAD PONY, but he has decided that inviting a non-member to put on a show with him would be an excellent publicity stunt. PUBLIC IMAGE, FOALS; It's where we get our funding. NOW, which one of you think you're worth your weight in press photographs? Who's the best one for the job?”

No one spoke up. Rainbow assumed that, like herself, they all thought that the question was rhetorical.

“What was that? I couldn't hear you all over the PATHETIC SILENCE,” Spitfire spat. “I REPEAT! WHO. WILL. BE. SOARIN'S. WING. PONY? SOUND OFF LIKE YOU'VE GOT A PAIR."

“I will” Each pegasus sang out at once, Rainbow Dash throwing out her chest as a sharp 'YEEEAH!' came from the right lineup.

“Then LET'S GET STARTED, FOALS!” Spitfire yelled, jumping into the air and catching herself with her wings. “Fly forty laps around this field. The last two ponies to finish ARE DONE. MOVE!”

All ten of them launched into the air, zooming to the edge of the field and turning left to begin their laps. Thunderlane took an early lead, with Airheart behind him. Rainbow Dash was in no rush, however, and was already in 7th or 8th place. The other three Wonderbolts seemed to be there to keep track of who was on what lap. Soarin flew to the centre, landing next to Spitfire.

“Well, that's strange,” Spitfire said, taking off her glasses and gesturing them at Dash as she passed close by them. “I expected Rainbow to be in the lead from the start.”

“Is it really that strange, though? She was top of her class at the Academy. I believe... since she's unsure of how the rest of these trials will play out, that Rainbow Dash is merely reserving her energy. She understands this isn't a race; she's pacing herself. As long as she doesn't place in the last two spots, she's still in this,” Soarin explained.

“Hmm! You may be right. That's probably the wisest thing to come out of your mouth in many months now. I'm impressed,” Spitfire grinned.

“I thought you were more impressed with my action figure collection?” Soarin laughed.

“Not a day goes by that I don't realize that I hate you.” Spitfire nodded, slipping her sunglasses back on. “How a dork like you always ends up as my wing pony, I will never know.”

Keeping her pace was indeed Dash's plan. She made sure to stay ahead of at least two ponies. The entire forty laps, she did not allow Snowflake or Bluebell to pass her. While Snowflake may be easily the strongest of the pegasai who turned up for the try-outs, he was certainly not the fastest. And neither, it seemed, was Bluebell.

“Nooo...” Snowflake huffed, giving a tremendous sigh and bowing his massive head.

“Sorry. You two? YOU'RE GONE.” Spitfire yelled at them. “Work on your speed and impress me next year at the Academy. THE REST OF YOU, FALL BACK INTO FORMATION!”

The other pegasai fell back into their original lineups. Most of them seemed a little tired after attempting to beat each other in the laps, while Rainbow felt perfectly relaxed. At least, until she caught Soarin staring at her. She inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself as her face flushed.

“And then there were eight. Less ponies, less competition, and greater your chances of being Soarin's wing pony. That means you each have... you each have... Ahem. FLEETFOOT? NUMBER CRUNCH,” Spitfire roared.

“EACH PONY PRESENT WILL HAVE PRECISELY A TWELVE POINT FIVE CHANCE OF WINNING, MA'AM!” Fleetfoot called out immediately.

“Precisely what I said! You each nearly have a thirteen percent chance to win this, ASSUMING YOU MAGGOTS ARE OF EQUAL CALIBER, WHICH YOU MOST CERTAINLY ARE NOT! Now, PROVE ME WRONG!” Spitfire yelled. “LIGHTNING STREAK. GET YOUR WORTHLESS FLANK OVER HERE, PRONTO!”

The orange and yellow maned Wonderbolt walked forward, standing next to Spitfire.

“Wings,” Spitfire said to him.

With a loud flap, Lightning Streak extended his wings.

“This next test is for STRENGTH. Pity Snowflake is out, isn't it? OTHERWISE HE WOULD DESTROY YOU MAGGOTS with his TINY, TINY WINGS. Each of you will march forward IN TURN, and attempt to push Lightning Streak away from you USING ONLY YOUR WINGS. If you can't overpower him, YOU'RE GONE. Airheart, FORWARD!”

The pink pegasus marched forward, spreading her wings and pressing them against Lightning Streak's. On Spitfire's whistle, they began to grapple. Unfortunately for her, Airheart was on her back after less than ten seconds.

“GONE,” Spitfire spat. “Blue Skies, so we can keep this ALPHABETICAL. You're UP!”

And so she went through the list. One by one, Lightning Streak locked wings with them. Blue Skies was the first to survive the round, managing to cause the Wonderbolt to slip on the grass, which was enough to satisfy Spitfire. Silverspeed lasted the longest, keeping Lightning Streak at bay for a full two minutes before he finally pushed her aside. Neither of the burst brothers were able to overpower him. Thunderlane was, however, as indicated by the streak of dirt as the Wonderbolt was shoved back. Rainbow Dash pushed him straight onto his back within five seconds, receiving an approving nod from the Captain. Lightning Streak recovered enough to push away Wild Fire just as fast.

Spitfire had yelled herself hoarse at every pony to fail. “Pathetic showing! Only three left! What say you, Soarin? One more trial. We'll make it... interesting.”

Soarin's gaze passed over the three remaining as Lightning Streak returned to the sidelines. His eyes paused briefly on Rainbow Dash. “Hmm... yeah, let's make it interesting. What did you have in mind, Captain?”

“A race. However... we're gonna compete ourselves,” Spitfire grinned wickedly. “And if either myself or Soarin win, then I'll be doing the airshow with him. I'm upping the ante, screw the public image! So... winner take all."

"How fun it will be, Spitfire!" Rainbow Dash said, narrowing her eyes. "How fun it will be to beat the Captain of the Wonderbolts in a race.

5 Rainbow Dash vs. Spitfire

“Tough talk for a cadet!” Spitfire said, taking her sunglasses off and casually putting them in her shirt pocket. “I know you're fast, Rainbow Dash... but I lead the Wonderbolts. You might have speed to match or beat me, but I have technique. You WILL regret your cocky attitude, foal.”

“You two realize you aren't the only ones here, right?” Thunderlane frowned. “I won that race earlier.”

“That wasn't even a race!” Soarin chuckled. “Sorry to break it to you. However, if anyone's winning this, it won't be you, it won't be Blue Skies, and it won't be Rainbow Dash. It'll be me. Or Spitfire, if I'm feeling generous.”

“Excuse me?!” both Spitfire and Rainbow said in unison.

Rainbow Dash walked within an inch of Soarin's face. She did not feel embarrassed or nervous at all. Nose to nose with the object of the biggest crush she's ever felt, Rainbow Dash smirked. Whenever she felt the spirit of competition, all other worries or nerves left her.

“I'm gonna be your wing pony, Soarin,” she said, jabbing him in the chest, “and you're gonna like it.”

'And so will I!' she continued in her head.

“Sorry, Dash, but I'm gonna perform in that airshow!” Thunderlane said, pushing her aside to face down Soarin.

“Neither of you are going to get the chance. Sorry!” Spitfire said, gazing at her hooves as though the other pegasai weren't even worthy of her attention.

Blue Skies alone had remained completely silent. He looked from Rainbow Dash, to Thunderlane, to Soarin, and then to Spitfire. “Uh... I feel increedibly outclassed. I'm abandoning ship. Sorry!”

Rainbow Dash watched him turn tail and flutter away quickly, as though truly frightened by the competition. Dash caught the Wonderbolt Captain's eye and smirked as Spitfire's glare alternated between herself and Thunderlane. Spitfire then gave a sideways glance at Soarin, who nodded. He signalled to the rest of the Wonderbolts, who came over.

“If you four are racing...” Blaze said, pulling up her goggles. “I've got a proposition. First, we need a location.”

“Cloudsdale,” Rainbow Dash supplied at once, saying the first locale to come to mind.

“Very well. I will fly there. Give me a ten minute head start. I will wait at the main entrance to the Cloudosseum. The first pony to make it back here to Fleet and Streak AFTER hoofbumping me will be the winner. I will return after the fourth reaches me. So, if Rainbow Dash, for example, reaches me second, high-hooves me, but gets back first, she'd still be the win—”

“We get it,” Spitfire interrupted. “We doin' this, or what?”

Thunderlane grinned. “It's my time to shine.”

Blaze waved off the security ponies who had accompanied the group to the field in the first place. They departed, she slipped her goggles back on, and took flight. “Start in ten minutes!” She called, zooming off, leaving a dark and clouded trail behind her, crackling with lightning.

“I've been meaning to ask...” Thunderlane said, frowning up at the sky as the dark cloud faded. “How in the name of Celestia do you guys do that?”

Spitfire just walked away from them, pulling out a pocket watch from the same pocket she had placed her sunglasses in.

“The flight suits are imbued with magic. It's pretty fantastic,” Soarin explained. “They're great. The suits are at a constant room temperature, too, so even at extremely high altitudes, you stay comfortably warm and stuff.”

“Just keep spillin' all our secrets, there, Soarin. There's a good lad,” Spitfire snapped, turning her head towards them with a scowl on her face. “What are you, an idiot?”

Soarin rolled his eyes. He jerked a hoof at Spitfire, shrugged, and walked away as well, albeit not in the same direction.

Rainbow Dash had moved away and sat down on the grass, waiting silently. Now that the heat of the trash talk had worn off, she felt the familiar nervousness crawling over her again. Every twenty seconds or so, she caught Soarin looking over at her. She kept her face averted every time he did so, a little squirm erupting in her stomach. She had to admit: getting up and tough in his face like that had been really exciting. It was comforting to know she was at least able to stare him down. What was more, Spitfire seemed less and less like his girlfriend every time she opened her mouth.

Dash was actually a little surprised. Spitfire was a tough Captain and drill instructor, but she was always somewhat fair and had great morals, as far as Dash could tell during her time training in the Academy. However, every now and then she said something very harsh or unpleasant to Soarin. Was there bad blood between them? Maybe they had been going out in the past, but it definitely didn't seem that way now.

Soarin glanced around and saw Dash staring at him. He quickly looked away, as she did a moment later. Spitfire's eyes never left her watch. Thunderlane was laying on his back, eyes closed but looking relaxed. Fleetfoot and Lightning Streak were speaking quietly to each other, seemingly unconcerned with the others. Rainbow thought that she and Soarin had to be the only ones feeling apprehensive.

“Five minutes,” Spitfire announced, still not looking away from the watch. “Don't embarrass yourself when we race, Soarin.”

Rainbow glanced to Soarin and was unsurprised to find him looking directly at her. She gave it everything she had to avoid looking away, curious to find out if he would. He jerked his head in Spitfire's direction, and shook it sadly. Rainbow Dash frowned at him, gesturing towards the Captain with a 'what gives?' look. He briefly looked at Spitfire again before shrugging and strolling over to the blue pegasus. Rainbow's eyes immediately locked on to the ground.

'Oh no, oooh no... Keep calm...' she thought to herself.

“Sorry if she seems very rude to you guys,” Soarin whispered in a low voice, kneeling beside her. “Spitfire's been going through a rough time lately.”

Rainbow Dash, in spite of her butterflies, looked up at him and whispered back. “I don't think it's me or Thunderlane that she's being rude to.”

Soarin sighed. “Well, it is my fault... She's been good at disguising it lately, grinning and joking around with me, but sometimes it slips through, and... Look, sorry, I shouldn't really be talking about it. It's her business...” he trailed off, walking away again with his head bowed.

Rainbow wasn't really sure how she should have reacted to that. However, at that moment, it didn't matter.

“Two minutes to go...” Spitfire said, putting her watch away. “Let's just start now. Blaze will be at the Cloudosseum long before we get to Cloudsdale, it's sitting on the edge of the city.”

Spitfire unbuttoned her uniform and tossed it to the grass unceremoniously. She stretched out her forelegs and flexed her wings. Soarin followed suit, leaning low to the ground and flexing his limbs.

“Never seen him without his uniform or flight suit on. Yum...” Dash mumbled quietly to herself, blushing again as she eyed up his hindquarters. “He does have an awesome butt. I was only joking...”

“Oy!” Spitfire called to Fleet and Streak. “Don't you two go dozing off or anything. I won't be gone very long.”

“Neither will I!” Dash said, standing up and stretching her legs.

Thunderlane said nothing, getting to his feet and dusting off his coat. Rainbow was impressed with his confidence, considering he was almost as outclassed as Blue Skies had been. She remembered he had an impressive wing power, though. He might be a worthy challenge, for all she knew. She rolled her eyes at herself; was she being too conceited again? She pushed the thoughts from her mind, as she had a greater concern.

She studied Spitfire carefully. She was in terrific shape and, as the leader of the Wonderbolts, she had to be extremely fast. And like Spitfire said herself, she had experience over Rainbow Dash, which meant she had to know plenty of aerial maneuvers. It wasn't just the idea of besting a rival, skilled flier that made Rainbow Dash anxious to beat her; she didn't know or care about whatever was happening between Spitfire and Soarin just now, she just believed so strongly that Spitfire didn't deserve to perform with him, given how she had been treating him.

It had nothing to do with the fact that she wanted to be the one who got to be Soarin's partner. Rainbow Dash wanted to see Spitfire fail. Rainbow Dash wanted to be the one to beat her, even if the airshow wasn't on the line. Dash felt her breath catch in her chest as she recalled something Spitfire said earlier, her hooves digging into the grass as her teeth bared.

”What are you, an idiot?” Rainbow Dash remembered her saying to him. The malcontent in her voice had made it all the worse.

“Enough delaying!” Spitfire said, rising into the air. “Let's get this over with.”

Rainbow jumped straight up into the air, flinging out her wings and catching herself. Her blood was pounding in her ears as she continued to glare at Spitfire. She was going down.

Thunderlane and Soarin rose with them. All four of them hovered silently in place. Rainbow Dash looked to Soarin, who was staring at Spitfire, who looked back to Thunderlane with an expression that made it all too clear that she wanted to ask him why he was even still there. Despite this, Spitfire's head snapped forward.

“Three,” she called out, “two, one.”

Rainbow Dash bumped hard into Spitfire as she shot forward like a cannonball. Leaving the Captain with nothing but a streak of radiant colours, Dash took the immediate lead. Within seconds, she had cleared the outer walls of the stadium, climbing higher and higher. She looked back. Spitfire was behind her, with Soarin and Thunderlane bringing up the rear. All four of them had left the stadium behind now.

Clear skies ahead, Dash's view returned forward and she beat her wings harder. The rush of air tore at her eyes, which she narrowed. They were flying directly into a headwind. It was a powerful one, too, Dash realized. It was going to be difficult take good breaths. Rainbow bent her head to the side, filling her lungs with air. She blinked to get the dryness from her eyes.

Her mouth fell open. Despite the fact that she was still rapidly accelerating, there was a brilliant streak of orange and amber as Spitfire soared on by, her trail burning through the air like an inferno. It was rare for Dash to ever see another pony leave a streak as bright as her own. After all, she had only ever witnessed her old rival at the Wonderbolt Academy, Lightning Dust, pull it off.

Within five seconds, Spitfire was easily forty feet or more ahead of Rainbow Dash, with that distance increasing with each beat of Dash's twitching heart. Was it worth pushing herself to a Rainboom, she wondered? She would certainly shoot past Spitfire and gain a tremendous lead, but it would exhaust her strength rather quickly, she thought. She'd reach Blaze in no time flat, but she'd never get back to the stadium first with her energy reserves in that state.

Dash had to push herself anyway, or else she was going to lose this race. Straightening her body out, she began flapping her wings faster, head bent low as she felt the rush of air through her mane. She glanced ahead, eyes aching from the wind, and saw Spitfire's streak inching closer. Second by second, Dash moved faster and faster, closing that distance.

Spitfire had disguised her skill well, even with her own arrogance. Dash would never have guessed that someone who sat behind a desk at the Wonderbolts Academy would even stand a chance against her, but it was true. Perhaps Dash's skills had grown rusty in the last couple months? With everything going on, it was true that she never really had the time to just practice her flying. She had stopped flying fast for the sake of it, focusing more on caring for Scootaloo and balancing her two jobs. Rainbow Dash had never stopped to think that there was the remotest possibility that she wasn't in her peak physical condition.

Rainbow Dash watched as Spitfire's tail slowly passed by. It wasn't flapping in the wind at all; each hair looked to be frozen in time. Spitfire's form was excellent. Rainbow thought she knew exactly what she was doing. But, as Spitfire's flaming cutie mark and belly passed by, Dash herself inching further and further ahead, she knew Spitfire would have to try a little harder.

They had managed to climb above the air currant now. As the wind died down, Dash's stomach contracted, her chest expanding with a great and full breath of air. As she drew neck and neck with the Captain, Spitfire's eyes rolled over on to hers, looking appalled.

“Nopony... bests Rainbow Dash... nopony!” Dash breathed, her eyes squinting against the air, feeling her wings already starting to ache as she pushed herself harder, urging her body onward at incredible speeds.

Dash had left Spitfire in the dust once more. Bending her head low again, she opened her eyes and saw the rolling hills below her. Ponyville must already be miles behind them. Dash couldn't remember ever flying this fast without exploding in a circle of colour, yet here she was and, what was more, Rainbow Dash was not yet completely fatigued. Perhaps she wasn't as out of shape as she thought? Dash looked at her hooves in front of her. There was a funnel of solid air as she ripped through the sky, but her body was not positioned correctly to execute the Sonic Rainboom. That meant that she could maintain this speed safely as long as she was physically able to. She knew she still had that trick up her sleeve if she needed it.

As Cloudsdale loomed in the distance, Rainbow realized it wasn't over yet. She heard Spitfire cutting through the air beside her. Rainbow's eyes travelled to the gold pony. Spitfire's body moved weirdly. She did not appear to be flying, but swimming through the air. Her arms where pinned to her sides, her tail swishing as she twisted like a fish zipping through water. Whatever she was doing, it was working. Clearly, the Wonderbolt Captain wasn't lying about knowing some maneuvers, Rainbow realized with terror in her furiously beating heart. The blur of orange and yellow behind Spitfire was giving off burning heat.

Rainbow Dash's muscles cramped as her body straightened out more and more, but she could not pull any closer. Clouds, archways, and pillars floated by in a blur of white and grey. The Cloudosseum was dead ahead and Spitfire got there first. Blaze stood at ease as she made their approach, perched on top of the wall of the arena directly above the entrance. She casually raised her left hoof, her expression blank. Spitfire clapped it, twisting in midair as she soared upwards in a graceful arc. She glared down at Dash as she flew over her.

'This... this is gonna be hard,' Dash thought wirly.

With a soft clap, Rainbow Dash made contact with Blaze's hoof as well, tilting her left wing downward and right wing up, making a wide turn without losing her momentum. Spitfire was several hundred feet ahead by now. How in Equestria was Rainbow going to catch up? Should she Rainboom? Rainbow wasn't even sure she had the agility or stamina left to pull it off.

In less than a minute, both herself and Spitfire had already left Cloudsdale. The intense speed of the race was making her dizzy. Rainbow Dash was panting deeply, her wings felt like they were on fire, and her heart was pounding so hard it seemed to tear a stitch right through her. She noticed Soarin and Thunderlane approaching Cloudsdale. They seemed to be in conversation, laughing with one another, at their ease. Both must have realized that their chances of out-racing Spitfire and Dash were very fine indeed, and were just having fun instead. Dash felt warmer upon seeing him, her eyes snapping to the figure of Spitfire. She seemed much closer. What was more, she was turned to look at the oncoming ponies, scowling at Soarin.

Rainbow Dash gave a grunt of anger, her wings making great swishing motions through the air. Spitfire was facing forward once again, but was still drawing closer. She had abandoned her fishtailing, or whatever she had been doing. It must have been tiring, as Dash could see her chest heaving.

This time, it was Canterlot that loomed ahead, far in the distance. They must still be a great length from Ponyville, however, as the little town was not yet visible at the mountain's base.

Within two minutes time, Dash was once more neck and neck with Spitfire. But Rainbow herself was growing very tired by now. She saw Spitfire glance sideways at her. The Wonderbolt looked exhausted. She did not scowl, or glare, or give any signs of hatred. She merely looked at Dash, face sweating, taking sharp breathes.

“You're... a great flier...” Dash heard Spitfire's voice croak, though it was hard to catch as Rainbow's ears were aching and dry. It didn't help that they were hovering near the sound barrier at these breakneck speeds.

“I under... underestimated you, Spitfire!” Dash spoke back, her voice hoarse, her nostrils bone dry.

Spitfire came to a suddenly, completely dead stop with some rapid wing movements. Dash shot by her like a bullet fired from a rifle. Stiffening her wings flat against the air, Rainbow's speeds ground to a halt as well.

“Wha... what?” Dash gasped, throwing her hooves on her knees and struggling for breath.

“I'm... done...” Spitfire said, shaking her head and frowning, her breathing sounding very painful. “You've just given me my greatest challenge in five years, but... I'm running on empty.”

Dash gaped at her. “You're not... serious!” she panted. “We're... almost there!” Dash felt a great disappointment flooding her pores.

“Huh... Really wanted... to beat me, didn't you?” Spitfire asked, cocking an eyebrow and giving a short laugh, coughing. “T-trust me, you have.”

“I guess... but I wanted to beat you fairly... Not with... you just giving up!” Dash sighed, feeling her nose. It had begun to bleed from the roughness of the air being forced up it during the flight.

“Stop being so... dramatic!” Spitfire spat, watching Dash wiping the blood on her arm. “If you want a nice ending, catch your breath and give me a Rainboom.”

“I... don't think I have any fuel left for a Sonic Rainboom,” Rainbow Dash croaked, shaking her head.

“I just told you to catch your breath!” Spitfire rolled her eyes to the heavens. “Recharge your batteries a moment, and then try!”

“Why do you want me to do one so badly?” Dash asked, bowing her head and focusing on keeping her breathing steady.

“Well, like I said... You seem to want a dramatic ending to this race... Besides...” Spitfire continued, her breathing gradually returning to normal. “I can appreciate what the best is. And when it comes to flight tricks, that's probably the best. It's my favourite, at least. At the Best Younger Fliers competition... Incredible...” Spitfire said, shaking her head. “You just whupped me in a race, chump. You owe me a favour.”

Rainbow Dash looked up, grinning. “How does that even make sense? I owe ya nothin', pal!”

“Oh, come on. I know you want to! Besides...” Spitfire said, pointing out the casually passing figures of Soarin and Thunderlane, each throwing the mares startled looks. “Do you really want those morons to win?”

Dash was silent a moment. She made no effort to try and finish the race, even though the two stallions were now in the lead. “What do you have against Soarin? What could he have possibly done to you to justify you treating him like he's garbage all day?” she asked abruptly.

Spitfire glared. “He broke my heart, that's what I've got against him! I know precisely what you're after, Rainbow Dash. The quick glances toward him... I see you flushing red whenever you catch his eye. You're clearly enthralled; you can have him. He's lucky I'm even speaking to him right now. Now, give me my Rainboom.”

“Tell me what happened and I'll do it!” Dash demanded, her heart racing again as dread flooded her. What had happened? Was Soarin an abusive boyfriend, or something horrifying like that?

“That's... really none of your business!” Spitfire spat, but sighed and continued anyway. “He chickened out, that was all. Said he wasn't ready. I can't really blame him, it's not exactly his fault, he did nothing wrong, if that's what you're wondering. But... it shattered me. I feel quite justified in treating him like dirt at the moment. I... I loved him. I wasn't happy to lose him.”

Dash closed her eyes. “I'm sorry if I misjudged you...” she said slowly.

Spitfire groaned, jabbing her hoof in the direction of the mountain. Judging by the smallest streak of dark blue, barely visible against the afternoon sun, the stallions must have accelerated; Soarin and Thunderlane was nearly at the finish. Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and looked in the direction Spitfire was pointing.

“Don't be an idiot!” Spitfire said, turning and flying in the direction of Ponyville. “Make this win official. Besides, we don't want Blaze to catch up to us on her way back. She's the slowest Wonderbolt, the team'll hold that one against me for months.”

Dash watched her leave, sighing. She narrowed her eyes and breathed deeply, starting to move forward again. She stretched her body flat, and began to beat her wings furiously.

“That's it! Come on, I want to see it!” Spitfire said, her own wings beating hard as she kept pace. “Let's catch up to the bronies up there first, and then you can do your Sonic Rainboom. I wanna see their faces!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, but the idea of executing her Rainboom in front of Soarin was one she could happily anticipate. The two ponies soared through the air, their streaks side by side, merging into a tangled mess of rainbow and a flaming, brilliant orange.

“You'd make a good rival if you ever make it into our ranks,” Spitfire said, glancing over at Rainbow Dash. “I look forward to a rematch someday. I'll win that one, though.”

“Not a chance!” Dash grinned back as the two of them began gaining on the stallions.

The cottages and farms of Ponyville were in full view, just on the horizon. Spitfire and Rainbow Dash separated, flying wide enough to place Soarin and Thunderlane between them.

“What was that all about back there?” Soarin asked Spitfire, giving Rainbow a sideways glance.

“Deciding how best to humiliate you boys, of course.” Spitfire grinned wickedly. “You two honestly didn't think you'd beat a mare, did you?”

Rainbow accelerated forward as promised to Spitfire. Thunderlane groaned.

“You all got my hopes up!” He snapped. “I thought I'd have a chance of pulling this off.”

“It doesn't matter! Rainbow Dash is winning this, I couldn't outmatch her. So just enjoy the show,” Spitfire called to him.

“Show? You don't mean...” Soarin gasped, eyes snapping to Dash's flank as she pulled ahead.

“The Sonic Rainboom!” Rainbow called back in response.

Dash's tail twitched into position, minimizing her drag. She held her head steady, arms bent in front of her to form a point. Her tired wings beat faster and faster, becoming a blueish blur. Her rainbow trail was lengthening and growing as her body elongated and squeezed between the funnel of air around her.

The ponies below were treated to a colossal explosion of sound and colour, easily heard and visible from as far as Sweet Apple Acres. From the point where she had crossed that threshold, her trail seemed to solidify into a solid rainbow. A massive ring of expanding multi-coloured light, the spectrum shattered, stretched outward as far as the eyes could see as Equestria's fastest flier descended in a great arc toward the stadium below.

Fleetfoot and Lightning Streak were waiting for them, the thundering crash of sound having alerted them. Dash sped between them, grabbing each by the hoof as she divided the pitch with a solid wall of colour, catching them both by surprise.

Soarin, Spitfire, and Thunderlane landed on the edge of the stadium's outer wall. Directly across from them hovered Rainbow Dash, beaming wide and glowing with happiness, the two Wonderbolts dangling in surprise from either arm.

6 The Greatest Treasure of Rainbow Dash

It was evening. The little farm was quiet in the moonlight. The animals were sleeping peacefully in the barns and pens, or on the fields. The stars twinkled overhead like sparkles of light in a water's splash. All was darkness but for a few lights on in the big farmhouse, the brightest shine coming from the main sitting room, which had a flickering quality to it.

The fire was lit, giving the little room a warm glow to bask the inhabitants in. Granny Smith was dozing in her favourite armchair. The dinner table in the connecting dining room was weighted down with dirty dishes and cups. Applejack threw it a look, possibly making a mental note to clean up before she turned in for the night. She was stretched out on the sofa. The three little girls all sat on the floor, eyes wide with reverence, grinning broadly.

“Again!” Apple Bloom cheered. “C'mon, Rainbow Dash!”

“Yeah!” Sweetie Belle agreed, tapping her hooves excitedly on the floor. “My heart's in my throat!

Scootaloo didn't say anything. She just continued to gaze at her big sister, exaltation in her eyes.

“Whaaat? No way! I've already told you twice,” Rainbow Dash protested, folding her arms and shaking her head. Unfortunately, she had nearly given herself away by the fact that she was finding it difficult to conceal her smile. “Well, what do ya think, Applejack? It's getting awfully late. I just don't think it's fair to these sleepy little fillies to keep them up on a school night.”

Applejack winked at her, slipping off the sofa. “Ya knooow, Rainbow Dash, I quite agree. It would be much kinder to send them off ta bed so they are well rested in the morning! Off y'all trot, now!”

“Guess I'll be going then!” Dash said brightly, stretching her wings and yawning, trying not to laugh.

There was immediate uproar. Scootaloo jumped to her feet, rushing over to Rainbow and throwing her hooves at Rainbow's chest. Apple Bloom was begging her sister to let Rainbow stay to tell her story once more, leaping onto the couch, scrambling on top of her sister and staring her in the face into the air to put her on eye level with Applejack. Sweetie Belle had her head against the sofa, grunting and trying to push it into the doorway to block Dash leaving.

“Siiis! Don't go yet, please?” Scootaloo begged, sadness plastered all over her face. “Once more... I don't want you to leave yet!”

Rainbow Dash picked her up with her wings and nuzzled Scootaloo's face with her own. “You sure you aren't falling asleep, sleepy head?”

Scootaloo shook her head quickly. “Nooo... I'm wide ah... awake!” She stifled a yawn.

“You kids can hear the story one more time, but then it's off to bed. Go brush yer teeth now, all of y'all, and then you can hear it again,” Applejack said, smiling warmly at the fillies.

Scootaloo gave a wiggle and broke out of Dash's wing hold. She joined Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, who was panting.

“Heavy... heavy couch!” Sweetie told the room at large, throwing up her hooves in exasperation.

The earth, unicorn, and pegasus filly all ran up the stairs, trying to race each other to the bathroom sink. There was much banging and screaming overhead after they had vanished out of sight.

“So, how much of that story was horseapples?” Applejack asked, walking into the dining room to gather up the plates.

Dash flapped her wings and swooped over to help. “You don't believe my gripping tales? Applejack, you wound me.”

Applejack threw her a smug look, but chuckled anyway. “I know when yer stretchin' the truth.”

Rainbow gathered up several plates at once with her wings, balancing them on her outstretched arms. “Sometimes the truth really is more exciting than a made up story.”

“Is that so? Four hundred pegasai showed up to the tryouts and y'all had a wrestlin' match, didja,? To trim it down to a smaller number?” Applejack asked, still smiling smugly and taking the plates Rainbow Dash had gathered to the kitchen sink.

“It was an over the top rope battle royale, to be specific!” Dash said, but she couldn't hide her guilty smile anymore. “Okay, okay! Only ten of us showed up. In the end, though, it was a race between me and that dark grey pegasus, you know the one. Thunderlane, that guy. It was down between me and him, and Spitfire and Soarin. I won with my Rainboom. I mean, come on, YOU SAW IT IN THE SKY!”

“That's the only part I believed!” Applejack chuckled loudly, turning on the tap over the sink.

“You are the worst,” Rainbow Dash said with a smile, rolling her eyes. “Soarin and Thunderlane just kind of... screwed around, they didn't seem that interested in beating us. I think me and Spitfire set the bar a little too high at the start, trying to one up each other in speed. She is faster than you could possibly imagine. If it didn't end the way it did, I probably would have given myself a heart attack just to beat her back to the stadium! I had never felt so physically exhausted.”

“Here they come...” Applejack said as the sound of a stampede echoed down the stairs. “I'm very happy ya won, Rainbow. When do you start your lessons with Soarin for the airshow performance?”

“Wednesday! I cannot wait, it's going to be so awesome. He's sooo cute, ohmigosh! I dunno how I'm gonna survive the next two days. Spitfire said she was going to work something out with the both the weather factory and the Ponyville Weather Commission so I could get time off to practice. They'll even pay me! The Wonderbolts got connections, lemme tell ya.”

“AHEM!” came Scootaloo's impatient yell from the living room.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked over. All three fillies were back and sitting on the floor, heads turned to glare into the kitchen. Rainbow Dash grinned and swooped back into the living room. She landed lightly between the fireplace and the Crusaders, clapping her hooves together.

“That's right, I forgot I owe you guys another stirring rendition of my heroic struggles against FOUR HUNDRED WINGED AND MENACING PONIES, ending in a ONE ON ONE RACE WITH THE WONDERBOLT CAPTAIN, HERSELF!” Rainbow Dash said in a sharp voice, her silhouette dark against the fire.

The fillies drew together excitedly.

“... So there I was...” Rainbow Dash continued some time later, having told most of her story. “Ponyville must have been two hundred miles below us. We were so high we could see the stars and moon, even though it was the middle of the afternoon.”

She soared around the room, drawing gasps from the girls.

“BAM!” Dash said, smacking her hoof into the wall loudly, causing the girls to give a shriek and Granny Smith to mumble in her sleep. “Spitfire zoomed on by into the lead! The air behind her was ON. FIRE. That's how fast this mare was going.”

Rainbow Dash hovered slowly over the fillies, eyes locked on to them as they looked up, mouths open in awe. “A lesser pony would have wet her feathers! The sound of the roaring flames, the eeevil look in Spitfire's eyes. She was like a great dragon, not a pegasus at all. I gathered what was left of my courage. I put everything I had into it! BOOM!”

Rainbow Dash rushed back to the fire, landing hard on the floor with a smack. “AND JUST LIKE THAT, IT WAS OVER!” she yelled in triumph. “I knew the Sonic Rainboom was the ONLY WAY to beat Spitfire and her voodoo flight. I did not want to do it, but it HAD. TO. BE. DONE,” Dash continued, slapping a hoof into the other with every word. “The other competitors erupted into cheers and the Wonderbolts flew all around me as I celebrated my victory. Spitfire told me she would change her wicked ways and said she would make me Soarin's wing pony for the airshow, as promised.”

The fillies clapped their hooves together, whooping and cheering. Rainbow Dash gave a little bow, with much twirling of her hooves and flicked her mane, putting it in danger of catching an ember from the fireplace. Applejack emerged from the kitchen.

“It's nearly eleven! You fillies get yer rumps off ta bed!” she said, wiping of her hoof with a cloth, the dishes done. “Ya heard yer story, now skedaddle!'

The Crusaders all yawned, getting to their hooves, but did not protest their bedtime Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were happily in discussion about their favourite parts ('I liked the wrasslin!' 'No, the fight with the chimera was the best part!') as they walked to the stairs. Scootaloo stayed behind, approaching her adoptive guardian.

“I don't want you to leave... If you have to, can I come home with you?” she asked softly in a voice only Rainbow Dash could hear.

Dash dropped to her knees and pulled Scoot into a hug. “I won't be leaving until you girls are asleep, don't you worry your little head,” Dash whispered back. “Don't you like sleeping over with your friends?”

“'Course I do, but I'm gonna miss you! You're the coolest big sister ever!” Scootaloo said, her round greyish purple eyes fixed on Rainbow's.

“You won't even know I'm gone until you wake up and go to school, and I can't follow you there anyway. Be a brave little squirt, Dashie's gotta get home and tidy up! I think there's muskrats living in my bedroom!”

Scootaloo gave a watery chuckle. “Okay... You aren't allowed to leave without kissing me goodnight, though!”

“Well, obviously,” Rainbow said, rolling her eyes but beaming down at Scootaloo anyway.

A couple of hours came and went. Rainbow Dash closed her front door with a snap, trying not to yawn. She had just finished discussing the rest of her day with Applejack, truthfully this time, including everything that had happened after the race was over. She placed a wrapped object down on a hallway table and stretched her wings.

As she walked through the quiet house, she peered into the living room, flicking on the light and giving the room a quick pan. Aside from a rumpled blanket on the couch and a Daring Do novel on the floor next to the coffee table, the room was still clean and tidy. Dash looked at a few of Scootaloo's toys and colouring books, all stacked neatly in a corner. Scootaloo always put her things away when she finished playing with them. Dash walked back to the coffee table and picked up a framed photograph.

In the picture, Scootaloo was sitting on Dash's shoulders, her hooves flattening Rainbow's hair and beaming at the camera. Her wings were stretched out wide like Dash's had been. Dash smiled warmly down at the photograph, which was dated March 19th: The very day she had adopted Scootaloo.

Twilight Sparkle had insisted on dragging them shopping after she had told her friends the news, still so jubilant about the great kindness Rainbow Dash had done. They met up with Pinkie Pie shortly after, who snapped the photo as Twilight stood aside.

“Big smiles, you two!” Twilight had said happily, her eyes watering. “This is your first family picture... ever!”

“Say 'Cheese and whiskers on a polar bear on Tuesday is a silly concept!'” Pinkie had squeed, taking the photo.

Rainbow was surprised to find herself curled up on the couch with the blanket wrapped around her. She had gotten herself lost in memories again, thinking about the filly who had changed her life. Impatiently wiping her eyes, she gently put down the photograph again and jumped up, folding the blanket neatly and stashing it under her arm. She picked the novel off the floor and laid it on the coffee table.

It was a stupid thing, really, but she refused to let herself cry for anything. That's not to say she never spilled tears, but she always tried her hardest to avoid it. Some would say this was a facade she was using to hide inner pain, Rainbow often thought, but her real reasons were a little different. So far, it had already been nearly two years before she had let out a real sob.

Before her mother had passed away, she had told Rainbow Dash to 'always stand brave and tall when you have to face your fears, and never cry when the world becomes too much to bear'. These were words Rainbow had lived by ever since she watched the coffin lowered into the cold earth. It wasn't always easy, though. Sometimes you had to cry, no matter how brave you felt in your heart.

Dash looked up at the bookshelf. There was another photograph, faded with age, sitting on top of it. Inside the frame was a happy-looking family. A smiling blue filly with brightly coloured hair and mane of every shade of the rainbow sat on her mother's lap, while her father stood behind them. Rainbow Dash had her mother's hairstyle, although she was the splitting image of her father. Even though the tones were faded, father and daughter seemed to share every single bright colour. She stood up and approached the bookshelf.

Heavens Above smiled happily out of the photograph forevermore. Her coat had been snow white. Rainbow Dash remembered how it used to shine bright, even when the sun was away. Her mother's hair had been bright blonde with golden highlights. She had had the most brilliant wings Dash had ever seen in her life. When Rainbow Dash was a little girl, she foolishly thought her mother had secretly been an angel, looking like she did and with such a name.

Rainbow blinked away tears again, taking a deep breath. When her mother passed away, her father had always told Dash that 'Mommy has gone back to Heaven'. Rainbow Dash had always found comfort in those words; comfort in the simple idea that somehow her mother would be waiting for her and that they would meet again when her own time in this world was over. She took another deep, steadying breath and wiped her eyes again. She would not let the tears fall. She walked back to the coffee table and picked up the photo of herself and Scootaloo. She returned to the bookshelf and placed it next to the picture of the young family torn apart by tragedy.

“I hope you're still watching out for me, Mom...” Dash said softly, standing back so she could see both photographs at once. “You taught me that my family is my greatest treasure. I would have loved for Scootaloo to get the chance to meet you. I know you would have loved that wonderful filly just as much as I love her...”

Dash paused at the pictures for just a second longer, focusing on her father. She hoped she would be seeing him soon. Dash walked out of the room, turning off the light, and put the blanket she was still holding into the closet in the hallway. She made her way through every room in the house quickly; putting her weights in the basement away, cleaning the counter tops in the kitchen, wiping down the bathroom floor, sweeping the upstairs hallway and Scootaloo's bedroom.

Finally, Rainbow Dash entered her own bedroom and sighed heavily at the chaos. It took her a full hour to clean it. She had a pile of clothes set aside to wash in the morning. Her wardrobe had been wiped down, everything pulled out and folded neatly. Her record player was unplugged and put into her bedroom closet, along with a few of the dresses she had hung up in there, including both her bridesmaid's gown and the dress she wore to the Grand Galloping Gala.

Dash flopped down on to her neatly made bed and fixed her eyes slowly over the poster of Soarin, a small smile crossing her face. Suddenly remembering the wrapped package she had left downstairs when she got home. Rainbow jumped up and rushed downstairs to get it. Returning to her bedroom, she pulled yet another photograph from the wrapping paper, one taken that very day.

She placed it down next to her bedside table, feeling a fuzziness spread through her body. Several pegasai were sitting down at a table inside 'the Vinyl Scratch', the club owned by DJ Pon-3. Soarin and Thunderlane were toasting one another with their large steins, roaring with laughter. Rainbow Dash sat on Soarin's left, with Spitfire beside her. Across from them sat Blaze, Fleetfoot, and Lightning Streak. All were raising their glasses.

After the race, the Wonderbolts treated Dash and Thunderlane to a few drinks at the club to celebrate Rainbow Dash's victory. Spitfire had been acting much more warmly to all involved. Maybe her brief chat with Rainbow Dash at the tail end of the race had made her realize she wasn't doing herself a favour by being nasty, Rainbow wondered?

Rainbow traced her hoof down Soarin's face, sighing softly. “I really hope you like me...”

She crawled into bed without even turning off the bedroom light and was asleep within moments. It had been such a wonderful day.

7 The Worst Day

Rainbow Dash was slumped on the bench, panting heavily. Soarin landed next to her, drinking from his water bottle. Dash glanced at him. He stared back. She shook her head in exasperation. He gave a laugh. Dash put her head in her hoof, glaring away from him when Soarin folded her arms and looked sternly at her, waiting for her to notice.

“What? I'm not doing it,” she said firmly. “You're absolutely insane.”

“C'mooon!” Soarin grinned and nudged her with his elbow.

Rainbow Dash stood up straight, breathing deeply. Soarin watched her carefully. THWAP. She extended her wing and knocked him off the bench. She leaned over him, shaking her head.

“I couldn't help but I notice I already toldja 'no'!” Dash smirked.

Soarin pushed himself off the floor with his own wings, placing himself nose to nose with her. He held up a hoof between them, and carefully pushed her back.

“Why not?” He asked, grinning.

"Do you even realize what you're asking me to do?!" Rainbow snapped. "I can't believe you!"

"It doesn't last very long. It'll all be over quickly," Soarin explained, attempting to persuade her.

Rainbow shook her head again. She wrapped her arms tightly about her chest, tossing her mane in his face.

“I... I am not doing the 'bunny hop' during the second flight phase. I'm not doing it. You are the biggest dork ever. I'll look like a tool! Besides, it's exhausting!”

It was Wednesday. Rainbow Dash was nearing the end of her first day in practice for the airshow performance with Soarin. They were inside the grand gymnasium at the Wonderbolts Academy, testing aerial acrobatics. The show was to be broken into three phases and Soarin was aiming to teach her the toughest moves first, with them focusing on tying it all together later. He had just showed her a move he called 'the bunny hop' that involved quick acceleration shifting while increasing and decreasing altitude, all while leaning forward with all four limbs bent like a hopping bunny rabbit.

“I think it's cute,” Soarin said, shrugging.

“Cute?!” Dash rolled her eyes. “I wouldn't even let my kid do that!”

Soarin sat back down on the bench, Dash still standing, glaring in another direction with her arms still folded tight. Dash would not have noticed the smile slowly leaving his face.

“I... didn't know you had a foal,” he spoke after a few moments, regaining his slipping composure.

“She's a filly, actually,” Rainbow Dash said, staring at a chart of moves that Soarin had posted on the wall that morning. “Scootaloo is seven.”

“Well, that would explain how you've managed to stay in flying shape! You had plenty of time to get back into it!” Soarin said, probably under the impression he was flattering her.

The time it took for Rainbow Dash to slowly turn her head toward him and fix him with the most disgusted look she could muster could have been a million years. As it was, Soarin seemed to recoil slightly, unnerved at her expression. He stood up, holding his hooves up in front of him.

“Whoa, whoa! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend you,” he said, backing away slightly.

“I... should probably leave.” Dash sighed. “I've gotta pick her up from school soon, and that's all the way in Ponyville.”

“But... Dash, I... I—” Soarin spluttered into silence, falling back to all fours. “Uh, yeah. Alright, we can finish up early and try again tomorrow. I'll try and work the bunny hop out of the set.”

“Thanks,” Dash said, calming down and smiling. “You can say some dumb things sometimes!”

Soarin smiled weakly at her. The silence fell between them once more, but still Rainbow Dash did not yet leave, having returned to looking at the chart. If Soarin was smart, he could still save the situation. Dash was on the verge of saying that Scootaloo was a child she had adopted, and had thus never would have needed to 'get back into' any sort of shape, but Soarin spoke first.

“Sooo...” he mumbled, clearly casting around for something to say. “What's... wrong... with her going to normal flight school?”

Dash wheeled around to face him again, feeling the pure rage flood her face.

“She's HANDICAPPED, you JERK!” Dash yelled, spit flying and her chest heaving.

She gave him one snort from her nostrils and leapt into the air, spreading her wings and leaving a completely mortified looking Soarin in her wake. She landed on the edge of one of the high windows at near the ceiling, threw him one look of deep loathing, and dived out. She hadn't even bothered to grab her towel or water bottle.

She plummeted a hundred feet. The building and floating earth it was built upon flashed by as she fell, ripping through clouds and exiting Cloudsdale through the bottom. She opened her wings to catch the air and glided toward Ponyville, still fuming.

She had been anticipating this day ever since she had won the race. She had barely slept the night before. Stomach churning and feeling dizzy, she arrived at the gym that morning to meet with Soarin. She was so shy and embarrassed, completely nerve-wracked. However, a full day of working side by side with him, moving through the air under his instruction, allowing him to adjust her limbs to perfect her form, joking around with him and chatting constantly had all been beneficial. By that last hour, she was very comfortable around him. It was all very hard work, she knew, but she enjoyed it all immensely anyway. And although his stupid bunny hope exercise was ridiculous, it was still a great cardio.

Rainbow Dash sighed. Despite all of this, she had such a sour taste in her mouth. She couldn't really blame Spitfire for calling him an idiot, as much as that realization tore at her. Soarin seemed to have absolutely no idea how to talk to another pony without humiliating himself or offending them. He was clueless! All throughout the day he had said things that just crossed the line. Little throwaway comments or crude jokes that just rubbed her the wrong way. What made it all worse is the fact that she couldn't really blame him, at least not for his last two insulting attempts at making conversation. He obviously didn't know about Scootaloo beforehand, nor did he know Rainbow Dash wasn't her real mother, nor did he know she could not fly. Despite this, Rainbow Dash had still blown up at him.

She still liked him, but he had really and honestly disappointed her. It was the first time since hearing about the airshow that Rainbow Dash felt like she truly would not be bothered if she didn't do it. Cute he might be, but if he didn't start thinking before he opened his wretched trap, she was going to back out of this awfully quick.

Dash swore as she kept flying, Ponyville just in the distance. 'Why does he have to make this SO HARD?' she thought, her breathing erratic. She wanted to rewind time and try this day over again. Hopefully tomorrow would be better. Dash was dreading another sleepless night tonight as she looked forward to second guessing her feelings until the sun came up.

“Sis! You're late!” Scootaloo frowned as Dash touched down next to the school house.

Scoot had been sitting down on the steps in front of the doors. All of the other fillies and colts seemed to have already gone home. Rainbow looked up at the clock tower; school ended nearly a half hour ago. Rainbow could not help but think of Misty Skies leaving Scootaloo to wait, only to never return. She felt ashamed of herself as she approached Scootaloo, kneeling down beside her.

“I'm so sorry, Scootaloo,” Dash said with a heavy sigh, ruffling her hair and kissing her forehead. “Mo—I mean, man, I didn't mean to keep you waiting. Dashie wouldn't do that on purpose. Practice ran late, that's all... I'm surprised Cheerilee didn't wait with you, though.”

Rainbow Dash had almost called herself 'mommy'. The last thing she wanted was to upset Scootaloo even more. Just let this day end already, she thought ruefully.

“But Cheerilee is here! She's still inside,” Scoot explained, standing up. “She didn't want me to be left here all alone.”

“Oh!” Dash said, feeling a little sickened at herself at jumping to conclusions so quickly. “I'll go talk to her, thank her for cleaning up my mess!”

Scootaloo smiled. “Okay. Hurry up, I'm booored!”

Dash walked inside the school and into the main classroom. Cheerilee was standing by the blackboard, wiping it clean with a sponge, a bucket on the floor. Dash rapped on the door frame, and Cheerilee looked over. The fuchsia coloured mare frowned.

“Late again, Rainbow Dash?” she asked, shaking her head. “You mustn't keep that up. You are a parent now, and certain responsib—”

“Unavoidable, sorry!” Rainbow interrupted. “Well, thanks for stickin' around, gotta split, later!”

“Dash, wait a moment!” the teacher said, approaching her. “I need to talk to you for a moment, if you don't mind.”

“Look, if you want to flog me with a meter stick, I'm free during the evenings and my rates are cheap.” Dash said, leaning against the door frame and scowling, sure she was giving the all-to-obvious impression that she was in no mood to be lectured on time-keeping right now.

Cheerilee rolled her eyes. “If we could be serious for a moment? It's about Scootaloo.”

Dash raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Huh? What about her?”

“Has she been... acting strangely at home?” Cheerilee asked delicately.

“W-what...? What do you mean?” Dash's heart began to beat rapidly. “What's wrong with her?!”

Cheerilee sat down on one of the desks and Rainbow Dash followed suit, sitting next to her with concern and worry inching on her face. Her mind was racing with any number of horrifying answers to what Cheerilee was about to say.

“There may not be anything wrong with her. I pray that is the case, at least. However...” Cheerilee looked saddened. “I believe she may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. The symptoms come and go. When you adopted her, they had vanished for the longest period that I could remember. I was sure it was related to her life at the orphanage and nothing more, but they returned today. Scootaloo has been the happiest I have known her since you came into her life, but I fear this is something that runs deep...

Scootaloo seems concerned with anything that happens between other students. Any confrontations, even when Scoot herself is not involved, and she will grow worried. Her mood changes, and she seems more depressed, more apprehensive, and prone to crying far more easily. I've noticed her hooves sweat when she doesn't immediately grasp something I am teaching. She is a very gifted little filly, but whenever these symptoms manifest themselves, her work suffers. Problems with memory and concentration are linked with anxiety.

You should take her to a doctor to get her examined, Rainbow Dash. As I explained, this all seemed to vanish when you gave her a proper home, but her joy only seemed to be a temporary fix. That suggests the problem may be... internal. I'm sorry, Dash.”

Dash made not a sound during Cheerilee's explanation. The teacher's words crashed over her like waves on rocks. Her heart seemed to be stuck in her throat and she felt her arms shaking. Rainbow racked her brain, trying to remember any odd or anxious behaviour that Scoot might have been displaying, but she was coming up blank. She opened her mouth to speak, but could not find any words. 'The problem may be internal'? Did that mean there was something wrong with her brain, or something? Were the powers that be out to get that poor child, she wondered in frustration? Why couldn't Scootaloo catch a break?

Rainbow made an effort to steady herself. Cheerilee was looking very upset at having to be the bearer of bad news and even more concerned at how hard Rainbow Dash was taking this. Rainbow Dash filled her lunges with a deep breath.

“T-thanks for telling me this...” Dash said after a moment. “I will get her examined... Please, keep me updated on her behaviour. I will keep a close eye on her at home and I'll check with Applejack and Rarity. They've both foalsat her recently.”

“Be strong for her, Rainbow Dash,” Cheerilee said, standing up and placing a hoof on her shoulder. “I pray that I'm mistaking this for something minor.”

Rainbow Dash stood up as well and the two mares looked at each other silently. Dash looked over at Scootaloo's desk on the far side of the classroom, marked with a block with her name on it. Dash picked it up, sliding her hoof over the engraved letters. Dash was scared, she couldn't deny it to herself. She was really scared.

“You've been forever!” Scootaloo groaned as Rainbow Dash and Cheerilee walked out.

“Sorry, kiddo. We were talking about grown up stuff. Like... boys and cooties,” Dash said, smiling her hardest at Scootaloo, though her insides were still churning.

“Eeewww!” Scootaloo said, pretending to gag. “Can we go home nooow?”

Dash bent low. “Hop on and we just might.”

Scootaloo gave a squeal of delight and scrambled up on Rainbow's shoulders. Rainbow stretched out again, her wings extending.

“See you tomorrow, Cheerilee!” Scoot said happily, her wings buzzing.

“Goodbye, little one!” Cheerilee replied, smiling broadly at her. She gave Dash a meaningful look and a nod. “Rainbow Dash, feel free to stop by any time you're passing.”

Dash nodded. “Same to you, Cheerilee."

Dash didn't know how she managed to get through the rest of the afternoon. The disastrous fiasco with Soarin was one thing, but this? All throughout the day, she watched Scootaloo very closely. Her eyes rarely left the filly as she prepared the stir fry for dinner that evening. Scootaloo was playing with her toys in the living room now, having just helped Dash chop up vegetables. Scootaloo had always seemed so happy and calm. Was she really suffering from some terrible disorder? Dash kept having to steady herself, to focus on controlling her breathing. She felt absolutely miserable and constantly on the verge of tears. It had not been an enjoyable day. Eventually, they sat down to eat.

“Bath tonight, Scootaloo...” Rainbow Dash said as Scootaloo shovelled food into her mouth. Dash was barely touching her own, having no appetite.

“'Kay!” Scoot said quickly, chewing loudly. “Neat!”

“Hey!” Dash said, seeing bits of carrot hit the table. “Mouth closed, missy.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes and flicked some rice at Rainbow Dash. Dash smiled warmly at her. The prospect of getting her examined was a frightening one, but necessary. She would have to know. Dash would need to consult Twilight on this, perhaps. Maybe she had a book that could help? Or better yet, a spell. But... no. Dash didn't want to have to use a spell to fix Scootaloo. 'There's nothing wrong with her. There's nothing wrong with Scootaloo.' she said in her head. Could she be wrong? She would have to look up a doctor tomorrow.

“Are you okay, Sis? You're actin' weird!” Scootaloo remarked, licking her plate.

“I'm acting weird?” Dash laughed, standing up and moving around the table. “At least I'm not throwing food and licking my plate like Winona!”

She scooped up Scootaloo with her wing and sat down again, cuddling the filly close to her. “I love you, Scootaloo. You know that?”

“Yeah, 'cause you don't shut up about it!” Scootaloo grinned up at her, nuzzling her head against Rainbow's chest. “It's okay, though, 'cause I like you too!”

“Like? That's all I get? A lousy like?” Dash asked in exasperation, tickling Scoot with her wings. “You'll have to do better than that!”

Scootaloo giggled and fought with her. “No! Stop it, stop it, lemme down! That tiiickles!”

“I'll let you down, because you're smelly! You should take your bath now!” Dash said, plopping the filly on to the floor.

“Yeah, I'll get riiight on that!” Scootaloo replied sarcastically. “I've got cartoons that need watching. I'm a busy pony!”

“An hour, at most!” Dash called after her as Scootaloo marched back into the living room. “Then it's bath time!”

There was a knock at the door. Who in blazes is that, she wondered? She heard Scootaloo yell 'I'LL GET IT!' excitedly. Dash quickly gathered up the plates off the table and laid them on the counter. She heard the front door open and someone's voice, talking to Scootaloo.

“Who is it, baby?” Dash called out to her.

“Rainbow Dash? I think it's... a Wonderbolt,” came Scoot's reply.

8 Suit of Hearts

Rainbow Dash stood there in the kitchen, her breath held. Could it possibly be who she thought it was? She walked to the kitchen's doorway, peering into the hallway. Soarin was standing on his hind legs at the front door, speaking to Scootaloo. He was holding something over his shoulder by a hook, another object under his arm. Dash tried to walk down the hallway, but got stuck as her perked wings caught either side of the entrance. She snapped them closed impatiently.

“What's your name, little one?” Soarin asked, bending low to talk to her. “Is your mommy home?”

“Um, I'm Scootaloo. And of course she is, I just called out to her!” the young pegasus replied, looking over her shoulder as she heard approaching footsteps.

“Soarin...” Dash said, coming into view.

“Rainbow Dash... Hi...” Soarin said, his mouth parted slightly and looking very awkward. “I wanted to, uh, talk to you. May I come in?”

Rainbow Dash hesitated. She wasn't really sure she wanted this right now. “I... yes. Of course... Please, c'mon in.”

She stood aside, giving Scootaloo a gentle push so she would do likewise. Soarin stepped over the threshold. What he was holding turned out to be a long plastic bag, the hook protruding from the opening, which had a string tied around it to keep it tight. He dropped the other bag to the floor. It seemed to be Rainbow Dash's towel and water bottle, as it landed softly and something protruded through the top. Soarin had returned them to her.

“Waaait... I know you!” Scoot was saying, looking up at the stallion's dark blue mane. “Gimme your autograph! You are a Wonderbolt! Rainbow Dash got a poster of you, I recognize you!”

Dash blushed scarlet. “Scootaloo, would you like to go upstairs and watch cartoons in my room instead of down here?”

“Bah, there's no couch in your bedroom!” Scootaloo sighed, but her ears and wings perked up. “Oh, but there is a big ol' bed. That's actually way way better!”

She ascended the stairs. Rainbow Dash was still feeling hot under the collar. Soarin's eyes were averted from her.

“She's really adorable...” Soarin said after a pause, looking up at the ceiling as Scoot's voice echoed down the stairs ('SWEET CELESTIA, SHE'S MANAGED TO KEEP IT CLEAN FOR LONGER THAN A DAY!'). “Quite energetic, I see.”

“Yeah...” Rainbow said awkwardly. “Scoot's pretty awesome.”

Well, the pegasai couldn't stand in the porch all day, Dash thought. She gestured wordlessly down the hallway to the living room and squeezed by him, leading the way. She walked to the couch and sat down on the right side, turning the television off with a remote. Soarin came in and laid the long bag on the floor and looked over at her. He paused a moment, and sat down on the opposite end of the sofa.

“You've got a nice home here...” Soarin said, glancing around the room. “Is it just you and Scootaloo, or do you have a...?”

“It's just me and Scoots, yeah...” Rainbow answered, still not sure she was able to look at him.

“Rainbow Dash...” Soarin began, but Dash forestalled him.

“I know what you're gonna say, Soarin...” Dash spoke, looking him in the eyes. “You upset me earlier. You were upsetting me the entire day. But I'm sure, pretty damn sure, you've already realized that...” Her voice trailed off a moment. “But I am happy to see you right now, y'know, irregardless of the fact that I've been wanting to take a frying pan to your skull. I could use somepony to talk to... about something.”

“Well, if you want to hurt me, I'm not surprised you're happy to see me!” He grinned, though it faded immediately. This time, it seemed, he realized his own mistake before Rainbow had a time to react. “I... did realize I upset you. That's why I'm here. I wanted to apologize for the... stupid things I say, like just then...” Soarin began as Rainbow looked at her own hooves. “I say stuff without thinking. I'm sorry...” He sounded it. “I should have asked about Scootaloo first before jumping to any conclu—”

“Soarin...” Dash cut across him. “I understand. I flew off the handle when I probably shoulda avoided it. You are a bit of a numbskull sometimes. Just... put some thought into your words, man! Y'know, when you come over to apologize, don't start by making a stupid joke! I'm sorry for overreacting...”

Soarin gave a half smile. “I'll do my best from now on. So... apology accepted if you accept mine?”

“Very well, then!” Dash replied, smiling faintly back.

“You... mentioned you could use somepony to talk to. Is everything alright?” Soarin asked after a moment of silence.

“That remains to be seen. I dunno if it will yet...” Rainbow said, shaking her head sadly.

She explained briefly about what Cheerilee had described to her that afternoon. Soarin listened quietly, a look of concern on his face. As Dash spoke, her composure began to slip. Soarin hesitated, but placed a hoof on her arm in comfort.

“It's just... not fair, Soarin...” Rainbow said in a quivering voice. “Scootaloo has been through hell and back already. She can't fly on her own, her wings didn't develop properly. Who knows if she'll ever actually fly... To make matters worse, she doesn't even have her real mother.”

Soarin looked confused.

“I adopted her. But I'll love her as though she were my own. She's my whole world right now...” Rainbow finished, closing her eyes and shaking.

“It sounds to me like she does have her real mother right now.” Soarin said, sitting close to her and putting a hoof around her shoulder. Rainbow Dash made no attempt to shift away or remove it. “I'm certain you've already been a wonderful parent to her.”

Dash shook her head. “I don't even know how to handle this anxiety thing! I've been an emotional wreck ever since I found out. This is all still so new to me. I'm going to do my best and help her through this to the very best of my abilities, but I'm scared, Soarin.”

“You've only just found out. It's going to be it's worst for the first little bit, isn't it? You'll figure out a way to pull through it. If I know anything, it's that nothing can beat Rainbow Dash. Nor anypony she raises.”

“Thanks...” Rainbow Dash said after a moment. She leaned close to him, her lips slightly parted. She was about to place a kiss on his cheek. However, Rainbow thought better of it. She just gave him a faint nuzzle. Soarin blushed in response. “When you're not being a jerk, you sound like you can be a really sweet guy.”

Soarin gave her a tight little squeeze. “You're both going to make it... I'm sorry I upset you earlier, Rainbow Dash. Especially now that you got this news on top of me being an idiot. Hopefully, this can cheer you up.”

He stood up and walked around the coffee table, kneeling down to the bag he had brought and untying the string around the opening. Rainbow sat up straight, leaning over the coffee table.

“If you're going to be my partner in a Wonderbolt performance,” Soarin said, opening the bag fully and pulling on the hook, “you'd better look the part.”

Rainbow Dash gave a gasp of breath. He had pulled out a blue suit with the iconic yellow lightning bolts. Over the flank on the suit was Rainbow Dash's cutie mark, the cloud with a bolt of rainbow lightning. He laid it out on the floor next to the bag.

“That is an OFFICIAL Wonderbolt Flight Uniform, specifically made for you. I asked my seamstress to make a brand new suit earlier. She works fast! She still has to enchant it with magic, but there you go! There's a pair of goggles in the bag, too. I designed those myself!” Soarin explained as Rainbow Dash made her way over, her face glowing with euphoria.

“I've dreamed...” Dash spoke in barely a whisper. “I've dreamed of owning one of these. I've wanted to join the Wonderbolts ever since I was a little filly. Having my own suit is just as good right now! Soarin, I love it!”

Soarin sat on the couch, smiling at her. “I'm glad you like it. Well... put it on!”

Trembling all over, Dash picked up the suit and felt around the front of it, There was a fold revealed with a zipper. She unzipped it and slipped a leg into one of the suit's legs. She put the other one in and pulled it up around her waist, slipping both arms in and pulling up the zipper. Her hair, mane, and wings fit through the slits on the back perfectly. She adjusted any creases. Reaching into the bag, she pulled out the goggles with a yellow elastic strap. She snapped them on to her face, falling back on to all four hooves and bending low, as though she were about to take off at full speed.

“You look awesome!” Soarin exclaimed, his eyes locking on to a sheet of paper and a couple of crayons.

Dash moved quickly into the hallway and checked out her reflection in the mirror. She grinned broadly. “Aww yeah! Rainbow Dash, Wonderbolt!”

Soarin came into the hallway after her. “I look forward to you joining our ranks, Dash. You'd make a great Wonderbolt. Anyway, I better be off. I'll see you tomorrow?” he asked, placing a folded up sheet of paper on the hallway table. It appeared to be an autograph for Scootaloo, albeit written in crayon.

Dash lifted the goggles. “Yes, I'll see you in the morning. No bunny hops, though!” As he turned to leave, she took his hoof into both of her own. This time, she managed to kiss him on the cheek. "Thanks... for everything!"

Soarin flushed again, his wings quivering. “Is it true you've got a poster of me in your bedroom?”

“I'm allowed to have a crush on whatever celebrity I want!” Dash said with distinction, opening the front door. “Besides, you gave it to me yourself, remember? After that Rainboom in Cloudsdale? Signed it and everything. You are clueless sometimes! Now, out ya go!”

She gave Soarin a shove with her wings and he stumbled out onto the step. “Goodnight... Dashie...” He said, smiling back at her as she closed the door.

Rainbow leaned against the front door for a moment. Her torso seemed to swell, the rapid beating of her heart sending the blood flowing into her face. She was inhaling and exhaling deeply. He was a lot more complex than she had realized and he had definitely just earned himself a few brownie points.

“It's too early for you to call me Dashie, Soarin...” she mumbled quietly to herself in the empty porch. “But you're on the right track.”

She reached up and slipped down the goggles again. She ran back to the mirror, eyeing herself up happily for a moment. The day had not been a total disaster after all. Her mind drifted to Scootaloo, and her heart ached for the filly, but both Soarin and Cheerilee were right. Dash had to be strong. If there was anything wrong with that little pegasus, Dash would need to be there for her.

“And I will!” she said, tearing her gaze from the mirror and calling up the stairs. “Scoot, you better be in the tub right now!”

“I'm nooot!” Scootaloo's voice called back playfully.

“Well, you're gettin' the blazes in there!” Rainbow said, climbing the stairs excitedly. “I've got something to show you!”

“What do you have to—” Scootaloo gave a great gasp. “WOW!” Scootaloo's jaw would have punched a hole in the floor had it not been attached to her skull. She bounded off Rainbow Dash's bed as her big sister entered the bedroom. “Oh WOW! Is that real?!” She gawked at the suit, mesmerized.

“It is! Soarin gave it to me! DO I LOOK AWESOME, OR DO I LOOK AWESOME?!” Dash asked, standing tall and spreading out her limbs, flexing her wings.

“YOU LOOK AWESOME!” Scootaloo said in a hollow rush, running around her. “It's even got your cutie mark! Ohmigosh Rainbow Dash! You look like a SUPER HERO! I WANNA WEAR IT!” The filly grinned excitedly, jumping up and down continuously, a faint buzz coming from her rapidly flapping wings.

“This is waaay too big for you!” Dash laughed, pulling off the goggles again and glancing down at the yellow bolts on all her hooves.

“Pfft!” Scootaloo spat. “Like I care! I'm gonna try it on anyway!”

“Not without a bath, you aren't!” Rainbow said, shaking her head. “By the way, Soarin left you something, too!”

“WHAT?!” Scootaloo gasped. “Ya kept that quiet, ya big blue goof! What is it, where is it?!” She started bouncing again.

“It's that autograph you asked for! It's downstairs.” Rainbow replied. "Don't be long!"

Scoot gave a great inhale and tore from the room. Dash heard her pounding down to the lower floor. Feeling more cheerful than she had the entire day, she unzipped the suit and took it off, folding it neatly on top of her bed. She looked at it happily for a moment before going into the bathroom to run the water for Scootaloo.

“Raaainbow Daaaash! I can't fiiiind... OH! THERE IT IS!” Scoot's excited squeal echoed up to the bathroom. “It says I'm a 'Fearsome Filly'! It's even written in crayon, that is so awesome. I am showing everyone I have ever met this autograph!”

Rainbow Dash grinned as the tub gradually filled up. She checked the water, deciding it was not too hot. She stamped her hoof on the floor. “Get your rear up here!”

Scootaloo slowly made her way upstairs, clutching the autograph to her chest. “A Wonderbolt signed this. A Wonderbolt I think I'm in looove!"

Rainbow wanted to say 'you and me both!', but it was foolish to think that just yet, anyway. She knew she and Soarin had a long way to go before that. Rainbow followed Scootaloo into her bedroom and watched her place the sheet of paper on her bedside table, beaming at it. Scootaloo turned around and bumped into her sister. She looked up into her face. Silently, Rainbow Dash jabbed a hoof in the direction of the bathroom. Scootaloo rolled her eyes and sighed.

Once inside the bathroom, Dash closed the door, sealing the only way out. Scootaloo was standing in the middle of the rug on the floor, just by the sink. Dash walked around to Scoot's front.

“Why's it so hard to get you to take your bath? I thought you said 'neat' earlier?” Rainbow Dash questioned, folding her arms and sitting on the edge of the tub. "You sounded like you were looking forward to it!"

“I...” Scootaloo tried to speak, frowning up at her.

It was like something unreal. Rainbow noticed that Scootaloo looked nervous. Her wings were tucked in tight and her eyes were darting every which way. She almost seemed to cringe away from her big sister. Scoot's chest was heaving and her ears were drooped. Scootaloo was chewing her lip anxiously.

“I'm sorry, I just got so excited. Really, I'm so sorry Rainbow Dash!” She hung her head in shame. “I'll take my bath!”

Dash jumped up, her heart rate once again accelerated for what felt like the billionth time that day. “I... I was only asking, Scoot!” She said quickly, feeling a chill creeping down her spine. Her thoughts drifted to the conversation with Cheerilee. “Scootaloo, Dashie's not mad... at... at you or anything! Why would I be upset with... You did nothing wrong! Don't be silly, I wouldn't...”

“Of course you're not mad!” Scootaloo said with a warm smile, her abrupt return to normality making Dash feel significantly alarmed now. “Outta my way!”

Scootaloo bounded forward and hopped up on the edge of the tub. She held her out her arms and wings gracefully and tipped into the water, nearly slamming her face off the far rim. She began to splash around and dipped her head under, emerging with her hair soaked and flowing down her body. She reached for a few bath toys.

Dash just stood there in total silence. Her thoughts were racing, her mouth was slightly open, and her extremities were quaking so badly her bones physically hurt. She could feel each thunderous bang as her heart threw itself against her chest, a look of horror in her eyes.

10 The Seeds of Happiness

Dash floated aside as Soarin's form momentarily blotted out the sun. His hooves were together as he dived gracefully. His jump was tremendous; using his wings to guide him, the bleached blue body penetrated the ripples. Rainbow Dash felt a little wave from his point of submersion lap lightly at her chest as she waited for him to surface, a mischievous little grin spreading across her face.

As Soarin's head broke the surface, he turned to face Rainbow and opened his eyes wide. Rainbow slapped her hoof down hard, skimming across the top and sending a thin shot of water splashing into Soarin's face.

“Gah!” he gasped, dipping his head back under the water in case Dash followed it up with another.

Rainbow started to giggle hard, feeling her cheeks burning. Oh, this was going to be rather fun! She took a deep breath and splashed forward, plunging back into the depths.

She spotted Soarin at once, about four feet down and narrowed his eyes at her. He shook his head warningly upon seeing her face. Rainbow smiled smugly, sticking out her tongue at him, tasting the chlorine in the water and issuing a stream of bubbles from her mouth. Dash kicked off hard against the wall of the pool, her hindquarters and tail swishing through the water as she flapped her wings and did an underwater breaststroke, moving through the pool like a torpedo. She headbutted Soarin hard in the stomach, causing him to expel all of his oxygen and immediately rush to the surface.

“I thought being a Wonderbolt meant you had to be tough?” Rainbow Dash grinned at him, coming up for air too.

“Whatcha tryin' to do, drown me?!” Soarin gasped, flapping his wings hard out in front of him and sending a huge torrent of water to come crashing down upon Rainbow Dash. “No tackling!”

“Oh, now it's on,” Dash said, shaking her head after the barrage. “Let's wraaassle, little colt!”

Rainbow dived down again, swimming fast until she was about nine or ten feet below the surface. Rolling over, she began to accelerate to the surface again. She breached the water, her body flying six feet into the air and coming down with an almighty crash on top of Soarin.

“CROSSBODY!” she cried as she dropped upon him. The pair struggled for a moment, surfacing and submerging and resurfacing again as they fought. Rainbow caught Soarin's arm and pinned it behind his back. She applied copious pressure. “Will he tap out to Rainbow Dash's patented submission hold, the SPECTRUM CRUNCH?! What a match! THE FANS ARE ON THEIR HOOVES, LADIES AND GENTLECO-Whoa!”

Soarin gave a great swoosh of his wings and knocked Rainbow Dash away. Dash expected him to be angry, but he was grinning just as much, his cheeks glowing a rosy red.

“He POWERED out of it!” Soarin yelled. “Rainbow's strength is just no match!”

Soarin dived. Dash waited, waving her arms and legs to stay afloat. She was quite curious to see what he was going to attempt. Most unfortunately for Rainbow Dash, however, curiosity killed the pony.

Soarin emerged from beneath her, causing her to fall over as he pushed himself out with both hooves around one of her legs. He flicked the water from his wings and flapped them hard. He hovered some distance above the water, holding Dash by the leg. She had to fight to keep her head from dipping into the pool.

“You give up, or will I need to apply my ankle lock?” Soarin asked playfully, giving Dash's leg a little twist as he wrapped his own around her belly and torso, preventing her from twisting with it. “Time's tickin' on for Rainbow Dash! What's she gonna do?”

Dash's heart was racing. She was able to get her wings free, but Soarin was holding her too tightly. She swished them feebly, but they were no use to her upside down right now. What's more, Soarin's own flapping wings were sufficient enough to keep them in place.

“I'm gonna kill you!” Rainbow Dash groaned, struggling as she lifted her head up towards Soarin and glaring at him.

“Even if all I'm doing...” he spoke in a short hiss, moving the leg back into it's untwisted position, but keeping a firm grip on it nevertheless, “is innocent tickling?”

“Don't. YOU. DARE!” Dash gasped, struggling again as the blood rushed to her head. “Release me!”

“Nuh uh! I don't hear you giving up!” he laughed, tickling the bottom of her hoof.

“Nonono, I will drown you in this pool!” Dash shuddered, trying to kick her other leg, which Soarin kept avoiding.

“Hehehe, do you give up, Rainbow Dash?” Soarin teased, circling his hoof against the underside of her own tantalizingly.

“I do not give up! BRACE YOURSELF, you whelp!” Dash roared out like a war-cry.

Rainbow's wings began to flap like a pinwheel caught in a breeze. Crying out 'YES!', she twisted her body with everything she had. She went limp when she realized Soarin just rotated with her.

“That was quite dramatic! Pity it did absolutely nothing!” he laughed.

Dash's face was the colour of a setting sun, even though the real sun still blazed overhead. Rainbow was most certainly not used to being overpowered so easily. Squirm as she might, there was no breaking out of Soarin's hold. He started to tickle her hoof again and she bit down hard on her lip, trying not to laugh. It was all too much. She was feeling rather uncomfortable and, quite possibly, a little thrilled.

“OKAYOKAY!” she gasped, blushing furiously and laughing. “Argh, you wiiin! I GIVE! Stopitstopitstopitstopit!”

Soarin gave a satisfied chuckle and stretched both his arms and his legs out, causing her to drop into the water. Rainbow righted herself, scarlet faced, her hair swirling around her like a vortex. She spat water out of her mouth like a fountain. Soarin dropped down with a splash next to her, and she swat a hoof against the side of his head head.

“Hey, didn't your parents ever teach you not to hit?!” he asked, grinning sheepishly. “You know, Dashie... You're kinda cute when you get flustered!”

“You're a dork!” Rainbow snarled, bonking his head this time.

They continued to play in the water for another ten minutes or so, splashing and doing their best to one up each other, to make the other beg for mercy. Rainbow tried her best, but Soarin continued to power out of everything she tried. Rainbow Dash wasn't so lucky and had to beg for release twice more. She had found herself blushing furiously several more times, Soarin scarlet just as often, as each attempted to make the other uncomfortable. It wasn't until shortly thereafter, however, that she had got her revenge for the tickling.

She and Soarin had gotten out of the pool for a breather, relaxing in the sun on the grass just beyond the marble floor which surrounded the pool. They lid side by side, Dash on her back with her arm in front of her face to block the glare of light.

“There's one move we should seriously practice, though!” Soarin was saying. “It's a sort of dual barrel roll. I'm going to come up beneath you and lift you with my arms, right? You should roll off my shoulders to your right, right?”

“Right.”

“I'll roll to my left once you make your move. Both of us should turn sharply in our directions. You right, me left, that is. We'll keep rolling, slowly flying further apart,” Soarin explained, laying on his belly, arms folded under his head, which was turned to face her.

“It's a shame that you and Wave Chill didn't get to do that. A pair of stallions doing air ballet would have been the most precious little thing in the world!” Dash snickered. “But totally, Soarin. That move should look awesome with our mane trails. You said the suit magic would make my trail visible even at much slower speeds?”

Soarin nodded, closing his eyes and yawning. “Yep. Most definitely. You'd be better off with your regular rainbow trail instead of the standard Wonderbolts clouds, but with some crackling lightning added in for flair. We'll try out the move in a moment if you want to...”

“Yeah, in a few minutes...” Rainbow Dash spoke, slowly and quietly getting up, watching his face to see if he was opening his eyes.

She crept to him, that naughty smile back on her face. Carefully stepping over other pegasus, she positioned her legs just between his. Acting fast, she forced his arms apart as she put him into a full nelson. Soarin gave a gasp of surprise and tried to press her away with his wings again. Dash was prepared this time; she had her wings wrapped around her belly and torso to guard her against the pressure of his own. She stretched her legs apart, forcing his legs wide so he had no strength to kick against the ground. She enjoyed the feel of him squirming in discomfort beneath her. With a grunt, she rolled over, Soarin contorted like a pretzel on top this time, arms pinned behind his back, legs stuck out on either side.

“Oh no!” he groaned, giving another useless squirm. “Turning the tables on me? Dastardly trick! A bit foolish, though!” He gave an exaggerated laugh. “You've got no way to tickle me! Your hooves can't do anything!”

“You forget I have a tongue, Soarin! I wouldn't use that, though. I can't have you liking it, can I?” Rainbow flirted, heart racing.

Dash twitched her tail, twisting it and flicking her coarse, wet hairs along the underside of one of Soarin's legs. He gave a sharp gasp, shuddering all over.

“Oh dear! I don't think you liked that, not one itsy bitsy widdle bit!” Dash spoke into his ear, her breathing becoming very rapid as her heart thundered in her chest.

“C'mon, Dashie! Let me down!” he asked, trying to muscle his way out of it, but to no avail; Dash had him restrained properly.

Dash flicked her tail against him again, this time aiming to tickle him with the tip. She licked her lips, closing her eyes and focusing on the movement of her tail.

“Seriously, Dash!” Soarin whimpered, shivering. “I give! C'mon, this isn't funny.”

Feeling quite disappointed, Dash relaxed her limbs and Soarin got up by pressing his wings against her, a little unsteady on his wide legs. He dropped down onto his flank before her, showing just his back and mane. It was only then that Dash realized just how far she had gone with her playfulness. The whisper in his ear, all her rushing puffs of breath? She was feeling quite jittery and very hot in the face, but she had to have better control over herself. Rainbow would need to dial things back a notch.

“Soarin, I'm sorry...” she said, her ears drooping humbly as she tried to calm her vapours. “I took that waaay too far, I'm sor—”

“Hey, it's okay!” Soarin assured her quickly, looking back. “I just got a bit too warm. In this sun. That's all. Just a little... uh, nervous. Don't get me wrong, it's fun playing around with you, like we're a couple of kids!”

After a few moments of silence, in which Dash sat there in full shame with her own grit, Soarin got up and faced her, holding out a hoof to help her up off the grass. “C'mon, let's try that barrel roll thing!”

The rest of the afternoon passed by without further incident. They worked as a seamless pair, practicing their maneuvers. After the dual barrel roll technique, they discussed and planned some formation flying. Once the sun had died down a little, they went inside the gym to continue for another hour or two.

Rainbow Dash was sitting on a bench in the Officer's locker room. She heard the hiss of steam as Soarin started up his shower and glanced over at his silhouetted figure, behind one of the curtains in a small row of showers. She had just sat in the sauna for a long time, mulling things over. The Wonderbolt had sat with her, but both were so exhausted from the day's training that they did not speak very much, just relaxing in the warm mist and one another's company.

She knew she had liked him. She had liked him for a very long time. But today? Her attractions had felt much more different. They were stronger, so much stronger. Rainbow never comprehended exactly how much she enjoyed being around him, everything about that stallion being so captivating to her. But was this purely a physical attraction and nothing more, she wondered? Did she like him on an emotional level at all, or did she just think he was a fine example of a male pegasus? Rainbow Dash wasn't so sure. She had gotten herself so mesmerized today that there was no room in her head for anything but his physical appeal. His physically appeal... she exhaled a great deal of air.

Rainbow Dash felt like she had made a terrible blunder. She had got her revenge for the tickling thing, she supposed. She made him really uncomfortable. But was it too much? Would he be scared away? She debated giving him another little peck on the cheek when the time came for them to depart for the day. She didn't dare risk it, though; Rainbow had done enough for today.

Yes, he had flirted with her as well. This was true. He was good at it. 'Damn good at it!' Dash thought. But was he just flirting for the sake of it, because he knew she had a crush on him? Maybe that was Soarin's way of being nice to her, in the wake of her worries about Scootaloo? He had been in a relationship with Spitfire. When, exactly, did it end? The Captain had not said. Was it recently? Spitfire had told Rainbow Dash that Soarin's reasoning for breaking up with her was due to his 'not being ready'. Ready for what, exactly? If the breakup was recent, then Dash most certainly had crossed a line with her flirtation. He deserved space if he was still hurting from it all. Dash shouldn't go around teasing him with her tail and breathing into his ear like some hussy out to get something foul, she told herself. But, wait, what if he was already over it? What if he was interested in return? Did he simply get embarrassed that he had allowed himself to get so flustered and attracted in return? Still... Rainbow Dash thought that she shouldn't act the way she did anymore.

“You're going to keep yourself under control, Rainbow Dash!” she told herself, jumping off the bench and striding across the locker room to peer into a mirror at her reflection. “If he wants anything to do with me, then he can make the first move! Oh, wow, I need to brush out my mane before I dare leave this place...”

She heard the creak of the taps as the sound of rushing water died away. “What was that, Dashie? You talking to me?” Soarin's voice called.

“Nothin', just talkin' to myself!” she called back, then whispering to herself, “I'll let you call me Dashie, I suppose... You keep doing it, after all! I'd love to know what's going through your head...”

Dash grabbed a towel and took an adjacent shower before he had finished drying himself off and leaving his own. She hung it over the wall and turned on the taps.

The rest of the day went by in a blur. It was well after dinner when she picked up Scootaloo from Twilight's, apologizing profusely for once again being late. Scoot had not minded in the slightest. She appeared to have had a blast. Twilight, it turned out, was not as boring as her friends might assume when she was not entertaining a filly. She had taken Scootaloo all over Ponyville in a day of fun. They had gone for ice cream. They had watched cattle herding. They went to a movie. They had gone to the library, although that bit did sound rather drab. Twilight had tested some new transformation spells on Spike the dragon, with results that sounded pretty hilarious. Scootaloo did not want to go home and get ready for bed.

Rainbow agreed she could play some games with Spike and stayed up in Twilight's room for awhile, telling her about everything that went down with Soarin.

“I hope you're not turning into Rarity, Dash!” Twilight smiled at her. “I think waiting to see if he's comfortable enough to make a move is a wise decision. Otherwise, just keep your distance and see if he eventually comes around. If the airshow is a success, he's bound to want to hang out with you, isn't he?”

“You've got some good advice on this subject. Y'know, for somepony who's never so much as kissed any guy that wasn't in her immediate family.”

“You flatter me, Rainbow.” Twilight smiled. It occurred to Rainbow that Twilight Sparkle had been completely serious, and she shook her head in wonderment when Twilight wasn't looking.

“I should probably ask Rarity about this next time I see her around. We always joke about her being a little too friendly with the stallions, but if there's anypony with real experience on dealing with the bronies, it's her!” Dash explained. “Thanks for looking after Scoot today... and for spoiling her half to death! Now I've gotta make sure the stuff we do next time I take her around town is way more awesome in comparison. Can't let a nerd act cooler than me!”

“A nerd? Says the pony who reads Daring Do novels before bed!” Twilight laughed, levitating one off a shelf in her room and having it dance in the air before Rainbow's face.

“That does not make me a nerd, thank you very much,” Dash pouted, folding her arms. “You study as a hobby!”

When Twilight had eventually waved her off and Rainbow Dash had gotten Scootaloo into bed, it was nearly 10:00. It had been another long day, filled with ups and downs. However, Dash did not have that horrible feeling of unease in her stomach.

Rainbow opened Scootaloo's door slowly, allowing some light from the hallway to permeate the room. It was not much, however, since the light in the upstairs hallway was as far away as possible from Scootaloo's bedroom door. Rainbow got down on her knees and leaned over the sleeping filly, wrapping her arms gently around her. Scootaloo had been sleeping on her stomach, breathing softly, her wings folded and mouth drooling as usual.

“Brave in your heart and strong in your mind, Scoots. You're going to make me proud, I know you will...” Dash whispered, placing a quick kiss to the top of Scootaloo's head and standing up again.

As she turned to leave, her eyes caught the diary lying on the bedside table. It wasn't like Scootaloo to leave it out, since she was normally very tidy about her possessions. The little pegasus must have been exhausted from the day's events. Scootaloo had always been most secret about her diary. Rainbow Dash really wasn't sure where Scoot normally hid it. Rainbow had never so much as seen its opened pages, but she had caught Scoot slumped over and writing in it every few days or so. Rainbow Dash debated picking it up and giving it a quick look, wondering if it was going to give her any insight on how Scootaloo had been handling her anxiety. After all, she had owned the little book since before she had left the orphanage. However, she walked out of the room, leaving it undisturbed. Maybe she would ask her daughter's permission sometime?

Dash entered her own bedroom and closed the door, yawning. She looked ahead at the poster of Soarin and gave a happy sigh. Despite her guilty feelings over how she had pushed things a wee bit too far, she couldn't deny that it had been a very fun afternoon. She crossed the room, turning off the light, and slipped into bed. She threw a glance at her blue flight suit hung in the open closet and felt her breast swell with joy.

“Make a move and I'll be yours, Soarin...” she breathed dreamily. “No matter how long it takes you. I'll wait.”

Dash closed her eyes, drifting into a pleasant sleep.

11 Quality Time

“Watch this, Scootaloo!” Rainbow cried out. “Soarin, I'm gonna kick off this far wall. I'm gonna do a really slooow front flip. Grab my hooves as I make my way over you, alright? Don't let me drag you along, stay put precisely where you grab me! That's important, I'm gonna use you as leverage, swinging like a door on its hinge. Then... You'll see! This is gonna be crazy, straight out of a circus performance!”

“And where, pray tell, are you going to find a wall to kick off of in the middle of the air over that stadium?” Soarin chuckled. “C'mon, we're practicing moves that are going to work!”

“It is 'going to work'. I will MAKE it work! What, didja forget who you're talkin' to?!” Rainbow said, thumping her chest.

Scootaloo sat down with her back against the wall. She was at the edge of the gymnasium floor, her mouth agape with wonder, bouncing with anticipation. Rainbow Dash had brought her along with her to Cloudsdale to watch her short practice with Soarin. It would only be an hour or two long, as Dash knew Soarin had his own duties to attend to on Saturdays.

“Here I go!” Rainbow said, dashing to the far wall, her trail extending behind her as she accelerated.

With a grunt, Dash landed with her bottom hooves flat against the wall, her legs bent parallel to it. Her wings were buzzing rapidly like Scootaloo's to keep her precisely level. With a great kick, she sprang from the wall, twisting over in midair so she was right side up. She ascended a few feet gradually over nearly half the span of the gym's horizontal length before dropping just as gradually, her eyes closed and doing a very slow front flip with her legs and arms spreadeagled. She opened her eyes, seeing the figure of Soarin drawing closer and closer as she moved. Snapping her arms together, she waited for him to grab her hooves.

By the time Soarin made contact, Dash's body was completely vertical, her eyes able to easily see the very wall she had been against moment's before. With a great WHOOSH from her wings, Rainbow Dash accelerated her rotation. Soarin held fast, his arms and wings strained to maintain his exact position in the air against Rainbow's momentum. She swung around in a full circle, using him as leverage. Soarin himself had to rotate with her to make it work, but he stayed at the same altitude.

“FLY!” She commanded.

Soarin did as instructed. As Rainbow came around right side up again, she gave a great pull against his hooves. He followed through, swishing his wings and flying forward. She had thrown him like a javelin.

Dash allowed herself to drop, still moving forward ever so slightly. She stretched out her body, arms in front of her, and sped diagonally down to the floor. She landed in a kneeling position, one leg bent and the other flat against the floor. She held out both arms and bowed her head, wings stretched to their fullest extent.

“Precision. Perfection. Professionalism.” She said once Soarin touched down next to her. “Rainbow. Dash.” She lifted her head, smiling. “After I throw you, I'll l hold this position for a few seconds. It's gonna look so awesome! We'll need to figure out what you're going to do after being thrown, and and I'm going to do after I leave the grass again. Anyways, like it?”

“It's like being trapeze artists without the swings! Yeah, I like it, it'll look great in the show!” Soarin agreed. “Geez, you've already learned from the best, eh? What a stroke of inspiration!”

“I wouldn't call you the 'best'!” Dash smirked as she stood up, jabbing him in the chest. “But you've taught me enough to know that the crowd is going to want to see BIG displays of acrobatics.”

Dash walked over to Scootaloo and sat down beside her, throwing her back against the wall with a sigh. “Phew, Scoot! What a workout. What do you think? Think your big sister is going to be great?”

Scootaloo smiled, her wings buzzing. “Uh huh, that was totally wicked! The way you ZOOMED through the air and just FLUNG him! It was the coolest! Can I please, please, pleeease watch you guys perform when you go out there next week?”

“Of course you're going to watch, kiddo!” Dash beamed, giving her a quick hug. “Didn't I tell you? Soarin's gonna get you and Fluttershy VIP seating in the top box! You're going to get to see all the action going on in the air from up high!”

Scootaloo's face flooded with excitement. She jumped up, trotting in place as her hooves beat the floor in an erratic way. “Really?!”

“Yup!” Soarin said, coming over as well. “The sun will either be down or will be going down by then, since the game is scheduled to take place at night. That means your mom's rainbow trail is going to be a bright light in the night sky! You know that suit I got her? We're going to put some magic in it so speed trails glow in the dark! You're gonna have a great view!”

“It'll look so awesome from a distance. I'm so jealous, Scoots!” Rainbow agreed, watching Scootaloo now bouncing up and down.

“Quick shower, I think, then we'll head off!” Soarin said, “Sittin' there and watching Rainbow Dash must lose its coolness after an hour or so!”

“Hey!” Dash smiled, but punched him in the arm with her hoof anyway. “I'm right here!”

Soarin grinned. “I know. That's why I said it!”

Scootaloo giggled. “You two are so weird!”

“You have no idea!” Soarin agreed, laughing. “You wanna be a Wonderbolt trainee, Scoot? Run me a few laps around this gym while me and Dash get cleaned up! Then I've got a surprise for you!”

The filly's excitement mounted. She sprang to attention. “Yes sir!”

“No surprise for me?” Dash grinned at Soarin as they walked to the locker room, Scootaloo sprinting down the length of the gymnasium behind them. “Was I not a good little filly this year?”

“Of course not!” He chuckled in return. “You beat me up! But you can enjoy the surprise too! I delegated some tasks to Misty Fly and High Winds this morning to free up my schedule a little. I want to take Scootaloo flying.”

Dash's eyes opened wide in surprise. “Wow, Soarin... that's really sweet of you!”

“I know you take her yourself, but you ain't no Wonderbolt, lassie!” Soarin smirked, opening up his locker.

“Hope you aren't implying you lot fly better than me!” Rainbow sneered, flicking her mane.

Soarin chuckled again and pulled out a towel. He dropped it on the bench and returned to the locker. Reaching within, he slowly pulled out his blue flight suit inch by inch. It had been crammed roughly inside.

“It's a shame I rarely get to put this on these days. Our numbers are huge! Ever since Princess Celestia started commissioning the squad for tasks in Canterlot, we've had to beef our members.”

“That was ages ago, though!” Dash frowned. “Sure wish I could squeeze myself on there with you!”

“You've got a ways to go before you're ready to become a Wonderbolt, Dash!” Soarin said, shaking his hoof back and forth at her. “A Wonderbolt knows patience! It's not all about speed, you know. Besides, you've still got courses to do at the Academy.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes at him as he shook the suit out, knocking the dust off.

“Can't wait to see Scoot's eyes when I waltz out in this and tell her that she's going for a flight! I'm going to need to get it cleaned up before the airshow, though. I'll take your suit to get enchanted along the way.”

“Mind if I tag along when you go? I wanna meet this seamstress of yours. There's a few suggestions I wanna make on my suit! I wanna see the extent of her magic, reeeally see what we can make that suit do!” Rainbow Dash said, walking off to the showers, towel over her shoulder.

“Sure thing, Dashie!” He said, swapping the suit for the towel on the bench and taking the shower next to her.

Rainbow closed the curtain and hung the towel over the wall as usual. She saw Soarin's towel next to hers as he got into his own shower. She busied herself a moment with the taps and gave a little shiver as the cold water burst forth from the shower head, closing her eyes as it splashed down her face and through her hair. Within seconds, however, it reached it's full temperature.

“Do you think your seamstress could give Rarity a run for her money?” Dash asked, tilting her head forward to let the water run down through her mane.

“Depends on how good this Rarity is with magic. She's that unicorn from the Best Young Flyers competition, right? The one with the magic wings? Was Rarity the pony who made your dresses for the Grand Galloping Gala and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's wedding?” Soarin asked.

“Yup!” Rainbow replied as a blanket answer to all of his questions, grabbing a bottle of shampoo. “Rarity's a great dress maker, but it sounds like your seamstress is better at magic. We'll see, I guess! And call the Princess 'Cadance', would ya? That other name makes me wanna barf. Bah!”

“The Wonderbolts,” Soarin began with distinction, “Must always show full respect to the royal family.”

“You can show respect without sounding like a prat at the same time, you foal!” Dash groaned, stepping away from the jet of water to lather her hair and mane before moving on to her tail. “Oh! Did you know she used to foalsit my friend Twilight? Mad, huh?”

“That's a negative, ma'am.” Soarin replied.

Dash rolled her eyes, although he could not see her. She stepped back into the rush of water, watching the shampoo run down her body as it rinsed out, momentarily coating the floor of the shower in white foam. She picked up a bar of soap on a ledge beside her, and began to scrub it over her arms and legs.

“Don't forget where the sun don't shine, dork!” Dash called over to Soarin.

“Real cute, Dashie!” Came his sarcastic response.

Dash blushed slightly as she continued to scrub all over her body. “I'm always cute, that's the point!”

She waited for Soarin's response, ears perked excitedly. However, he remained silent. Scowling, Dash rinsed the soap from her fur and turned off the tap. She pulled down her towel and dried herself off. She threw it over the wall and into Soarin's shower ('Hey!'), opened the curtain, and walked off to stand in front of a mirror next to a sink to brush out her mane.

Once outside of the locker room, Rainbow Dash saw Scootaloo still doing her laps. “Scoot!” Dash said in surprise, holding out her arm to stop the filly. “Have you been running all this time? Sit your butt down before you have a heart attack!”

“But I'm getting a surprise!” Scootaloo beamed, buzzing her wings.

“Ha, you sure are!” Dash agreed. “Here he comes now!”

Soarin exited the locker room in full flight. He was wearing his suit and had his goggles on. Scootaloo gave a gasp of surprise, quivering with delight. Soarin landed next to them, lifting the goggles.

“I'm gonna hang out with you guys for a little while!” Soarin explained. “You've never been to Cloudsdale before today, have you, Scootaloo?”

“Um, I dunno! I was born here, but I moved to Ponyville when I was a foal, I think! I could never come here 'cause my wings... Um... They don't work...” Scootaloo said, hanging her head in embarrassment.

Soarin knelt down beside her. “That's okay, Scootaloo. Wanna fly with me for a bit?”

Scootaloo beamed, glancing quickly at Rainbow Dash. “Sis, can I? Can I, can I, can I?!”

“Well, duh!” Dash laughed. “That's the point! That's your surprise, you silly filly!”

“Climb aboard, this flight leaves in... FIVE SECONDS!” Soarin grinned at her.

Scootaloo scrambled up, her wings buzzing excitedly just like they always did whenever she rode on top of Rainbow Dash. There was something about seeing her with Soarin that just made Rainbow's heart glow.

“Five! Four!” Soarin counted, flapping his wings and zooming up to the high windows. “Three! Two! ONE!”

Dash followed as he jumped out, wings spread wide and body soaring gracefully through the air. Behind him trailed a dark blue streak of colour, surrounded by expanding clouds of dull grey, sparking with electricity. Rainbow heard Scootaloo giving a cry of delight when she noticed it. As the campus grounds passed beneath them, giving way to the open cloud undercarriage of Cloudsdale, Rainbow Dash flew side by side with them, watching Scootaloo's face. She had never seen the filly looking so happy as she clung tightly to Soarin's mane.

'Soarin... thank you.' She thought to herself. 'I would never get to see Scootaloo's face when she's getting to fly otherwise. It's hard to get a good look when it's my mane she's clinging to.'

“Where to first, Scoots?” Dash heard Soarin ask her. “Wanna see where your mom works sometimes?”

“Okay!” Scootaloo replied, grinning toothily. “Sis! We're gonna see your work!”

“I heard!” Rainbow laughed, still beaming, flapping her wings casually as she glided alongside them. “Scootaloo, you look like you're having fun!”

“I am!” the young pegasus replied in ecstasy , wings buzzing again.

They entered the main junction of Cloudsdale proper. Scootaloo gasped. Dash figured she had never seen such a sight as dozens and dozens of pegsai of every colour and size went about their daily business. Cloudsdale's alleys had been nearly deserted when the pair of them arrived en route to the Wonderbolt Academy earlier that morning. The other ponies flew in and out of cloud tunnels, a few sat perched on pillars of stone to talk to one another, and more were flying in and out of shops and homes resting on clouds and floating earth. Heads turned as Soarin's cloudy trail flew by them, his suit pulling out all the stops.

“It's a Wonderbolt, dad!” A colt was saying to his father, flying alongside him.

“That's one lucky filly!” His father replied, smiling as they passed.

Rainbow Dash's chest swelled with happiness as many more pegasai said similar things. Scootaloo was beaming all around, loving all the attention and drinking in every sight. Dash's affection for Soarin grew steadily as every second ticked by. His kindness to Scootaloo was melting her heart.

“Rainbow Dash! It's Rainbow Dash!” Another filly said to her friend as they flew below Dash. “She's the best pegasus in Ponyville, dad told me!”

Dash grinned broadly down at them, giving a wave.

“Looks like I'm not the only famous pony here today!” Soarin smiled sideways at her. “You might even get a louder cheer than me at that airshow, Dashie!”

“I doubt that, but thanks!” Rainbow replied, laughing proudly.

They flew through a cloud tunnel, Scootaloo looking all around with wonder on her face.

“There's my work, Scootaloo!” Dash said, pointing out the factory. “That's where all the rain and snow are made!”

“Rainbows too?!” Scootaloo asked.

“I make those!” Dash snorted, flapping her wings hard and zooming forward and across Soarin and Scootaloo's path, causing the filly to giggle as they flew through the colours of her fading trail. “But yeah, the factory does too!”

“Let's go to the Cloudosseum!” Soarin suggested. “It's where your mom won the Best Young Flyers competition!”

“Is that where you saved Rarity with that Sonic Rainboom, Rainbow Dash? I love that story!” Scootaloo asked, grinning over at Rainbow Dash. “She was so embarrassed when I said so when we all went camping!'

“She didn't just save Rarity, Scoots! She saved me too! And another Wonderbolt, Misty Fly. Even Spitfire! You ever heard of her? She's the Wonderbolt Captain! Your mom saved ALL OF US!”

Scootaloo's wings buzzed happily. “Rainbow Dash, you never told me you saved the Wonderbolts too! You're the coolest ever!”

Dash flew in close to Soarin, reaching up to hoofbump Scootaloo. “Thanks, kiddo!”

“Wow! Awfully modest, Dashie!” Soarin chuckled.

“I don't always try to sound like an egomaniac, Soarin! Just eighty percent of the time!”

They flew around the outer rings of Cloudsdale, taking a more scenic route to the arena. Scootaloo leaned over the edge of Soarin's back, glancing down at flowing rivers of rainbow and forests of cotton-candy coloured clouds.

“The clouds actually taste like a sugary treat!” Rainbow Dash said, darting down and scooping up an armful of the fluffy pink stuff. “The rainbow rivers aren't very good, though! They're super spicy!”

“Yum!” Scootaloo said happily, munching on the cloud Dash gave her.

“Look over there, Scootaloo!” Soarin said, pointing to the right. “That's one of the race tracks the Wonderbolts train on. And over theeere...” He continued, this time pointing left. “Is an obstacle course. Can't take you in there, though! There's some crazy lightning hazards.”

“Aww, but that sounds so cool!” Scootaloo sighed.

“Yeah, really cool until you get zapped like a lightbulb!” Dash grinned, ruffing Scootaloo's hair as she flew close to them again.

The trio kept on flying and eventually they reached the Cloudosseum. They flew over the outer wall and Scootaloo exclaimed in delight. It was a great open stadium of blue-white clouds with a marble interior. Within the inner walls were platforms for pegasus ponies to sit or stand on to watch events or races. A great open chasm was at the centre, devoid of all clouds, the earth far below quite visible. The pegasai touched down on the arena floor of solid cloud.

“Have a look around, but stay where I can see you, Scoots!” Dash said as Scootaloo slipped off of Soarin's shoulders. “And stay away from the big ol' hole!”

“This one?” Scootaloo giggled mischievously, trotting over to the chasm.

Dash gave a cry of shock and flew over, grabbing the filly by the ear and dragging her away from the edge. “That's not funny, Scootaloo!” Dash scolded. “You have any idea how high up we are? Don't you ever joke like that again!”

“I-I-I'm sorry!” Scootaloo panted, wincing in pain, her wings tucked close to her and her eyes darting. “I was j-just playing...”

Dash let go of her ear and looked a little worried, fearing an anxiety attack. She pulled Scoot into a hug, explaining why she wasn't happy with her.

“Dashie doesn't want you to be hurt, Scootaloo. You mean the world to me. You would die if you fell and I wasn't able to catch you. I wouldn't be strong enough to go on without you, Scoot.” She explained in a calm, but stern, voice. Scootaloo wasn't shaking, so Dash continued. “There's a difference between being brave and being reckless! Do you understand me?”

“I do. I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash... Sis...” Scootaloo said in a quiet voice before continuing in a panicked whisper. “You're not gonna punish me, are you?”

“No, but you gotta promise me you're going to be a lot more careful.” Dash whispered back, wondering if Scootaloo was embarrassed that this all went down in front of Soarin, who seemed to be keeping his distance to spare Scootaloo's feelings. “You want to see Cloudsdale again some day, don't you?”

Scootaloo nodded, her eyes still dry but looking ashamed. Rainbow Dash felt a little surge of pride in her, even though she was still not exactly happy with the filly. Scoot was keeping it together, and that made Rainbow proud.

“Then be a good filly for Dashie, then, and I'll bring you back here again some day.” Rainbow said, sighing. “Now go on and explore. And remember: Where I can see you!”

Scootaloo nodded again and trotted off. Dash shook her head in exasperation as Soarin walked over.

“Everything okay?” He asked, concerned. “Is Scootaloo alright?”

“Yeah...” Rainbow said, frowning over at her. “I was worried about setting off her anxiety by scolding her, but she took it well enough. I just gotta make sure I explain myself to her, so she understands why this or that is wrong.”

“I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, so I stayed put. Sorry, Dashie... Coming here was a bad idea.” Soarin said, bowing his head to her.

“It's okay, Soarin! Look, I can't even begin to thank you for all of this. You have no idea how happy I was watching you and her flying around. She was having the time of her life!” Rainbow Dash said, kissing him on the cheek again, albeit on his suit's headpiece. “You're such a sweet guy, and I'm glad we got to hang out after practice.”

Soarin smiled broadly at her. Dash wouldn't be able to see the pinkish tint in his cheeks due to the headpiece.

“I should probably head off soon, check up on Misty and High Winds. Thanks for letting me take Scootaloo out!” Soarin said, giving her a hug.

“Hey, it's me who owes you!” Dash smiled at him. “How about it? Dinner tomorrow night, on me?”

“Hmm... Alright, I'm free after seven!” Soarin agreed, smiling.

“Alright. Meet me at my house, then!” Dash grinned at him, turning to look in Scoot's direction. She was flushed. “Scootaloo! Come say goodbye to Soarin, he's gotta head back to work!”

Scootaloo rushed over, frowning. “Aww, no fair!”

“Gotta split, trainee!” Soarin said, giving her a salute. “Happy we got to chill out, Scootaloo. You're as cool as your mom said you were!”

Scootaloo gave an excited squeal. “YOU TOLD A WONDERBOLT I WAS COOL?!”

“I might have!” Rainbow said slyly, winking at her.

“Well, I'm off. Take care, you two!” Soarin said, waving and taking off with a great dark blue streak, the clouds expanding. A firework-like effect seemed to go off once he was a safe distance away.

“Let's head on home, Scoots!” Dash said, scooping Scootaloo up with her arms and depositing her on Dash's shoulders.

“Sorry for earlier, sis...” Scootaloo apologized.

“It's okay, Scootaloo. But thank you for apologizing. It's very mature of you!” Rainbow said, reaching up and patting her hair. “Hold on tight!”

Dash flung out her wings and listened closely for the faint buzzing, smiling when she heard it. Despite flying around with a Wonderbolt, Scoot seemed just as happy to be back on Rainbow's mane. As she approached the chasm and dived through, heading off in the distance for the town she knew to be below the mountain, she realized that she had just successfully asked Soarin out to dinner. Her heart jumped at the thought.

12 Dinner with a Wonderbolt

Dash was pacing back and forth inside the Carousel Boutique, strolling about in great agitation. Rarity kept throwing her looks, rolling her azure eyes.

“Rainbow Dash, puh-leeze!” Rarity scoffed at her, running the fabric in her hooves through a sewing machine. “You are disturbing my clairvoyance! I cannot concentrate with you STAMPING ABOUT!”

Rainbow Dash stopped mid-pace, raising her eyebrows in surprise. She tapped her hoof against the floor, sticking out her tongue and spoke.

“Well excuuuse me, Rarity! I did not mean to be so disorderly as to send cascades of disorientation throughout your shop!” Dash said, imitating Rarity's most pompous manner. “But I'M FREAKIN' NERVOUS!”

“Oh, don't be such a drama queen!” Rarity said loftily, closing her eyes and humming serenely as she summoned a few differently coloured sheets of silk to her. Opalescence was watching them move through the air from her bed, claws flexing and narrowing her light green eyes. “You'll be fine with this new dress. He will most certainly want to take Nebuchadnezzar out to grass after tonight!”

Rainbow Dash's mouth fell open. “I'm not even going to pretend that I understood that, but the way you said it... C'mon, Rarity, I know what you're implying!”

“Whaaat?” Rarity beamed, showing off her brilliant teeth. “Now hush up, you little filly! Once I am done with this outfit you will be the jewel of his eyes, I assure you!”

“I hope so...” Rainbow sighed, beginning to pace about again. “I can spend a full day with him! I can go flying with him and Scootaloo, nooo problem! I can ask him out with total confidence! But actually facing a date with Soarin... Ohmigosh, ohmigosh, ohmigosh...”

“Rainbow, my dear! Relax, you are all of a dither. Rarity will take care of you!” the unicorn reassured her.

“I... I dunno, Rare!” Dash groaned, grinding her hooves against one another. “I wanted him to make the first move because I was worried I was taking things too fast! And then I ask him out myself! I'm taking things too fast! Yes, Rarity, take care of me when I ruin this because I have NO CLUE WHAT PACING MYSELF MEANS!”

“Now, Dashie!” Rarity began, shuffling the fabrics around, picking up her orange glasses and sticking them on her nose. “Treating a gorgeous stallion to dinner after he was clearly courting you by being such a dear to little Scootaloo is NOT making the first move!”

“It's... not?” asked Rainbow Dash as she rubbed her temples.

“Great heavens, no! He might not even consider this a date, to begin with!” Rarity explained calmly.

“OH GEEZ, RARITY! THAT MAKES ME FEEL LOADS BETTER!' Dash panicked. “Huge weight off my shoulders, I'm on top of the world! Now excuse me for a few minutes! I'm off to go hang myself!”

“My little Dashie, don't be such a baby!” Rarity said, squinting her eyes and poking a thread through the eye of a needle carefully. “Date or not, it's still not making the first move! Now, when you're sitting down on a loveseat, hoof in hoof with such a handsome and charming pony, and he leans in close, kissing your neck and whispering poetic musings into your ears as he shoves you down on your back!” Rarity gave a little giggle, eyes misty in reminiscence. “That's a first move!'

Rainbow Dash was shaking her head, mouth open again.

Rarity began stitching some pieces together as her horn glowed, causing a pair of scissors to cut them to the right lengths. Rarity picked up the finished product and threw it over the flank of a mannequin.

“I'm thinking a red velvet piece to go with that!” Rarity said, levitating a roll of it to her workbench.

“... Velvet? Isn't that, y'know, for dinner jackets, maybe?”

“Don't be silly!” Rarity smiled broadly, tapping a hoof on her sketch of the dress on the wall. “A red velvet gown flowing down to meet the violent lower portions, with that perfect streak of pale gold!'

Rainbow Dash quirked an eyebrow. “Wait, did you say... 'violent'? Don't you mean 'violet'?”

Rarity bent a hoof inwards as if clenching a fist. “I call my collection of deep shades of purple colours the 'Violent Ensemble!' Deep violet happened to be the colour of my choosing for the base of your lower dress, so I just called it... 'violent!' It makes it sound tough, and the colour really stands out! I amaze myself, Rainbow Dash!”

“Er... riiight...” Dash said uncertainly.

Rarity continued to work on the dress for another hour or so, Rainbow watching but not really paying attention as her mind drifted. She could not help herself; she was deeply solicitous about all of this. It seemed like in only a short week, she had gone from happy fantasies about getting to know the stallion celebrity she had always adored to placing herself directly in his path. She could not shake the feeling that it was all going to go wrong. At least her worries that this had all been merely a physical attraction seemed to be quelled; taking Scootaloo flying made her glow inside whenever she even thought of him. It was as if he charmed the heart straight out of her breast.

“Done!” Rarity beamed, levitating the full outfit in front of Rainbow. “What do you think? Art, isn't it?”

Rainbow Dash looked at it critically. She had to hand it to Rarity; the velvet worked. The collar of the dress was puffed a little, giving the wrinkled fabric a sophisticated-looking top. It flowed neatly down, straight patterns stitched into the front and back to form an upside-down triangle shape, pointing to a fine purple belt of silk around the waist. The lower portion was a flowing flank gown of viole(n)t silk, a streak of pale gold running down the centre in front and back. The red velvet portion was long enough that the violet and gold would flow out beneath it.

“It's perfect, Rarity!” Rainbow said, smiling at her. “I dunno how you can pull this stuff off!”

“Perfection comes natural to a perfectionist!” Rarity said, patting her curls lightly. “It will look absolutely splendid on you, whether you are walking alongside him on all fours or standing hoof in hoof with him, gliding across a golden dance floor!”

“I don't think the Magnificent Mare has a dance floor, Rarity!” Dash grinned. “It's just a restaurant!”

“How awful!” Rarity sighed. “Wasted potential! Well, whatever! Bring Scootaloo over around four so you have a few hours to do your hair and makeup!”

“... Three hours for that? Rainbow said, quirking an eyebrow again. “I only need, what? Five minutes, tops?”

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity snapped. “Don't you dare curtail the time it takes for a mare to properly apply her face! You will bring Scootaloo over at four. You will spend three solid hours transforming yourself into the most wonderful and exquisite looking mare in Ponyville!” Rarity beamed. “Or I will end you!”

“I'll see you at 6:30, then!” Dash grinned. “So, how much do I owe you for this, Rarity?”

Rarity gave a gasp of surprise, rushing over to Rainbow and placing a front hoof on either shoulder. “Rainbow Dash! You have been one of the most loyal and trusting friends I have had the very great honour of meeting in my lifetime. The time we have spent together and the adventures we've had will be memories I will cherish forever! I am about to send you off with a masterfully crafted and designed dress for your first date in seasons, and you think to ask me 'how much'? Do you forget that I represent the Element of Generosity? I am allowed to do you a favour, darling!”

“Oh my gosh, Rarity!” Rainbow had started saying once the impact of Rarity's words hit home. “You are the BEST friend I could ask for, if there was ever a way for me to repay yo-”

“You do not owe me a bit over thirty!” Rarity beamed, not appearing to have heard Dash at all. She floated away gracefully, back to her work bench and other dresses waiting for attention.

Dash was silent a moment, feeling the anticlimax set in. “Of... course! Thirty bits it is!”

“Lovely!” Rarity smiled, getting back to work. “I will have the dress packed up for you at four!”

Hours later, Rainbow stood in front of her bathroom mirror. She had taken Rarity's advice anyway. Just before four, she brought Scootaloo over to play with Sweetie Belle and Rarity had the dress packed and ready to go in a bag similar to what Soarin had put her flight suit in. As dinnertime loomed closer and closer, Rainbow Dash got to work on her makeup.

Dash leaned in close to the mirror and tried to curl her eyelashes. After that, she applied some midnight blue eyeshadow. She had already applied foundation to her face, and got to work on her mascara.

“Never again. Never again.” Dash sighed to herself, examining the effect of the mascara to her eyebrows. They looked longer and thicker. “I don't even look like me! Rarity is nuts! But... that DOES look good, though!”

Dash picked up the blush, pausing. Yep, she was going to need that. She wouldn't be worried about blushing so hard if her cheeks were already rouge. She dabbed it on her cheeks, grinning.

“Okay, okay! It's starting to come together...” She mused quietly. “Some lipstick, then to slap on the dress and... wait downstairs in absolute terror!”

At 6:45, Rainbow sat on her couch, legs crossed, fidgeting with her remote for something to do with her hooves. She hadn't even turned on the television. She was feeling very uneasy, squirming and breathing heavily. She kept adjusting her dress, tugging it down to ensure it was not crinkled up while she rocked on the couch. There was a knock on the door. With a great flap, her wings shot out, one of them knocking over a lamp on the end table beside her. Swearing, Dash stood it back up and walked into the hallway, facing down the door. Knock, knock, knock. She took a deep breath, her alarmed heart banging in her chest.

“Okay...” She told herself. “It's go time... No need to be nervous, Rainbow Dash... C'mon, open up that door! Yep...” Knock, knock. “Son of a...”

She rushed forward wildly and flung the door wide. Her face lit up with shock. What a breathtaking sight!

Soarin was standing there in his full officer uniform. Shirt, dress pants, dress shoes, the works. Many badges gleamed on his chest.

“Wow...” Dash squeaked silently. “Soarin, you look... incredible!”

“Dashie, I could have said the same thing!” Soarin smiled at her. “I've never seen you looking so radiant! What's the occasion?”

“Oh, nothing!” Rainbow grinned, glad for the blush she had applied to her face, which already felt hot. “I'm meeting a cute guy soon!”

“Oh, you have a date, huh? I sure hope he isn't early!” Soarin laughed, offering her his elbow.

Rainbow snatched up a crimson handbag by the door and closed it behind her as she left the house. She took Soarin's elbow with both of her hooves, glowing.

“Where are we headed?” Soarin asked her, his face very red.

“The Magnificent Mare, that new place by the post office! Shall we... shall we get going?” Dash said, her voice cracking.

Soarin stretched out his wings. “After you, m'lady!”

They both rose into the air. Dash had to let go of Soarin's elbow ('Yeah... that's totally not gonna work out very well!') as she took the lead, her dress rippling in the cool breeze. Most of Ponyville seemed to be closing down for the evening, an establishment here and there still open. The Magnificent Mare was one of them. Landing at the door, they pushed it open and made their way inside.

It was a small building, but its interior design complimented its stature. The walls and bar were of a dark panelled wood. The floor was carpeted in different shades of plum and red curtains hung over every window. Quiet music played from a band on a stage in the back. There were many little tables all around with other ponies talking quietly and eating.

“Good evening, welcome to the Magnificent Mare. Table for two?” Asked the moustached unicorn at the door, bowing to them.

“Please.” Rainbow said, inclining her head.

The door stallion lead them over to a table near the centre of the floor. Rainbow caught many eyes looking over at Soarin's uniform, apparently impressed. The pair of them sat down and the door pony handed them both a menu.

“Somepony will be up to serve you shortly. Enjoy your evening!” He said, bowing again.

“Man, Soarin!” Dash said, not yet checking the menu. “I can't get over how great you look! Are all military uniforms this awesome? This... handsome!”

Soarin smiled. “Only mine, I think! I actually wasn't sure what to wear. I wanted something formal. I would have settled on a boring suit, but... I wanted to impress.”

Dash was glowing once more. She could not believe that just five days ago, she wanted to kill him for saying stupid things.

“Soarin, I can't thank you enough for yesterday. Scootaloo was talking about it all night!” Dash said, finally scanning down her menu. “I never knew you could be such a sweetheart! Cute and kind!”

“I was happy to do it! I felt so bad when I learned of her disability, I wanted to make sure she really got to see some of Cloudsdale before you two returned to Ponyville. I knew you would probably take her yourself, but...” He beamed. “I wanted to see the happy look on your face. I wanted you to be just as happy as Scootaloo was.”

“Seeing her so excited did the trick. I was happy, Soarin. I was very, very happy, being able to watch her joy myself!” Dash smiled. “I've always wanted to take her exploring through Cloudsdale, but I was was apprehensive at the thought that if something were to happen, if I bumped into another pegasus or something, I could easily lose her amongst the clouds. With you there, I felt a lot more relaxed, knowing I could keep watch over her. Thank you, Soarin!”

Eventually a waiter was able to make it over to them, apologizing profusely for the delay, and they placed their order. He fetched them a pitcher of water and some glasses, and Soarin requested a bottle of wine on ice.

“It's kinda packed in here tonight... Probably should have gone someplace else, huh?” Rainbow sighed. “I don't really know that many restaurants, though...”

“More than me, I'm sure...” Soarin said quietly. “This is actually the first date I've been on since...” He trailed off, looking uncomfortable. “... ever.”

“What?” Dash said in surprise, pausing with her glass half way to her mouth. “You've never been on a date?”

“Spitfire and myself did not date before we got together. It was a spur of the moment thing... She had just been promoted to Captain a week after I made Officer. We had both shown interest in each other, and were content with our position in life due to our new ranks, so we just got together out of the blue.” Soarin explained, his ears drooping slightly. “I regret not getting the chance to date first, but we were both dedicated to the job and had little free time. I mean, not anything against Spitfire, she's long earned my respect and admiration as both a more skilled Wonderbolt and a long-time friend, but I realized not long after that my heart just wasn't in it. I knew she had strong feelings for me, but it wasn't fair to keep going when I could not give her the same passion in return...”

“I see...” Rainbow said, frowning at him. “That sounds pretty bad...”

“You could say something like that. By the time I reached First Officer and was able to lighten my workload, it was too late, and the spark had been extinguished...” Soarin sighed, drinking some water. “That was six months ago now. Spitfire... isn't over it yet, as you might have noticed.”

“That's... actually what we talked about during that race...” Rainbow confessed. “She knew I had a crush on you by the way I was acting. I'm not... very subtle...”

“Subtle enough! I only really caught on when Scootaloo said you had a poster of me!” Soarin said, grinning at her.

Dash grinned guiltily. “Yeah... Sorry for the other day, I let that crush get me ahead of myself.”

“It's fine. I'm very flattered you like me so much! You're certainly the one mare I talk to who does...” Soarin said awkwardly.

Soarin sighed again, falling into silence. Rainbow waited to see if he was going to drop any hints about liking her in return. Unfortunately, she didn't get any. She felt a squirm in her stomach, and drank some more water.

Their food was brought out. Rainbow Dash had a plate of pasta baked in cheese and a side salad, while Soarin prepared to enjoy soup, salad, and french toast with mango chutney.

“Dee-lish!” Rainbow said as she ate her fettuccine. “An... interesting choice!” She said, looking at the toast.

“Raspberry Wine?” Soarin chuckled, pulling out the cork.

“Mm, yes please!” Dash smiled.

“Mares and gentlecolts! Please enjoy the classical stylings of Octavia, on the cello!” said an Impresario on the stage.

“I'm having a great time, Soarin!” Rainbow said, applauding with the crowd as Octavia took to the stage and began to play a slow, mournful melody. “I love spending time with you.”

Soarin handed her a glass of wine, pouring one for himself. “It's all my pleasure, Dash. Thanks for giving me my first real date!”

Dash beamed, sipping her wine. At least he kept insisting that this was a date. Making a mental note to tell Rarity that later in the smuggest way possible, Dash finished off her food.

Gradually the wine bottle emptied, and they continued to talk and share disastrous experiences when it came to seeing or dating other ponies. Rainbow Dash was just wrapping up talking about the last relationship she had in school when the waiter approached again.

“All finished up?” The waiter asked, collecting the plates.

“Yes, it was all wonderful.” Soarin said, having already finished his portions and dabbing his mouth with a napkin.

“I shall bring you your bill and you may come up to the front at your own convenience.” The waiter said, bowing to them. A few minutes later, he returned and placed the bill on the table along with a few mints. “Thank you for coming to the Magnificent Mare!”

Dash reached for her handbag, but Soarin had already swept the bill off the table.

“Hey, I said this was on me!” Dash frowned.

“Meaning no disrespect, Dashie, but you should have realized there was no way I was letting a mare as fine as yourself pay for the meal!” Soarin said, smirking. “Be back in a sec!”

Rainbow watched him approaching the desk, sighing to herself. The evening wasn't as bad as it could have been, but she did feel a little disappointed. The wine didn't help, either, as she felt slightly disoriented and moody. Maybe she was expecting things to be moving along quicker? She couldn't deny to herself that his lack of apparent interest was a blow to her. Nevertheless, she would still give him time to show some real desire. However, if the airshow came and went and all he had done with her at that point was flirt in response to her own and give her courteous pleases and thank yous, she would need to give up. There was just no way of winning him over once they stopped practicing together.

“Thanks for the evening, Dashie...” Soarin was saying twenty minutes later, standing outside of Rainbow's home. “I had a great time.”

Rainbow Dash smiled in return. “As I said, it's always great to spend time with you.”

Soarin moved forward and planted a kiss on her cheek. Dash was taken aback in surprise. “I agree, it's been all quite fun these last few days! I will see you tomorrow morning, then! Goodnight.”

Soarin stood at ease for a moment and then bowed his head to her. Smiling broadly, he turned to leave, flapping his wings and lifting into the air.

Dash walked back into the house, closing the door behind her and thinking about the evening. She dropped off her handbag in the hallway and walked up to the bathroom. Turning on the taps by the sink, she splashed her face with water and began to wash off her make up. It had come off a lot easier than it had gone on.

'Time to go pick up Scootaloo, I think.' She thought to herself, watching her reflection once she was restored to her old self. She gently touched the spot on her cheek where Soarin had kissed her.

It could have been worse.

13 The Mysterious Magical Tailor

Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes, pushing herself off of the mattress. A voice had been speaking softly to her, breaching through her brain and into her erratic dreams. It took her a few moments to realize who was talking to her, the jump to reality leaving her dazed and a little confused.

“Mo-... Um, Rainbow Dash...” Scootaloo said, both hooves pressed against Rainbow's shoulder, pushing her softly. “Sis...?”

“Huh...?” Dash mumbled, shaking from her head to better wake herself. Scootaloo was standing beside the bed in her purple pyjamas, looking upset. “Scoots? What's wrong, hun?”

“It... it happened again...” Scootaloo said softly, picking up the little stuffed toy she had dropped on the bed. “I was all alone again... I heard the timberwolves outside the cave... I was so s-scared...”

The orange pegasus gave a shudder, rubbing her eyes. Rainbow sat up and reached out for her arm, pulling the filly in beside her. She felt the Scootaloo cuddle in close.

“You'll never be alone, Scoot. Dashie's always going to be there, isn't she?” Dash reassured her with a little squeeze.

Rainbow felt the younger pegasus nodding softly, Scootaloo's hair tickling her. Dash gave a yawn and fell back slowly after extending a wing. She wrapped it around her little sister and turned into her. It broke her heart to see Scootaloo this distressed every few nights. Dash made a mental note to mention the nightmare to the therapist before Scoot's next session. As if Scootaloo didn't have enough troubles already on her plate, these night-time disturbances frequently caused her to wet the bed and wake up cold and humiliated, sobbing hysterically.

“Go back to sleep now, little one. Dashie's here with ya now. You've got school later, you can't be tired!” Rainbow Dash whispered softly to her.

She felt Scootaloo nod once again. Although Dash closed her eyes, she didn't find herself drifting off again. She gave a disappointed sigh, patting Scootaloo's head. Rainbow Dash would happily comfort Scoot each time if the nightmares had occurred every single night, but it usually lead to moments just like this. It was bad enough that Rainbow Dash had struggled to even fall asleep to begin with due to ever increasing worries and nagging doubts, but now that she was awake again, they all flooded back.

The date on Sunday evening had been so awkward. As much as she enjoyed being in his presence, she felt like she was the only one trying to make any sort of real connection. He was so sweet and flattering when he wanted to be, but it all felt so artificial. Was he honestly disinterested? Dash remembered his embarrassment when she had him restrained by the pool. He did seem very flustered. Did that mean he was trying to conceal how he felt at dinner? Was he, like Rainbow Dash, trying to take it slow? Even still, as she had met and practiced with him every single day, she did her best to maintain her casual flirting, but it was not necessarily getting the desired effect.

Dash glared into the darkness of the bedroom, broken only by a small beam of light streaming in from the hallway through the crack of her partially ajar door. This was absolutely maddening. She finally had her shot at the pony she had always fantasized about, and nothing was happening. Was there even a point in waiting for Soarin to make a move? Dash felt she was probably better just getting through the next two days and finishing the airshow. She would go home and probably never see him again.

'This dream certainly crashed and burned quickly...' Rainbow thought to herself miserably.

Every day of the week had been the same routine. She would wake up, take Scootaloo to school, and fly off to practice with Soarin. They would work on stamping out the three airshow phases and iron out every single step and trick. They would shower and then she would leave, pick up Scootaloo, and go home. She had barely spoken to any of her friends the entire week. Her depressive mood left her in a terrible state of lethargy, and she wasn't up to doing much as a result. When push came to shove, she would rather just avoid everyone.

Rainbow Dash began to consider the possibility that Soarin just wasn't interested. 'What if my worries are true?' He had stopped his flirtation and as Rainbow Dash's depression continued to mount, so did she. They had stopped talking about anything that was not related to the airshow. The little flutters in her belly had ceased. Although Soarin still said things that were almost offensively hurtful without thinking, it no longer felt backed up with flattery.

It was as if the sun had left the world. And Rainbow Dash was left in the darkness. Left alone with her miserable thoughts. Left alone with her depressing doubts. Yet still, Soarin never left her mind. But it was tearing her up inside.

It was a nightmare she could not wake from. Today was Friday, the very last day of practice for the airshow, which was tomorrow evening. Rainbow Dash and Soarin were going to see his seamstress and get her flight suit enchanted. She would do her absolute best to smile and act her usual self. Perhaps if she acted happy, it would seep into her pores and liven her mood. Dash doubted it, and felt that after tomorrow, it would all be over for good. She would go back to working her two jobs and maybe then, after everything had returned to normality, her mood would improve.

“You look positively dreadful!” Rarity said as Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo touched down outside the school later that morning.

“Thanks, Rare. You look great too.” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically.

Rarity was standing there, watching Sweetie Belle enter the school house. Rainbow Dash gave Scootaloo a hug and kissed her forehead.

“Have a good day, squirt!” She smiled her best down at the filly. “Applejack is going to pick you up today, remember that. I'll stop by later on and see you, okay?”

Scootaloo nodded happily. “I love getting to have sleepovers all the time! You're the coolest, sis!'

“At least you think so...” Rainbow Dash sighed as Scootaloo ran out of earshot.

She turned around and found Rarity still standing there, looking sadly at her.

“Dash...” She began, but Rainbow shook her head at it.

“Sorry, I've gotta jet, Rare...” Dash said, stretching out her wings.

“Wait!” Rarity said suddenly. “I want to talk to you!”

“I don't know if I got time, sorry!” Dash said, feeling a bite of impatience and a desire to be alone for a little while before she got to Cloudsdale. “I gotta zip home, grab my suit, and meet up with Soarin.”

“Dash... please!” Rarity asked again, her face looking very concerned.

Dash gave a great sigh, and folded her wings again. “Alright, shoot.”

“Rainbow, what's been into you lately? You've been avoiding us, haven't you?” Rarity asked, walking closer to her. “Dear, you look ever so depressed lately! I haven't seen you since Sunday, when you came to get Scootaloo and told me about the date. What's been wrong with you?”

“I...” Dash began, shaking her head and groaning. She suddenly erupted. “Everything! Everything is wrong, Rarity! I put all of my efforts, gave it everything I had! All he did at dinner was make small talk and reminisce about Spitfire every few minutes! You have any idea how painful that was to sit through? The whole week I've been trying to get some sort of spark, SOME STUPID CONNECTION! It feels like I should give up! Nothing's happening anymore! I try to get him to come swimming again, he'd rather practice in the gym. I try to get him to maybe hang out with me, but he's always busy or some garbage like that! He's slipped back into that STUPID habit where he says STUPID things! These jokes or comments that make me feel terrible! Only he's too STUPID to realize it beforehand! I...”

Dash was panting, feeling dizzy. She had this creeping feeling and her eyes felt heavy. She tried to calm down, thinking she was on the verge of tears. She refused to let herself cry.

“I just... Rarity, I want him! I want him! He's been my crush forever now, I can't stop thinking about him, but I'm WASTING MY TIME! It's killing me, it's like he's lost ALL INTEREST! We had a date, he even called it a date! Good for a day or two, and then nothing! The airshow is tomorrow and then I'll never see him again! That stupid... I've been so angry and upset. I'm falling apart... He knows I'm obsessed with him! But he won't tell me that he's not interested. And I can't even pluck up the courage to ask him myself! What, is he content to just sit by and watch me make an idiot of myself?!”

“Rainbow, my dear, that is enough! Stop!” Rarity spoke up, stamping all four hooves tempestuously.

She had allowed Rainbow Dash to spill her heart and soul without interruption. Rarity had simply stood there, listening quietly, her expression hard to read. Now, however, she was looking disappointed.

“I think you are expecting things to be moving more quickly. These things can take time! He kissed you goodnight, didn't he? He still goes a rosy red if you flirt, doesn't he? Have. Faith. I know sitting idly by is hard, but you must keep your cool! A mare must keep her composure!” Rarity said, jabbing a hoof in Rainbow Dash's face. “What happened to all of your tenacity and your resolution? Look, you have got to be at your very best for the airshow! Focus on getting through that and worry about Soarin later! Ask if you could still, oh, I don't know, fraternize with him when it's over! If he wants to, you can build it from there!”

“But...” Dash began, but Rarity cut across her.

“Do you even hear yourself? You're becoming a mess! A chaotic clutter of emotions and self-deprecation! You stand there, raging about a stallion who has stolen your heart, calling him a bumbling nincompoop, and why? Because he did not fall madly head over hooves in love with you after your dinner?” Rarity continued, shaking her head in exasperation. “Have faith, give it time! You're Rainbow Dash! You're supposed to strut around with swagger and almost unendurable gall! Your arrogance is supposed to make other ponies SICK! Get a hold of yourself, you filly! If Soarin truly means the world to you, don't you dare have the audacity to give up on him just yet!”

Dash felt the fight just ebb out of her body as Rarity's words crashed over her.

“I-... y-...” Dash stuttered back into silence, shaking her head and sighing. “Fine. You're right. You're absolutely right. I'm a mess. A total chaos cloud of self-description or whatever you said! Sorry, I'm just... I feel stressed over everything. I'll... keep things together, I guess?”

“Please try. I'm going to need you to be there for me today...” She trailed off, giving a tiny lament of despair.

“Wait, what?” Dash asked, surprised. “Don't tell me you're depressed to!”

“Can you meet me at Sugarcube Corner today around four? I've got a lot of work to get through and I could really use a milkshake after. A milkshake and a one of my loving comrades!” Rarity asked her, bending her arms and legs down low in a bow.

“I... of course, Rare! I'll let Soarin know I can't stay late. Speaking of late, I've really, really gotta split. We gotta wrap everything up today!”

Rarity nodded and Dash jumped into the air, wings springing open to catch herself. With a flash of rainbows, she flew off as fast as she could back to her house. She rushed inside, jumped into her flight suit so she wouldn't need to carry it with her, and took off out the door again. Her wings flapped so hard that she was out of Ponyville within minutes, high in the air and rushing towards Cloudsdale.

“Dash!” Soarin said, standing outside the Wonderbolts Academy gymnasium as she landed about twenty minutes later, panting. “Cutting it fine today! The appointment with Ms. Casandra is at nine! We've got to get going.”

“I'm sorry, Soarin...” Dash panted, catching her breath. “Yeah, let's get moving. I see you had the same idea I had?” Dash asked, referring to the blue flight suit Soarin was already wearing himself, sans goggles.

“Yeah, I've still gotta get it cleaned and fixed up. The magic has been wearing a little thin.” Soarin explained, rising into the air as his wings beat hard. He began to fly off and Rainbow followed. “Once we're done there, we'll finalize the routine. I'm pretty confident you have every move down pat now. But we've got to make sure we BOTH got the phases down or the entire thing will fall apart. We're only going to have a few moments here and there to have a chance to talk to one another as we perform.”

Rainbow nodded as they continued to fly. As the academy grounds vanished behind them and clouds entombed them, Rainbow focused hard on keeping her emotions in check. It was going to be difficult, but she had to try to keep it all together until that airshow was over.

“Just through here!” Soarin called out, turning down a cloud tunnel at the far western edge of Cloudsdale's junction.

“How is it a unicorn like her can live in Cloudsdale? I mean... she can't be an alicorn, can she?! Wouldn't that, like... make her a million years old? Plus there's only like... three. If there was another, I would have heard about it!” Dash said, looking over at Soarin.

“I don't think all alicorns are immortal. Doesn't matter, though! Ms. Casandra is a unicorn, yes, but she's exceptionally wealthy and has no qualms about living here in Cloudsdale. I guess being the go-to seamstress of the Wonderbolts has helped line her purse. She owns a zeppelin, so getting back and forth to the ground is not an issue with for her.” Soarin explained, beating his wings in his haste to make the appointment on time.

“I guess that makes sense...” Rainbow Dash replied, frowning. “Still seems whacko for someone without wings to live in the sky, though!”

“You've got to see the brilliance of it, I suppose. I believe she draws inspiration from Cloudsdale itself, which she weaves into her magic to create wondrous effects that can emulate the weather so well. Just you wait! It'll be something!” Soarin said gleefully.

The pair of pegasai landed softly on a grassy field leading up to a luxurious white mansion overlooking a sea of clouds. There was a small turquoise airship tethered to a dock connected to the upper floors. Dash gave an appreciative gasp of surprise at the sight.

“We've got five minutes. Let's bounce!” Soarin said, checking a pocket watch he pulled out of his flight suit.

Soarin lead the way up a large staircase leading to a pair of double gold-painted doors. Once inside, they found Ms. Casandra already waiting for them in a splendid entrance hall adorned with a plethora of paintings and stone busts. She was a very tall mare with tightly curled white hair and mane, streaked with silver. She had a gleaming amaranth coat of fur. Her cutie mark was a yellow symbol that almost resembled a sun's glare on a photograph.

“Soarin.” the unicorn said, adjusting her wire-rimmed spectacles. She had a soft girlish voice, but it was almost monotone. “You took your time. Come. I haven't got all day.”

Soarin gave Dash an apologetic look and gestured forward as Ms. Casandra turned and walked briskly up the red-carpeted staircase ahead of them.

“She's a nasty piece of work when she gets mad. On your guard, now! Not even the Wonderbolts could take that beast down.” Soarin whispered, and Dash gave a giggle in spite of herself.

They continued down the upper hallway and into a side chamber. It was a wide room decorated much the same as Rarity's shop. Only instead of just dresses, clothes of every type including military-styled uniforms littered the room on mannequins and hung up on golden racks. There was a display of flight suits on one of them, but they had not yet been dyed blue.

“Straight into it.” The unicorn said, turning to Soarin. “That old suit you're wearing? Garbage.”

Her horn glowed a golden colour and she shot a streak of orange at him. He gave a gasp as his suit erupted into green flames and fell into a small heap of ash at his feet in mere seconds. Soarin's pocket watch hit the floor with a small clink!

“You.” She said, pointing at Rainbow Dash as she magicked a broom and dust pan to sweep the ash off the floor. “Strip. Soarin, your new suit will be enchanted along with hers.”

Rainbow Dash unzipped her suit and slipped it off, looking amazed. Soarin was right when he said she worked fast. She immediately magicked Rainbow's suit into the air and summoned another from a workbench. It was in pristine condition just like Dash's, and had Soarin's cutie mark, the current Wonderbolt insignia of two white wings separated by a bolt of lightning, emblazoned on to its flank.

“Move.” the mare spoke sharply, waving both Dash and Soarin aside.

Her horn began to glow a little brighter as she started a new spell, the suits still floating along in a golden haze of light. The tiles making up the floor seemed to melt away, revealing a hidden pit. Ms. Casandra's facial expression did not change, her mouth a thin line and her eyes bored-looking. Around a dozen cauldrons floated out of the pit and the floor was magicked back into place. As each of the great pots landed with a sonorous clanking, Dash noticed they were filled to the brim with differently coloured potions.

“What effects do you want? Make it quick.” the seamstress spoke in an expressionless voice.

Soarin frowned, placing a hoof on his chin, thinking. “Well, for mine, first thing's first is the clouds. I want my usual dull-grey clouds and yellow lightning. Throw in some speed streak enhancement.” He turned to look over at Rainbow Dash. “That's the one that makes the streak visible at slower speeds and makes it longer and glow.”

Dash watched, amazed, as Ms. Casandra magicked various crystal vials from a cabinet in the corner of the room. They floated over and dipped into the cauldrons, collecting various types of potions. Some of them even mixed together, shooting off sparks or glowing momentarily. There were four vials in motion over the cauldrons for a few seconds as the unicorn worked. The collected and mixed samples hovered over to a beaker sitting on a desk and tipped their contents within. Ms. Casandra walked over to the beaker, picked it up, corked it, and gave it a vigorous shake. She walked over to Soarin's suit, still floating in mid-air, and uncorked the beaker again. She splashed the mixed potion on to it, which evaporated seconds after it had made contact, giving off a sizzling noise.

“Done.” Ms. Casandra spoke, walking back to stand in front of the cauldrons. “I also gave you the fireworks enchantment and temperature control, because you are an exceptionally vanilla pony who never changes his mind.”

Soarin grinned at her, inclining his head. “Thank you, as always.”

“Now. You.” the unicorn spoke, jabbing a hoof at Rainbow Dash again. “You're a first timer, so here's a brief explanation: You tell me what you want, and I do it. End of explanation.”

“Uh...” Dash said, still very taken aback and a little annoyed. “Well, I don't really know what effects you can do...”

“Anything you see the Wonderbolts use. I told you. I'll repeat. Tell me what you want, and I do it.” She said, narrowing her eyes.

“Well, I...” Rainbow continued, a little unsure. “I thought of trying out clouds myself. Is there any way for me to have transparent, expanding clouds that flash my mane colours?”

“Complicated.” Ms. Casandra said with a bite of impatience, droning on. “But possible. They cannot flash colours, but I will enchant your trail. I shall give you an opaque cloud effect with transparent pockets through it. As the cloud expands, different parts of your trail will be shown, giving the illusion of rapidly shuffling colours all over it. The cloud itself will not flash or change colours. It will be dark. Only the pockets will look prismatic. Is that to your satisfaction?”

“That's perfect, thanks!” Rainbow grinned. “That sounds awesome!”

“Yes. 'Awesome.'” Ms. Casandra said, looking a little furious at Dash's choice of vernacular. “What else?”

“I'll take the fireworks too, I guess.” Rainbow said, before adding, “Red lightning would be awesome.”

“'Awesome.'” the unicorn repeated. “What else?”

“Well, temperature-control sounds neat. ('Neat. What else?') Do you have a way to add a sound to my movement?” The pegasus asked.

“Yes. Describe what you want.” Ms. Casandra said in a bored voice.

“Like a breeze, that soft blowing noise, that... that 'whoosh!' sound, you know? But I want the speed of the sound to change as I accelerate. The loudness, too. You know, like in a song when it gets faster and louder?” Rainbow described, walking back and forth as she did so, gesturing wildly with her hooves and looking thoughtful.

“A soft noise like a breeze that crescendos as your pace quickens. It will be done. Is that all?” the unicorn asked.

“I think that'll do. Whatcha think, Soarin?” Rainbow asked, turning to him.

“That all sounds great, Dashie. Amazing choice of effects, you really have a great imagination for that sort of thing!” Soarin complimented. Dash felt a swoop in her belly as she beamed.

Rarity might of had a point. As much as Rainbow Dash didn't want to admit it, it was entirely possible that she had been looking at this the wrong way. Soarin seemed much more complimentary now that Dash was at least acting happier. 'One step at a time. He's still a bit of a jerk lately, but maybe...?' Her thoughts trailed off.

Several vials soared through the air, dipping into cauldrons and mixing much like before. As they hovered about, Ms. Casandra moved to the desk and got a different beaker from a drawer. She summoned them over and they emptied out into it. Corking it, she shook the beaker and pulled the cork out yet again. The unicorn splashed the potion on Dash's suit, it evaporated within seconds, and the unicorn levitated both suits back to their owners.

“Done. All effects are controlled by thought. Just think about the effect and it will occur. If you want the sound, you think about the breeze. If you want a trail of sparks and bangs, you think of fireworks. You get the idea. Off you go.” And she waved them off, magicking the cauldrons back under the floor and walking out of the room, leaving them with their suits.

14 At Sugarcube Corner

“Well, I can't say I'm not impressed...” Rainbow Dash said, picking up the enchanted suit and beginning to slip it on. “She works super-fast! But is she always so... y'know, so weird? She never smiled once!”

“Ha, she's always like that!” Soarin chuckled, suiting up himself and picking up his watch. “She is a master of special effects, isn't she? I've never seen her smile, though! Not the once! Even when I paid her twelve thousand bits for a massive suit order after a redesign! Not one grin! Anyways, now that we have the stuff we need for the show, let's head on back to the gym to review!”

The pair left the room and exited the mansion. The moment they were out, Dash took to the air. She zipped forward, spinning her body around like a drill bit. There was a string of firecracker-like explosions and a shower of shimmering sparks, as if she were a stick of dynamite with its fuse lit.

“That is nuts! This is crazy!” Dash exclaimed, coming out of her spin and soaring in a great arc over the mansion, dark clouds expanding behind her, crackling with crimson lightning. She circled back around and landed next to Soarin. “I'M DOING THIS WITH MY HEAD!”

“Welcome to the herd.” Soarin laughed. “The Wonderbolts control their effects the exact same way. It's all second nature by now!”

“Might take a bit of getting used to, but I'm going to be like a foal in a candy store when we go out to perform! Man, it's going to be so sick!” Dash laughed, imagining the show she could put on with these effects. “This suit, Soarin? Best. Gift. Ever!”

“Just you wait until Scootaloo sees you performing!” Soarin grinned.

“By the way, Soarin...” Rainbow Dash said as they began to fly back into the cloud tunnel leading to the junction. “I need to visit Rarity around four for something important, so that might cut this last practice short. You don't mind, do you? You think we'll manage to get everything sorted by then?”

“Oh, no problem. I've got something to attend at four anyway!” Soarin agreed. “We've just gotta make sure we both know the routine back to front. It's going to be a hell of a show!”

“Speaking of a show... race ya to the academy! Let's show these pegasai how a real pony flies!” Rainbow beamed as the inspiration hit her.

With a great 'whoosh' of a noise, Rainbow Dash's surroundings became a blur as she accelerated to tremendous speeds, whipping around the corner from the tunnel's exit. A very long and bright stream of colours trailed behind her, extending a distance far too great to be normal, remaining visible far too long. The other ponies gasped as she tore by, dodging between them with expert agility, Soarin bringing up the rear behind her. Rainbow Dash did one full circuit of the junction to allow for him to catch up.

“Fireworks display, Dash!” Soarin called out to her.

The two ponies flew close together, their paths crossing in a shower sparks and bangs, the other residents of Cloudsdale stopping dead in their tracks to watch, applauding and cheering. Dash flew on, laughing heartily, Soarin coming up behind her and giving a great push with his wings so he could move ahead of her. Dash gave him a ten second head start, watching his dark blue trail extending behind him, his dull-grey clouds visible for a moment before dissolving into the air. She counted aloud to ten, as counting in her head was making it hard to maintain her breeze sound effect. Upon reaching ten, she flapped her wings with great gusto, shooting ahead to catch up, overtaking Soarin almost at once.

The entire trip from Ms. Casandra's mansion back to the Academy grounds took two minutes at their speeds. Dash soared over the campus and flew through the high windows of the gymnasium, rushing to the floor and landing in the pose she had been perfecting that week. It was the same one she had attempted when Scootaloo had been watching, with one knee bent, one leg flat to the floor, and her arms and wings stretched out wide as she bowed her head.

Best of all, they had already agreed on an absolutely perfect way to weave the maneuver into their set.

“Okay!” Soarin said, landing next to her and rushing over to a clipboard hanging on a hook on the wall. He took it down and flipped through it. “We'll quickly do a practice of every move in Phase One. We'll focus on our firework and streak displays. Oh! Remind me before we check out... I've gotta talk to the pyro-technicians tomorrow morning at the stadium; I want to make sure our airshow will have real fireworks, not just suit generated ones.”

And so, they got to work. Very quickly, they both moved through the list, doing their tricks and maneuvers twice in a row. They watched one another critically, ensuring their form and poses were perfect. Rainbow Dash took the clipboard from Soarin and he recited each and every move on the set in sequence, not making a single error. He took the clipboard from her and Dash recited it likewise, almost word perfect. It was essential that the entire performance was memorized.

They prepared to move through the sets a final time, this time to focus on pinpointing precisely when and where to use their flight suit's visual abilities. Although Dash's mood was still far from perfect, she maintained a cheerful attitude and worked herself tirelessly. She wanted to impress Soarin, and she wanted the airshow to be a complete success.

They started at Phase One. This is where they would do their warm up maneuvers. Simple gliding and low impact acrobatics, their focus being on making their trails and special effects visually impressive to win the massive crowd over from the start.

And what a size of a crowd it was going to be! Soarin had told Rainbow Dash the day before that the results of the ticket sales were in for the game, and there would be fifty four thousand ponies in attendance, from all over Equestria. Although Canterlot was technically the host city for the Grand Equestrian Soccer Cup Championships, the stadium itself was, of course, in Ponyville. Canterlot was where the enormous crowd were being provided accommodations, however, as Ponyville would have been completely swarmed.

Dash thought she was having a heart attack when Soarin told her the figures, but she had since pushed it to the back of her mind as her bad mood intensified. However, as she continued to work hard alongside Soarin, her body and wings aching, her brain heavy with steps and movements, the trepidation began to mount.

Phase Two would immediately follow their initial demonstration. This is where they would pull out all the stops, focusing on amazing feats of agility and skill. It would be a display full of flight tricks and fireworks from the pyrotechnics, with Soarin and Dash focusing on moves that would take them all around the stadium, both high and low.

Finally, Phase Three is where they would close their act. Rainbow Dash had her hoof in most of the planning for this one. Phase Three would play out more like a ballet than an airshow, both of them moving with grace and balance through the air and even on the ground, making full use of their enchantments. At the climax of the act, Rainbow Dash was going to do her move and throw Soarin through the air, leading to their grand finale. They had decided to scrap the whole idea of Rainbow Dash kicking off of something before Soarin caught a hold of her hooves, though. Instead, she would simply fly into him at a decreased speed.

“Well done, Dashie. I think you've got it all! Everything!” Soarin beamed, holding up his hoof for her to bump.

“We are going to kill out there!” Rainbow cheered, bumping him.

They walked off to the showers, Dash brimming with confidence again. Unfortunately, that confidence was standing on shaking knees as she got herself cleaned up. Rainbow noticed that the other pegasus was strangely subdued and quiet as they sat in the sauna. Perhaps he himself was starting to get nervous about the show? Dash doubted it, however. He had been a Wonderbolt for years. Surely a large crowd wasn't going to throw a wrench into his system. As they got into the showers, again it was the same story. His silence was not helping Rainbow Dash maintain her good mood, and by the time she was rinsing the shampoo from her mane and hair, she was beginning to feel just as miserable as she had that morning. She had opened her mouth to ask him what was wrong, when he spoke first.

“I'm going to take off now, I think. I've got a lot to do. I'll be seeing you tomorrow, Dashie.” Soarin said, stepping out of the shower after drying himself off. “Meet me at the stadium at 0900 hours! Have a good night, and please get some rest.”

Dash stood there, the water beating off her body, in total shock and pain. The day before the airshow, and he left just like that? Why was he in such a terrible mood? Was it something she had done? Dash sighed heavily, feeling ill. She turned the taps off and dried herself.

Soarin had already left the gym by the time she grabbed her flight suit and stepped out of the locker room. She gazed around the completely empty building with a great sorrow filling her. She glanced up at a clock high on the wall and saw that it was 02:15. Well, she was better off at home right now than here. She would drop off her stuff, mosey around the house for a bit, and leave for Sugarcube Corner in time to meet Rarity at 4:00.

Opening her front door forty five minutes later, Rainbow stepped inside almost in a daze, her ears drooped. She climbed the stairs and moved into her bedroom, carefully slipped off her blue flight suit and hung it up in the closet, adjusting it slightly to get any creases or wrinkles out. She stood back, eyeing it closely, and closed the closet door. She drifted over to her bed, body like lead, and sat down. With a sad look, Dash gently picked up the photograph that had been taken at the Vinyl Scratch club.

She studied the image closely, trying to remember how she felt inside when it was taken. She looked so happy sitting there next to Soarin, with Spitfire and Thunderlane on either side of them. It was an incredible thing. In such a short time, her mood had done a complete one-eighty. She felt truly heartbroken and forlorn. She placed the photo back down and lay back on her bed. She gazed sadly at that poster on the wall. Would things ever get better? A full and happy day with him, and it meant nothing. She gave a depressed and quivering sigh, holding a hoof to her face as she wrapped her wings around her torso. Her breath was catching in her chest. She was struggling to keep it in.

“No...” She told herself angrily, slamming an arm on the bed. “You don't cry, Rainbow Dash... I'm never going to cry again! Not for him, not for anyone...”

She jumped up, shaking her head furiously, angry at the wetness in her dull red eyes. She did not spill tears, however. She rushed downstairs and got a glass of milk from the fridge. She pulled a chair over from the table and plopped down there in the middle of the kitchen, downing the milk in one gulp. She reached over and slammed the glass down on the table. She placed her face in her hooves and groaned loudly, swearing.

Her thoughts drifted to the brief meeting with Rarity outside of the schoolhouse that morning. She was falling precisely back into the slump she was in when Rarity had ripped into her so ferociously, trying to encourage her to have faith and keep her composure. She sighed, trying to control her own breathing. There was a creeping feeling of guilt when she remembered what Rarity had said to her just before they departed.

'I'm going to need you to be there for me today...'

She wondered what could be wrong with Rarity. Dash stood up, stretching and flexing her wings. Whatever was happening in her own life, she would most definitely be there for her friends. She walked into the hallway and checked her reflection in the mirror. She frowned at the redness in the whites of her eyes.

“Rainbow Dash, what are you gonna do?” She asked her reflection. “Here's what you're gonna do: Tomorrow, after that airshow, when you please THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PONIES with your AMAZING SKILLS, you will wait for the perfect moment! The perfect moment to CORNER SOARIN. You're gonna demand an answer. No more feeling like garbage!”

She gave her reflection a determined smirk.

Eventually, she left the house in better spirits than she had arrived in. She was still depressed, it was true, but she was filled with a fierce and burning determination to face her demons when that show was over tomorrow. She flexed her wings and flew off down the road. As she soared over Ponyville, she spotted Rarity making her way to Sugarcube Corner to wait for her.

“Rare!” Rainbow called, landing next to her. “You feeling better?”

Rarity nodded, smiling broadly at her. “I'm happy to see you! Thank you for agreeing to see me! You're such a lamb! Yes, I am in most excellent form!”

“Oh?” Dash asked, surprised. “But... you sounded so upset earlier!”

“Come into Sugarcube Corner and I'll explain ever minute and illustrative little detail!” Rarity beamed as they drew in closer to the building.

“Glad to see you're feeling better!” Rainbow smiled at her.

“You certainly sound a lot better yourself, dear!” Rarity said, fluffing up her hair with her hoof.

“I took what ya said to heart, I guess...” Dash trailed off, stopping and giving a shrug. “And tomorrow, I'ma askin' him exactly whether or not he has any intentions!”

“I wouldn't ask that yet, myself.” Rarity said, shaking her head. “Remember, girl! Fraternize!”

“Rarity, I don't even know what that word means!” Rainbow Dash laughed.

“Oh dear...” Rarity said, stopping outside of the doors to the shop.

“What's wrong?” Rainbow asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“Well that depends on who's in here, Rainbow Dash. Could be nothing or everything...” Rarity said, slowly opening the door a crack and poking her head in as Dash tried to peer over her shoulder, albeit unsuccessfully. “Uh oh!”

“Wait, 'Uh oh'? Rarity!” Dash questioned, feeling a little alarmed now. “Is there someone you're avoiding, or something? What's gotten into you?”

“Nothing!” Rarity said evasively, moving away from the door.

“Yeah, sure!” Dash snapped. “My feathers it's nothing! Come on!”

Dash marched forward and charged through the door, anxious to investigate.

There was a confusing mess of colours and faces as Dash skidded to a halt just inside the building, her mouth falling open.

“SURPRISE!” a chorus erupted from the amassed gathering.

“I-wha-who-what...” Dash spluttered incoherently, gasping in surprise. “Rarity?! WHAT?!”

Rarity gave a soft and girlish laugh, strutting in behind Rainbow Dash with a most satisfied look on her face. “I'm so sorry I had to lie to you, Rainbow! Please forgive my dreadful dishonesty, but I just had to be positively resolute that you would show up!”

“We're all here to show you our support, Rainbow Dash!” Twilight Sparkle said, walking over and hugging her. “You're going to need Ponyville behind you tomorrow, and we've all come out to stand beside you!”

Rainbow was smiling warmly at her, deeply moved with a great balloon swelling in her chest. There was Applejack grinning at her behind Twilight, Spike standing next to her. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, who was bouncing up and down in a party hat, stood nearby next to a table that was piled high with various sweets and pastries. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were sitting on the floor, arms held up high in celebration. Rainbow's heart jumped into her throat as she saw the loving look Scootaloo was giving her. Next to them where Snips and Snails and other members of the fan club honouring Rainbow Dash that Scootaloo had founded.

Rainbow turned her head and familiar faces jumped out at her. There was Lyra Heartstrings, sitting with Bon-bon and Golden Harvest. Amethyst Star stood cheering with Derpy Hooves. Cheerilee was sitting down with the two ponies that ran the Spa. Dash was surprised to see Mayor-Mare there, even more surprised to see that Berry Punch was at a party and not yet passed out. Mr. And Mrs. Cake were behind the counter, their twin foals sitting on it and looking happy at all these friendly faces. Every single pegasus who had turned up for the try-outs to be Soarin's wing-pony for the airshow were there, Thunderlane giving her a nod. Comet-Tail and Zecora, Big Macintosh and Quick Fix, and around two dozen other earth, pegasai, and unicorn ponies. The shop was completely packed.

Rainbow Dash was beginning to shake with emotion. Try as she might, Dash could not stop beaming, her mood lifted higher than she had ever flown in her life. What a wonderful thing to happen before the performance.

“You did all of this for me...?” Dash asked in a croaky voice, turning to Rarity.

“I didn't!” Rarity beamed. “Well, I sort of helped, what with my innumerable connections and the like!” She tossed her indigo mane. “But no, my dear! He was the one who came up with this glorious idea!”

Dash whipped around in an instant, her heart climbing as high as Canterlot as her eyes came to rest on Soarin, who was walking over to greet them.

“Soarin...” She said warmly, lips quivering as she fought to keep that awful wetness she so detested from her eyes. “So... this is why... why you were so anxious to rush off!”

“That's right!” He beamed at her, hugging her like Twilight had. “I had to get here early enough to make sure everything was perfect! Thankfully, Pinkie Pie ('That's meee!' Pinkie screamed from the background, diving into a large cake.) had most of this already set up by the time I got here!”

“But... why go through all of this... for me?” Rainbow asked, shivering with happiness, squeezing him tightly back. “This is too much AWESOME, even for me!”

“Dashie...” He said, looking into her face with such genuine tenderness that Rainbow could feel her heart skipping a beat. “You were so depressed this week. It was breaking me apart to see in such a state! I figured the nerves of the airshow had finally gotten to you, considering how happy you were last weekend!”

Relief was crashing over her like a shower of meteorites. That must have been why Soarin had been acting so cold toward her. He had stopped flirting with and joking around with her when she had started acting so miserable because she had been acting so miserable. Because this change in his attitude had made her even more depressed, it just spiralled out of control. Of course, he hadn't picked up on the exact reason she had been in a bad mood, but at that moment, Rainbow Dash did not care. Seeing the pegasus standing before her was enough right now.

“Soarin came to see me on Wednesday!” Rarity said, patting Dash's shoulder. “It's a supremely thankful thing you told him all about me, so he was able to look me up!”

“I wanted to consult with Rarity on the best method to boost your morale! We bounced ideas off each other until I suggested some sort of party!” Soarin continued, breaking off the hug and beaming at her.

“It's... it's working!” Dash gave a small laugh, weak with her jubilation.

“I knew all I had to do was mention it to Pinkie Pie. As you can seeeee...” Rarity said, gesturing around at the crowd. “... it snowballed from there!”

“This... this is too much for me, guys! Not gonna lie!” Rainbow said, still smiling broadly, her cheekbones hurting her now.

“Have some cake, Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie said, springing up between her and Soarin, covered in icing and holding a paper plate with a slice of cake and fork on it. “That helps me whenever I say 'Gee whiz this sure is too much for me, guys! I'm not going to not tell the truth either!' And then I'm all better again! I think because I ate some cake. Cake is great! So are cupcakes. Cupcakes are pretty great, not as good as cake, though! Or cookies! Cookies are crazy, did you know that? What about a cookie cake? Oh no, I'm getting dizzy! CRAZY DIZZY!” She thrust the plate into Dash's hooves and ran back to the table of pastries for some cookies.

“Why in the name of Granny Smith's Zap Apple jam are y'all still standing by the door?!” Applejack said, strolling over and grabbing both Rarity and Dash by the shoulders. “Go enjoy your party, Rainbow Dash!”

And enjoy it she did. The Cakes enjoyed a roaring trade as the party moved into full swing and the sweets and drinks Pinkie had prepared were rapidly consumed. There were many jokes to be had, some singing, lots of love, hugs, and smiles swapped between all involved. Rainbow Dash still could not believe how many had turned out just to wish her luck in the airshow the following day, even the pegasai she had beaten during the try-outs. They all kept applauding her and chanting her name, asking for hints about what her and Soarin were going to do and listening intently to stories she told, like her race against Spitfire and her own perspective on the great things the bearers of the Elements of Harmony were called upon to do.

Dash would never be able to properly articulate exactly what all of this had meant to her. She held a deep fondness for every pony in the room. As the sizable group gradually began to shrink, mares and stallions wishing her the best of luck and patting her shoulder as they left, Rainbow Dash and her closest friends ended up sitting together at a table. Scootaloo was sitting in Rainbow's lap, giggling at a story Soarin had been telling her about something he and his brother Wave Chill had gotten into back when they were in flight school as colts.

“I'm so surprised you managed to avoid spilling the beans!” Rainbow grinned to Rarity, who was sitting to her immediate left. Dash was speaking in a very low voice to ensure no one else could hear her. “That huge rant I had this morning, almost breaking down! And you knew all along that Soarin had this planned!”

Rarity smiled back guiltily. “I'm certainly most delighted that you took my advice. I wanted you to end up here today in a somewhat more animated mood than what I had to endure earlier! While I do still believe that you are expecting things to be moving too fast for a mare who wishes to take things slow, I am simply buoyant that you haven't given up on him just yet.”

“He's still a bit of a dumbdumb!” Dash whispered, smiling. “But that just makes me like him so much more when he pulls stuff like this out of his butt! Plus, I love when he explains stuff. He's so clever sometimes, but he's not good at using it! Ah well, I've got a great feeling right now, Rare! I really hope he's into me...”

Dash gave a quick glance over at Soarin. He was still telling his story to Scoot, chuckling lightly as Fluttershy leaned in to listen to it too. It was clear he had not heard a word of Rainbow's conversation, for which she was grateful. She didn't much fancy the idea of him overhearing her talking about him, even if she was throwing in a compliment in every time she criticized his brainpower.

“I'm still not completely sure, to be quite honest with you!” Rarity said, throwing a glance at Soarin herself. “He was very concerned about you when he came to see me. I can't imagine why he would have been acting so distressed if there wasn't a part of him that was really rather fond of you, Dash. Just do him, and yourself, a favour: When it at least doesn't appear that your rapture for that perfect and handsome stallion will be immediately satisfied with a rousing courting display, don't fall apart again! You know now that it's hurting him just as much as you.”

“You're absolutely right. Besides, I'm totally over that now! I'm way better than this!” Dash beamed confidently. “And don't go calling him handsome! He's mine! Hooves off!”

“So! Tell me, Dash...” Applejack said, having just finished having a conversation with Pinkie Pie and Twilight. She leaned over the table, not aware that Rarity and Rainbow Dash were giggling under their breaths like a couple of preteens. “Ya nervous about the airshow? Know that all of us are there for ya! And you're gon' have Scootaloo and Fluttershy up in that top box, watching you do what y'all do best!”

“Oh Celestia!” Soarin said, smacking a hoof to his head, looking hopelessly at Applejack. “I totally forgot! I was able to negotiate the whole lot of you into the top box!”

“Yer not serious?!” Applejack said, jaw dropping. “Hot dog! I love me some soccer, too!”

“Dead serious!” Soarin said, nodding. “I wanted Rainbow Dash to know all of her closest friends could be right there at the stadium with her. There's two fillies, right? In addition to Scootaloo, I mean. Rarity's little sister and, if I'm not mistaken, you have one as well?”

“Yep!” Applejack confirmed. “Why? Were y'all able to get them tickets in there too?”

“A Wonderbolt can get anything he wants if he knows the right people!” Soarin winked.

“Soarin, you have no idea how grateful I am for everything you've done for me!” Rainbow said, shaking her head in wonder. “It's going to be an honour to be able to perform with you tomorrow! Like, beyond any desire to impress a huge crowd now!”

Soarin blushed slightly and didn't speak again for awhile. Rainbow Dash felt radiant. She was feeling as though the following day was going to change her life forever.

15 A Flight to Success

The day had finally arrived. Since the early hours of the morning, Ponyville's population seemed to be swelling and exploding exponentially. The thousands and thousands staying in Canterlot for the Grand Equestrian Soccer Cup Championships had begun to make their way into town. Instead of the usual sleepy Saturday the citizens usually enjoyed, there was a constant bustle of noise and voices every which way. Restaurants and cafes were at full capacity, stores and businesses enjoyed a surge of patrons, and the music from the dance clubs echoed out over the sound of the wind on the air.

There was a bustle of activity to the south of the town square as some mares and stallions had taken their children to see the great stadium in the daylight, before the night could fall. There was already a small line forming of excited sports fans, eager to be first the first ones into their seats at evening.

“I've never seen Ponyville this crowded!” Rainbow Dash said in amazement.

She was sitting down over the edge of the stadium's high wall, glancing towards the hustle of life in the town proper. Soarin was sitting next to her, having just finished his meeting with the ponies behind the fireworks display. It was a warm afternoon as the sun blazed overhead. Summer could only be a few short weeks away.

“Well, Dashie... Ponyville wasn't built to accommodate a population that's well over fifty thousand in size.” Soarin explained. “This is to be expected.”

“Duh! I know that, Soarin!” Rainbow said, rolling her eyes. “I'm just, y'know, surprised to see it anyway!”

“I understand!” Soarin said quickly.

“Feeling nervous yet?” Dash asked, grinning.

“Of course not!” Soarin said in surprise. “I'm a Wonderbolt, remember? What about you?”

“Naw. I mean, I guess I was? Maybe still am? But I've got this creepin' excitement just tingling down my spine!” Dash explained with relish, rubbing her hooves together. “I know it's going to be a little intimidating to be in front of a crowd THIS SIZE...” She trailed off a moment. “... but that's just more spectators to witness the great Rainbow Dash's first show in a Wonderbolt's uniform!”

She watched Soarin smiling at her, feeling herself blush red. She gave him a little smile from the corner of her mouth and noticed him react quite the same. Eyes forward, she tried to hold in a laugh. He was so cute sometimes.

“I had an awesome time last night.” Dash said after a moment of silence. “Really crazy how you guys pulled the wool over my eyes! If I ever go totally nuts and start offin' dudes left and right, I won't kill ya first. How's that?” Dash beamed at him.

“How thoughtful of you!” Soarin grinned sarcastically. “Well, I'm obviously very glad you enjoyed it. Sounds like your nervousness about the show has been cured, at the very least!”

“Yeah, I'm not so nervous anymore...” Dash trailed off, continuing in her head. 'It wasn't the show I was nervous about anyway.'

“Oh! Wow...” Soarin said, checking a watch on his wrist. As he was not dressed in any clothing, there was no way to keep a pocket watch on him. “It's two in the afternoon already. The morning has just flown by, eh?”

“You could say that!” Dash laughed, although she wasn't entirely sure why she did. She twisted around and glanced out over the pitch. “Six hours, Soarin! Six hours and we blow them all away!”

Rainbow Dash got to her feet, stretching out and yawning. She allowed herself to be distracted with happy recollections of the evening before. Merely thinking about how many of her friends had shown up just to wish her luck and make her party a success was enough to make her smile wide again. She truly felt blessed to know such a crowd of great ponies.

“I'm going to go visit Scoots!” Dash decided, flexing her wings. “Sitting around has hit that 'boring as snot' point.”

“Interesting way to put it...” Soarin coughed.

“You wanna come with?” Dash asked him, flapping her wings and rising slowly into the air.

“Sorry, I'll pass! I should probably touch base with Spitfire and the rest before the show.” Soarin said, getting to his feet as well. “Do you want to meet up at your place by six? We can suit up and run through the schedule one more time there.”

“Yeah, sounds legit!” Dash agreed. “See you later, dork!”

Dash dropped a few feet and gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder before rising again and leaving the stadium. She noticed several of the foreign ponies glance up excitedly overhead as she put on a great burst of speed, leaving behind her trail of all the colours of the rainbow. Grinning, Rainbow Dash shot out over the town square, wishing for the same reaction from the much larger crowd there.

Rainbow Dash had felt so elated since the previous day. She had a feeling this was going to be the best night ever. Better than the gala, better than getting to hang with the Wonderbolts for the first time, even better than helping defeat Nightmare Moon! There were only a few nights that really stood out vividly in Rainbow's mind, and she had hoped to add this evening to it.

Rainbow recalled one of them. It was when she had rescued Scootaloo's life. She remembered scolding the foolish filly under the bright moon as relief and anger had consumed her substance in equal measure. Scootaloo had confessed her fears of disappointing Rainbow Dash, and Rainbow Dash had told Scootaloo how she herself used to be scared as a filly. Dash looked sideways to her right wing, flapping in the breeze. She could remember stretching it out to Scootaloo for the first time, and pulling her close, telling the younger pegasus that she would take her under her wing as a big sister figure. Rainbow had not realized at that point that that was the spark that ignited her love for Scootaloo, and her determination to adopt and raise the orange pegasus with all the love and support that Scoot's poor life needed.

Her thoughts drifted to another night. Unlike Scootaloo, it was not one of triumph and the road to a bright future. It must have been around eighteen years ago. Standing there by her mothers side as Heavens Above's comforting words caressed her soul. It was the night the mare had passed away. Rainbow could remember the grief that filled her body, the tears that splashed down her face and into her mother's arms...

“Don't think about that today...” Dash told herself sternly. “Mom said never to cry when the world had become too much to bear... Don't ruin that now by crying, you STUPID FOOL!” She shook her head, squinting hard to prevent the tears. They did not come, and she opened them in time to avoid a rather tall tree.

She was now over the northern edge of Ponyville, in the shadow of the great mountain. Her eyes were peeled, looking every which way as she circled lower and lower. Her heart lifted when she saw Fluttershy's bright coat shining in the sunlight.

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo called out in joy, her wings buzzing softly, although Dash was still too high up to hear it. “DOWN HERE, YOU BIG DUMMY!”

“Hey!” Rainbow laughed, diving down and grabbing up Scootaloo in her arms. She gave the child a vigorous noogie. “Who are you callin' dummy, bub!”

“Gaaah! Not in front of my friiiends!” Scootaloo protested, struggling to break free.

“Sweetie Belle!” Rainbow called down to the unicorn filly. “Scootaloo said you should run home and give Rarity a big kiss!”

“Scootaloo! You sappy dork!” Sweetie laughed.

“Sis! Not funny!” Scootaloo groaned. “You're acting all lame and stuff!”

“Now I'm just insulted!” Rainbow giggled, dropping Scootaloo gently on to the grass.

“Oh! Hello Rainbow...” Fluttershy said, walking over.

“I remembered you said you were taking the demons to walk through the park this afternoon!” Rainbow said. “So I came by to see my little devil!”

“I'm an angel!” Scootaloo said, springing forward and twirling on her foot, wings outstretched. “But thanks for coming to see mee!”

“How very sweet of you, Rainbow Dash! You are such a nice sister to Scootaloo!” Fluttershy said in her soft voice, beaming as the fillies began to argue.

“'I didn't know chick'ns could be angels!” Apple Bloom laughed.

“I'm not a chicken! And that hasn't been funny in like a YEAR!” Scootaloo replied in a rage

“I do my best!” Rainbow said back to Fluttershy, casually flicking her wings and buffing the edge of her hoof against her chest “But I might not get much of a chance to see her later! It would suck if I never got to spend any time with her today.”

“Still makes ya red in the face, so I still uses it!” Bloom chortled behind the two mares.

“But we're all coming to your show!” Fluttershy said in surprise. “Won't we all get to see you there?”

“When you think about it, that's not very nice, though!” Sweetie Belle chipped in. “It comes off mean since Scootaloo can't fly! So you get to be loser for the day, Apple Bloom!”

“I'm liking this idea!” Scootaloo agreed, grinning wickedly.

“Me and Soarin might not get a chance!” Rainbow explained. “I can't risk it, gotta see my Scoots!”

"But-but... Scootaloo... I ain't... Didn't me-... aww horseapples!" Apple Bloom sighed.

“You're not... um... scared, are you?” Fluttershy asked meekly.

“No way!” Dash said, throwing out her chest as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were laughing at Apple Bloom. “I'm pretty sure I've done as much as I can to prepare, so why worry?”

Rainbow Dash walked over to the crusaders, and sat down on the grass next to them. Fluttershy floated over with her often disused wings.

“You wanna go see Tank tomorrow, Scoot?” Dash asked, pulling her into a hug.

“Yay! I haven't seen Tank in fore-hey! Leggo of me!” Scootaloo groaned.

“I jes' can't wait to see you flyin' around later, Rainbow Dash!” Apple Bloom beamed. “It's gonn' be awesome!”

“It sure will!” Rainbow laughed, kissing Scootaloo's forehead and sending the filly into a torrent of rage ('Not in front of the giiirls!').

“That Wonderbolt said he got us all into the top box, right?” Sweetie Belle asked, looking excited.

“Yep!” Dash confirmed, letting go of Scoot, who stumbled away pretending to retch. “Because of Soarin, you'll all be there with your sisters and their friends. Princess Celestia is even going to be there!” The fillies gasped in wonderment.

“What about Princess Luna?” Scootaloo asked, walking back. “Is she going to be there too?”

“Yeah, totally! All the big names will be watching me! Well, there for the actual game, but watching me anyway!” Rainbow Dash said, raising an eyebrow at how excited Scootaloo seemed to be about seeing the Princess of the Night.

She had quite an enjoyable time. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash talked, catching up and reminiscing about the past while the Crusaders played around. Eventually they moved out of the park and returned to the very congested Ponyville. They bought the fillies ice cream, although they had to wait in line for nearly fifteen minutes. They walked through the streets, with Scootaloo on Rainbow Dash's back and Fluttershy holding tightly to the other two's hooves with all her might, trying to walk upright by using her wings for balance. She was not quite as adept at it as Rainbow Dash. The swelling, jam-packed crowd would have been quite easy to lose a kid in. Everywhere they went, the only talk was about the upcoming game.

Dash was shocked when she saw the clock on the post office tower. Where had the day gone? It was as if time was on fast forward, moving by more and more rapidly the closer they got to that evening. Eventually Rainbow gave Scootaloo a hug and told them all she'd try to see them later, and flew off for home.

“Been dreaming... I've been waiting...” Rainbow Dash was singing softly, brushing out her hair and mane in her mirror. “To fly with that great pony...”

She placed down the brush and walked to her closet, removing her flight suit from its hook and laying it out over her bed.

“That Wonderbolt, his daring looks...” She continued, sliding the zipper down and taking a deep breath as she realized she would be wearing it from now until the show was over. “Soarin's grace is... like a... a... dammit!”

Rolling her eyes at herself, she picked up the suit and slipped her legs in. She pulled it over her back, poking her wings through the holes on either side. She put her left arm in first, and then the right, and pulled the mask over her face. Zipping it up, she picked up the goggles and snapped them over her face.

“Go out there and KILL, Rainbow Dash!” She told her reflection, grinning.

She proceed down the stairs and into the living room. Soarin had already suited up and was standing by the bookshelf, goggles on his forehead. He was looking at the two photographs, one showing Rainbow Dash as a filly with her parents, and one showing her and Scootaloo. Dash moved her own goggles to her forehead, as they were steaming up indoors.

“These are really nice...” He said, picking up the one of Rainbow Dash's family. “Wow, your hair was messy as a kid!”

“Messy? Pssh, my dad LOVED it!” Dash grinned, giving her mane a tug to make sure it was all pulled through the slits on the suit.

“Your mother looks amazing. I can see where you got your good looks!” Soarin complimented, placing the frame back on the bookshelf.

“Thanks!” Rainbow said earnestly. “Someone's gotta continue her legacy! She passed away when I was still a filly, but I'll always remember how amazing her coat looked. It used to shine moon bright!”

“I'm... I'm sorry to hear that.” Soarin said solemnly. “If you don't mind me asking... actually... nevermind, it's not important.”

Dash smiled at him, albeit a little sadly. “It's fine, Soarin... Don't worry, I'm not offended or anything. It was... cancer...”

Soarin shook his head sadly. “I'm sorry to bring it all back...”

“I told ya! It's fine!” Dash said, shaking her own. “If she's watching over me, I know I'm going to make her super proud tonight!”

Soarin smiled back, patting her on the shoulder. “Most definitely. Do you want to recite the schedule quickly one more time or anything?”

“No way! We've already gone over it three times since you got here! I got it memorized now, it's time we do this!” Rainbow Dash said confidently, snapping her goggles back on over her eyes. “Let's do it!”

Soarin beamed warmly at her enthusiasm. “I was right to think that you would be my star pick to succeed in those try-outs. I think I'm actually more nervous than you are!”

Dash laughed as she proceeded out of the room and into the hallway, moving to her front door. “But Soarin! You're 'a Wonderbolt, remember?'” She said, repeating his own arrogance back to him.

“Cute.” Soarin said, rolling his eyes. “But you're right! Let's do this!'

“Of course I'm right!” Dash said, throwing open the door.

They flew high over Ponyville. Dash smiled as the sun sank lower and lower over the horizon, painting the landscape and clouds pink and orange. The darker it was, the more amazing their trails and fireworks would look. The streets below had finally been cleared of the dense crowd. Ahead of them, spotlights could be visible, moving through the dimming sky. The stadium was illuminated brightly with lights, both magical and physical, incandescent against the sky. As they drew nearer, a torrent of noise greeted their ears as fifty four thousand strong laughed and cheered with each other, anticipation running high.

Standing out clearly against the dull beige of the stadium's walls were a group of Wonderbolts and security pegasai, standing guard to ensure no pegasus decided to jump the fence, so to speak.

“It's about time you morons got here!” Spitfire said, lowering her sunglasses and glaring as Soarin and Rainbow Dash touched down beside them. “If you two weren't on the field when the announcer spoke, it would be a public relations nightmare. You are our public image, Soarin, so I expect the idiot on the Wonderbolt promotional posters to do better in future.”

“It's my fault, Spitfire!” Dash said quickly. “I took too long getting ready, I gues-”

“Of course it's your fault! It's both of your faults. Don't go running off thinking you were in the clear, cadet!” Spitfire snarled. “Now get out there and show them what the Wonderbolts are made of!”

“Yes ma'am!” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes very obviously, although it was completely hidden due to the fact that her goggles were reflecting the light from a spotlight.

Dash approached the edge of the wall and looked into the bowl. The seats were filling up fast. Ponies of dozens and dozens of different colours, scores of nationalities and backgrounds, and other creatures such as griffons stretched out as far as the eye could see. Rainbow felt a surge of excitement. This was really, really happening.

Dash spread her wings wide and jumped into the stadium, gliding across hundreds of heads as she made her way toward the centre of the pitch, which was dark in comparison to the rest of the structure. She glanced over to the top box on the opposite side, alight with magical luminescence. She thought she could make out some ponies like Twilight or Pinkie Pie because they stood out clearly against the white light, but the distance was too great to catch a glimpse of Scootaloo.

Soarin landed beside her and the two pegasai walked to the dead centre of the field. There was a microphone on a stand there. They moved to stand on either side and waited, half concealed in the semi-darkness. They were there for another fifteen minutes or so, until the vast majority of the crowd had finally been seated.

“Ladies... and gentlecolts!” A voice rang out over the stadium's impressive sound system, causing a wave of cheering to erupt from the gathered fans. “Welcome to the final match of the eighty eighth Grand Equestrian Soccer Cup Championships! Baltimare against Dragonspire!” Even louder cheers and screaming as the fans of either team roared their approval for their side, waving flags and sporting jerseys.

Spotlights from the upper levels of the stadium were powered up, the glare hitting the field and illuminating the two blue-suited pegasai, standing sentinel by the microphone. A beautiful earth pony was strolling out on to the field, her curly golden hair and bright green coat making her a lavish sight to behold. She approached the microphone, and stood waiting.

“An airshow performed by Equestria's most famous flyers, the Wonderbolts, will precede the match.” The announcer said, inciting more cheers from the crowd. “Now please rise for the Equestrian National Anthem, sung by the lovely Tiara Shores of Manehattan!” A huge roar came from the crowd, some of them chanting her name.

Rainbow Dash and Soarin both stood up, backs straight and heads bowed, with their front hooves crossed over their chests. Tiara Shores began to sing in a soft and elegant voice. It was deep but very tender. A silent hush fell throughout the stadium but for her voice. On the last quivering note, she gave a bow and the stadium briefly rang with applause. A couple hands came out to remove the microphone, leaving the two pegasai standing alone, each with their wings extended fully and completely still.

“Ladies and gentlecolts, fillies and boys, and children of all ages!” The announcer began in a cheerful and excited voice. “Please put your hooves together for the Wonderbolts! We can expect quite a show this evening from the duo before you! Introducing first... First Officer Soarin, SECOND-IN-COMMAND OF THE FAMOUS BLUE BOMBERS!”

A massive eruption from the crowd greeted these words as Soarin's wings quivered. A few of the spotlights went out as he lifted his head and shot straight into the air with a streak of dark blue, glowing dimly. As he rose, Rainbow Dash could hear the sound of three firecracker-like bangs.

“And his partner...” The announcer continued, the crowd falling silent again as Soarin floated still in mid-air. “Born in Cloudsdale, but MADE RIGHT HERE IN PONYVILLE! She has been called the fastest flier in all of Equestria, please give it up for RAINBOOOW... DASH!”

Dash gave a flap of her wings and echoed Soarin's movement. Her heart lifted as a roar of excitement came from the crowd. It was not as loud as the cheer for Soarin, who was better well known across Equestria as a long-time Wonderbolt, But Rainbow Dash's spirits lifted higher regardless. It was the loudest she had ever heard her name chanted. As she rocketed straight into the air, her mind was focused on making her trail as bright and long as possible. Like Soarin, she thought of fireworks three times, an explosion of sparks and sound from the trail occurring with each thought.

“The show will begin in just mere moments! Please put your hooves together again in honouring the benevolent and regal sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, who have graced us with their presence!” The announcer spoke, all eyes focused on the top box as the two sisters greeted the crowd, their ever-flowing manes quite visible as they stood side by side, waving. “Also within this stadium we have the ruler of the Crystal Empire, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza! Please join me in greeting the Ambassador of Griffon Peaks, Razorbeak, and the Ambassador of Dragonspire, Hephaestus!”

Rainbow Dash and Soarin joined in the clapping, both hovering in the air. Gradually the assembled spectators fell silent once again.

“Thank you all! Please enjoy the airshow and the great match to follow! Your commentators for the match will be Rusty Buckets of Manehattan and the famous Wilderblaze of Las Pegasus!” The announcer concluded, and his voice fell silent as the lights illuminating the stadium itself went dark.

It was quite dark out by this point. Rainbow had only noticed when the light of the stadium had been extinguished. The only source of luminescence came from two spotlights, both controlled by unicorn magic. Dash gave a little grin to herself, wondering if magic could possibly track a speeding pegasus.

“Phase One!” She heard Soarin call out to her.

The two pegasai turned and flew directly at one another. As they approached, Soarin flew high, and Rainbow Dash flew low. They crisscrossed, their streaks long and clearly visible, and an explosion of fireworks accompanying them. There was a collective 'Ooh!' from the crowd. They flew away from each other, and the spotlights went out, plunging them into darkness. Rainbow focused on thinking about her lightning and clouds. As she flew, expanding dark clouds had begun to form behind her. Her streak was visible through transparent pockets, arcs of crimson-coloured lightning jumping from cloud to cloud. A cheer came from the spectators.

Slowly, the two pegasai reached the edge of the pitch and each turned to their left. They began to circle the stadium, slowly dropping in altitude only to shoot back up again, their clouded and electrified trails rolling up and down with them like hills on a roller-coaster track. Each time Rainbow rose high enough to see over the edge of the outer wall, she caught a glimpse of the other Wonderbolts standing guard. She could just make out Spitfire in the darkness, nodding in approval as she rounded the edge closest to the Captain.

Eventually they soared closer together again, increasing their speeds and shooting past one another only to turn sharply and repeat the movement. Each time they crossed, they used their firework effect. With each spark, they were illuminated in the sky, drawing cheers and gasps from the audience. After the fifth fly-by, Soarin dropped low in a spiral and rose rapidly under Dash, a spotlight re-lighting to hit them, his arms giving the illusion of lifting her up.

“Barrel roll!” He said in a low voice.

“Yup! Three, two, one, gone!” Dash said, rolling to her right.

She heard Soarin give a grunt as he rolled to his left. Immediately, she slowly shifted her body ninety degrees to her right, accelerating forward as she rotated continuously, her mind fixed on maintaining a bright trail. A loud 'Aaah!' from the spectators told her that the move had been executed correctly. Rainbow Dash and Soarin would both be spinning, flying further and further from each other diagonally across the vertical length of the field.

Once she reached the edge of the grass below, she stopped her rolling and began to fly around the stadium once more. Glancing across the span of the field she saw Soarin doing likewise. They repeated their roller-coaster movements, this time in the reverse direction. The crowd was still cheering and whooping, but the noise was beginning to dim. Clearly, this wasn't wowing them as the pegasai had hoped. Fortunately, they had a strategy worked out.

Rainbow Dash let out a stream of fireworks and heard Soarin do the same immediately after. They had decided that if it seemed that the audience was losing interest, they would signal by way of fireworks to the other to abandon the present move and proceed to the next, the other pegasai confirming with their own explosions.

They both turned to face the middle of the field and rushed together again. Grasping hooves, they flew straight up for a moment and went into a tailspin, their streaks of colour spiralling down like ribbons of silk. The crowd gave a roar of delight and a shower of applause echoed throughout the stadium.

“That last fly around the field did NOT impress. Good call on abandoning it, Dashie!” Soarin said quickly as they rocketed down in formation. “Hang left, LIGHTNING!”

The pegasi twisted to the left and shot up again, crimson and yellow lightning sparking and crackling together, circling their mane streaks. Another cheer from the crowd.

“There's more fly arounds in Phase One... What's your call, Soarin?” Dash asked as her hair rippled with the rush of air.

“We'll cut them, that's all. We'll move to Phase Two after the next move. What these folks need are real fireworks and some agile movements, I think!” Soarin yelled back. “Split and reform!”

They separated and Rainbow Dash rushed across the length of the field again. Her speed began to accelerate. As she reached the edge, she twisted in midair and shot down at an angle. Looking across she saw Soarin doing the same. They were perfectly synchronized. So far so good. Dash continued racing to the ground, landing briefly before kicking off hard again, shooting back up as if she had ricocheted off the grass, her extended trail bending sharply like a check mark. Across from her, Soarin's blue streak had done likewise. They were racing back toward each other, Rainbow hearing the whistling of the air rushing in her ears. Rainbow Dash listed a little to her left, Soarin to her right, and they grasped hooves again and both accelerated, spinning through the air in a yin-yang shape. Their trails seemed to move through the air like waves of fire as the crowd screamed their approval.

“This... is... a... firework... cue...” Soarin panted, struggling to maintain his grip on Rainbow Dash.

“Yep... any... second... now!” Rainbow Dash gasped back, her arm straining.

The pyrotechs had picked up on the cue, and a flurry of fireworks were launched into the air. They exploded in a shower of red and golden sparks, which rained down over the pegasai. A roar of cheers erupted from the spectators. They let go of one another again, and shot away as a dozen lights from the arena lit up.

It was time for Phase Two. Rainbow Dash could spare no thought for Soarin as she zoomed forward, her speed increasing more and more. Her wings beat rapidly, slowly beginning to ache, but Rainbow Dash did not care. The faster she went, the louder that cheer from the audience grew. She heard a faint echo of her name here and there, and she felt elated. Rainbow turned sharply and flew near the edge of the field, directly over the spectators. There was a sound of a faint breeze on the air from her suit. She flew high in an arc and twisted midair, zooming off to the other side of the pitch with a loud 'whoosh!' She repeated the maneuver on the opposite side, gradually moving faster and faster until she was tumbling through the air, crossing the centre again and again, twisting all over and touching the air over every section of the stadium bowl.

Eventually, she turned sharply and plunged down the length of the field, twisting at the end and reversing direction. The stadium around her was a blur due to her speed. She did this until Soarin noticed her, at which point they could move to the next move. Eventually she saw the other pegasus approach and prepare to collide with her by accelerating into her from the opposing direction.

As they drew closer, Dash flexed her wings and held them solid to catch the air, rapidly losing speed. She held up her limbs and they connected with Soarin's. Their hooves all touched as the two pegasai drew close together, slapping their wings off one another in sync with another cascade of fireworks from the technicians below. They both began to free fall away, catching themselves with their wings after three seconds and flying off in opposite directions, only to collide once more.

Rainbow Dash had barely noticed the noise the crowd had been making. What, with the wind in her ears, the explosion of the fireworks every time they clapped wings, and her own focus on both her flying and maintaining thoughts of extending and illuminating her streak, the crowd had gone unnoticed to her. As she focused on listening, she caught a loud 'Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!' chant working its way through the crowd.

“Ohmigosh, ohmigosh...” She said to herself, her chest full with satisfaction. “They're loving it!”

“Tornado time, Dashie!” Soarin said as they came together for a fifth time. “I'll descend through it!”

They split apart once more, but Dash did not fly away from him as before. She hovered in the air, arms and legs held out wide, making an 'X' shape with her body. A cheer from the spectators met this pose, and Dash beamed to herself. As Soarin flew around the edge of the stadium, his elevation increasing with each passing second, Rainbow Dash started in fly in tight, dizzying circles, picking up speed all the time. Her powerful wings kept the air within the circle trapped and spinning, and slowly a tornado of colour formed as she widened her circuit and added her dark cloud special effect into the mixture of mane colours.

“Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!” The crowd shouted in wonder and excitement.

Rainbow caught a glimpse of Soarin plunging down through the centre, at a perfect position to avoid being sucked up by the swirling mass of air. As the stallion passed, his ears bent back and a look of determination on his face, Rainbow broke out of the tornado and backed away quickly, before rocketing through the middle of it, cutting it horizontally and making the cloudy twister dissolve. She couldn't risk having it break lose and tearing the arena to pieces.

She resumed her rapid and agile flying, twisting every which way and changing her altitude constantly. The fireworks had returned, this time Rainbow Dash threw in her own suit generated ones. By now, the screaming from the audience had reached a point where there was always a constant sound. By the time one group had stopped shouting, Dash had performed another feat of skill in conjunction with the fireworks to pull another cheer from a different group. Meanwhile, Soarin was doing the exact same thing on the opposite side.

A rapid flurry of bangs from Soarin caught her attention, and she repeated the effect. The pegasai came together and clasped hooves again for some more formation gliding for a little cool down. This also afforded them a chance to speak to one another.

“Dashie, you're doing so well!” Soarin yelled happily as the pair of them went into another dizzying nosedive. “Let's move on to Phase Three now. They are loving this, but let's not push our luck!”

“Gotcha!” Dash agreed as they pulled out of it and shot around the pitch again. “But I feel like I'm beat! Let's cut our little ballet short. Wanna just skip ahead to the throw?”

“On to the throw, then!” Soarin said as they continued to flash around at excellent speeds. “Once we break, I'll rush to the centre of the field!”

They split apart and Dash spiralled off to the edge of the pitch and over the wall. She paused in midair, panting with exhaustion as more fireworks exploded behind her.

“Doing great, kid!” came Rapidfire's voice, him being the Wonderbolt positioned on that part of the wall.

Dash smiled to herself as the spectators before her twisted around to gaze up in her direction. Looking ahead to see Soarin twist in the air to stare her down, Dash only now noticed how excited she was feeling. She had not registered precisely how wonderful this all had been. She had been working so hard, but was having such a great time doing so. The crowd continued to cheer and scream, even though both ponies were now stationary. Clearly, their anticipation was mounting.

'Two moves left, Dash. Make them perfect!' She thought to herself as she began to fly forward, amused at a ridiculously loud 'YEEES!' that a stallion below had shouted.

She accelerated toward the centre of the field, her wings flapping hard, burning from the excessive workout she had put them through. Her arms were wide as she moved, and she focused on her streak as it extended from her current position back to the wall, fading very slowly. She saw Soarin raise his arms, preparing to catch hold of her. Dash's hooves snapped together and she felt a tug as Soarin grabbed them. With a great flap of her wings, she immediately shot downward as Soarin's own wings beat hard against the air, determined to keep him in place. Soarin did not let go as she moved, flying upside down and then coming around right side up again. As she moved, he rotated on the spot.

Dash gave a great pull and Soarin shot forward, twisting in midair so his underside was facing the pitch again. Immediately, Dash allowed her momentum to spur her forward as she dropped to the ground in a diagonal dive. Her landing was perfect. With that one knee bent, other leg flat to the earth, she stretched her arms out and flexed her wings, bowing her head. She took deep breathes, knowing the finale was going to require her to recover as much of her stamina as possible right now.

She waited, focusing on the smell of the grass and her own deep and gentle breathing. Her heart was thundering in her chest, but it was essential to calm its beats. There was a gradually growing round of applause from the audience and an even louder 'Rainbow Dash!' chant. She waited quietly, not moving an inch aside from her chest as it expanded with great lung-fulls of air. Rainbow would need to wait until Soarin was finished with his own finishing maneuver before she proceeded to the finale.

After around thirty seconds, Soarin finally touched down in front of her, face to face and in the exact same position. Immediately, he rose to his feet, standing tall with both arms over Rainbow Dash. His wings gave a great flap, causing the blades of grass the flatten in a wave. A single firework exploded overhead, sending green sparks all over the field. Another flap, another firework. And again. All the while, Rainbow Dash did not move. She was counting silently in her head. After the fifth firework, she threw her head back, staring directly into the sky.

Soarin looked to the sky as well, quickly moving his arms up to match his gaze, pointing to the heavens. Very slowly, Rainbow got to two feet, arms down, face still skyward, and began to flap her wings in the same way.

“Bring it home.” Soarin said loud enough for Dash to hear over the crowd.

Most of the audience were now on their feet, screaming their support and roaring the pegasai on. Dash jumped straight into the air, Soarin remaining still this time. She beat her wings hard, twitching her tail into position. All the spotlights on them immediately went out again, save for a single one still focused on Soarin. Dash accelerated, bringing her arms sharply together, forming a point with her hooves. She had never done this completely vertical before. She was completely invisible as she rushed into the sky, save for her trail, still illuminated by her suit. However, her thoughts maintaining it would need to cease in order for this to work. Visually, it would be to her advantage, as she would appear to vanish into thin air completely.

Faster and faster she went, her wings beating a violent tattoo against her back. That tell-tale funnel of focused and solid air was forming around her body as she went higher and higher, her speed increasing tremendously. The spectators below would not be able to see her at all, and would only see Soarin finally falling to his knees, bringing his arms crashing to the ground, as if summoning Rainbow down from the heavens.

A bright spark, a prismatic flash of colours, a colossal explosion of sound! As Dash's body had contracted enough to break through the threshold of her signature move, her thoughts, razor sharp in her head, were of her crimson lightning. As the shimmering ring of colours, bright as the moon, expanded throughout the heavens, there was a twisting storm of thunder and red lightning at the centre, jumping from cloud to cloud. As it touched each one, the cloud dissolved. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was glowing brightly, a great rainbow forming from the point of the Crimson Lightning Sonic Rainboom and straight down back toward the stadium, visible only by that single spotlight that was focused on Soarin.

Dash touched down on to the grass softly, about fifty feet ahead of Soarin, who was still flat to the ground and pointing straight out. As a final spark of lightning rippled through her body, Rainbow dropped down on all four hooves, and bowed her head toward Soarin's figure. As the rest of the fireworks began to light up the night sky, the great wave of colour above was still expanding in that ring, tearing apart the heavens.

The sound coming from the spectators was tumultuous. Fifty four thousand creatures who had never witnessed the Sonic Rainboom before roared and stamped, screaming themselves hoarse. From all sides, Rainbow Dash's name was shouted and cheered.

“Well... that was fun!” Soarin said in a winning voice as the pair of them walked off the field, the two soccer teams running past them to begin the game. The deafening shouts of Rainbow’s name was still pounding on their ears.

It would not be until the next day before Rainbow's head had fully appreciated the success of the show. Her adrenaline kept her grinning, but focused as she made her way to the top box to see Scootaloo and her friends.

It was a 12:45 AM as Rainbow Dash opened her front door and waddled in a little haphazardly. Soarin came in behind her, stretching.

“What a night!” Dash groaned, walking into the living room and dropping on to her couch.

She spotted the flight suit she had taken off just after the airshow, lying in a heap on the floor. After seeing Scootaloo and receiving accolades from Princess Celestia herself, Rainbow Dash and Soarin had left the stadium. Fluttershy had offered to foalsit Scoot, so when the Wonderbolts offered to take the two performers out for another few rounds at the Vinyl Scratch, Rainbow and Soarin left for Dash's house to drop off their suits. Dash's memory was still a blur from the start of the airshow until then. So much had happened that it was difficult for anything to sink in. It didn't help that she had maybe just a little bit too much to drink in the last couple hours.

“Phew... I'd say!” Soarin agreed, stumbling a little as he sat down next to her. “All in all, though... I think the night was a success! They loved you!”

“They loved us, y'mean!” Dash said, her head feeling a little wobbly. “But mainly me. Mainly me.”

“You going to be alright?” Soarin asked her, a little concerned as he tried to focus on her in the semi-darkness. It looked difficult.

“Yeah, I'm fine...” Dash yawned. “Just tipsy, s'all. Man, did you see the way Scootaloo was bouncing all over the place? I have never seen the kiddo so excited!”

“She was impressed with her mom!” Soarin chuckled, giving a yawn. “I should probably head home soon...”

“Whenever you feel like leaving, just get up and leave!” Dash grinned. “I ain't your mother!”

“Speaking of... I think you would have made your mom proud tonight!” Soarin praised her.

“I hope so...” Dash trailed off. “Hmm... do you wanna see my photo album? I got more pictures of Mom in there.”

“Sure, why not!” Soarin agreed, settling himself more comfortably on the couch.

Dash slipped off the couch and moved the coffee table aside. Dropping to her knees, she reached under the couch and pulled out a dusty old leather photo album.

“Always under my butt!” Dash beamed, dropping down on the couch with her feet up on the arms of the sofa, head across Soarin's lap. “If you're gettin' comfortable, I am too!”

She opened it up and began to flick through it, showing Soarin all the pictures within. She pointed out distant family members. Her aunts and uncles, her cousins and her grandparents. With each photo, Rainbow tried to remember the story behind where or when it had been taken. Soarin was a great audience, Dash thought. He was quiet, speaking only to enquire about specific photos. Otherwise, he just listened intently, his flattering interest causing Dash's spirits to soar even higher. She talked about her old life in Cloudsdale and her old house. Memories of her time together with her mother, which was all that she had left of her aside from old photographs.

“Heavens Above, her name was...” Dash trailed off after recounting her father's story about how he and Rainbow's mother had fallen in love. “I used to think she was an angel sent from the heavens... She even looked like one. Her wings, Soarin! So beautiful... I've never met a pegasus with wings to match my mother's. Every feather was perfect in shape and size...”

Dash trailed off, sighing again. This was going to be the third time in two days that she had come close to crying. She would need to try harder next time. She closed the album with a snap and dropped it gently off the couch, exhaling.

“Not a day goes by that I don't miss her...” She continued, feeling Soarin's hooves on her shoulders, rubbing them gently. “My 'greatest treasure' is my family. That was the last lesson she had taught me before she passed. It was when... she... Eh, nevermind...”

“You were lucky to have such a great mare as a mother, I think...” Soarin said softly to her, still massaging her shoulders.

“Yep...” Dash sighed, adjusting herself so she was more comfortable, sitting up a little straighter but staying in Soarin's lap, quite enjoying the idea of half cuddling with him as the last vestiges of her drinking left her. “So I surround myself with the people I like to mask my sorrow!”

Soarin grinned at her in an almost embarrassed sort of way. Rainbow quirked an eyebrow, but said nothing. They both fell into silence, and Rainbow Dash immediately felt herself drifting off. Shaking her head, she sat up completely straight, and just leaned her shoulder into Soarin instead.

“Soarin...” She asked after a considerable pause, turning to look him in the face.

“Mm... hmm...?” Soarin responded, looking as though he himself was quite drowsy.

“Do you think we could still... y'know, hang out? Now that the show is over, you know...”

“I...” Soarin began, looking wide awake all of a sudden. He looked straight into Dash's cerise eyes. “I... think I would like that...”

“You would?!” Dash asked in surprise.

“Sure...” He said, smiling at her. “I think you've earned the right to hang out with someone way more famous than you!”

“Oh, please!” Rainbow chortled. “Don't flatter yourself, Mr. Wonderbolt!”

She leaned away from him and punched her hoof hard into his arm. He gave a grunt of pain and sunk down on the couch slightly, his body more horizontal than it had been before.

“Takin' up all my room, Soarin!” Rainbow snarled playfully, falling on top of him and pushing his face with her hoof. “How rude of you!”

“Gerroff!” He said, blushing scarlet.

“Naw!” Dash laughed, taking the hoof off his face but cuddling into him anyway.

It took her a full five seconds to realize what she was doing. Rainbow Dash felt a tinge of horror. She was doing it all over again! If she kept this up, she was just going to scare him away. She made to get up off him, but he stretched out a little more comfortably on the couch and made no attempts to move her as he did so. He was merely getting more comfortable. Dash began to blush very red indeed, her breathing rapid in her chest.

“You... impressed me today...” Soarin said after a pause, causing Dash to lift her head off his chest and look at him.

“Yeah...” She said softly. “That's... kinda what I do, Soarin!”

“You've been doing that since I first met you, you know...” He trailed off, blushing again.

Rainbow said nothing. Her eyes were fixed on his emerald ones. She could feel the ticking of her heart against her chest, like a bomb waiting to go off.

“That's good... I've been trying to!” Dash said in a quivering voice.

“I'm sorry...” He said suddenly, blinking but not breaking his eye contact with her. “If... I've been a bit weird lately...”

“Weird in... in what way?” Dash asked him, her mouth slightly parted.

“I... I mean to say... shy. I've felt... shy.” Soarin confessed. “Shy and... it all felt awkward...”

“I... see...” Dash croaked, leaning in closer to him. “And now?”

“Not so much, I... I guess!” Soarin grinned a little, his cheeks darkening.

It had been such a strange week. However, her depression earlier did not matter at that moment. Her worry about the future was irrelevant in the now. Her head was blank as they stared into one another's eyes. Dash's mouth was beginning to feel dry as she breathed through it sharply.

All she knew was a great rush of happiness. It was as if all of her dreams had come true in the last few hours. It had been ages since Scootaloo had an anxiety attack. Dash's depression had been squashed. The airshow was a complete success as thousands and thousands had cheered her name. She had her friends and she had a wonderful little filly. There wasn't really much else that she wanted

Except for this. There was nothing more she wanted except for the explosion going off in her heart and brain, euphoria flooding her mind. Nothing she wanted except for the tingling spreading down her spine as every nerve ending in her body lit up with feeling. She felt like she had everything she would ever want as her lips pressed gently against his, his hoof caressing her hair, her hooves on either side of his face, his breath catching in her lungs.

End of Act 1

Intermission - Rainbow's Diary

June 10

Dear Joey,

What a whacky couple of weeks it has been since my last entry! I only remembered to write in this silly thing because Scootaloo went up to bed early tonight 'cause she 'wanted to write' in her own. I wonder what she puts in there? Maybe I'll take a peek someday! I've never really seen how she puts stuff into her own words. Ha, I bet she writes just like me! When I look at her, it's very easy to see myself at her age. I told her to give her diary a name ages ago, to make it feel more personal! Wonder if she did? You having a name is the only reason I bother to write in you, Joey. What a stupid name, at that! Makes me think of a kangaroo. I kid, I love ya.

I had a laaate, late, late night on Saturday. Man, that airshow was freaking awesome! Oh, durr hurr, I bet I didn't even write about the airshow in my last entry! Let's check... aaand... nope! I was waiting for the try-outs at the time and everything. Well, long story short: I GOT TO FLY WITH SOARIN, hooot-DAMN! We put on an airshow at that new stadium! Had my own flight suit and everything.

Man, it was enchanted by this really stuck up and snobbish unicorn named 'Ms. Casandra'. I could tell just by lookin' at her that there's most deeef. not a 'Mr. Casandra'. Well, there wouldn't be, since that's a girls name, but you get the picture! Unless he's named something else? Well, whatever the case, I bet she sleeps in one cooold bed. She's crazy-rich, though! Big-ass mansion and a zeppelin! A ZEPPELIN! I want one!

Anyway, things have been going great with Scoots. We're starting to fight like sisters. Pretty soon she'll be blaming me for stealing her boyfriends and stuff. Oh sweet Celestia, how am I going to handle the idea of Scootaloo having boyfriends when she's older? Yeesh. 'OH, HE'S CUTE SCOOTALOO, TOO BAD I'M GONNA KILL HIM FOR COMING NEAR MY BABY!' That sounds accurate. I'll give her the talk... some day.

Ah well, she'll always be 'Mommy's Special Girl' in my head. It's only been a few short months, but I love that little filly so much. I'm still sort of scared to call myself 'Mom' in front of her, though. Every now and then I hear the word slip out of her mouth, but that's only natural. She always seems to catch herself, though. She seems just as scared of calling me 'Mom' as I am. I guess it's because it's still painful for her to think about the concept of having a mother again.

When she's all grown up, I don't want her to look back at her childhood and just see the pain that bitch caused her. In a way, Misty Skies abandoning her was a blessing... Okay, that's kind of a bad thing to say. I mean, I wouldn't wish for any child, ESPECIALLY Scoots, to be left to DIE by their parents! But it's going to allow me to give her a better life. I will correct that mare's mistakes, and I'll shower Scootaloo with every ounce of love and tenderness that she deserves. She's changed my life, I wanna have the same effect on her.

Cheerilee told me that Scootaloo was acting strange in class. Remember her, Joey? Good friend of mine since I moved to Ponyville... anyway, she said that Scoots was acting worried and anxious... I took Scootaloo to a psychiatrist and found out that she's suffering from an anxiety disorder. It broke my heart, I'm really scared for her. I could honestly fly to Manehattan right now and track down her real mother again, just to fu—... feaking kill her. It's her fault, I know it is. If not because she ABANDONED Scoots, then probably because I can see Misty Skies drinking or something horrible like that while she was pregnant with Scootaloo. No wonder the poor thing can't fly.

Working myself into a rage now... it ain't too often I actually legit try to swear in this. Bad habit, I know... maybe I SHOULD go to the police? I have no way to prove who she is, though. And I don't want Scootaloo to find out until she's older. If Scoot found out that her real mother left her to die... on top of the anxiety? No. It's better not to tell her just yet. At least her first therapy session went really well. I'm hoping Scootaloo will be able to power her way out of this. I bet she can! She's got crazy willpower.

Welp, this entry is getting kinda long, so I'll just wrap it up. After the airshow, I went out drinking with Soarin and the Wonderbolts! Had a blast, really great time. I can't remember what time I got home, but I showed Soarin my photo album. It was a nice experience; talking about the family that I've lost over the years and remembering happier times. It wasn't sad or anything, just really wonderful. I had a great night! And it ended perfect...

We made out... his tongue tastes kinda bland! Sprinkle some sugar on that, methinks. Oh? What's that, Joey? 'Did anything else happen?' Well, you'll never know! I'll say that Soarin spent the night and leave it at that! I know one thing, I have a great feeling about the future. We're still gonna hang out and I can easily see us having another date. Yeah, we had a date before the airshow. Stop being so nosey, Joey! Maybe Soarin will be Scootaloo's dad some day... whatev', I'm out!

~RD

16 A Gathering of the Elements

“Scoots!” Rainbow Dash said, kneeling down next to the the little filly's bed. “Scoot-a-looooo!”

Silence greeted these words. Dash rolled her eyes but smiled warmly at the sleeping pegasus, affection beating in her heart. She gave the child a soft prod in the stomach with her hoof.

“Scoot! Wake up, kiddo. Scootaloo!” Prod, prod, prod. Rainbow Dash stopped when she noticed Scoot's eyes slowly open.

“I'm... awake...” Scootaloo mumbled, turning away from her big sister.

Rainbow Dash stood up tall, folding her arms and began to count in her head. Within ten seconds, Scootaloo's slow and quiet breathing told Rainbow that the filly had once again fallen asleep.

“Wakey, wakey!” Rainbow Dash said cheerfully, leaning low to scoop Scootaloo into her arms and flopping down on the bed herself.

Scootaloo awoke with a start as Dash picked her up, immediately protesting and snarling like a wild animal. As her hooves beat against Rainbow's chest, the blue pegasus nuzzled the younger one with her head.

“Simmer down, sport!” Dash laughed, placing a kiss on Scoot's forehead. “Last day of school, remember? It's officially Summer!”

Scoot immediately stopped thrashing about and gave a gasp of surprise. “I forgot! And LEMME DOWN!”

The filly pushed herself out of Rainbow's grip and scrambled to the floor, her little wings buzzing excitedly. She vanished from sight as she ran from her room. Rainbow Dash heard a distant 'snap!' as the bathroom door closed. Grinning to herself, Rainbow Dash stood up and made Scootaloo's bed.

Rainbow Dash moved downstairs and into the kitchen. Brilliantly warm sunlight streamed through the window, which Dash pushed open to allow a cool breeze to freshen the dusty morning air. She got to work on breakfast, putting a kettle on the stove with some water to boil and pouring some prepared oats and brown sugar into a pair of bowls. She moved to the refrigerator and opened it, pulling out a jug of milk.

As she closed the fridge door, she paused to look at a little calendar pinned to it by a magnet. June 17th was circled with three little hearts drawn around it. Rainbow gave an impatient little sigh. Three more days before the Wonderbolts returned from Saddle Arabia! The Monday following the airshow, Soarin had to leave with most of the team to travel abroad on a mission for Princess Celestia. Although they would only be gone a week, four days of which had already come and gone, it had felt like a year to Rainbow Dash.

The kettle began to whistle and Dash moved over to the stove, twisting the knobs to turn off the burner and pouring the boiling water into the bowls. She mixed in some cold milk and stirred the contents with a silver spoon each.

“Scoot! Hurry up!” Dash yelled out to the ceiling, placing the bowls on the table and cutting up some green apples with a knife.

She placed the apple slices on a napkin and put it in the centre of the table. Sitting down herself, her eyes again flashed to the calendar as she began to eat. She amused herself with happy memories of the previous Saturday. The building anticipation to the airshow had made it all the more exciting to finally perform. Reviews in the papers the next day had been quite positive. Although they did not do each and every one of their planned maneuvers, the show had been so very successful.

As Rainbow Dash took a drink of water, she closed her eyes and remembered laying her head in Soarin's lap as she had begun to flip through her old photo album. He had been so sweet to her that night. Their first kiss and their cuddling in her bed were wonderful to remember. They had been talking about what exactly they enjoyed with one another. They had finally fallen asleep in each other's arms around five in the morning. It was as Rainbow had always dreamed. Had he really been shy all of this time? How long had he liked her? The mare doubted it was quite as long as she had liked him, of course. Especially given the fact that he had been dating Spitfire. Did it bother her? Again, Rainbow doubted it. The fact of the matter was that her spending the night with Soarin had only increased her desire to end up together with him, and she resolved to work tirelessly to attain that.

At least she knew that it was a real possibility now. He was interested in her, really and genuinely interested. And that meant the world to Rainbow Dash.

“Nice of you to join me!” Dash said when Scootaloo finally sat down at the table.

“I had to find the card I made for Miss Cheerilee!” Scoot said, standing up a self-made card on the table. “See! I drew the picture on the front myself! And I wrote her a nice little poem and said I love her and we're all gonna miss her over the summer!”

“You're so cute sometimes, kid! I'm sure Cheerilee will love it.” Rainbow said. “Now eat up, your oatmeal is getting cold.”

Scootaloo began to rapidly scoop the oatmeal into her mouth as Rainbow herself finished up, popping a few of the apple slices into her mouth. Dash left the kitchen to find a brush on the hallway table. Once in hoof, she returned to the kitchen and stood behind Scootaloo, brushing out her hair and mane.

“Quit it!” Scootaloo groaned, pulling forward against the tug of the brush.

“Naw.” Dash teased, using her wings to hold Scootaloo in place. “I'm older than you, Scoots! Why would I obey you?”

“'cause I'm amazing and you love me! Duh!” Scootaloo giggled, throwing her head back and staring up at Rainbow.

“That may be true!” Rainbow Dash agreed, giving Scootaloo another kiss to the forehead. “But that doesn’t mean I'm going to let you walk around looking like a zombie. Dashie's got a reputation to keep!”

"Yeah. Suuure!" Scootaloo grinned sarcastically. "And I'm a parasprite!"

Once Rainbow finished, she gave Scoot an enormous hug, holding it long enough for the filly to start struggling again. “What do you want to do this afternoon, Scoots?” She asked, flying a foot into the air so Scootaloo could do nothing but writhe fruitlessly.

“I dunnooo! Lemme gooo!” Scootaloo protested, trying to bite at Dash's arm.

“Wanna go see Tank again?” Dash asked, dropping Scootaloo carefully back on to her chair before the filly could sink her teeth into Rainbow's arm.

“Uh... Okay! But I want ice cream!” Scootaloo said with a huff as she landed on the seat.

A few minutes later, they were standing outside of the house once more. Holding Scootaloo's lunchbox by the handle with her teeth, Dash jerked her head up in a gesture to tell Scoot to climb aboard. As Scootaloo did so, Dash waited for that tell-tale buzzing.

“Heeey... Sis?” Scootaloo asked, leaning forward on Rainbow's hair to look down at her face. “When's the Summer Sun Celebration? Is that tonight because school's over?”

“No, ya silly goof!” Rainbow said, flexing her wings, smiling when she heard the humming of Scoot's own wings. “That's next week! On the LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR! We're going to Canterlot to watch it.”

Scootaloo gave an excited little giggle and squeezed her limbs tight against Dash's neck. “That's gonna be awesome! Now FLY, minion!”

Rolling her eyes, Dash jumped into the air and caught herself with her wings. Ponyville flashed by below as they sped to the schoolhouse for Scoot's final day of school before the Summer break. As expected, she saw both Rarity and Applejack there, having just lead their own sisters to class.

“Wassup, girls?” Dash said, touching down softly on the grass and bending low to allow Scootaloo to scramble off. “Have a good day, Scoots!”

“Howdy there, Rainbow Dash! Didja hear the news?” Applejack greeted as Apple Bloom rushed off with Scootaloo to join Sweetie Belle, who was already at the school steps.

“Uh... news?” Rainbow asked, confused. She shook her head. “What news?”

“We've been summoned to glorious Canterlot!” Rarity exclaimed, giving a frenzied shiver.

“You're JOKING!” Rainbow said in surprise, adventure twinkling in her eyes. “I guess we gotta play the heroes again, huh?”

“That's what I'm bettin'!” Applejack nodded. “'bout time, too! Things have been mighty quiet 'round here lately.”

“Oh Celestia, AJ. You're starting to sound like me! Stop it before ya muck up my swagger!” Dash grinned, flapping her front hooves as if shooing her off.

“Wrap up your weather duties early today, dear!” Rarity said. “We must all meet with Twilight around noon. She will fill us all in with the comprehensive particulars!”

“Gotcha... I think! Wait, who's telling Pinkie and Fluttershy, assuming they don't already know?” Rainbow asked. The two wingless mares looked to one another, and then back to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow rolled her eyes. “... I'll check in with them when I'm clearing the clouds. You two go be useless for a few hours! Catch ya later!”

“The farm needs RAIN LATER!” Applejack called out as Dash accelerated into the sky.

Giving an airy wave, Dash tore away with mounting excitement. Well, this was certainly interesting! It looked as though her relaxed and enjoyable week will have a stimulating ending. The Wonderbolts had paid her handsomely for the airshow, allowing her enough leisure room in her funds to leave her job at the weather factory. She was once again the main Weather Pony for Ponyville, which was the easiest job in the world to Rainbow Dash.

Dash got to work very quickly. She soared over the roofs, ploughing her way through the clouds over the town square. She rounded up the clouds over other portions of the town that would require rain, including Sweet Apple Acres. Getting everything done by noon would be an easy task. Otherwise, it would have been one of those days where she would simply go for a nap or chill at her old cloud home, still floating above Ponyville. As she made her way around the little village, she stopped by Fluttershy's cottage and hammered on the door.

“About time!” Rainbow Dash sighed as the yellow pegasus opened her door.

“Oh... hello, Dash. I'm sorry I took so long... Angel Bunny is being a... um, difficult hare...” Fluttershy said awkwardly, bowing her head in shame.

“Uh... riiight...” Rainbow Dash said, cocking an eyebrow as she peered around Fluttershy to see Angel standing in the middle of the cottage, holding a carving knife in one paw and a pencil in the other. “Do you want some... help?”

“Oh! No, no, no! Thank you, though!” Fluttershy beamed. “I have, um... a stare... that works...”

“Well, I won't question this any further for my own sanity!” Rainbow half smiled, still concerned. “Listen, you think you'll be able to get over to Twilight's by noon? The six of us are meeting there. Apparently Celestia has summoned us! So, y'know, don't go die or something stupid like that. You're sorta needed.”

“I will do my best not to disappoint you girls...” Fluttershy said meekly, inclining her head.

Rainbow rolled her eyes as Fluttershy closed the door. Next stop for her was Sugarcube Corner. As she soared toward the little bakery, Dash recalled meeting with Rarity outside of it the day before the airshow. Her heart swelled. Rainbow Dash felt so moved whenever she thought of all of her well wishers. She landed on the cobbled street and approached the shop doors, stepping aside as Mr. Cake walked out with a delivery.

“Pinkie!” Rainbow said as she walked in. “Listen, we need you t-”

Rainbow Dash was immediately floored as the pink earth pony leapt upon her. “Hellooo!” Pinkie screamed in ecstasy. “Fancy meeting you here, because I work here and you work outside! I love when my friends come to visit me, especially YOU, Rainbow Dash! You're one of my top five friends! I mean, everypony in Ponyville is my friend so I have at least a top million or so but you're an extra special friend, like an extra special glazed cherry on top of a cake, so that's another top five friends on top of my top million friends!”

“Uh... yeah...” Dash said, pushing her wings against the floor to spring back to her feet, Pinkie Pie falling off of her. “Okay, so, I'm already quite weirded out today, so I'ma make this nice and brief: Twilight's house, twelve o'clock. Make sure you're there! Important Elements of Harmony biz.”

Pinkie Pie bounced back to all fours alarmingly fast, a huge grin spreading across her face. “Oh, wow! You brought me NEWS! Just like when we were in CLOUDSDALE and I brought YOU news! It's like we're top best friends or something!” Pinkie squeed loudly, giving Dash a great big hug as the pegasus tried to back up to the door.

“Well, I'll let you get back to work! I've got a lot of cloud busting to do!” Dash said airily, waving a hoof at the clear patch of sky visible beyond the door. “I'll see you at noon!”

“G'bye Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie cheered.

Rainbow whittled away the time left until noon at her leisure, flying all around Ponyville and clearing up the rain showers she had caused earlier that morning. When the post office tower showed 11:45, she zoomed off to Twilight Sparkle's large tree house. She found the other girls just about to enter.

“Welp, there's Rainbow Dash. 'spose we should see what this is all about.” Applejack said as Dash landed next to them.

“Glad to see you're still alive!” Rainbow laughed, giving Fluttershy a little tap on the shoulder.

“Um... what?” She replied, confused.

“Nothin'.” Rainbow rolled her eyes and followed Applejack inside. She was feeling the excitement build again. “Wonder what adventure we're gonna go on?”

The others shrugged as they continued on inside, stepping into the first floor of Twilight's home. The first sight to greet their eyes was Spike the dragon, pacing back and forth. His eyes widened with delight upon seeing them.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Spike said gleefully as he ran over to them. “I'm glad you all showed up! Twilight's been panicking all day, I didn't know what to do...”

“Please, Spikey-wikey! What's going on? Whatever do you know?” Rarity asked him in a gentle voice.

“I just know that we're waiting on Princess Celestia, R-... Rarity!” He said, a little flustered.

“Wait, wha' y'all mean?” Applejack asked, eyebrow raised. “Aren't we... aren't we going to meet her in Canterlot?”

“No...” Spike said, shaking his head. “The Princess sent a letter an hour ago: She's coming here herself.”

Rainbow felt a little swoop of fear in her stomach. Her first instinct was that whatever had happened was dire enough to speed up the meeting. It was as if the Princess had no time to wait for the six of them to get to Canterlot.

Fluttershy gave a little gasp. “The Princess is coming to Ponyville? But that must mean bad news...”

“You could say that, Fluttershy...” came Twilight's voice from the staircase. Rainbow and the rest of them saw her descend into view. “I'm glad you've all showed up! Please, come upstairs. We're all waiting for you.”

“... 'We'?” Rainbow Dash questioned as Twilight Sparkle disappeared back up the stairs.

“It's not a party... is it?” Pinkie Pie asked in a concerned voice, a tone she seldom used.

“Doesn't sound like it...” Fluttershy whimpered.

Rainbow lead the group this time, climbing the stairs in slight trepidation. As she reached the next floor, the first sight her eyes caught were all the bookshelves spanning the entire length of the circular wall. Then she felt her jaw drop.

Twilight was sitting on the floor with her head bowed. As the other ponies came in behind her, Dash saw Twilight look up at them. She was indeed not alone. Dash's eyes scanned around the room. Twilight was surrounded by the Wonderbolts, all arranged in a semi circle around her and Spitfire. They were all still in their flight suits, as if they had only just arrived back in Ponyville. All except for Spitfire, who had her hooded headpiece down and her goggles around her neck. Instead, she was wearing her iconic sunglasses. Rainbow caught Soarin's eye and she shot him an admiring look. He smiled weakly back, but was looking wretched.

“What...” Dash said in a strained voice, walking over to Soarin. “You're all back so soon!”

Soarin nodded, walking forward to meet her and giving her a quick hug. “Yeah... But it's great to s-”

“Of course we're back already, dammit!” Spitfire snarled, cutting Soarin off and marching toward Rainbow Dash. She stopped to glare at her. Slowly, she turned to face the others. The Captain tore the glasses off of her face and threw them to the floor. “We're back because we've failed.”

17 The Shadow

Ten seconds of ringing, horrible silence followed the words of the Wonderbolt Captain. Spitfire glanced down at her sunglasses lying on the dusty floor, but made no effort to retrieve them. Rainbow Dash looked straight into Soarin's eyes with concern and worry. Gruffly, he patted her shoulder. She was taken aback by his abrasiveness, something Soarin had noticed. Dash watched him give her an apologetic look in return.

“Look, ma'am...” Applejack began, walking forward. “When y'all say ya 'failed'...”

“I'm sorry, did I stutter?” Spitfire spat back.

“Now see here! I only meant t' say...” Applejack continued, but Spitfire cut across her.

“I know PRECISELY what you meant to say, farm girl!” Spitfire snapped, scooping up her glasses with her wings and ramming them back on her nose as she began to pace. “We were sent to Saddle Arabia to deal with a threat made on that kingdom by a rogue group of dragons. The Saddrabian leader requested aid from Princess Celestia, who sent the greatest flight team in Equestria. There was only one little problem: Dragons attacking Saddle Arabia? This was a lie.”

“As far as I have been able to understand it...” Twilight Sparkle spoke up, getting to her feet. “The Wonderbolts split into two groups. One went to scout for potential dragon hideouts, while the second group investigated the security measures around the kingdom.”

“Yeh got that right, kid!” Rapidfire spoke up. “So look, we Wonderbolts have dealt with a few measly dragons in our time. But dis... Dis right here was a diff'rent matta entirely.” He bowed his head, shaking it back and forth.

Rainbow Dash's stomach was churning again. What precisely had happened? She caught Rarity's eye, noticing the unicorn seemed to be looking exactly as Rainbow was feeling. Dash looked beyond Rarity and found Pinkie Pie sitting on the floor with a hoof to her chin, alert and listening with a frown on her face. It was unnerving to watch; she had never seen Pinkie Pie so serious.

“There was no logical geographical location around the desert that would be a proper hideout for an intelligent group of renegade dragons.” Fleetfoot explained, pulling up her goggles and rubbing her eyes.

“Blaze and I lead a squadron into the desert...” Soarin said, speaking to the group at large. “Rapidfire, Fleetfoot, and Fire Streak came with us.” Soarin pointed out each Wonderbolt as he spoke. “Spitfire took care of investigating the security in the capital, along with my brother Wave Chill, Lightning Streak, Misty Fly, and Surprise. We left Silver Lining and High Winds to man the headquarters while we were abroad. This was a mistake. We needed them...”

Rainbow Dash grew more worried still as she noticed Soarin's composure slip further and further. He looked as though he was in great pain, but doing his best to disguise it. Dash suddenly understood why, as she looked around the room as he named the Wonderbolts.

“Soarin... Where's Wave Chill?” She asked in a croak. He opened his mouth to reply, but no words came out.

“We don't know.” Spitfire said gravely, closing her eyes. “He disappeared on the way home. Long story short, my group in the capital was attacked. Ambushed! We don't know who or what attacked us, but it was like... like a dark cloud! A shadow.”

Dash felt her stomach plummet another dozen feet or so. This was so difficult to imagine. She watched as Soarin's eyes fell to the floor. His face was blank and expressionless. It was impossible to tell how hard he was suffering. It was horrible for her to witness.

“Whatever it was, the guards of Saddle Arabia immediately took up arms against the Wonderbolts. It was working with their military. Fleetfoot said there was no way for the dragons to hide in the desert, and we returned to the capital to find the conflict already underway.” Blaze said, folding her arms. “It was something out of a nightmare. The screams...”

“We failed to deal with the threat.” Spitfire spoke. “We were overpowered and had to flee for our lives. I don't blame the Saddrabian leaders, or the country itself, because the guards were attacking the innocent. We got backup from the ambassador's personal militia, but they were... torn to pieces. We had no choice but to leave! We were completely outnumbered!” Her eyes flew open, and she was looking furious with herself.

“So, we had ta act like cowards and escape wid our lives! But it didn't matta! It followed us. There was always a dark cloud on th' horizon as we flew home. Wave Chill disappeared when we flew low t'rew the mountains, and nopony saw him vanish.” Rapidfire said gloomily.

Rainbow Dash gave Soarin a quick hug, squeezing his hoof with her own. Soarin seemed not to notice, his emerald green eyes were still fixed on the floor as if he was trying to burrow into it with them. His body was shaking, his arms and legs quaking as if his body was too heavy to hold up. His eyes appeared glazed over.

“Oh my gosh...” Fluttershy said fearfully. “Is that... is that why you all came to Ponyville?”

“We came to the Princess' protegé, Twilight Sparkle, yes.” Spitfire confirmed, trying to keep herself calm. “We would not risk leading The Shadow back to Canterlot or Cloudsdale. They are both far too visible and open. Ponyville is practically invisible from a distance due to the hills, and Canterlot would draw eyes to the mountain. The moment we gained a considerable lead on our pursuers, we made a beeline for here. Twilight's assistant Spike sent a letter to the Princess, she wrote back telling us to stay put. We've been waiting ever since.”

“It is clear that this threat is far greater than the Wonderbolts can deal with alone. It is rumoured that you six command the Elements of Harmony...” Blaze said, walking forward so she stood in front of the four by the stairs, as Rainbow Dash was still by Soarin, and Twilight was still in the centre with Spitfire. “I expect the Princess will team us up.”

“Exactly!” Soarin said in a fierce voice, seeming to abruptly snap back to reality. He looked to Twilight, and then to Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. “The Shadow dared harm my baby brother. Wave Chill is one of the toughest stallion I've ever met. I know he's still alive, and we're going to get him back with your help, girls...” He turned to look Rainbow Dash straight in the face. She felt him squeeze her hoof back. “I want you by my side when we confront this, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow gave him a fierce look in return. “Absolutely!” She said confidently.

“Do you guys know where that shadow is now?” Pinkie Pie spoke up at last, ears drooped. “What if it hurts our friends? What if it reaches Ponyville?!”

“Look, dis threat ripped up the horses in charge a' Saddle 'rabia pretty easily!” Rapidfire said. “I expect who or what dis is will see Ponyville as too little a target. If ANY'TING, it'll go after Cloudsdale or Cantalot if it managed t' follow us 'ere.”

“The biggest mistake it'll make is attacking either!” Spitfire snarled. “Making its presence known on the front porch of the Regal Sisters? I almost welcome the possibility! The entire strength of the Wonderbolts is in Cloudsdale! The wielders of the Elements of Harmony are here in Ponyville. If this shadow makes a move, the combined forces of ourselves and Canterlot's Royal Guard, not to mention the power of the two Sisters, will annihilate it! We owe it for Wave Chill.”

“The Wonderbolts do make an excellent point, Pinkie!” Rarity said reassuringly, giving her a pat on the head. “It's just far too risky for anything to attack us! The good ponies will destroy it the second it does, my dear Pinkie Pie!”

A horrible possibility occurred to Rainbow Dash. She gave a shrill whistle to immediately gain everyone's attention. Spitfire threw her a sharp look, eyebrow raised as she glanced over the rim of her sunglasses.

“What if this shadow is aware of that?” Rainbow Dash said, frowning. “Yeah, okay, we'll beat the stuffing out of it if it rears its ugly head, but what if it tries a more stealthier approach? It targeted the Wonderbolts by LEADING them there! I'm sure it's behind that plea for help that Saddle Arabian royalty sent the Princess. I mean...” Dash said, running her hooves ruefully through her mane. “I like to pretend that my opponents are a buncha dummies, but this dark cloud or whatever... it sounds smart. Dangerously intelligent.”

“I subscribe to this possibility, Rainbow Dash.” Fleetfoot said, moving to stand next to her. “The Shadow was deceiving enough in its plans to draw the Wonderbolts far from our home territory. I believe it understands not to challenge us on our own turf, with the Elements and the forces of Canterlot so close at hoof. To increase the already escalated levels of danger The Shadow poses, another distinct probability is the fact that it may decide to use Wave Chill's safety as a weapon against us. The Shadow will realize that it is prohibitively unprofitable to make an obvious move. I believe it will use subterfuge.”

“So... 'the hell do we do?” Applejack asked, her voice almost sounding panicky. “Just sit n' wait for it that there shadow to try n' pick us apart separately?!”

“We will just sit and wait for the Princess' take on this whole matter.” Spitfire said simply. “The Wonderbolts will make no action without the command of one of the Sisters... So I'm going downstairs to wait. If you'll all excuse me...”

Spitfire pushed through the group to the stairs and proceeded down, lifting a hoof to adjust her sunglasses as she went. The rest of them fell silent. The Wonderbolts who had so far remained silent pushed by to join her, giving nods to each mare as they marched in single file.

“I will accompany the Captain as well.” Blaze said, inclining her head to Twilight Sparkle. “It was great to finally meet you all.”

The only ones left on the second floor were the six mares, Soarin, Fleetfoot, and Rapidfire. Fleetfoot and Rapidfire fell into quiet conversation, both looking very grave. Every now and then, Rainbow Dash could hear Rapidfire swearing. Soarin walked off to the edge of the circular room, sitting down and throwing his back against the wall. Dash hesitated to follow. She gave a little groan to herself, turning to Fluttershy.

“I dunno what to do... This is all, y'know, kinda scary... This whole thing is pretty lame.” Dash sighed, rubbing her arm absentmindedly.

“Do you think the Elements of Harmony will be strong enough to beat The Shadow? Whatever, um, it is...” Fluttershy asked meekly, sitting down and bowing her head.

“There's nothing we haven't been able to accomplish together!” Twilight Sparkle said, moving to sit next to Fluttershy. “I'm less concerned about our safety than that of the horses in Saddle Arabia. The country's military forces are with The Shadow.”

“I wish we had another name for this dreadful thing!” Rarity said, shivering. “Calling it 'The Shadow'... it makes it sound like it's a terrible curse. Like a nightmare!”

“Actually, that sounds like the perfect freaking way to put this!” Rainbow Dash said, feeling close to hysterics. “This IS like a nightmare. Imagine... the Wonderbolts couldn't stand a chance. I know we're amazing, but exactly how great are we? We couldn't even defeat King Sombra without Princess Cadance or the crystal ponies. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor defeated Queen Chrysalis themselves after we totally BLEW IT against the changelings! We're NOTHING without the Elements of Harmony! They're the only thing that makes us special!

“That's not true, Rainbow Dash!” Twilight said defiantly. “We are all resourceful and determined enough to overcome any obstacles we've had to face. Think of everything we've done without wielding the Elements. The Elements of Harmony don't make us, Rainbow Dash! They amplify the power and strength we already have!”

Rainbow fell silent, but nodded slowly. She had to admit, Twilight did have a point. Her mind wandered as she recalled everything they had all been through together. She felt a little more confident. She gazed quietly in the direction of Soarin, who was resting with his head in his knees, thinking. She just wanted to go get Scootaloo and go for a walk in the park, maybe visit her pet turtle Tank. She just wanted to put the worry and responsibility behind her and go eat some stupid ice cream. Was her life destined to be a roller-coaster? Every time things were looking up, they hit a peak and dipped back down into horrifying circumstances.

What could she do for Soarin? His brother could be in terrible danger. Or he could already be dead. Where was Princess Celestia? Why was this taking so long? Would she know what they were up against? 'The Shadow...' Rainbow thought to herself. What could it possibly be? Blaze said there was a conflict already ongoing when the other group of Wonderbolts returned from the desert. Could this shadow fight? How? Maybe The Shadow didn't fight at all, and the conflict was simply between the guards and the Wonderbolts.

Rainbow felt a hoof on her shoulder and she escaped from her reverie. She looked at it, seeing it was a light orange colour.

“Go to him, Dash. He needs ya right now.” Applejack said, jerking her head in Soarin's direction as she removed her hoof from Rainbow's shoulder.

Dash nodded and made her way over to sit next to Soarin. He lifted his head as he heard her sit down and turned to look at her. Rainbow Dash could see the fear in his eyes. She hated seeing him in this pain. Stretching out her arms, she wrapped them around his torso.

“Are you alright?” She asked him quietly, placing a kiss on his cheek.

“I'm...” He began, eyes darting as he seemed to be casting around for words that seemed to be lost in the sea of his thoughts. “I'm... I'm fine, I suppose. Just worried. I remain convicted that my brother is alive, but I should have kept a closer eye on him. I was focused on ensuring Blaze was with the group; Blaze is unfortunately not as fast as the rest of us, I was worried we would lose her to The Shadow. I should have watched out for Wave Chill just as much. He's my brother!”

“It's not your fault!” Dash said sternly. “You were all fleeing for your lives. You guys just gotta... regroup and figure out a plan. Once Princess Celestia arrives, we'll all plan together... and we'll get him back and destroy that thing!”

Soarin sighed. “It seems silly to think of now... it was my plan, you know, once we all got back from Saddle Arabia... I was going to ask you out on another date. Somewhere in Canterlot, maybe... a place where we could go dancing, see a show, chill out under the stars... I wanted to return triumphant! And now I don't know if I'm ever going to see my baby brother again...”

“Don't waste your time worrying about little ol' me!” Rainbow gave a laugh, trying to paint some humour into the proceedings. “There's more important things at stake right now... Yes, somehow more important than Rainbow Dash herself! You'll see Wave Chill again, man. We'll win this! Besides, he's not your 'baby' brother! You're fraternal twins! You're both thirty!”

“I was born five minutes earlier than him! I'm the big brother!” Soarin said, smiling in spite of himself. “I've always felt like I had to watch over Wave Chill. Funnily enough, there have been times where he's had to watch over me... but he'll always be my 'baby brother' in my eyes. I never once ever wanted anything to happen to him, even when we were kids and disagreed with each other...” He trailed off for a moment. He gave his head a vigorous shake, and slowly got to his feet, flexing his wings. “But you're right, Dashie. We're gonna get him back.”

He punched his hooves together, looking determined. Rainbow beamed at him in adoration. She stood up next to him, not even noticing the sudden, creeping darkness outside of the windows. The clouds had begun to gather and swirl around Twilight's house. There was a bright flash of lightning and roaring thunder.

“Guys!” Spike said, running into sight from the lower floor. “Everypony get down here!”

Dash looked out of the window, mouth falling open with surprise. The sun had gone out. It was suddenly as dark as twilight. For the briefest moment, she thought it might be The Shadow. But no, she had seen the clouds act like this before. She turned from the window, noticing that her friends had already rushed down the stairs. Rapidfire and Blaze tore after them. Only Soarin had stayed behind, waiting for her to join him.

“It must be Celestia. Hurry Dashie!” He said, extending a hoof to her.

“That's not Celestia!” Dash said, glancing back at the window as Soarin lead her back to the first floor.

Twilight's front door was open and everyone was proceeding outside. Rainbow could just see the tip of Blaze's bright orange tail whipping out of sight. Following Soarin into the street, Rainbow saw dozens of ponies in the square standing perfectly still, gazing enraptured at the sky.

As they raced to join the other Wonderbolts and her friends, all of which were dropping in a bow with the other townspeople, Dash glanced up at the swirling clouds and lightning. A great Gothic-styled chariot flew overhead, pulled by heavy chains connected to dark grey, bat-like pegasai in violet armour. Dash dropped low on her hooves, bowing her head.

She heard a clatter of hooves and the great swishing noise as a cloaked figure landed, their clothing transforming into a swarm of bats. She glanced up in wonder, still respectfully bowed. It, very clearly, was not Princess Celestia.

18 Dark Side of the Moon

It was Princess Luna.

Rainbow Dash watched as the Princess of the Night walked forward. There were hushed mutterings all around her as the townspeople stared in awe. The alicorn's great wings were extended, and her blue cobalt mane was flowing all around her as if caught in the wind, although the air was still and silent. She had a gossamer-fine aura around the edges of her hair and it seemed to sparkle in the darkness.

Luna's horn began to glow a light blue and her eyes became opaque spheres in her face. A bolt of lightning came crashing down, illuminating the square and striking the Princess in the horn. The clouds overhead began to swirl around once more, parting and dissolving until the sun shone brightly once more upon the street.

Rainbow Dash had an excited shiver coursing through her. Whatever dangers their present situation presented and however dire the circumstances were, the pegasus always felt elated whenever her eyes fell upon an alicorn. She could feel hope flooding back into her, her spirits elevating.

“Twilight Sparkle.” Came Luna's soft voice. “A pleasure, as always.”

“Princess Luna!” Twilight said, still bowed deeply. “Thank you for coming to Ponyville!”

Luna tapped her right forehoof on the ground once, leaving an abrasion on the cobblestone. “I will always be there when my subjects need me. Now... please, all of you!” The volume of her voice rose magnificently so that it thundered over the gathered ponies. Rainbow Dash could feel her hair rippling. “Rise. We should not spend any more time on formalities.”

Rainbow stood up straighter on her hooves, as did everyone else around her. Spitfire took a step forward, bowing yet again to Luna, albeit very briefly.

“Please, Your Highness...” Spitfire began, standing up straight to gaze into the face of the tall alicorn. “What is our plan?”

“I will explain all of the details once we have privacy.” Luna said, flexing her wings. “Approach me with your friends, Twilight. And you with your Wonderbolts, Captain.”

Rainbow Dash moved forward with the group, still with that feeling of hopefulness burning within her breast. Once they were all within a close distance to Luna, the Princess' horn began to glow anew once more. A thread of magic, black as the darkest void, shot straight into the air and split into fifteen separate streams. Each stream fell back to earth and struck a different pony. As each one connected, its target vanished on the spot with the rapidity of a light blub blowing. Rainbow Dash was one of the last to be struck.

As it connected with her, she felt her body contract as if she were about to break through the sound barrier during a Sonic Rainboom. Everything she could see faded to black and the effects of gravity seemed to have vanished from her body. She was just floating in the middle of nothingness.

After a few seconds, the contracting feeling faded away and she felt her hooves land upon a solid surface. It was strange to the touch, neither hot nor cold and with zero imperfections or other features. It was as if her limbs were numb, unable to feel. Looking up, Rainbow could see stars above her, even though it was still too dark to even make out her own body. The darkness and the stars... This was very strange, as it was still early enough in the afternoon that Scootaloo was still in school. Wherever Dash was, the air was very cool and refreshing. Each breath was incredible on her lungs.

A light suddenly flared next to her as Luna reappeared, her horn now glowing a bright white gold colour. Rainbow Dash could make out Applejack and Pinkie Pie standing next to her, and gasps told her that Rarity and Fluttershy were behind her. Twilight was standing next to Luna, with the Wonderbolts beyond them. On the edges of Rainbow Dash's vision, which was the extent that Luna's luminescence could reach, the light changed to all colours of the rainbow. Again, it was like Rainbow's Sonic Rainboom, only this time they could have been standing within the expanding ring.

“Where... where in tarnation are we?” Applejack said in surprise, immediately slapping a hoof to her mouth and blushing. “Princess, I am so sorry for that language!”

Luna smiled benignly. “It is of no consequence, Honest Applejack. We are within an enchanted prism, filled with perpetually flowing oxygen. We are on the dark side of the moon. I find it as good a place as any to be alone with my thoughts.”

Dash felt her jaw drop in wonder as she gazed around. Could this really be the moon? The darkness stretched out almost an eternally beneath them. It was impossible to tell whether or not the surface of the satellite was there or not. But still, the stars were indeed visible overhead. Dash lifted her arms and they felt light as feathers. 'It's true...' She thought to herself.

“Wow!” Pinkie said, perking up as she began to bounce around in a wide circle, soaring in great arcs with each leap. “It's like I'm completely weightless but I'm not because I still fall down! So it's like I'm completely weightless with a small rock tied to my left backhoof! But only that one!”

Twilight rolled her eyes, snagging Pinkie with her magic and pulling her back to the group.

“Let us get down to business, then!” Luna said briskly, turning on the spot to look at all of them. “My sister has sent me to speak with you all in her stead. We have both agreed that Princess Celestia is of much better use remaining in Canterlot where she can better protect her servants and subjects. We have also agreed to unite the Elements of Harmony with your forces, Captain. Depending on the severity of the threat, I may assist you myself.”

Dash gave a start of surprise. Princess Luna might be joining them? The Shadow wouldn't stand a chance! Perhaps things would work themselves out after all?

Spitfire nodded in agreement as she and the Wonderbolts moved forward to stand next to the mares. “We are most grateful, Your Highness.”

“Please, explain to me the full details of what transpired in Saddle Arabia.” Luna requested, sitting down before them with her arms outstretched on the featureless floor of the prism. This put her at eye-level with the Wonderbolt Captain.

Within five minutes, Spitfire had explained everything she knew. The plea for help from Saddle Arabia and the false dragon dangers. Their investigating of security, the ambush by The Shadow and the guards turning on them. The deaths of the Ambassador's militia, the attacks on the innocent, and their flight from the desert.

“So you see...” Spitfire concluded. “It was only after we had breached through the mountains that we noticed Wave Chill had disappeared. We fear he was taken by The Shadow.”

Rainbow Dash looked quickly at Soarin, who was standing next to her at that point. He had a fierce and defiant look on his face. She caught his eye and gave him a reassuring smile, extending a wing to grasp one of his own.

“Very well.” Luna said, standing up once again. “Making haste to Ponyville was a wise decision, it is not where this threat would expect you to flee, I think. All evidence points to the possibility that this enemy's focus is on eliminating the Wonderbolts. We can only pray that your teammate survives. This shadow may attempt to use him to lure the rest of you into danger. We should plan for this, because we will use it to our advantage.”

“Princess Luna, do you have a suggestion for our first strategic move?” Rarity asked, tossing her mane. “It may seem, forgive me, foolish to charge straight into the open to confront The Shadow for demands!”

“I agree. Celestia has already suggested a passive move on our part. We must monitor the situation in Saddle Arabia from afar. The Shadow may return to the desert. If the innocent are threatened, we will take our flight there, Elements of Harmony in tow!” Luna said, her voice rippling over them once again. “If The Shadow makes a strike against Canterlot or Cloudsdale, we will respond with our full might.”

Rainbow Dash walked forward, giving Princess Luna a quick bow. “If ya ask me, it's likely that this shadow flew back to the desert. It lured the Wonderbolts into danger, right? And now... its got Wave Chill.” Dash looked around at the group, her mouth rather dry. “It captured a Wonderbolt, one of the bravest and greatest fliers in Equestria! The Shadow will expect a rescue mission, am I right?”

“I'm with you, Rainbow Dash!” Spitfire said, ripping her sunglasses off her face. “It can be damn sure that we will attempt at rescue mission.” Unlike Applejack, Spitfire did not apologize for the language. “So I agree with Celestia, let's keep an eye on the situation in the Saddrabian capital. If The Shadow expects us to charge back in full force, we may be able to take it by surprise with a quiet infiltration. What's more, the royals and peasants alike know that the military joined up with whatever the hell darkness has taken hold! For all we know, a full scale revolution is taking place as we speak and the military will be torn to pieces by the very taxpayers who line their pockets.”

“A'ight, so...” Rapidfire spoke up, bowing to Luna. “How's we gon' know what's goin' on over in Saddle 'rabia from 'ere? If we're gon' keep our eyes on th' sand to see how th' cards play out, wouldn't we need ta be dere?”

“Yeah! That's totally a good question, Princess!” Surprise said, speaking for the first time and tossing her golden hair in excitement. “We should totally, like, I dunno, tap into the radios, maybe? Or... Oh! What's the word you call somepony who is sent to spy on someone? A fly?”

'Looks like the Wonderbolts have an... eccentric pony themselves, just like Pinkie Pie.' Rainbow thought to herself as Spitfire looked daggers at Surprise. 'I never noticed that before...'

“Well, shoot! We'd need a spy!” Applejack said, tipping her hat with a smack from her hoof.

“That's the word, that's the word!” Surprise said gleefully.

“Indeed. An act of espionage into the Saddrabian capital would prove most beneficial. Somepony to collect the vital intelligence we need to know the severity of the threat of The Shadow, the extent of the corruption of the military forces, and what actions the Saddrabian royalty may be taking to swing the odds back in our favour.” Fleetfoot agreed, tugging at the strap of her goggles absentmindedly. “Moreover, there is the distinctive probability that Wave Chill will be held captive there. Successful infiltration may lead us to the location of our comrade.”

There were mutterings of agreement from the assembled group at these words. They all began to discuss the advantages and disadvantages, debating the right tactics and wondering aloud what news a spy could possibly dig up. Rainbow Dash noticed Luna was not speaking, but merely turning her head to each speaker in turn to listen. Luna had a look that suggested deep thought, although she still seemed to be picking up on every word.

“Very well.” Luna spoke at last. “A spy will be sent into the Saddrabian capital while the rest remain behind to maintain the defenses at home. There is ever the possibility that The Shadow will still attack.”

“Princess Luna, um... who will you be sending?” Fluttershy asked in a tiny voice, looking very intimidated as she addressed the alicorn.

“I will go myself. I will not put any of my subjects in danger.” Luna said simply, flexing her wings again.

“Uh...” Dash said, rubbing her arm. “No offense meant, Luna, but... you're not exactly a subtle looking pony...” Dash focused on the everflowing mane and the dual features of both a unicorn horn and pegasus wings.

“You memory betrays you, Loyal Rainbow Dash.” Luna said with a smile. “My body can take many forms; I can disguise myself most efficiently. You yourself have seen three different Princesses of the Night.”

“I must say...” Rarity spoke up, frowning. “I'm not a great fan of the conception of placing one of our dear Princesses in harrowing danger!”

“I will go.” Luna repeated firmly. “There will be no more objections. This prism has been permanently connected to Canterlot ever since I had successfully broken free my containment here as Nightmare Moon. I can travel to this prism and back from a single specific spot with a spell, as demonstrated when I brought you all here. I will go. If I am discovered, a great improbability in and of itself, I can warp myself here in an instant and flee to safety in Canterlot. I will go.”

“I trust our Princess.” Soarin said, speaking for the first time since Luna's arrival.

“As do I, Soarin.” Spitfire agreed. “It's decided, then. The Wonderbolts will stand alert and ready for the intelligence the Princess will gather. In the meantime, we will do our best to protect our kingdom. We must take into account Wave Chill's safety, though. If he still lives...” Spitfire trailed off a moment, her composure slipping slightly as she looked into Soarin's eyes. “... if he still lives, then each passing day will likely place him in more danger.”

“Exactly!” Blaze said, nodding. “I don't think we should wait longer than a week before we act against The Shadow. We'll rescue Soarin's brother, and the Elements of Harmony will blast The Shadow to bits!”

Luna turned to face the six. “I will move the Wonderbolts to Canterlot for their own safety. I shall send a battalion of winged guards to patrol Cloudsdale. In the meantime, I'll send you all back to Ponyville. I suggest you all make your preparations and be ready to leave at a moment's notice, just in case. You will have the Elements waiting for you when it is time to act.

I pray I will be able to discover precisely what we are up against during my infiltration. For now, Twilght Sparkle... you and your friends make your peace with your loved ones. This could very well be the greatest danger any of us have faced.”

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes a moment, mulling it all over. The prospect of fighting this great evil in a foreign kingdom with a hostile military guarding it... it was not the adventure she had been hoping for. This would truly be a dangerous mission. There would be no fun and games, no singing, no laughter. Wave Chill's life was in danger or already over, the Princess was worried and was putting her own life into danger in order to get them vital information to aid their plight. Was this real fear Rainbow was experiencing?

Everything seemed to have happened so fast. Her friends were saying their farewells to the Wonderbolts. Blaze was shaking hooves all around and smiling, seemingly doing her best to maintain good faith. They would need to return to Ponyville. Were their lives truly going to be in real danger? Would the Elements even be enough? How she was going to explain all of this to Scootaloo?

'My little Scoots...' Rainbow felt cold at the thought of losing to this shadow. Losing to this great evil... Would Scootaloo have to suffer through the grief of losing a mother all over again? 'No!' Rainbow Dash would not let it happen. She grit her teeth, breathing deeply. Rainbow and her friends had never truly failed before. They would have the Wonderbolts on their side. They would have Princess Luna on their side. 'We're not going to lose!'

They couldn't lose.

“Soarin...” Rainbow said, breaking her train of thought and approaching him.

“Dashie... I'm sorry we had to drag you and your friends into this...” Soarin said, shaking his head and hugging her.

“No, Soarin... this is destiny! You told me you wanted me by your side, and I'm gonna be there! We will all be there. It don't matter if this shadow attacks Canterlot, or Cloudsdale, or if we take the fight to Saddle Arabia! We'll meet it, we'll beat it, the two dorky brothers will be reunited...” Dash paused, looking him full in the face with her arms around his waist. Leaning forward, she pressed her lips against his. Before she closed her eyes, she saw Spitfire turn resolutely away to face in another direction. Rainbow Dash did not even care if anyone else was watching. She felt his arms wrap around her neck and the kiss was not broken for several long moments. It was blissful oblivion, as if the danger temporarily did not exist. “... and then you may take me on another date!”

Soarin gave her a much stronger smile, running a hoof softly across her face. “You're on! I guess we'll see you all in a week!”

“Be strong, Soarin! For Wave's sake!” Rainbow smiled at him.

“Are you all ready to return?” Princess Luna asked, her eyes travelling from mare to mare.

“Let's dooo thiiiis!” Pinkie cheered.

The black beams shot from Luna's horn once more. Rainbow watched as her friends were struck and vanished from sight. She felt the beam connect with her body, which began to contract like before. She took a deep breath before everything went dark.

19 To Be Bearers of Bad News

Rainbow's eyes were assaulted by the sun's rays as the street outside of Twilight Sparkle's tree house flooded back into view. Swearing under her breath, Dash squinted hard to purge the blotches from her eyes.

“Is... is anypony as scared as I am...?” Fluttershy said after a moment of silent, shuffling her wings nervously.

“Y'all could say that, sugarcube...” Applejack nodded, approaching the fence lining the road and climbing atop it to sit.

“So...” Pinkie said, thrusting her head into the sky. “You guys think The Shadow is out there? I think it's out there. I hope it's not out there, but I think it is!”

“Hopefully that thing has returned to the East!” Rarity said, tossing her mane. “The farther away we are from that monstrosity, the happier a pony I'll be!”

“You DO realize we're going to fight it anyways, right?” Dash asked, rubbing her eyes more aggressively, blinking the last vestiges of blurriness from her vision. “How else are we gonna rescue Soarin's brother?”

“Exactly.” Twilight nodded. “I'm going to go inside to do some research on Saddle Arabia. Anyone want to join me?”

“That sounds really... fascinating! Yeah, no.” Dash said, folding her arms and leaning against the fence next to Applejack.

“That's actually a great idea!” Rarity said, beaming. “We could see what their history on spas are. I hear the sizzling and scorching desert sun can utterly destroy a unicorn's skin!”

“I wanna come too!” Pinkie said, bouncing along to follow Twilight into the house. “Maybe the desert has WATERPARKS?! That's a cool way to keep cool in the sun! A desert must be FILLED with cooling cool WATERPARKS!”

“The more I hear Pinkie Pie speak, the more I think we're going to absolutely bite it out there...” Dash sighed, not really sure where her rudeness was coming from. Perhaps this was affecting her far more than she realized. “What a total mess this is going to be. Sorry ladies, but not even my swagger is gonna win this...”

Fluttershy flew over to sit next to Applejack, who was holding her hat in her hooves, staring at it.

“Y'all think this will be more dangerous than King Sombra, or more powerful than Discord?” AJ asked, shaking her head. “Exactly how strong are the Wonderbolts? I mean, what kinda muscles is The Shadow supposed t' be packin' to buck 'em off to the potato farm?!”

“The Wonderbolts are like an elite team of mercenaries!” Rainbow Dash explained. “Not everything done at the Wonderbolts Academy is flight training, AJ. They can all whoop themselves a few chumps in a fight. That's why Celestia contracted them, I guess. They've got brains, too. I've been told Fleetfoot is an awesome strategist, and both Blaze and Rapidfire can command their teams in battle to overcome any random jerks... at least as far as training exercises can go, anyway...”

“The Shadow and the Saddrabian military almost destroyed them, though...” Fluttershy reminded them, looking worried.

The three of them fell into silence. Rainbow held a hoof to her eyes, gazing up into the sky. The enemy was described as a moving shadow or dark cloud, but there was no blemish on the horizon. Spreading her wings, she took off straight into the sky to get a better view. The skies over the countryside and around the mountain supporting Canterlot looked quite clear.

“I hope we can pull this off. It would be a terrible tragedy if they lost their teammate...” Applejack said in a strained voice as Rainbow Dash landed back on the ground. “I can't imagine how Soarin must be feelin' right now...”

“He's tougher than he looks, but Soarin is incredibly close to his brother.” Dash said simply, flopping back against the fence and putting her face in her hooves. “I don't like seeing him suffer... so, I guess we can't freaking lose!”

“This may seem mighty inappropriate to ask... 'specially given the present circumstances, but are you going out with Soarin now? At least he has y'all by his side to give him moral support, Rainbow Dash.” Applejack said, giving her a gentle tap on the arm.

“No...” Dash said, shaking her head. “We agreed to slow things down a notch after the night of the airshow... I mean, we don't mind kissing and junk! We ain't kids, we can make out, but we're hardly, y'know, a 'couple'... eh...” Dash trailed off, pushing off of the fence with her wings. “Doesn't matter to me, though! He's in my life right now and you can be daaaamn sure I'll be there in his! Be it here or in that desert!”

“I think you two are great for each other!” Fluttershy smiled warmly. “Especially now, you're both very strong and confident. We'll beat the bad guys with you two on our side...”

“I hope so, Flutters...” Rainbow spoke in a stronger voice. “Uh... what's the time, girls? We should probably go grab Rarity, AJ. School must be getting out soon. I need... I need to see Scootaloo right now. Preeetty badly.”

Applejack slapped her hat back on, gazing up in the direction of the sun. “Yeah, I'd reckon it's about that time...” She looked back down, giving Rainbow Dash a smile. “If y'all are worried about dyin' to this shadow, don't be ridiculous! We got this in the barrel!”

“Yeah, I guess!” Rainbow said, feeling a little more animated. “No point in really being worried, huh? We are pretty awesome, and we have been through some WILD things!” Rainbow flexed her wings confidently and strolled off in the direction of Twilight's door. “But I still wanna see my little filly, though!”

Applejack laughed. “Well, duh!”

Within five minutes, Rainbow Dash found herself walking along with Rarity and Applejack. Despite the warmth of the day and their brashness in believing that this threat could be one they were destined to conquer, Dash still felt a chill running down her spine occasionally.

'Make peace with your loved ones.' These words from Luna had been echoing in Rainbow's brain ever since they had arrived back on the earth. It was one thing to be confident in themselves, but when Princess Luna herself was considering the possibility that not all would go well, the level of the danger looked insurmountable.

“Rainbow Dash! SIS!” Came a small and cheerful voice, almost bursting with joy.

Dash had barely noticed they were already at the school. It appeared that classes had only just ended, as students were still pouring out of the building. Rainbow's heart rose into her throat as the little orange pegasus ran to greet her, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom just behind her. Dash sat down on her flank and held her arms out, allowing Scootaloo to jump into them.

“I missed you today, kiddo!” Dash beamed, giving Scootaloo a rapid series of kisses to the cheek. “Dashie's so happy to see you!”

“Uh, yeah... kinda hard not to notice with all these GROSS KISSES!” Scootaloo giggled. She made no attempt to get away, however. “I missed you too, I suppose!”

“Rarity, I got my grades back!” Sweetie cheered, jumping up and down and throwing her head up proudly.

“Do explain how well you did, little sister! All A's, I am sure! Passed with an array of flying colours!” Rarity said pretentiously.

“Wiiith distinction!” Sweetie said, polishing her hoof on her chest.

“Just wait until I tell Mummy and Daddy!” Rarity beamed. “Their children are just the most intelligent and beautiful things in creation!”

“Get yer heads out of the clouds!”Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, turning to grin at Applejack. “Me n' Applejack don't go paradin' our egos for all of Ponyville to see!”

“Only 'cause we don't need to!” Applejack laughed, ruffling Apple Bloom's hair. “Didja do well?”

“Yup! Me n' Scoots were in the top three of the year! Sweetie Belle was the top 'cause she's a nerd!” Bloom laughed, reaching over to Scootaloo to hoof bump her.

“That's a funny way of saying 'she's the best', Bloom!” Sweetie said, fluffing her curly hair much like her elder sister.

“Yeah, yeah!” Rainbow chipped in with an amused voice, aiming to bring the boasting to an end, but failing miserably. “Me and Scoots are the best sister pair here, so no point tooting your OWN horns! Remember racing to Winsome Falls on that camping trip? That's what I thought!” Applejack and Rarity rolled their eyes, but started to laugh anyway. “I'm so proud of how well ya did, Scootaloo!” Dash continued, hugging Scoot tightly. “But I wanna grab a quick word with Cheerilee, alright? Be right back!”

Dash released the filly from the hug and jumped into the air, flying quickly over the ponies, students and parents alike, to the steps of the schoolhouse. She found Cheerilee in the main classroom as before. The mare was dusting around the desks, humming pleasantly to herself.

“Hey!” Rainbow spoke to announce her presence.

“Oh! Good afternoon, Rainbow Dash!” Cheerilee said, looking up at her. “You're on time? I'm surprised!”

Dash rolled her eyes. “I hate ya sometimes, Cheerilee! That'll never stop being a thing.”

Cheerilee grinned at her. “You know I can't take you seriously, Rainbow Dash.”

Dash gave a laugh. “I suppose not! Anyways, I wanted to ask how how Scootaloo has been this week. Since it was the last day and all...”

“She's been doing very well. I saw no worrisome behaviour. Scootaloo seemed to be a little on edge as they were studying for the end of year tests, but it seemed to be just common nerves experienced by any student when it comes to examinations.” Cheerilee explained, straightening out a few of the desks. “I'll be teaching the second grade class next semester, so I'll have her again if you'd like me to continue keeping an eye on her mood.”

“That's great news! The Crusaders are pretty fond of you, so being their teacher again in the fall should make Scoots very happy! And yes, please keep me informed on how she's doing!”

“It's my pleasure, Rainbow Dash! Speaking of the Crusaders, any hair-brained schemes lately?” Cheerilee asked. “The last thing I heard was about the clubhouse incident, but that was nearly three months ago now.”

“Just their usual silly stunts! Broken bones, screaming, that sort of thing!” Dash said, smiling. “They're actually pretty overdue to do something that'll probably end with one of them in the hospital or something horrifying like that. Any day now, I suppose...”

Dash trailed off. She wanted to move the discussion back to Scootaloo's anxiety. Rainbow trusted Cheerilee enough to mention The Shadow and how she would need to tell Scoot. However, Dash did not want to admit that she herself was scared. The very idea that there was a risk to Rainbow's life was not something she wanted to ponder. It was made a million times worse in her eyes whenever she remembered that it would result in Scootaloo being orphaned once more.

“... something on your mind, Dash?” The teacher spoke up, noticing that Dash was just standing in place.

“Oh!” Dash said in surprise, snapping back to reality. “I... yes, actually. There is...”

Just like when Cheerilee had told her about Scootaloo acting anxious, Dash sat down on top of one of the desks. “I'll be brief, since I don't want to keep them all waiting...”

Rainbow Dash quickly explained about the situation in Saddle Arabia and how the wielders of the Elements would be teaming up with the Wonderbolts to fight it. She excluded details such as Princess Luna, however. Cheerilee just sat there listening, a concerned expression on her face growing to a look of great trepidation by the time Rainbow had finished.

“So...” Dash concluded. “I'm worried that telling Scootaloo is going to knock her anxiety into overdrive!”

“I understand why you're scared, Rainbow Dash, but not telling Scootaloo something this important will do her a disservice...” Cheerilee said after a short pause, looking Dash full in the face. “Besides, how are you going to explain the fact that you are eventually going to have to leave for the Eastern continent?”

“You've got a point...” Rainbow sighed, staring at her own hooves.

“If you explain all of this to her with your normal... well, forgive me for this little bit of startling truth! If you explain this all to her with your normal arrogance, I believe the blow will be softened. If she believes that you are not afraid, I believe her faith in her mother will be strong enough to allow her to simply cheer you on, rather than fall into anxious concern.” Cheerilee explained, smiling kindly.

“It's amazing that you can keep insulting me, but I'll always consider you my friend!” Dash grinned. “Sort of how I treat you when you don't shut the hell up with your lectures! We've known each other too long, I suppose!” Dash stood up, flexing her wings. “Thanks for your advice, Cheerilee. I appreciate everything you've helped me through over the years.”

“I'll always be there, Dash! Come over for coffee when you return!” Cheerilee said as Rainbow turned to leave. “I'd like to hear all about it!”

“Will do!” Dash said as she left the classroom.

Once back outside, Rainbow Dash noticed the three fillies roaring with laughter at a story Applejack was telling them. Rarity heard her approaching and turned to spot her walking down from the school.

“Sorry I took so long. I told Cheerilee about our little mission...” Rainbow said in a low voice to Rarity.

“That's quite alright, my dear! Applejack has been entertaining the girls with the tale of all the silly and alarmingly stupid things the pair of you had done during that Iron Pony competition you both participated in!” Rarity explained.

“Oh goodie, I love having my embarrassing stories told!” Dash rolled her eyes.

“And t' cap it all off...” Applejack chortled. “We didn't even win! Twilight placed higher than we did! The look on Rainbow Dash's face...!”

Applejack was roaring with laughter, a sharp series of deep 'ayhucks!' coming out of her which she seemed unable to control.

“Sheesh! That REALLY sounds painful! Don't die on us, AJ! That would just be awful!” Dash said sarcastically, walking over and giving Applejack a rather heavy punch to the shoulder. “Anyways, let's blow this apple-stand! I'm sure you girls don't wanna see this school again for another two months!”

“Huah... haaa! Hoo... phew! So, ah heh,where are y'all headed?” Applejack asked, taking deep breathes and rubbing her shoulder gingerly.

“We're gonna go see Tank in his pond!” Scootaloo grinned happily, giving her wings a little buzz.

“How come you guys don't keep Tank in your house, Rainbow Dash?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Seems awfully silly to me!”

“Are you kiddin'?” Dash asked, bending low for Scootaloo to scramble on to her back. “I'm not gonna let that poor creature wander around a house with stairs! He's way faster in the water! And his flying mechanism is too dangerous indoors, anyway! So he stays at the pond. Tank's a lot happier outdoors... so we just go and visit him all the time!”

“Aww, can we go too, Applejack?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Sorry, youngin!” Applejack said, picking up her hat, which had fallen on the ground during her laughing fit. “I, uh, need y'all to help me 'round the barn!”

Applejack gave both Rainbow Dash and Rarity a meaningful look. Dash knew that Applejack was planning on breaking the news of the mission to Saddle Arabia to her sister. Rarity seemed to be thinking along the same lines as she immediately mentioned that she wanted Sweetie Belle to help her with a new dress design.

“I guess we'll see you girls later!” Dash said, returning the same look to her friends. She extended her wings and gave them a little flick.

“See you two later!” Scootaloo said to her best friends from astride Rainbow Dash, her wings buzzing excitedly again.

The pair of them launched high into the air. Rainbow Dash felt Scootaloo's arms and legs tighten against her mane and neck as she flew off toward the northern woods on the outskirts of Ponyville. During the entire flight, she was trying to make simple small talk with Scootaloo while her mind was distracted with her own worries. Once again, her nerves were crashing over her like waves upon the base of a cliff. Rainbow had made up her mind; she would tell Scootaloo the moment they landed.

The journey to the pond did not take long, and soon Rainbow Dash was dropping down to land next to the sparkling water. She breathed in the cool air blowing off of the surface of the pond as the summer sun continued to beam overhead. She glanced around for her pet.

“There he is!” Rainbow said brightly, jabbing a hoof at a large and green tortoise sleeping peacefully on the edge of the water. Scootaloo slipped down off Rainbow's back and made to rush off to wake him, but Dash held out an arm. “Actually... wait... just a moment, Scoots...” She had pointed Tank out in a vain attempt to delay the uncomfortable conversation, but she wanted to correct that mistake.

Scoot paused, turning to stare up into Dash's face with her purple-grey eyes. “Uh... Why, Sis? He sleeps all day! I can wake him up!”

“It's not that, Scoots...” Dash said, sitting down on the grass next to her and pulling the filly into her lap. She wrapped her wings around Scootaloo and kissed her forehead. Scoot was looking a little alarmed at this sudden show of affection.

“Sis, is there something wrong?” She asked, frowning with her head slightly tilted to one side.

Rainbow Dash placed a hoof gently against the orange filly's cheek, feeling as though everything was closing in around her. What if Scootaloo could tell she was scared? She grit her teeth, her red eyes staring into the purple ones of the filly she so loved.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke. “Dashie's got something she needs to tell you.”

20 My Sister's Keeper

The orange pegasus looked up into her sister's eyes. Dash wore a worried expression, but did not break the gaze they were sharing. Scootaloo adjusted herself in Rainbow’s lap, still frowning and looking completely oblivious. Dash was teetering on the verge of speech, but fear was holding her back. She simply held the filly close to her. As Dash closed her eyes, she focused on her sense of smell. The smell of the grass and the pond, the vanilla scent of Scootaloo's hair, remnant of the shampoo Scoot had used in her bath the previous evening, and the fresh scent on the air were all distracting her. Rainbow Dash found it all inexpressibly comforting. She could have just sat there on the grass with her child forever, just to keep the evils of the upcoming future at bay and to nullify her own worries.

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo yelled, sounding impatient. “Why aren't you letting me go play? You're acting all weird! Uh... did I do something wrong, or something?”

“I... of course not, baby...” Rainbow said, giving Scoot a tight squeeze. “I just got distracted with my thoughts...”

“Well, spit it out!” Scootaloo huffed. “You said you had to tell me something, and we're just sitting here bored! I wanna play with Tank...”

She couldn't do it. Her resolution was failing her. She had to tell the filly about what was going to happen. She had to tell the filly about the potential of the upcoming conflict. She had to tell the filly about what Dash and her friends would be facing.

“... you go ahead, Scoots.” Rainbow spoke at last, releasing the girl and ruffing her hair and mane.

“Okay...” Scootaloo said, walking away and turning her head back to look at Rainbow Dash. “As long as you're okay, M-... Sis.”

Dash had barely heard her. She was inwardly cursing her own cowardice. She was ashamed with herself. Cheerilee was absolutely right; Scootaloo deserved to know something this important. 'But how in the ever-loving name of Celestia's socks am I gonna tell her without jolting the anxiety?' Dash thought, slapping her hooves to her temples and rubbing them, wings unfolded but laying limp on the ground. 'I can't act like I'm not scared... that's one act I'll never sell right now.'

Dash tried to think about what was causing her terror. She had certainly faced down evil before. Rainbow Dash remembered the moment when Nightmare Moon had appeared before Ponyville in the town hall. She had been the first one to speak out against the terrible mare who had caused Princess Celestia to vanish. She had not felt fear then, but rage. It was the same with Discord; there was no fear when facing the embodiment of chaos. Queen Chrysalis, again, gave her no fear. She was determined to help her friends reach the Elements of Harmony, desperate to take down an army of changelings all by herself if she absolutely had to.

It was only King Sombra who had caused the smallest tingle of fear. She could remember the way he traversed the tundra to chase after them when they had first arrived in the frozen wasteland surrounding the Crystal Empire. The form he had taken was a great shadow with horribly vivid green eyes, rippling across the snow like smoke. When the barrier surrounding the kingdom had fallen, the same smoke had surrounded them from all sides, closing in like nightfall.

She found herself shivering. It was the appearance of King Sombra when he was transformed into the smoke that had frightened her the most. Was that why she was afraid of The Shadow? Dash had already considered the possibility that The Shadow itself was King Sombra in some form. But she realized that that couldn't possibly make any sense; Sombra was dead. Once the Crystal Heart had been activated, the unicorn tyrant had shattered like a hammer to glass. Nightmare Moon had returned to her senses and once more became Princess Luna. Queen Chrysalis and her changelings had been blasted straight out of Equestria. Discord was a currently a stone statue sitting in Celestia's courtyard. Sombra was a shattered corpse. The only evils she knew of were certainly all accounted for, if Dash considered the Spirit of Disharmony to be evil.

What, then, was The Shadow?

“Chase me, Tank!” Scootaloo's voice floated up on the breeze from the pond and Rainbow looked over.

Scoot was swimming in the pond, giggling as the tortoise tore through the water after her. She was using her buzzing wings to propel herself through the water like a motor. Dash smiled as she watched them play. Did she really want to spoil the fun by telling Scootaloo about Saddle Arabia? Of course she didn't. But would she have to anyway?

“You won't be able to hide from this, Rainbow Dash...” She told herself, wrapping her arms around her chest and folding her wings in at last. The blue pegasus frowned, eyes locked on to Scootaloo. “Just... tell her. Confident or not! Just... do it. Call out... right now! Alright, in a second... go! Dammit...”

Hesitation, yet again! Dash stood up, eyes squinted as if she were trying to resist physical pain. She took a deep breath as if steeling herself, and threw her caution to the wind. With a great gallop, she took off running down to the water and jumped, wings outstretched to glide, and dived in just as Scootaloo zoomed beneath.

Dash swam a few feet down, brushing the dirt and clay with her hooves, and resurfaced again. She felt Tank bump gently into her and grinned at him, patting the reptile's head as he nuzzled her face with his chin. Scootaloo swam back over to them, beaming at her 'big sister'.

“Nice of you to drop in!” Scoot giggled, slapping a lily pad into Dash's face.

“You brat!” Dash laughed, pulling the plant out of her hair.

“Was staaarting to think you were afraid of water or something! I'm surprised you even take baths!” Scootaloo laughed, moving over to Tank and scrambling on to his shell.

“I only take baths with you!” Dash said, extending a wing out to Scootaloo and shoving her off the shell and back into the water, causing the filly to erupt in laughter again. “Big girls take showers on their own!”

“You're a 'big girl' now, are you?” Scootaloo teased, still roaring with laughter. “Coulda fooled me! Never seen a big girl afraid of getting wet!” Scootaloo splashed Dash and turned to swim quickly away.

Dash flopped forward and caught Scootaloo by the tail with her teeth. She pulled the filly back and into a hug, grinding her hair in a noogie. “Does Dashie look like she's afraid of water?! Besides...” She paused for the briefest moment, ready to finally start this conversation right. “I want to have a swim with you before I have to leave you.”

The moment the words left her mouth, Dash regretted saying them. Scootaloo turned quickly to face her, the smile slipping off her young face like rain on a window. Scoot's eyelids scrunched and she bit down on her lip. To complete the picture of misery, the filly's ears were bent as low as they would go. The change in the filly's behaviour was immediate.

“You're... gonna leave me?” Scoot asked in a suddenly choked voice, blinking as her eyes began to wet. “I'm n-not a good sister...?”

“No, no, no!” Dash said at once, horrified at what she had done and swearing to herself in her head. “No, Scootaloo! Not like that! I'm so sorry, baby, that was an awful thing for me to say!”

With a great splash, Rainbow Dash pulled herself out of the water by flicking the water from her wings and flapping them hard. Still holding Scootaloo in her arms, she landed on the water's edge and cradled her. She felt the panic rise like a flame in her chest as the realized the little pegasus was crying quietly. All of Rainbow's careful planning to avoid setting off Scootaloo's anxiety, and she tumbled down the staircase with her first movement.

“My Scoot...” Dash cooed softly, rubbing Scootaloo between the filly's wings. “I would never leave you forever. Your sister loves you so very much. Please, don't cry...”

“W-why did y-you say...” Scootaloo choked, sobbing into Rainbow's chest. “T-that you were l-leaving... that's what... that's what... the other one s-said! S-she said she had t-to leave me... she never... came back!”

Dash leaned back and tucked a hoof under Scootaloo's chin, tilting the child's head back so she could look into the dull purple eyes, streaming with their tears. Dash still felt like her chest had a gaping hole in it. She placed a kiss on Scoot's forehead. “That will never happen to you ever again! I'm so sorry, Scoots. Dashie should have realized... what I said was stupid! I said it very stupidly, Scoot!"

Scootaloo was still crying softly, taking erratic breaths and quaking all over. “I d-don't wanna be alone again...” Scoot whimpered, gasping as her breath caught in her chest.

“It's okay, Scootaloo.” Dash reassured, resting her chin on Scoot's wet hair. “Everything is fine. You don't have to be afraid. I'm never going to leave you. Why would I? You're a great little sister! Ssh, now... take a couple of nice, deep breathes for me, alright?” Rainbow asked her as Scoot started to choke and cough as her body heaved with sobs and distress. “Try not to let your tears fall, just breathe and remember how much of a brave little girl you are.”

Rainbow Dash felt Scootaloo nod under her chin and pulled the filly back in closer to her, one arm wrapped around the back of Scoot's head and one around her back. Dash was doing her best to stay calm herself, fear rising within her as she felt the younger pegasus shivering violently in her arms. However, as the seconds trickled by, the length of time between the spasms was increasing and Scootaloo's crying had grown silent as the filly regained more and more control over herself. It wasn't until Scootaloo's breathing felt and sounded normal did Dash lean back again so she could see the filly's face. She rubbed her arm, surprisingly well dried in the warm sun, across Scootaloo's eyes and then her nose. Tank had made his slow way over to them by now, and was resting his head in Scootaloo's lap. Scootaloo looked down and started petting him softly.

“That's my girl...” Dash said warmly, placing a kiss on Scootaloo's forehead again. “I'm so sorry I told you that, Scootaloo. I really am! What I meant to say... I've gotta go on a little trip soon. Me, and Applejack, and Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy, and Twilight. We've all gotta go away for a little while, but we'll come back very soon...”

“How... how come you gotta go?” Scootaloo asked after a moment, her voice very hoarse as she continued to pet the tortoise's head as Tank licked her belly softly, almost like a dog would.

“Well... do you remember when Nightmare Moon came? The six of us had to band together to defeat her, so Princess Luna could come back to her old self and Princess Celestia could return and raise the sun again.” Dash explained, watching Scootaloo nod her head again. “Same thing with that Discord guy... remember when Ponyville went totally nuts?”

Scootaloo gave a tiny giggle. “Heh... yeah...”

“Your sister gotta go beat up the bad guys again with her friends, that's all! And we're gonna be with the Wonderbolts and Princess Luna!”

Scootaloo looked up at her, a small shiver of excitement in her reddened eyes. “Princess Luna too?”

“Yup!” Dash said, nuzzling Scoot with her face. “She's gonna help us. Isn't that cool?”

“Yeah... it is!” Scootaloo agreed, starting to sound cheerful again. “And you're gonna come back, right?”

Dash smiled down at the filly, rubbing her back again. “I'll make sure I do! I could never stay away from my favourite sister forever!”

“I'm your only sister!” Scootaloo corrected her, beaming. “Still your favourite, though!”

Dash placed an arm under either of Scootaloo's arms and lifted her bodily into the air, the filly's grin becoming a radiant smile. “You are, absolutely, my all-time favourite pony ever!” Dash said, smiling up at her. “Forever and ever!”

Scootaloo buzzed her wings gleefully, as if trying to pretend that she was using them to hover in the air. Scoot reached a hoof to her eyes and rubbed them quickly, gazing down at Rainbow Dash in total adoration and affection. “I love you, Sis...”

Dash lowered Scootaloo into her chest, wrapping her arms around the pegasus in another hug. “I love you more!”

“Nuh uh!” Scoot giggled.

“Are you gonna to be a big and brave girl for me while I'm away?” Dash asked, running a hoof through Scootaloo's light fuchsia hair and mane.

Scootaloo nodded into Rainbow Dash's chest. “I'm gonna try... when are you going? Actually, uh... WHERE are you going? How long will you be gone for?”

“I will probably have to go aaall the way across the ocean to Saddle Arabia! I dunno when we're gonna be leaving or how long I'll be gone, but I shouldn't be gone very long!” Dash explained, gently lowering Scootaloo on to the grass and standing up, stretching.

“How far away is Saddle Arabia?” The filly asked, standing up herself and looking alive with interest.

“It's across the water east of Manehattan. Maybe, eh... take the distance from here to Manehattan, and times it by, like... four or five. Saddle Arabia is right next to the ocean. It's really not that far!” Dash answered, giving a gesture to the turtle and wading back into the pond for another break from the sun.

“... how far away is Manehattan?” Scootaloo asked, frowning.

Dash gave a sigh, shivering slightly from the cool water. “Not that far away, I guess! You can get there by train in like six hours. Know what's crazy? The Wonderbolts just flew back from Saddle Arabia, in one go! Just with their wings! They got back early!”

“Wow!” Scootaloo exclaimed in amazement.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Dash said, seeing Scootaloo bending low near the ground and wiggling her rump as if she were a panther ready to pounce upon her prey. Rainbow pretended not to notice, and turned to face away from Scoot. “My friends and I will probably be taking the train and then a boat.”

“I WANNA GO!” Scootaloo yelled, giving a great leap in an attempt to tackle Rainbow Dash, as Dash had expected.

“Ha!” Dash yelled, crouching low in the shallows so Scootaloo would miss.

The filly dived into a deeper part of the pond and resurfaced moments later, her moderate cerise hair plastered all over her grinning face. Dash waded over to her, feeling warmth in her heart as she stared down at the little pegasus. A little splash behind them informed her that Tank had reached the water again.

“C'mon, Scoots! You know you're not allowed to go! There's gonna be dangerous stuff!” Dash said, parting the wet hair on Scootaloo's forehead with her hooves.

“Cool!” Scootaloo grinned. “C'mon, Rainbow Dash! Noting is dangerous to you! It sounds really fun!”

Dash smiled sadly back at her, plopping down in the water so it came up to her shoulders and throwing herself backwards with a splash. “It's not going to be like that, though...” Rainbow explained, floating along on her back. She was worried to explain why, fearing another surge of anxiety. Dash trudged carefully on. “It's gonna be a lot harder, I think. We're gonna have so many ponies on our side because the bad guys are a lot harder to beat. No little fillies allowed, this is grown-ups only! Yes, that includes me!” Dash gave a giggle, trying to prevent Scootaloo sassing her.

Rainbow drifted along peacefully, eyes closed. She felt very relieved that the conversation had gone much more smoothly than the disastrous first few minutes had foreshadowed. With a little bump, Dash felt Tank swimming alongside her and she rubbed her hoof over his head again. Her ears perked as she listened to Scootaloo zipping around in the water all around her, a constantly buzz from her wings, which seemed to be flapping fast enough to repel the water.

Dash sighed sadly. The little orange pegasus would have been such a great flier if her wings had developed properly. Rainbow Dash turned her head in the direction of the noise, opening her eyes and watching Scootaloo race by, blinking as the pond water splashed at her eyes. Really, though, it didn't matter that Scoot couldn't fly, Rainbow thought. 'You're perfect in every way already...' She closed her eyes again and breathed deeply through her nostrils, a great contentedness flooding her pores.

Oof!

Scootaloo must have dived down in the deepest part of the pond and breached the water like a seal, because she had landed hard on Rainbow's stomach, driving all of the air out of her lungs. Rainbow thrashed about as the filly roared with laughter.

“Brat!” Dash groaned, giving Scootaloo a quick tug on the ear. “Warn me next time!”

“Okaaay, Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo grinned, speaking in a voice heavy with sarcasm. “I'll just tell you whenever I'm gonna jump on you out of no where!”

Dash rolled her eyes, placing a hoof on top of Scootaloo's head and pushing her down beneath the water, flopping backwards once more and drifting along again.

The rest of the day passed by in a blur of laughter and enjoyment. They continued to play with one another and Tank in the water for awhile before returning to Ponyville proper. Dash bought Scootaloo a large chocolate and strawberry sundae and a milkshake from Sugarcube Corner, a new doll and boardgame from the toy shop as a present for doing so well in her grades, and a couple of new books from the bookstore. Dash thought it was about time Scoot owned her very first Daring Do novel. According to Cheerilee, Scootaloo's reading level was quite advanced. Dash was sure Scoot could handle reading it by herself, but she had a better idea.

The pair of them rounded off the day with a nice and warm bath together. Rainbow could tell that Scootaloo was growing very tired, and knew the perfect way for the little pegasus to fall asleep. Dash dried the filly off, not caring to avoid messing up Scoot's hair or mane as she ruffled it with the towel.

“Brush your teeth, kiddo! Then come downstairs, 'kay?” Dash said, giving Scoot a quick peck on the cheek.

Once both were downstairs, Rainbow had curled up on the couch, wrapped up in a blanket with the child cuddled into her. She pulled the little book open for the first time, hearing a small crack as the spine bent. She began to read the adventure story to Scootaloo. She had one arm wrapped around Scootaloo, book in hoof as she turned the pages with the other. It was an exciting novel, starting off with Daring Do already exploring an ancient temple full of deadly traps. Dash could feel Scootaloo's wings quivering with excitement during tense moments. Scoot's own arms were around Dash's, holding it tightly against her chest.

By the third chapter, however, Dash realizes that Scoot had stopped exclaiming in joy or wondering aloud what Daring would do. Dash reached over to the coffee table and dropped the book, still open, on to it and lifted the covers slightly, allowing a wing to reach down and embrace the filly. Scootaloo had fallen asleep with her arms still clinging to Dash's own. Rainbow Dash made no attempt to get up, she merely closed her own eyes and sighed happily.

“I love you, Scoots.” She whispered to the sleeping girl, nuzzling into the filly's hair. “Please don't get worried when I have to go. You're such a strong girl.”

Even if this respite would only be temporary, it was the perfect ending to a very long day.

21 Disputes, Disguises, and a Dragon

“It's really quite straightforward, actually!” Twilight Sparkle was saying, grinning and tapping her hooves together.

They were all standing inside the barn at Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow Dash had been assisting Applejack with a construction project. Applejack was building a new chicken coup for Fluttershy, and they were assembling the roof at the barn first before moving it to Fluttershy's home outside of the Everfree Forest. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were doing their best to help in any way they could, making their second attempt at 'construction' cutie marks. This was more of a hinderance than a help, and Fluttershy was able to successfully persuade them to sit quietly on the side and watch. So with the three fillies resting on bales of hay, the mares had gotten back to work.

While lining up the trusses for the roof's support, however, Twilight Sparkle had arrived with Pinkie Pie and Rarity. The purple unicorn had been working diligently on finding a proper concealment spell to shield their identities while abroad.

“I like it!” Pinkie chipped in, bouncing around the barn. “It's like having two different Pinkie Pies in one body! Remember when there were like a huge ol' bunch of Pinkie Pies?! They all came from the SAME BODY!”

“Oh, yeah...” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, holding out an arm to stop Pinkie mid-bounce. “How could we POSSIBILY forget that day?!”

“I thought that was really funny!” Sweetie Belle said from the sidelines in her squeaky voice.

“I'm with you on this one!” Scootaloo agreed. “It was kinda, uh, crazy at the time, but man! It was hilarious when all was said and done!”

“You're both looney!” Apple Bloom sighed.

“That's one way t' put it, lil' sis!” Applejack chuckled. “It really wasn't a very fun time, I can tell ya that!”

“Come on, girls; let's focus!” Twilight said patiently. “It's not quite the same thing as the mirror pond, Pinkie! We would all still be the same ponies, we would just look different to others!”

“Do you honestly believe you have the proficiency to successfully perpetrate an efficient deception spell?” Rarity asked in a voice suggesting she was not entirely convinced.

“I have done transfiguration before, Rarity!” Twilight explained. “Remember your wings?”

“Oh man!” Scoot giggled. “That story...”

“Be a good girl, Scoots!” Rainbow chastised while trying to hold in her own laughter. “You don't want to make Rarity cry, do you?”

“Oh, brother...” Rarity sighed, rolling her eyes and turning away from the rest.

“I think, um, Rarity has a good point...” Fluttershy whispered in a moderate voice. “If you can't do the spell, somepony might notice us... like The Shadow!” She gave a shiver.

“Who says I can't do the spe-” Twilight said, displaying a bite of impatience now. However, Scootaloo's voice interrupted her.

“... What shadow, now?” Scootaloo asked, confused.

“Rainbow Dash didn't tell you about The Shadow?” Apple Bloom said, surprised.

“Rarity told me!” Sweetie Belle said with a frown.

“Ssh, you three!” Rainbow said quickly, a creeping feeling in her stomach at the look on Scoot's face.

“Right, so...” Applejack said awkwardly, trying to distract the fillies. “You three quit yer hollerin' over there so Twilight can concentrate! She'll attempt the spel-”

“Look!” Twilight said, face growing red as her temper surged. “I can do a deception spell! There is no ATTEMTPING! We may need disguises! The Wonderbolts especially, since THEY'VE ALREADY BEEN ATTACKED ONCE! So I wouldn't be doing this in front of a nice, CRITICICAL AUDIENCE if I wasn't entirely sure I could pull it off!” Twilight ended by slamming her hoof hard on the dirty floor, expelling a puff of air from her nostrils.

“Simmer down, Twilight! Yer more riled up than Big Macintosh durin' a drought!” Applejack's expression was one of shock. “There's no need to explode like a barrel of dynamite!”

“Ergh...” Twilight groaned, bowing her head. She gave it a shake and looked up again. “I'm sorry, everyone. I'm just really rather frustrated!”

Dash was looking over at Scootaloo again. The filly seemed to be fidgeting restlessly on the hay, frowning with her ears drooped. What was bothering her? Was her unease due to Twilight's explosion, or something else? Dash knew that seeing other people angry or upset was distressing to the little orange pegasus, but there was also the fact that Scoot had realized that Rainbow Dash had concealed something from her.

As Fluttershy floated over to comfort Twilight, Scootaloo finally spoke up. “The Wonderbolts were attacked? You didn't tell me that, Sis...” A look of great concern and inadequacy was spreading across her face.

Rainbow opened her mouth to speak, but she could find no words occurring to her. She quickly walked over to stand in front of the hay. “Look... Scoots, I didn't want you to worry!”

“Worry... worry that you guys are all gonna go fight someone who already attacked the Wonderbolts?” Scootaloo said, a little shake rippling down her body. “You said... they came back early... did the bad guys hurt them? Are they gonna hurt you too?”

“Of course n-... nopony can hurt me!” Rainbow Dash said in a confident voice, hoping this would be enough to calm Scootaloo's nerves.

“She's right!” Fluttershy said, floating over from Twilight's side. “Rainbow Dash is a very, um, strong pony who, um, scares evil things!”

Scootaloo wasn't looking convinced. She was gazing silently into Rainbow's face with fear and doubt in her own. Rainbow Dash stretched out a consoling hoof to Scoot's shoulder, who's eyes were starting to look wet.

“It's no big deal...” Sweetie Belle shrugged, looking with concern at Scoot. “I mean, Rarity's pretty scared, but...”

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity snapped crisply, drawing all eyes, including Rainbow's. She shot Dash a concerned look, but returned her eyes to the unicorn filly. “Hold your tongue, young lady!”

“We're all kinda super scared!” Pinkie said happily, bouncing over with the rest as Sweetie Belle shrugged. “But that makes it sort of super fun! When I first heard about all of this, I was like 'Oh no!', but now I just laugh! HA! Risky, misky, I always say for the first time just now!”

“Pinkie, yer not really helpin' out a' t'all right now...” Applejack said, shaking her head. “Don't you worry your lil' head about your mom, Scoots! We've all got this wrangled up like a warthog in a pen! I reckon none of us are in any real danger.”

“Scootaloo...” Dash said sadly, feeling rather awkward with all eyes focused on the pair of them, but steaming ahead with determination to reassure her filly. “I didn't tell you anything about the enemy we're gonna fight 'cause I didn't want you to be scared or nervous. But... please, don't be scared anyway, there's no reason to be! I'm strong enough to take anything, 'member?” Her voice rose confidently. “You gotta be brave and strong, just like me!”

“But...” Scoot said, blinking away tears.

“No 'but's!” Rainbow said, cutting swiftly across Scootaloo. There was the tiniest trace of anger in her voice. “Stop it, Scootaloo. You're not going to make a big deal out of this, understand?”

Under Rainbow's stern gaze, Scoot fell silent. Her eyes dropped to the hay she was still sitting on and she bowed her head. Apple Bloom was looking scared and confused. She didn't seem to understand why Scoot was acting so mortified. Evidently, Scootaloo's anxiety was not a known quantity to the other Crusaders.

Rainbow suddenly felt disgusted. Anger was not a tactic she had ever tried when confronting the anxiety. She was hoping that Scootaloo's fear of disappointing her would be enough to cause the filly to pull herself together, but it was not exactly an ideal fix. As Scootaloo gave a little shuddering gasp to bring her shivering under control, Dash ran a hoof through the filly's mane. A single tear dripped from the end of Scoot's nose.

“... I'm sorry, Scoot. Dashie just doesn't want you to feel bad, alright?” Rainbow Dash said after a moment's pause. “Nopony wants you to feel bad or worry.”

The orange pegasus nodded softly, giving a sniff. Dash removed the hoof from her hair, a terrible shadow weighing over her shoulders as she did so. Rainbow Dash could not help but wonder this was not going to be the last she would see of the anxiety before they all departed for Saddle Arabia. Rainbow wasn't proud of herself.

“So...” Dash said, turning from the fillies and speaking in a loud and falsely cheerful voice. She flexed and folded her wings. “Show us this dictation spell or whatever, Twilight!”

“That's 'deception', Rainbow Dash...” Twilight corrected, giving Scootaloo an apprehensive look. However, she did walk to the centre of the barn's floor, levitating a book out of a bag she had slung over her own back. She opened it up on the ground.

“Hence my 'whatever'!” Rainbow rolled her eyes to the heavens, starting to feel slightly less edgy.

“But yes... hmm... do want to be the volunteer, Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked, whirling around to face her.

“Let's do this!” Dash agreed, trotting to the centre as well.

Twilight smiled and her horn began to glow a light raspberry colour. A white light appeared at the tip, shimmering and sparkling. Rainbow stood up on her hind legs, arms and wings outstretched, as if daring Twilight to hit her with her best shot. Dash saw all three Crusaders watching with interest. Scootaloo was looking very happy all of a sudden. Rainbow's stomach clenched; the mood swings always filled her with dread. She was not altogether reassured by Scootaloo's behaviour change, but turned her focus back to Twilight's glowing horn.

“This will alter your physical appearance to everyone's eyes but your own.” Twilight explained. “You'll look the same to yourself.”

“The Emperor has no clothes.” Rainbow Dash said simply, grinning at her own geekiness, but inwardly praying none of her friends caught the reference.

“You'll be modelled after the famous aerobatic flier back during the Equestrian Renaissance days.” Twilight continued, the horn glowing brighter and brighter. “Firefly!”

A beam of white light shot toward Rainbow Dash, a pink stream spiralling around it. Rainbow closed her eyes tight and braced herself. She had expected to feel something, but noting seemed to happen at all. She merely stood there in silence until her friends' gasps and exclamations forced her to raise her eyelids.

“Uh...” Dash said uncertainly. “I felt nothin'. Did it work?”

“Daaash!” Pinkie screamed in euphoria. “YOU'RE PINK! YOUR FUR IS PINKIE PINK! WE'RE LIKE TWINS! I can be Pinkie Pie and you can be Pinkie Fly!”

“Pink, huh? Wouldn't be my first choice, but...” Dash trailed off, looking down at her blue coat. “As long as I look normal to me! But wouldn't my rainbow mane still be a giveaway?” Dash flicked it.

“Yep, it most certainly would be!” Applejack said, walking over and tugging at it. “'cept it's blue, Dash!”

“You look so cool!” Scootaloo was saying from the sidelines, bouncing off the hay and trotting to stand next to Dash. “So weird, you look... different, but, uh, I can still tell it's you!”

“Wish I could see myself, Scoots! But hey, if the hair is blue, I can't say much! Can't complain with blue!” Dash grinned. “That's the best colour!”

“The only things left unchanged are your eyes and your cutie mark...” Twilight pointed out to the others, examining Rainbow Dash critically. “Magic cannot affect cutie marks, and the eyes are a minor concern, so I think the spell is as proficient as it needs to be. Although... I could try and make it so that we look like normal to one another... only strangers would see the differences!”

“I think it's simply marvellous as it is!” Rarity exclaimed, nodding in approval as she studied the blue on pink look of Rainbow Dash. “If we look like our old selves to one another, we'll never notice if the spell wears off. We must be unambiguously cautious! Just leave it as it is!”

“How long does this last, anyway?” Rainbow asked, dropping back on all fours.

“Six hours at maximum.” Twilight answered, her horn glowing briefly again. “But I can remove the spell in an instant. Unfortunately, I cannot refresh its effects. It must be dispelled first or wear off before I can reapply it.”

“That shouldn't be a problem, I think!” Fluttershy said as Twilight restored Rainbow's original appearance. “You've done really well, Twilight!”

“So, now that that's finally wrapped up and shipped out...” Applejack said, moving to take Scootaloo's spot on the hay and giving Apple Bloom a quick one-armed hug. “Any word from the Princess? It's been almost three full days now...”

“I haven't heard anything from Princess Luna, no...” Twilight answered, a frown creasing her mouth. “The Wonderbolts are still in Canterlot, though. Captain Spitfire and the rest probably know a little more than we do, but I'm sure if Luna discovered anything serious or important, we would know straight away!”

“I've got a question!” Pinkie chipped in, hoof raised in the air. “How are we gonna be going to Saddle Arabia? Will we get to ride inside Princess Luna's magical black beams again? That was FUN!”

“Fun? My body got so tight, I couldn't freaking breathe!” Dash said in amazement as Scootaloo giggled. “Hey, that ain't funny!” She ruffled the filly's hair and mane.

“You guys rode on beams? You kept that quiet, Rarity!” Sweetie Belle grinned at her sister. “Not lying to me, are you?”

“I said hush!” Rarity huffed, fluffing her hair.

“Yeah, okay...” Sweetie Belle said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “Capital idea, I'll get riiight on that.”

“We'll probably be sailing from Manehattan or Baltimare.” Twilight explained quickly, trying to forestall another squabble. She was reading her transfiguration spellbook which was still lying open on the ground. “Luna can transport us to her lunar hideout ('LUNAR?!' the fillies screamed in unison.), but she can only send us to either our original location, or to Canterlot. She wouldn't be able to, say, warp there from Saddle Arabia, go to Canterlot to meet us, and drag us all back through the same path.”

“Well, that's just the quintessence of convenience!” Rarity sighed sarcastically. “I don't do boats.”

Dash laughed. “Do you get seasick or something? C'mon, Rare! We'd be airborne in no time flat!”

“Huh? Airborne?” Applejack cocked an eyebrow. “'The heck y'all mean by that? Boats float on water.”

“Oh dear, I don't like water...” Fluttershy whimpered. “Or heights...”

Dash shook her head in amazement for a moment, staring blankly at Fluttershy. She chose not to respond, instead answering Applejack. “Don't you know that when ponies travel to the Eastern spots like Dragonspire or Saddle Arabia, it's done by Zeppelin hybrids?”

“Fancy that!” Applejack said in excitement. “So they sail AND they fly, then!”

“Well, I think I should get going, then!” Twilight beamed, head held high. “I should send a letter to Princess Celestia and request an update on Princess Luna's espiona-”

Rainbow Dash and the rest all looked to the door of the barn as one. A shout had come floating through it on the breeze. It was calling Twilight's name in a strained voice.

“Is that... Spike?” Bloom asked, hoping off of the hay.

“I think it was...” Applejack agreed. “Twilight?”

Twilight gave Applejack an unsure look, shrugging.

Spike the dragon came tearing into the barn. He threw his claws on his knees and panted heavily, trying to catch his breath. Twilight approached him, looking anxious.

“What's wrong?” She asked, bending low to him.

“I...” Spike panted, now holding his claw to his chest. “Phew, I... was looking... everywhere for you! I... figured you must all be here, th-then...”

“Uh...” Dash said, flying over and landing next to them. “What's happenin', Spike?”

He did not answer. He threw his head back, cheeks puffy and eyes twisting. He looked like he was going to be ill. With an incredible belch and a stream of green fire, a piece of parchment materialized in the air and dropped to the floor of the barn. It was rolled up and sealed with an official-looking alicorn crest in wax.

“That...” Spike sighed, flopping backwards and speaking to the ceiling. “Is from Princess Celestia.”

“Thank you, Spike!” Twilight said graciously, levitating the scroll in front of her eyes and zapping the wax with her horn. It unfolded and she read aloud.

“'Dearest Twilight Sparkle,'” Twilight began, “'It is imperative that you and your friends come to Canterlot at once.' This sounds important, girls... 'Everything shall be explained once you reach the Palace. Princess Luna has returned to this realm and will meet with you when you get here. She is presently rounding up the members of the Wonderbolts, who will be joining you and your friends. Please, make haste! I will speak with you when you arrive. Yours, most sincerely, Princess Celestia.'”

22 The Regal Rulers of Equestria

The wind rippled through Rainbow Dash's mane. She increased her altitude, beating her wings vigorously against the evening air. Her keen eyes caught glimpses of a scattered cottage here or there on the landscape. She flew over a small mill, surrounded by tree stumps on the edge of the North Woods.

Far below, she could see the small train winding its way through the countryside. As the sun continued to sink down below the rim of the horizon, a creeping darkness covering most of the earth below, the train was only distinguishable by the lanterns illuminating its handful of carriages. Dash tilted her wings forward and dipped low, her vibrant tail whipping in the wind. She twisted in a wide spiral, lower and lower, until she found herself in front of the speeding train. There were two sharp screams from behind her head, followed by a giggling voice.

Dash began to follow the tracks, heading the locomotive. She increased her speed, a faint cascade of rainbow colours trailing her in the semi-darkness. There was a tunnel ahead with tracks leading into the base of a large hill at the bottom of the great mountain. Rainbow looked up at the sparkling kingdom high in the sky, glowing brightly against the night sky like a heavenly body. It sat on the edge of the mountain, many spires and towers of white and gold gleaming as the stars began to reveal themselves in the atmosphere. The view was obscured as she entered the tunnel.

“NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!” A filly whimpered. “NEVER AGAIN, NEVER AGAIN!”

As she began to accelerate, Dash could feel three sets of limbs tighten against her and back, just above and between her wings. A voice she recognized as Scootaloo gave a great cheer of excitement that echoed throughout the dark tunnel. The path ahead was marked by lanterns.

“This is... scary!” Another voice whimpered.

“This is amazing, Sweetie!” Scoot roared with a laugh.

“NOPE, NOPE, I DON'T LIKE IT!” The first filly wailed. “I WANNA GIT OFF!” Apple Bloom pressed her face into Rainbow Dash's fur, shaking.

“You two scaredy-ponies begged her to fly you!” Scootaloo reminded them in an amused voice.

Dash zipped out of the other end of the tunnel. There was another shortly ahead as the ground began to elevate. Tilting her head back, she could see many tunnel entrances dotting the mountain, each one higher than the previous. Her speed began to lower as she listed to her left, away from the tracks.

“Your friends might be more comfortable if they had more room to pull my mane out!” Rainbow suggested in an amused voice. “Climb up front, kiddo!”

Scoot gave a sharp 'Yuh!' as she scrambled forward around Dash's neck. Dash hovered still in mid-air, wings buzzing like a certain orange pegasus as Scootaloo clambered on to one of Dash's forelegs. Raising that arm up to support the child, Dash saw a barely contained burst of happiness in Scoot's face. Grinning back at her friends, Scootaloo than laid forward across the arm, spreading her body out and buzzing her wings. As the train sped by next to them, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle scrambled to find more secure holding, their hooves and teeth wrapped around and chomping down on Dash's hair.

“Ow!” Dash groaned, squinting an eye. “Careful not to yank them out, girls! You all ready?”

She saw Scootaloo's body contract with excitement before relaxing once more. Small tugs on her mane told her that the fillies on her back were nodding. Dash's vibrating wings began to make larger flaps through the air and they began to rise up again. Leaning forward, Rainbow shot ahead, curving through the air alongside the next hill. She watched Scootaloo's buzzing wings, the filly's light fuchsia mane flowing as the wind blew through it.

“Let the wind catch your wings, Scoots!” Dash instructed. “Angle them upward and keep your feathers straight! Can you feel it?”

As Scootaloo did as she was told, Rainbow moved her other arm beneath the filly as well, just as a precaution. As she held tightly on to her filly, she watched Scootaloo's torso pulling against her hooves as the lift acted upon the child's wings. An excited shriek reached her perked ears.

“I can feel it! It's lifting me, Rainbow Dash!”

“Is she flyin'?!” came Apple Bloom's surprised voice. Most of the fear had left it now that she was much more secured. “Can she do it, Rainbow Dash?”

“Pretty close to it!” Dash was beaming, swelling with pride as she watched the filly's wings flexing. “Angle your wings down a little and give some long, hard flaps!”

As the little train left the next tunnel below, Rainbow watched with barely contained joy as the little wings began to flap hard against the wind. She prepared to tighten her grip against the force of Scootaloo's lift, but the tug never came. Looking keenly at the movement of the wings, Dash's heart sank as she watched them moving weirdly due to the way the bones had grown. The muscles the filly needed for sustained flight were still not strong enough to combat the handicap. Rainbow knew they may never be strong enough, but that didn't squash her determination to help the little pegasus fly one day.

“Aww...” Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom echoed behind Dash's head.

“I'm trying, Sis!” Scootaloo whined. “Nothing's happening!”

“It's not a big deal!” Dash yelled ahead, the wind booming in her ears as her own wings beat faster. Even at a quicker momentum, Scootaloo could not gain any height. “Level your wings off and keep them straight and still again!”

Scootaloo went back to gliding along the air currents, which was enough to keep her spirits elevated. Dash lowered her hooves away from Scootaloo for a few seconds once the air had caught under the wings once more. Gliding at the same speed beneath Scoot, Dash watched as she was able to remain airborne for the span of several heartbeats before she lost height in earnest again. Rainbow Dash lifted her hooves to catch Scootaloo once more.

“That looked like it was a lot of fun!” Apple Bloom said. “You were glidin', Scoot!”

“Yeah... but that made my wings really tired...” Scootaloo sighed. “Do you think they'll get stronger if we keep doing it, Sis?”

“Most definitely!” Dash agreed, wrapping an arm more securely around the filly and pulling her close to her chest. “But no more right now. I don't want you to hurt your wings.”

Scootaloo gave a groan of disappointment, but nodded into Rainbow's chest. “Alright...”

“I didn't even know your wings were that good, Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle encouraged her in a squeak. “You were gliding pretty easily and it looked really natural. I guess that's a gift all pegasus ponies have?”

“Yup.” Dash said. “Bad wings or not, I think Scoots is gonna fly all on her own one day if she keeps this up! Wings are still wings.”

She felt the filly's hold on her arm tighten affectionately. Rainbow Dash looked down at Scootaloo and beamed at her. She couldn't express how proud Scootaloo made her every time the orange pegasus tried to use her wings. Despite being weak and feeble, Scootaloo's wings could still lift heavier and heavier weights whenever they trained in their basement gym. She was able to glide for short periods of time, even if it was greatly tiring to try and support her own body weight. It was going to be an uphill battle, especially as Scootaloo was going to get heavier the more she grew up, but Dash was praying that the wings themselves would continue to develop, however different they may be. Even if it seemed like Scootaloo would never be destined to fly like the average pegasus, if she was able to stay aloft for a few minutes a day, it would all be worth it. Rainbow Dash wanted to see Scootaloo soar overhead all on her own. She wanted to see the happiness in the filly's face, even if Scoot would need to be a fully grown mare before it happened.

Seeing the stars winking at her overhead, Dash had only just realized how dark it had gotten. Squinting all around her, she tried to find the little train snaking its way up the mountain. She spotted it emerging from a tunnel just below, tilted sharply as it climbed steadily. Glancing ahead of her, her eyes glimpsed the waterfalls flowing from Canterlot. The train couldn't be any more than a half an hour away from the gates.

“We'll take a quick fly around the mountain and meet the girls and Spike at the station.” Dash informed the Crusaders, pausing briefly in midair. “I don't want to do too much in the dark; if one of you fall and I can't pick you out against the mountain, it's game over.”

After getting confirmation that Bloom and Sweetie were still holding tight, Rainbow Dash began to fly around the far side of the mountain. As Luna's moon loomed overhead, the last rays of sunlight finally sank out of sight. There were more mountains in the distance to the East, making up the Foal mountain range. Rainbow knew that if she were higher, she could potentially see the glowing gem of Fillydelphia beyond them. Even further Northeast would be Manehattan, and Southeast would be Baltimare, both of which had ports and methods of crossing the ocean.

Dash tried to comprehend the idea of flying across it from Saddle Arabia, and immediately felt her old respect for the Wonderbolts rekindle. Fast flier or not, it was not a journey she thought she could make. And yet, nine of them had made it across the water and all the way to Ponyville. If Wave Chill had been with them, it would have been all ten. Soarin had a point: being a Wonderbolt was clearly not all about speed. A journey like that took tenacity and great endurance; or simply a great threat to their lives.

“Rainbow Dash, are you scared?” Scootaloo asked in a quiet voice.

Dash looked down at her, still holding her tightly to her chest. She had to give the filly credit; Scootaloo must have deduced what was going through her mind as she stared in the direction of the ocean. The filly sounded concerned, and Dash debated being honest with her.

“I... well, a little, Scoots. I'm not gonna lie to you. But it's normal to feel a little scared of something new. I ain't worried about what me or my friends will need to do, since we're the best of the best!”

“Rarity is pretty brave for the type of pony she plays!” Sweetie Belle added, peering around Rainbow's shoulder for a glimpse of Scootaloo. “She's all fine and sophisticated and all of that horseapples, but she's a fighter too!”

“Applejack is the strongest, though!” Apple Bloom said. “One quick buck to th' face and POW! Bad guys are knocked out!”

“But I bet my sister moves like a graceful dancer or something!” Sweetie Belle replied. “Strength is strength, but Rarity's got skill!”

“Please be careful...” Scootaloo said, low enough for just Rainbow Dash to hear as Apple Bloom retaliated.

“Of course I will, love!” Dash whispered back.

She gave the younger pegasus a tight squeeze and continued to circle around to the Northern face of the mountain. There were mostly plains stretched out over the horizon, leading to the Crystal Kingdom far, far away. Rainbow continued to listen with faint amusement as the two Crusaders argued over who's sister was a better fighter. Scootaloo had fallen silent. Dash could feel Scoot's head twisting this way and that as she watched the features of the land below, but Dash could tell that Scootaloo wasn't shaking or anything. At least she wasn't panicking just yet.

They moved on, Dash's wings cutting through the air like a knife as she continued to tilt one up and one down, controlling her turning as she climbed higher and higher. Finally, they saw the roofs of the Kingdom loom suddenly from behind the mountain. The pegasus and her passengers had climbed high enough to put the great city on an even level with her vision. Rainbow Dash knew she would need to fly around the place, as flying through Canterlot from the back was bound to attract unwanted attention from the Royal Guard. All three fillies, Scootaloo included, gave a gasp of awe as Dash flew by. The outer buildings of Canterlot gave the appearance of a giant castle or palace, with many high walls and battlements.

“It must cost a FORTUNE to live there!” Sweetie Belle cried in amazement as the tallest of the towers passed by.

“Bet the soil is no good, though! I'd prefer stayin' home on the farm!” Apple Bloom said, untwisting Rainbow's mane from around one of her hooves so she could sit up straight for a better look. “Betcha Canterlot is great fer tourists, though!”

“Maybe your cutie mark is related to the farm, Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo asked.

“Naw, I'm no good at sellin' apples! What else could there possibly be for me to do?” Bloom asked with a shrug. “Sweet Apple Acres is about all sellin' apples, and I learned straight away, that's not my super special talent!”

Dash rolled her eyes, a smile on her face. After all, it was only a matter of time before Apple Bloom realized that her main talent was construction. Possibly, she would be in charge of maintaining the tools and buildings of the little farm when the time eventually came for Applejack to take over the day to day operations.

Dash could remember seeing the fillies put on a talent show at the school. What a chaotic affair that had been! The fillies had mixed up their various talents with one another, causing a fiasco that earned them the 'Best Comedy Act' award when they were aiming for 'Best Musical'. Scootaloo had sung the song when it was Sweetie Belle who had the amazing voice that rivalled the famous Tiara Shores of Manehattan. Sweetie had been the backup dancer behind Apple Bloom and had designed the rickety sets.

If they had left Sweetie to sing and Apple Bloom to design the sets and possibly be a stage hand, the show would have been a great success. It would have left Scootaloo as the main dancer. Scootaloo had always been very acrobatic and fast on her scooter, and Dash was sure she would have pulled off dancing easily on her graceful hooves. She was nimble and dexterous, so it was likely that she could have even handled the stage hand duties due to her speed, Dash thought. Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Rarity had all witnessed the performance as well. They had all agreed that, if the girls had done the jobs they were most suited for, the entire audience would have been greeted to a triple showing of a filly earning her cutie mark.

'One day they'll realize...' Dash mused in her mind as the train station came into view.

Rainbow Dash swooped low to the platform and gently deposited Scootaloo on to a bench. With a clatter of hooves, Dash herself landed on the wooden floor and bent low on her limbs. With squeaks and huffs, the two fillies slid down off her back. Sweetie Belle looked a little shaken, but very excited. Apple Bloom looked as if nothing made her happier than to stand on something flat.

“Well!” Sweetie Belle chimed, standing up straight and swinging a hoof while pretending to boff an imaginary hat. “Good flight, gentle lady!”

“Yer so weird...” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, standing up herself so she could push Sweetie Belle back on to all fours.

Rainbow Dash looked around the empty platform, which was illuminated by wisps of silver light floating inside crystal orbs on top of pillars. There was a single train docked at the station. It was resting on the track on the northern edge of the station. It's position suggested that it would be departing for the Crystal Empire the following morning. There were no ponies around apart from themselves and a small handful of pegasus and unicorn guards, watching them closely.

“Dash...?” Scootaloo said, slipping down off the bench and trotting to Rainbow Dash. “Do you think the Princess will be happy that we were brought along?”

“I can't see her mindin', Scoots!” Dash reassured her, sweeping Scootaloo back onto her shoulders so Scootaloo would have a nice view of the inbound train as it continued to snake its way up the mountain. “The letter said for us to get here immediately, and since you guys know all about the mission now... yeah. Princess Celestia loves all of her subjects anyway, even little fillies and colts!” Rainbow Dash didn't mention the other reason: The mares were in the full understanding that it was very possible that they would depart for the mission immediately. Whatever happened, the fillies were safest in Canterlot.

“Aaah! Okay!” Scootaloo said, sounding reassured. “Are the others gonna be here soon?”

“Of course. You can hear the train below us if you listen closely.” Dash explained, her ears picking up the faint whistle of steam.

Rainbow Dash glanced up at the clock on the face of a tower next to the station. It was nearly 9:00 PM. The fillies would certainly have a late night tonight. Craning her neck around, she glanced through the gates of Canterlot itself. Soarin was in there somewhere. Dash's chest filled with longing as she pictured him in her mind. She wanted to see him so much it felt like she had a constant stomach ache.

The train momentarily came into view, rounding a final bend below before entering the last tunnel, which would bring it up to the same altitude as the shining seat of the Regal Sisters. Dash gave Sweetie Belle a tug on the tail as the filly approached the barrier around the edge of the platform, peering down off the edge of the cliff to watch the train. Bloom stayed by the side of the blue pegasus, having little to no desire to understand precisely how high in the sky they were. Although all three of them had been to Canterlot before, Bloom herself had never been airborne longer than it took to try out for hang gliding cutie marks.

Dash was lost in her thoughts about Soarin. She really hoped that Luna had discovered something about Wave Chill. The Wonderbolts had made no contact with the wielders of the Elements, so she was unaware of how the stallion she adored had been keeping. It was hard to imagine that everything had been so perfect a little more than a week ago. Rainbow Dash was so preoccupied that she did not notice the glare of sudden sunlight from above, despite the lateness of the evening.

Dash felt Scootaloo jump off of her back and give a terrific shriek of wonder. All three of the Cutie Mark Crusaders moved to stand together, astonished at the sight before them. Rainbow turned to look at the source of the light, standing stupefied in amazement as the great white alicorn descended on to the platform.

“Princess Celestia!” Dash spoke, bending low on her hooves and bowing her head respectfully. The fillies imitated her.

“Best of nights to you, Rainbow Dash.” the Princess spoke in a soft and kind voice. The glare of sunlight surrounding her faded away. “I take it you are awaiting the rest of the Elements of Harmony?”

“We are, Princess Celestia.” Rainbow Dash confirmed, lifting her head but still maintaining the bow. “Twilight Sparkle and the rest of our friends should be arriving at any moment now.”

The towering alicorn bowed her head and Rainbow Dash straightened up. Following her lead, the three girls straightened up as well. Celestia inclined her head to the fillies, who seemed to be shaking with barely suppressed glee. It seemed that neither had dared to speak in front of the Ruler of Equestria. Celestia seemed to realize this and instead greeted them herself.

“I see I am blessed with the presence of the group styling themselves the 'Cutie Mark Crusaders', if my protegé's letters are to be believed.” Celestia spoke benignly. “A most pleasant of evenings to you all.”

“P-p... Princess Celesti-ti-tia...” Apple Bloom stuttered in a rush, bowing low again, her eyes glazed over with watery admiration as she watched the many shades of colour in Celestia's mane flowing as if caught in a breeze, although the wind was quite still.

“I, uh, a, um, good evening, uh, to you too, ah, P... Princess!” Sweetie Belle said an embarrassed but subservient mumble.

It appeared that being in the top box with Celestia at the Grand Equestrian Soccer Cup Championships did not mean the girls had a chance to break any sort of ice with her. They were looking both terrified and awed. Rainbow Dash assumed that Celestia had been too preoccupied with the delegations from Dragonspire and Griffon Peaks to have a chance to socialize with the fillies.

Sweetie Belle's eyes moved to gaze upon the flowing hair, just like Apple Bloom's. It had many colours, like Rainbow Dash's rainbow mane, but Celestia's colours were a light cobalt blue, heliotrope, cerulean, and turquoise. The mane and tail were sparkling like the stars upon the sea. The rest of the alicorn's appearance was just as impressive: A great golden tiara with an flawless amethyst sat upon her head, just behind a very long and thin horn. The crown was much larger than the black opal one of Princess Luna's. A large golden crest sat upon her chest, again fixed with an amethyst. Celestia's massive wings were folded neatly against her body. Her cutie mark was a stylized marking of the sun itself.

Scootaloo tried to speak, but it seemed that her mouth wasn't working properly. She quickly bowed again, smiling warmly with the same watery stare as Apple Bloom. Dash beamed encouragingly at Scootaloo from behind the Princess.

“Do not feel shy around me, Crusaders,” Celestia spoke, flexing her wings momentarily, “for I am always gracious to speak to the youngest ponies of our world. Age is irrelevant when it comes to respect for my fellow Equestrians.”

The fillies immediately attempted to break any bowing or other curtseying, bumping into one another as they all tried to assume a relaxed stance. Princess Celestia smiled in amusement, extending a hoof to gently pat each one. As a sharp whistle sounded just out of sight, she perked her head up. Rainbow Dash looked down from the station as well as the train finally emerged from the final tunnel, traversing the last stretch of track as it slowed to a crawl, entering the station junction.

One of the compartments opened up and Twilight Sparkle trooped out first. The two earth ponies, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, walked out immediately behind her while Fluttershy and Rarity brought up the rear with Spike. They all spread out before Princess Celestia and bowed respectfully.

“Your Majesty...” Twilight said, moving forward to give Celestia a swift embrace. “We came as soon as we could!”

“I am very glad.” Celestia spoke politely. She moved away from the train and turned to face them all once more, making sure that Rainbow Dash, the fillies, and the dragon were in view as well. Her benevolent gaze passed across each one of them. “I am most pleased to see each and every one of you. Please, join me within the Palace. The Wonderbolts are waiting there with my sister.”

Scootaloo looked even more excited at the prospect of seeing Princess Luna. Rainbow Dash had not failed to notice that the younger pegasus was quite interested in Luna. As the group began to leave the platform, flanked by a group of Royal Guards and with Princess Celestia in the lead, Rainbow Dash wondered vaguely whether or not Scootaloo had any interaction with Luna in the past. Aside from Nightmare Night and perhaps the wedding of Cadance and Shining Armor, Dash was unaware of any sort of meeting Scootaloo could possibly have had with the Princess of the Night.

Canterlot itself had grown quiet with the hour. Here and there sat a scattered business pony pouring over documents outside of a café illuminated by a candle-filled lantern. A couple sat enjoying a quiet evening together side by side on a bench next to a large yew tree. As the group walked by, each pony gave the Princess a respectful bow. As Rainbow looked all around the street, lights within a few houses flickered out. The moon shone brightly overhead. Rainbow Dash squinted at the orb and saw no sign of the outline of a mare dotting the surface, as Luna was here in Canterlot.

They made their approach to the main gates of the palace. Two armed guards stood with spears crossed over the entrance. As Princess Celestia drew nearer, they pointed their weapons away and bowed. A large and golden archway marked the entrance. The floor was made of a hard, blue stone underneath the red carpet that stretched from the entrance to a flight of stairs. The group proceeded to the second level and through a large pair of golden doors at the back of the hallway.

As they entered Celestia's throne room, the Princess gave a nod to the guards. Each one bowed deeply for a moment, and turned to leave the room. As Rainbow Dash crossed the threshold, her eyes fell immediately upon Soarin, standing with his fellow Wonderbolts by the throne and deep in quiet discussion with Princess Luna.

“Princess Luna!” Scootaloo cried out eagerly, rushing forward. Rainbow Dash made to stop Scoot from this sort of undignified greeting, but she was astounded to see Luna turn to greet the filly warmly in return, bending low on her legs and placing a hoof on the Scoot's shoulder.

She watched as Scootaloo gave her a quick hug. Luna whispered something gently to her, and Scootaloo nodded her head excitedly. Scoot turned to look back at Dash, beckoning her forward. Dash glanced sideways at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Neither of them seemed surprised at Princess Luna greeting Scoot like an old friend. Definitely feeling as though she was missing something, Rainbow Dash moved forward. Scootaloo walked back to the blue pegasus and nuzzled against her legs.

“Thanks for bringing me, Rainbow Dash! You're the greatest big sister ever! I love getting to see Luna!” Scootaloo giggled in buoyant spirits.

As Celestia moved into the centre of the room, the rest of the wielders of the Elements moved into a cluster with the Wonderbolts. Soarin and Rainbow Dash finally caught each others eye, both grinning sheepishly and moved closer together. Spitfire finally noticed the fillies, taking off her sunglasses and looking alarmed and slightly angered at the nerve of a child being present at such an important meeting, let alone three. Dash shot her a sour look, but neither mare spoke up.

Celestia's head turned slowly to pan the room, ensuring that all of the Royal Guard had left them. Her horn glowed a bright gold and the doors to the chamber slammed shut. She nodded to both Twilight Sparkle and Spitfire, and each one stepped forward from the group to stand in front of her. Both gave a quick bow.

“Before my sister speaks, I must make a few points.” Celestia said, her mane rippling around her. “Firstly, since the Wonderbolts were attacked, communication between myself and the leadership of the Saddrabian Equines has grown icily cold. Secondly, news has begun to leak out of the kingdom nevertheless. While word has not been sent directly to Canterlot, the other countries of the Eastern Continent have informed me that Saddle Arabia has labelled the Wonderbolts as terrorists.”

Spitfire's jaw dropped. She looked to Luna and then back to Celestia, her expression blank. “I... do not understand!”

“It is my belief that The Shadow has infiltrated beyond the military by this point in time. A member of the High Council in Saddle Arabia has begun speaking out against your team, Captain Spitfire. It seems as though they are aiming to pin the attacks against the innocent on the Wonderbolts themselves.” Celestia continued, a look of great concern on her face. “Princess Luna? Please explain what you have found out.”

Celestia took a few paces back and sat down on her throne. Luna spread her wings wide and fluttered over to stand before Twilight and Spitfire. Rainbow Dash's mind was racing with dread. Had things really escalated that fast? So much for a full rebellion against the military taking place. It appeared as though a swift and silent coup has swept those in charges.

“My little ponies...” Princess Luna began, folding her wings and staring sharply at each and every face. “I have successfully managed to infiltrate the capital city. What my sister claims is true; the Saddrabian leaders have placed blame for the skirmish on the shoulders of the Wonderbolts. I can confirm that the entity known as The Shadow has returned to the desert outside of the kingdom. I have seen it with my own eyes. A great black darkness moving over the horizon... it reminds us of our awful past!” Luna boomed suddenly, losing herself for a moment.

“Princess Luna... have you found out who is responsible? What intelligence have you managed to attain?” Twilight asked, fear flooding her face.

“I cannot yet confirm who is behind The Shadow or the coup. I have, however, been able to observe the one who has been spreading propaganda. My disguises and manipulation through magic has allowed me to gain the trust of high ranking military officials in just a few short days. I have attended an address from the one responsible for turning the populace against your team, Spitfire.” Luna explained. “It is this stallion.”

Luna moved to the centre of the room, passing between Twilight and Spitfire. Rainbow Dash took Soarin by the hoof and dragged him out of the Princess' path. The rest of their friends and teammates backed away near the wall to give the alicorn space. As Luna reached the centre of the room, she turned around, horn glowing a light blue.

“Observe.” Luna commanded, a beam of white light shooting from her horn and striking the floor.

A circle of runes appeared, shimming in a magenta light. A shadowy figure rose from the circle, standing straight. He was a tall stallion, resembling a pony instead of the horses which inhabited Saddle Arabia. As this figure came into focus, details of his appearance were made visible. Rainbow Dash felt a trickle of horror flood her body, threatening to overpower her. She gave Soarin's hoof a squeeze and looked quickly into his face. Soarin's eyes were wide with shock and he was mouthing silently.

The shadow-figure was a pegasus. He looked to be around three decades in age. As the spectre became clearer and clearer, colour began to rise to the surface of his body. He had a steely blue coat and dull green eyes. His mane was of a much darker shade of blue than Soarin's. He stood devilishly on the spot for a few moments, leering at something they could not see with a wicked grin, before fading into wisps of smoke.

“Do you recognize this pony?” Luna asked, turning to look at Spitfire.

“We all do, Your Majesty...” Soarin said blankly, turning to look at Spitfire and then to Rapidfire and Blaze. “That's my brother.”

23 Dear Joey

June 18

Holy crap, Joey,

Things are a total mess right now. I can't even BEGIN to describe how quickly everything has gone to hell. Remember when I told you Soarin stayed over after the airshow? The Wonderbolts departed for Saddle -freakin'- Arabia the following Monday. Part of their private contract stuff, y'know, the jobs that are kept out of the public eye. Soarin won't talk about it, since it's 'confidential'! What a crock of piss. Oh! Listen to me, trying to sound funny to disguise the fact that I am totally terrified right now.

They came back early and on Scootaloo's last day of school. Scoot did really great! She's so smart, makes me really proud to call her my daughter, and we had a really fun day in Ponyville and with Tank. But... I got some pretty bad news before I picked her up from school.

While abroad on what was supposed to be a mission concerning marauding dragons, the Wonderbolts were attacked by something we're all calling 'The Shadow'. To add sprinkles to this B. S. cupcake, the Saddrabian military turned on them, too. Spitfire won't explain properly how The Shadow can actually attack and hurt ponies, but that's pretty damn irrelevant in the grand scope o' things. They fled for their lives, leaving the innocents to deal with the military that just murdered the ambassador's own militia. Rapidfire, that old guy on their team, was really ashamed about the whole thing, but what choice did they have, Joey? I believe Spitfire when she says they, the Wonderbolts I mean, could have been killed.

I keep picturing how King Sombra used to move around as this massive cloud of smoke. That was some scary stuff! I've been afraid of The Shadow moving in the same way. The very CONCEPT of it sends a cold chill down my spine. It wouldn't be so bad if we knew what the HELL it's supposed to be, but if it moves like Sombra... It would be like stepping back into a nightmare. Yeah, okay, not thinking about that right now or I'm gonna start glancing over my shoulder like a spaz.

Soarin hasn't been coping well. When they all came back, he acted all happy to see me and kissed me and stuff. I mean, I'm all for bumping gums with that adorable oaf, but there's such change in his personality in the days since. I held his for awhile yesterday and it all seemed... fake, Joey. It's related to the 'disappearance' of his brother Wave Chill during their escape from Saddle Arabia. I'll get to THAT little nugget in a moment. But he's being torn to pieces and I can't get him to open up to me. I understand he's got bigger potatoes on his plate, but it hurts me a little. Just sayin'.

The situation in Saddle Arabia has escalated and, again, I'll get to that in a moment, but The Wonderbolts saw fit to come straight to Ponyville after flying back from the Eastern Continent... flying the whole way, IN ONE GO. Being chased by The Shadow the entire Celestia-damned time. Just thinking about it makes me shiver. I'm getting timid in my tender old age of 22, I think.

Spitfire seemed to feel that the Elements of Harmony will be necessary against The Shadow. I mean, I'm all for crawling out of this cesspool of 'booored as baaalls' that my adventurous life has fallen into, but I can't deny that I'm scared. Maybe we'll get lucky and the Elements of Harmony will blast it to nothing when we arrive. Or maybe this will be the last entry I live long enough to write. What a cheerful line, almost makes me wanna slit my throat in joy!

Rainbow Dash gave a heavy sigh, rubbing her temples with her hooves and standing up. She walked out of her room and into the upstairs hallway. Peering into the crack of Scootaloo's partially open door, Dash saw the orange filly slumped over her desk, pencil held in her mouth, writing in her own diary. Dash smiled warmly at the scene. She knew Scootaloo had enough grip on her hooves to hold the pencil like Spike could hold a quill in his clawed hands, but Scoot always liked to challenge her dexterity by writing with her mouth. She's so damn adorable to watch, Rainbow thought. Still grinning, Dash moved away from the door.

Proceeding downstairs and into the kitchen, she poured herself a glass of water and drank it slowly. Her thoughts drifted back to the meeting in Canterlot. She tried to make sense of everything, but it made her head hurt. She approached the window over the sink and stared out into her backyard.

The days were certainly getting longer and longer with the solstice so close. 7:00 in the evening and the day was still bright. Rainbow could hear colts playing in a yard adjacent to her own, hidden by a tall wooden fence. She was breathing deeply, enjoying the fresh scent that was carried into her home by the breeze. It was hard to accept that all of this was potentially at risk.

Smash!

Rainbow Dash had not even realized she was still holding her empty glass, having been lost in her thoughts. As she leaned in closer to the window, the glass had shattered between the edge of the counter top and her hoof.

“What was that, Sis?” Scootaloo's soft voice bellowed from the top of the stairs in the hallway.

“Nothing, baby!” Rainbow Dash called back, trying to keep her bleeding and stinging hoof over the sink as she tried to bend low enough to sweep the glass shards to one side with her feathery wings. “That was me being an idiot!”

“Oh! Just the usual, then!” Scootaloo giggled and Dash heard her footsteps retreating overhead.

“'The usual' your blistered hide!” Dash fumed under her breath.

Rolling her eyes and cursing softly, Rainbow Dash turned on the taps and stuck her bleeding limb under the jet of cold water. She had to stop losing herself in her thoughts, especially since they were still a swirling cavalcade of confused musings and fear.

She always found her thoughts easier to digest when they were down on paper. Back to Joey, then! She twisted the taps off and examined her cut. It had not been a deep gash but it was still bleeding softly. She sucked on the cut as she reached for a roll of paper towels. Pressing the tissue hard against the cut by using her shoulder, she proceeded into the hallway closet for a broom and dust pan, taking the broom in her opposite arm and the dust pan by grabbing the handle with her mouth.

Once her mess had been cleaned and the bloodied paper had been tossed into the garbage bin, Dash rummaged around in a drawer and pulled out an aged first aid kit for some gauze for bandaging. Groaning, she returned the kit to the drawer, the broom and dust pan to the closet, and her butt to her bedroom.

She moved to sit on her bed and picked up the diary and pencil she had dropped on to it a few minutes previously. Throwing herself down on the mattress, she opened the little book back to where she had left off. Pausing to quickly re-read what she had already written, Dash gingerly put pencil to paper once more with her wrapped hoof.

Way to go, Joey! You made me cut myself, ya jerk... so, what are we facing? Aside from this darkness creature, there's a new... public figure, you could say, who's been labelling The Wonderbolts as the ones behind the deaths of innocents in the capital city of Gymkhana. What's more, according to this capital doorknob, Soarin and his teammates are now accused of commanding The Shadow. Remember when I mentioned Wave Chill disappearing? You'll NEVER guess who's been putting the blame on the Wonderbolts!

Betrayed by his own twin... it sickens me to even imagine it. I want to be there for Soarin, but he has a wall around him right now. Spitfire's pretty upset too. I mean, duh, she's the Captain, and he turned on the entire team, but apparently Spitfire, Soarin, and Wave Chill all grew up together. Really, most of the Wonderbolts are like a big ol' farce of a family, I guess! It's sorta cute...

Rapidfire's like the foul-mouthed, angry grandpa of the bunch. It fits, since I'm pretty sure he's gotta be pushing like 100 years old. Well, maybe closer to like 60, but still, prime piece of stallion to hook Granny Smith up with! I love the way he talks, too, he just butchers his words... uh, rambling, sorry! Back to my little metaphor... or simile? What's the difference? Anyway, Fleetfoot and High Winds are like the super-smart geeks who use big-ass words all the time. Kinda like Rarity, but a million times worse at the same time because Fleetfoot speaks stupidly fast. Lightning Streak and Fire Streak are the quarrelling siblings... oh, yeah, funny story... listen to this, Joey!

So, Lightning Streak made the comparison of Fire Streak to Wave Chill. Since Wave betrayed Soarin, Lighting said he would feel just as bad if Fire had done likewise. Fire Streak was NOT happy to be the bad guy in that little scenario. He ripped into Lightning Streak right in front of Celestia and Luna! Scootaloo didn't seem to like watching it, though. Yeah, the fillies were with us by the way, but I guess she's still not a big fan of people fighting around her. I guess, in the end, it wasn't that funny a story after all? If Scoot was upset, I mean, that ruins it.

Awesome, I got a sick feeling in my stomach now. Way to go, Rainbow Dash. Scoot was really happy to see Princess Luna, though... for some reason. I gotta remember to ask her if they're, like, pen pals behind the scenes or something. Now THAT would be a funny story: 'I got a new friend, Mom! It's that alicorn that controls the moon! We talk about cartoons!'

Speaking of the Princess, Luna's gonna be helping us fight The Shadow, the military, and whoever else that asshole Wave Chill manages to turn against us. She's been acting as a spy the last few days, collecting pretty valuable intel. We know Saddle Arabia has been slandering Princess Celestia as the one who sent The Wonderbolts to Gymkhana and they're spreading their stupid propaganda all over the Eastern nations. Dragonspire and Griffon Peaks have both given Saddle Arabia their support, Luna says. As if we didn't have enough to freaking worry about! They're still in contact with Canterlot, but if The Shadow decides to act...

The last thing we need is for the East to rise up against us. My mouth is dry right now, just from writing that. It feels like Equestria and the rest of the world are about to go to war... ten days, Joey. Ten days it's been since the airshow. Not even two weeks ago my biggest worry in the whole wide universe next to Scoot's disorder was Soarin not liking me in that birds n' bees sort of way...

Anyways, Twi's been perfecting spells to make us all look like other ponies so that we're sorta safe when we go to Saddle Arabia to try to salvage this situation. Salvage it somehow. Dunno how. All we've ever freaking done is blast stuff with the Elements of Harmony and talk about the magic of friendship. Yep, world renowned heroes, us, a buncha hippies.

It makes me want to cry. But I don't cry, Joey. You know that well enough by now. I've come close a lot recently, but I don't let it happen anymore. Sometimes I feel on the verge of breaking down, especially when I think about Scootaloo. Her anxiety has been acting up ever since she found out about all of this. She spent nearly all of today in her room, writing in her diary. Scoot's scared and worried and I can't get begin figure out how to approach her and talk her through everything. Every single day, this 'Mom' thing is starting to sound harder and harder, but I'll never give up. I love her so much and I want to help her, but I don't know what to do. Her next therapy session is coming up and I'm probably not gonna live to see it! I'm the only pony in the entire world she has. What if something happens to me? She'll lose everything all over again! I want to quit this stupid destiny crap and just stay home with her forever, but without Loyalty, the Elements are useless.

If I die, who's going to take care of her? Will my friends survive? Fluttershy, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, Twilight... what if any of them get hurt and I have to lose someone else I love? If we all go, then there's nopony left to take care of Scoots. Who's going to be there to comfort her during her nightmares? To hug and hold her and tell her everything is going to be okay? I might never get to see the pride in her eyes when she gets her cutie mark. I'd never get to see her make her first solo flight attempt if her wings ever get strong enough. I might never get to see her grow up and fall in love. Her future kids will just know about me through bedtime stories... Scoot will never be able to say to them, 'let's go visit grandma'...

The pencil rolled out of her hooves and on to the sheets. Dash's chest was heaving and she had her arm pressed tightly against her face. Deep breath after deep breath filled her lungs and made her throat sore. Biting down hard on her lip, she rolled over and pressed her face into her pillow. She was falling apart at the seams.

It took Rainbow Dash nearly five minutes to regain control over herself. Her eyes felt puffy and irritated, but she was able to prevent the tears from spilling. Her nose felt dry and her lip was bleeding because of the strength of her bite. With a shaky whimper, she sat up straight and placed the little book against her knees again.

Sorry for the pause, Joey. I had to stop and calm myself before I ended up breaking down into tears. It's just... man. Long story short, this is two ways screwed out of three. This is going to be so dangerous. We're leaving for Saddle Arabia after the Summer Sun Celebration. Princess Luna wants to do another day or so of reconscience... recommission... what's the stupid word, Joey? Renaissance missions, I think. Or, ugh, reconnaissance? That doesn't even look like a freaking word. 'Renaissance' it is. I'm sure I've heard that word recently, so that must be it.

I'm meeting up with Soarin tomorrow. They were all staying in Canterlot until they were sure that The Shadow had left, but they're back in Cloudsdale now. Misty Fly was pretty anxious to see her family. I can't blame her... Spitfire's calling all members of the Wonderbolts Academy together tomorrow. She seems to be as much afraid of dying as I am, since she was talking about who would be running the academy... then again, she's actually seen the enemy in action. I guess she's got every right to be scared if she wants to be. I'm just a filly being afraid of creeping shadows on a bedroom wall. At least, that's what I feel like.

I should go see the girls tomorrow, too... I want to know how Applejack is doing. Pinkie's probably the only one of us who's really been able to hide her worry well. Rarity's confident in what Twilight says about the strength we all have together. I... I guess I am too? I mean, I gotta give my friendicorns some credit; we HAVE all been through a lot and have come out of it all unharmed. I feel like a jerk considering I haven't really spoken much to Fluttershy lately. She's my oldest friend and she's probably just as scared as I am. I should be there for her and maybe her company would do me good. Next to Pinkie, Twilight, Rarity, and everyone who isn't Applejack, Flutters is another one I don't give enough credit too. We're all strong. Well, usually. I sure don't feel so right now, Joey. I'm gonna wrap this up, I think. This entry is huge.

Quick recap: Me and Scootaloo fell asleep on the couch on Friday. That was when the Wonderbolts got back, met with Luna on the moon, that was pretty cool, learned about The Shadow... that following Monday, which was yesterday, is when we all met with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in Canterlot, heard about Wave Chill being the world's biggest douchebag and decided what we're going to all do. The Summer Sun Celebration is on the twentieth. It'll take place at noon instead of dawn after the solstice... Last minute change, I suppose, so we're all rested up to depart from Baltimare the next day. From there... Saddle Arabia.

Cuddling up with Scoots tonight, methinks! I hope I'll get to write in you again, bro. Wish me luck, I'll try to come back alive...hopefully future entries will return to the usual format of me complaining about how Big Macintosh smells funny on warm days and why I think Mayor Mare deserves broken legs. Anyways, peace out!

~RD

Rainbow Dash closed her diary and leaned over the edge of the bed, thrusting it out of sight beneath it. She laid back down for a moment, her eyes fixed on that poster of Soarin up on her wall. What would she do if she lost him instead of her own life? Rainbow shook her head furiously, rubbing her hooves over her eyes.

'Don't think about that...' she thought, annoyed with herself. She tapped her hoof against her forehead and rolled over to stare at the wall, stomach churning.

What if the Elements of Harmony won this fight, but the six of them were still killed by any allies of The Shadow? If Soarin lived instead, then it was possible that he would be there for Scoots. Rainbow Dash remembered Scootaloo asking her if Soarin was her boyfriend now. Rainbow had denied it, but Scootaloo did seem to approve of the idea.

'Soarin would make a great dad, I think...' Rainbow Dash sighed heavily once more, whacking her still-throbbing hoof absentmindedly against the sheets. Why couldn't things go back to normal? 'This would all be so much better... if I didn't think we were gonna die.' She pondered ruefully. 'Stupid Spitfire put all of this crap into my head!' Dash felt her stomach squirm uncomfortably again.

Rainbow Dash eventually slipped off of her bed and left the bedroom for Scootaloo's. Pushing the filly's door open, Rainbow could see that Scootaloo was still sitting at her desk. She was idly balancing her pencil on top of it, staring off into space. Dash rapped her hoof on the door frame and Scoot looked over.

“Yikes!” Scoot exclaimed, pointing at Dash's bandaged hoof. “Well done, Rainbow Dash! Cut off your arm next time!”

“Brat!” Dash said, seizing a stuffed animal sitting by the doorway and chucking it across the room at her. Scootaloo caught it easily, giggling.

“Wow! You sure showed me!” Scoot teased, tossing the toy into the air and catching it again.

Dash rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, zip it!” She sighed. “Do you wanna lie down and watch a movie with me?”

Scoot considered her for a moment, tapping her hoof against her chin. “Well... I suppose! You're gonna need my comfort after your terrible accident, Mo-, uh, moron!”

“You're quite the little angel this evening!” Rainbow said sarcastically, but still wondering at the same time if 'moron' was Scootaloo's original choice of wording. “C'mon, I'll let you pick the movie because you seem determined to bully me tonight! Perhaps feeding the beast will silence it?”

“Feeding as in food?” Scoot asked, wings perking up and buzzing.

“Feeding as in giving you your way and letting you pick the movie.” Dash corrected her. “I know that look on your face! No sweets tonight! I will, however, make popcorn... if you behave.”

Scootaloo frowned at her. “Tough choice, Sis! But fine, I'll only tease ya ten or eleven more times tonight!”

Scoot jumped up off of her stool and climbed onto her bed to examine a shelf of video tapes over it. Picking out one she liked, and bounded out of the room. Rainbow watched her zip into Rainbow's own bedroom and scramble on top of the bed, bouncing up and down on the mattress.

Feeling a lot more cheerful, Dash proceeded down the stairs to make the popcorn.

24 Calm Before the Storm

The darkness was closing in. Rainbow Dash's heart thundered like the hoof-falls of a death march. She turned on the spot, mouth very dry. She had just run across the span of a walkway over the pit below, the bottom of which she could not make out.

It was a very large chamber with massive silk tapestries hung from the ceiling. As Dash watched, billowing smoke, black as death, rippled across the bridge. The opposite side was already in darkness. She ran along the railing, cursing wildly, feeling as though her limbs weighted a ton. The throne sat on the raised platform ahead, facing the void of the pit below.

She tried to fly but one of her wings were broken. There was no escape as The Shadow had reached her stretch of the upper levels of the chamber. She felt the floor vanish beneath her as though blasted away. A steely blue pegasus grinned wickedly as she flashed past, his eyes glowing green in the darkness. Dash did not have a chance to make out the unicorn standing next to Wave Chill.

She collided hard with the stone floor below, landing flat against it with a smack. Gingerly, she got to all fours and staggered for a moment, trying to keep her balance. She lifted her head up to stare above her, looking for Soarin's brother and the unicorn.

“It's too late, Rainbow Dash!” Wave Chill's voice echoed throughout the void. “You should have realized you were doomed at the outset!”

“No...” Dash cried, still looking everywhere for him as the lights above extinguished. “What have you done with them?!”

“It's too late...” the voice repeated, slowly fading into reverberating silence.

A chorus began to whisper in her mind. 'Rainbow Dash? Rainbow Dash!' She tried to block it out and focus on her present situation, but she could not manage it.

“Mom?” A new voice ripped through the abyss. Dash turned around, ears perked as the strength grew in her limbs.

“Who...?” Rainbow asked the darkness blankly.

“Mom... Mommy, please...” The voice continued.

Dash began to canter forward. “Where are you?”

“Stop it...” The voice said, speaking in a painful croak.

“Where are you?” Dash repeated, feeling slightly hysterical as her canter became a gallop.

“I can't breathe...” The voice whimpered.

“Scootaloo...?” Dash gasped as a small orange filly came into view, lying face-down on the floor. “No!”

“Please...” The voice began to fade away into nothingness.

“No!” Dash whimpered, pain aching through her body. She could feel warm and wet tears running down her face as her chest solidified. She could not draw breath. She fell to her knees aside the tiny pegasus, too afraid to check if her worst fears had come to life.

Dash blinked to try and clear the flood of tears blurring her vision. She let out a wail of despair and clenched them shut again, collapsing forward and bringing her arms down with a crash. She could feel the dust swirling in the air as she stretched out a hoof blindly for the pegasus.

Rainbow Dash grabbed a hold and her eyes flew wide open. She blinked again, watching the sunlight creeping along the wall of her bedroom. There was a faint white noise and Rainbow realized the television was still on, showing static now that the movie was over.

Rainbow could feel Scootaloo's chest and abdomen expand as the filly breathed. As her head cleared and she was able to make sense of what was going on, she remembered Scoot falling asleep while cuddled into Dash's chest. Dash was clutching her tightly, every now and then feeling her child give a squirm of discomfort. She loosened her hold, not wishing to wake her up.

It had been a dream, Dash told herself, biting down on her lip and swearing softly into the quiet morning air. Scootaloo was perfectly fine. As relief continued to break over her, she slowly ran her hoof through the filly's mane. Rainbow tried to recall details of the dream, but most of them had already faded into the recesses of her subconsciousness. All she could remember was a pain in her wing, Scootaloo laying on the floor, and the blurred outline of what resembled a unicorn.

Wasn't there someone telling her to stop? 'Must have been Scoots... probably squeezing her too much.' Dash frowned, thinking hard. She whispered softly into the silence. “Scootaloo? Did I hurt you?”

“Um... mmm.” came a soft reply, muffled by Dash's own chest fur. Scootaloo only seemed to be half awake.

Dash could still feel the wetness stinging her eyes. She reached up a hoof and touched her cheeks softly. They were dry, so she had not been actually crying. Rainbow Dash never cried. Although... how she planned to maintain that stance when crying was something she actively had to prevent, she did not know. Nevertheless, she did her best to avoid spilling tears for many years now, so it was second nature by now.

A few minutes passed by in silence. Judging by the renewed drooling now moistening Dash's coat, Scootaloo was again fast asleep. Dash never bothered to check the time or turn off the television, she just remained still to let the filly sleep on.

“Mommy loves you, Scoots.” Dash spoke quietly as the sunlight continued to creep along the wall, slowly approaching the floor. “Whatever happens to me, I'll always be there in your heart, I promise. My mom's heart still beats beside mine, and it always will...

Mom told me that my family is my greatest treasure, and you are part of my family now, Scoots. You have given Rainbow Dash her best adventure so far! I know you've always wanted a big sister, but I've been so blessed to be able to give you as much as you deserve. I'm so lucky I got the chance to meet you. You've given me a real purpose and that purpose is to make your life as great as I was lucky enough to have mine...”

Dash trailed off, massaging the filly from her mane and shoulder blades to her tail with a stray hoof. Scootaloo was still sleeping silently. Very slowly and carefully, Dash rolled over to her back, keeping the orange pegasus pressed to her chest and sleeping. Scootaloo's tail twitched and Rainbow was worried she woke her up, but Scoot slept on. Reaching over to the bedside table, Dash found the remote and clicked off the TV, pausing to look over at the time on the alarm clock.

It was 6:00 AM. She had a lot to do today, Dash realized. Perhaps it would be wiser to just get up now? Dash looked down at Scootaloo's tangled hair and mane, sighing. Moving her into this position was going to make it that much harder to get out of bed. 'Way to go, Rainbow Dash!' Dash thought, sighing.

Rainbow slowly shuffled over to the left edge of the bed, feeling her way along with her leg. Once it was free of the bed, Dash twisted to her right to try and deposit her sleeping passenger on to the sheets. It didn't work.

“Uh...” Scootaloo mumbled, rubbing her head and smacking her lips. Dash watched her beautiful dull-purple eyes appear behind her opening eyelids, half gummed together with sleep. “Rainbow Dash, it's the crack of dawn... are you nuts?” Scoot asked with a look to the window.

“I'm sorry, baby!” Dash said apologetically, getting her other leg off the bed and standing up straight to stretch out her arms before falling to all four hooves. “Go back to sleep, Scoots.”

Scootaloo studied the sunlight streaming through the window, rubbing her eyes and yawning. “Yeah... good luck with that, hard to go back to sleep with the s-s-sun...” she yawned again, “... practically sitting outside of your house.”

Dash sighed, feeling guilty for waking her so early. She paused to look at her reflection in the mirror over her dresser. Her hair and mane weren't as messy as she would expect. As she turned to the door of her bedroom, her eyes caught the sleeve of her blue flight suit, hanging in the closet. She wondered vaguely if The Wonderbolts would need disguises in Saddle Arabia, as they had been wearing their suits when they were attacked.

As Rainbow reached the bedroom door, Scootaloo pushed past her. “Gotta pee, outta my way!”

Dash rolled her eyes and turned back to face the room, sighing. As she moved back to her bed to make it, she noted that it had been awhile since Scootaloo had her nightmare. 'Dry sheets... always a bonus!' Dash thought, smirking. Once the bed was satisfactory looking, she heard the rush of water from the bathroom that told her Scootaloo was finishing up. As she walked into the hallway, her thoughts drifted to her plans for that day.

She would be getting together with Soarin around noon in Cloudsdale. She wanted to visit Pinkie Pie before she left Ponyville, though, and anyone else she had time to see. Dash knew the Cutie Mark Crusaders would spend the day together, so Scootaloo would be looked after.

“What's your plans today, squirt?” Dash asked once the bathroom door opened.

“Well, being tiiired, for starters!” Scootaloo sighed. “But we're gonna go exploring the Everfree Forest!”

“You know I don't like you going in there, Scoot...” Dash frowned at her, placing a hoof on her shoulder to prevent her running down the stairs.

“But I'm not scared!” Scootaloo said earnestly. “It's neato! I've gone in there with the girls before!”

Dash was on the verge of mentioning Scootaloo's nightmare, but stopped herself. She didn't want to remind the filly of it. “It ain't safe... that's all. Remember you girls meeting the cockatrice?”

“That was awesome! Fluttershy OUTSTARED IT!” Scoot reminisced, giggling. “That was a fun little adventure, I think!”

“Listen Scoots, please!” Dash said sternly. “I've gotta go to Cloudsdale today, so I'm not going to be in Ponyville for a few hours. Can you promise me you're not going to go near there?”

“I...” Scootaloo sighed. “Okay, I promise... uh, but wait! What if a grown up is with us?” Scoot asked, wings buzzing excitedly.

Dash thought for a moment, noting Scootaloo's mounting excitement. She rolled her eyes. “Alright, fine. I'll ask Applejack, since she's been in there pretty often for some reason or anything. If she can't, though, you're not going in. Do I make myself clear?”

“Clear as mud!” Scoot beamed, trotting down the steps.

Dash sighed and entered the bathroom. She knew Scootaloo was very brave when she was with her friends, but she always feared the memories of the forest would hit her hard one day. Especially now that Dash was aware of the anxiety disorder, the idea of Scootaloo being anywhere that could even be remotely frightening to the younger pegasus was not an easy thought to process.

Five minutes later, Rainbow Dash was entering the kitchen. Scootaloo had a mess of bread crumbs all over the counter as she tried to make butter herself some recently popped toast. As Scootaloo stood on the tips of her bottom hooves, keeping steady by holding on to the edge of the counter top with her front pair. Holding the butter knife in her mouth, she ran it along the bread.

“Just use your hooves, Scoot!” Dash sighed, watching the bread slice across the top.

“Mmmope!” Scoot mumbled, shaking her head.

The filly grabbed the toast in her mouth and took off to the living room. Dash brushed the crumbs into the sink and moved to the kettle to fill it up. A cup of tea would be nice, she decided. Rainbow clicked on the radio next to the toaster and whirled the dials for a moment.

“... the Minister of Agriculture said in his statement last month. In other news, Princess Celestia has been criticized for her passive stance in regards to the destruction in Gymkhana last week. Correspondents from Saddle Arabia have stated that Saddrabian Officials are, quote, 'baffled', at the lack of action from Canterlot. New Commander in Chief of the military forces, Azure Wings, has been very vocal against The Wonderbolts in particular. Precisely how a troupe of performers fits into the disaster is not presently known yet, although it is rumoured that they have some sort of contract with the Regal Sisters. Our corespondents have stated that Saddle Arabia has picked out a culprit for the incident and we expect details to surface by next week. Now, the twentieth annual Daisy Derby will be held...”

'The fact that the Wonderbolts are being blamed isn't well known, then...' Dash thought sadly, listening to the water inside the kettle on the stove begin to bubble. 'Hopefully we can fix this before the propaganda gets out...'

She turned off the radio, feeling cold all of a sudden despite the warm rays of sun beaming through the window. She placed a bag of honey and lemon ginseng tea at the bottom of a mug and waited, drumming her hoof on the counter. She could hear the television in the living room as Scootaloo watched her cartoons. She could hear noises coming through the window as Ponyville gradually stirred in the early morning. Laughing foals and a few gruff voices in serious conversation about an issue with a water pipe.

It hasn't really started yet, Dash realized. What would happen if they failed?

Dash remained lost in her musings for a good hour and a half. By then, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had arrived and all three fillies were making an incredible racket in the living room.

“C'mon, Sis!” Scootaloo muffled voice yelled out of sight. “Go ask Applejack!”

Rainbow Dash walked into the living room, giving a groan at the mess. Books, toys, and couch cushions were everywhere. There was a mess on the floor and the cushions had been used to make a fort.

“Wow, what a state this place is in!” Dash yelled. “Sweetie Belle, put that down!”

“Uh oh, totally busted!” Sweetie Belle shrieked, dropping the curtain rod she was using as a jousting spear and slipping off of Apple Bloom's back.

Scootaloo had been buried in the foot, brandishing a crayon and children's book like a sword and shield. She immediately darted out and stood next to the other two fillies, looking ashamed. Scootaloo's eyes snapped to the mess around her and then to Rainbow Dash.

“I'm not mad, Scootaloo,” Dash said firmly, a little precautionary, “but if you girls want to do any Crusading today you are going to clean up this mess. I want this room EXACTLY how it was before you three decided to reenact the jousting scene from Daring Do and the Endless Colosseum!”

Rainbow looked from one guilty face to another, feeling a tinge of annoyance at the smirk slowly creeping across Sweetie Belle's face.

“I've just gotta read that!” the unicorn filly grinned wickedly.

Dash felt the heat rise in her face as the other two began to giggle. “Sweetie, you... not even... look, I want this all cleaned up before I get back from Sweet Apple Acres!” she said as she marched from the room.

Dash walked to the front door and opened it, stepping out into a truly gorgeous looking day. With a canter, Dash jumped into the air and spread her wings wide, giving a heavy flap and rocketing into the sky, heading Northwest. As she climbed, she could see the farmland over the horizon and sped towards it, a long and prismatic streak trailing her.

She touched down beside the large farmhouse. A short distance away, she could see Applejack resting under an apple tree, hat partially covering her eyes to blocking the sun's rays and twisting a grain of wheat between her teeth. Rainbow Dash walked over, stretching out a wing to sweep the hat from Applejack's head.

“Workin' hard, eh, AJ?” Dash grinned down at her.

Applejack frowned in return, reaching over to grab her hat. “For yer information, I HAVE been workin' hard! I've been buckin' since cock's crow, missy!”

Applejack waved a hoof airily to the edge of the orchard. Looking over, Dash saw numerous filled baskets of differently coloured apples. The orange earth pony slapped the hat back over her eyes.

“Fair enough!” Dash laughed, sitting down next to her. She gave a sigh, beginning to speak in a more serious tone. “How's everything?”

Applejack had picked up on the change in Dash's voice. “Nervous, not gonna lie to ya.”

“AJ... you've always given it to me straight...” Rainbow said, rubbing her wings without really meaning to. “I've really been afraid that... that our lives are gonna be in danger out there. Do you think we're gonna make it out of this?”

Applejack took her hat off, laying it down on the grass next to her. Turning to look Rainbow Dash full in the face, she plucked the wheat out of her mouth and tossed it aside. “I can't promise that nothin' will go wrong, and I can't promise that everything is goin' t' be alright, Dash. But we've always managed to succeed. Why should this be any different? We get better with every fight.”

Dash smiled weakly. “I guess you're right about that...” She stared at her hooves. “I've just been scared because... because of what it would mean to Scootaloo if something happened to me.”

“You've gotta be confident!” Applejack said, taping her on the arm. “Whatever happens will happen, so no use in wringin' your hooves about it. Keep Scoots in your heart, Dash, and I'm sure y'all will find the strength ya need to make it through. Try not to worry and jes' be your usual, confident self, y'know what I'm sayin'?”

Dash nodded her head slowly. “You're absolutely right, AJ. I do get what you're saying... I might not be very much use if I'm nervous or worried, I've gotta grit my teeth and just do it. I'll wing it like I always do!”

“That's all it takes sometimes, Rainbow Dash!” Applejack smiled, getting to her hooves and taping her hat. “Is that all ya needed, just some advice y'all should already be aware of?”

“I've got a favour to ask ya! The girls wanna explore the Everfree Forest today. Can you keep an eye for Scoots?” Dash asked, getting up as well and feeling the pressure of fear and worry slowly retreating.

“I suppose I can.” Applejack agreed. “I'm surprised she likes to go there with Apple Bloom, to be honest... y'know, given what... happened all those years ago...”

“Tell me about it... I wanna make sure her anxiety stays down, she's been doing so well lately... but I'm torn between not letting her go, upsetting her, and letting her go alone, which upsets me! Plus she could get herself into danger, you know what the Crusaders are like...” Rainbow breathed deeply, shaking her head. “So thanks for doing this, AJ. I really appreciate it. I gotta be in Cloudsdale by lunchtime, so I'm very grateful!”

“Happy to help. I'll make sure she's gon' be fine.” Applejack said, starting to walk back to the house. “I'll see y'all at the Summer Sun tomorrow!”

Once Rainbow Dash got home herself, she gave the living room a quick inspection. Once it passed the test, she allowed the fillies to depart for the farm. She watched Scootaloo retrieve her red scooter from the hallway closet. Dash had bought her this one herself, as Scootaloo's usual blue one was lost during the camping trip months ago.

“Be careful, okay?” Dash asked, kneeling down low as Scootaloo made to put on her purple helmet.

Scoot nodded, slipping it on. “I will, Sis! Have fun with Soarin... I love you!” she said, giving Dash a swift hug before following her friends out of the door.

Rainbow Dash left the house again shortly thereafter. She wanted to see her other friends, to make sure they were all coping as well as Applejack. The first stop would be Fluttershy. Within minutes, she was streaking over Ponyville once more. As she flew over one of the twisting roads, she could spot Scootaloo speeding along on her scooter, with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sitting on the the attached wagon.

To her surprise, Rainbow Dash spotted Pinkie Pie making her way up the hill to Fluttershy's bush-covered house. With a clatter of hooves, Rainbow dropped down next to her, causing Pinkie to jump with delight.

“Hello one of my bestest of bestie best friends!” Pinkie giggled, bouncing.

“How's it goin', Pinkie?” Dash asked, walking along to Fluttershy's door with Pinkie Pie.

“I'm super duper as ever!” Pinkie replied.

“You're not... worried? At all?” Dash frowned, rapping a hoof on the yellow pegasus' door.

“Of course not! It might be a little scary, Rainbow Dash, but who am I going with? All of my friends! It's gonna be warm and sunny in the desert and I'll have the ponies I love to laugh with all around me! Danger is a stranger!”

Dash felt a rush of affection for her pink pony friend. “Man, Pinkie! I wish I was as brave as you about all of this! I've only stopped panicking!”

“Me too!” came Fluttershy's voice, standing in her open doorway. Dash had not even realized that Fluttershy had answered the door. “I've been scared too, but talking to the girls has really helped me!”

Dash peered around Fluttershy's body to see both Twilight Sparkle and Rarity inside. “Welp, this shortens my trip considerably!”

“Twilight and Rarity came by to see how I've been, um, doing...” Fluttershy explained, a little embarrassingly.

“Well, it's comforting to know I haven't been the only mare worried...” Rainbow admitted, walking into the living room with Pinkie Pie. “I came over for the same reason, Flutters.”

“I came over because I like hanging' out with ya!” Pinkie grinned.

“I feel sorta guilty! I asked Applejack to go with the Crusaders into the Everfree Forest because I wanted time to see you all before I go to the Wonderbolts Academy. But, since you're all here... yeah...”

“We'll all head over to Sweet Apple Acres while you're in Cloudsdale, then!” Rarity said, smiling warmly. “Don't feel bad, my dear. If there's one pony who doesn't need the opulence of our comforting words, it's her. She's an inspiration right now!”

“Yeah, totally!” Dash agreed. “She's the one who talked me out of giving myself an ulcer over this. She's so relaxed... so, how have you all been keeping?”

Dash had an enjoyable morning with her friends. Twilight and Rarity explained that they, too, were apprehensive about what was coming. However, they had all expressed the same confidence: as long as the six of them were together, there was nothing that could defeat them. With the Elements of Harmony in hoof, Twilight was sure that The Shadow would be no match.

Twilight explained that she had mastered her deception spell and that she had a great disguise for each of them. They all pressed her to reveal them, but she wouldn't spill the beans, grinning all the while.

“One more thing... Luna was able to charter us a ship for tomorrow evening!” Twilight explained, munching on a few carrot sticks that Fluttershy had laid out for her guests. “So we'll get there half a day early. We'll have it wrapped up by the next night, I'm sure of it!”

“Well...” Rainbow said, looking up at the clock around 10:30 AM. “I need to dash! It was great seeing you lot, as always!”

“Don't forget the Summer Sun Celebration tomorrow!” Twilight reminded her.

Dash waved a hoof. “Gotcha! I'll see you guys later!”

She stepped back into the sunlight, breathing deeply. Her fear was diminishing with each and every passing hour. They could definitely do this, Dash reminded herself over and over. If she was worried she would meet her death, it was more likely to happen. As long as Rainbow Dash maintained her focus, she knew she had the best chance for success.

Dash jumped straight into the air, wings springing open to catch herself. As she flapped them, she began to ascend into the sky. Higher and higher she climbed, Ponyville shrinking beneath her into something resembling a toy model. She stretched her body flat and surged forward, the wind whistling in her ears. Her wings beat the air with the fury of a war drum. Faster and faster she flew, the ground beneath her giving way to grassy hills and patches of dark green trees.

The many stone structures and clouds of Cloudsdale came into view after a half an hour of flight. Dash soared into a cloud tunnel, emerging into the main junction and the swarm of pegasai taking an early lunch break. Weaving in and out of her fellow fliers, Dash located the tunnel leading to the Wonderbolt training grounds.

As she approached the academy, her eyes fixed upon the gymnasium building, remembering all of the happy hours she had spent there with Soarin as they trained for the airshow. Dash descended to the runway alongside the long and flat Administration building, skidding to a halt on the pavement

She found Soarin in his office inside. He was pouring over a handful of papers. He was wearing his officer shirt and looked tired.

”Oh! It's good to see you, Dashie!” he said upon hearing her enter. “As you can see, lots of work had piled up while most of us were waiting in Canterlot.”

'Uh huh...” Dash said absentmindedly, glancing around.

She had never entered his office before. She could see the same poster up on the wall that she had in her own bedroom, minus Soarin's signature and the heart she had scribbled upon it herself. There were a few aviation instructionals on the walls as well, all detailing various wing types and flight maneuvers. He had a statue of a pegasus in mid-flight sitting on his desk, just like Spitfire had during Dash's brief tenure at the academy.

Dash's heart jumped as her eyes fell upon a framed photograph hanging above a list of Soarin's credentials on an official looking piece of parchment. It was the one that had been taken after the try-outs, depicting Soarin, herself, Spitfire, and Thunderlane at the Vinyl Scratch club. She walked over to look at it happily for a few moments while Soarin finished up.

“You talk to Thunderlane anymore?” she asked as Soarin placed the papers into a filing cabinet.

“Eh... not really. Well, haven't really had much of a chance. So much has happened since training for the airshow. I saw him yesterday when I was on my way to visit Ms. Casandra for a patch job on one of my uniforms, but never stopped to chat...”

Soarin walked over to her and closed his eyes, pressing his nose against hers.

“I've just been... trying to keep it all together, Dashie...”

They both stood up straight and embraced one another. “I know, Soarin! I've been worried about everything too. I really, really hope there's a damn good reason behind Wave Chill.”

“Judging by how quickly Saddle Arabia is being taken over, Blaze thinks there is a chance that Chill is being manipulated. Spitfire believes he's acting of his own accord...” Soarin sighed, looking into Dash's cerise eyes and pressing his lips against hers.

Dash maintained the kiss for a couple of wonderful seconds, wishing more than anything that the evils of the world would just fade away. She pulled away, her chest filling with affection for the pony standing before her. “What do you believe, Soarin?”

“I don't know...” he answered, looking away from her. “He's my baby brother, whatever the reasoning is going painful to think about...”

“We'll do what we can for him. The Elements of Harmony will cure him if he's being mind controlled or anything, Twilight told me.”

“And... if he's acting of his own accord?” Soarin asked, dropping back to all fours and approaching his office door.

“They... I don't know, Soarin. The Elements attack the darkness and evil in someone's heart, but if it's too strong, it'll kill them...” Rainbow sighed, walking to him as he opened the door.

“Well...” Soarin said, holding the door open. “Like you said, we'll do what we can...”

They moved out into the hallway, turning to face down toward the double doors leading to the secretary's desk and main entrance. Before Soarin's office door had closed, Spitfire's own flew open and she waltzed outside, putting on her sunglasses and adjusting the rank marking on her shoulder.

“... Oh. Hello, Rainbow Dash.” Spitfire frowned, turning to look at Soarin. “Honestly? Inside the office? Be a little more professional, you blithering idiot!” she snapped.

“Whatever you're implying is a total crock, Spitfire!” Dash snapped back. “He just asked me to meet up with him first.”

“I'm quite sure. Anyways, Blaze should have the rest of the academy rounded up in the Conference Hall. Let's go.” Spitfire said quickly, turning to walk down the hallway.

“Yes, Captain.” Soarin said formally. He gave Dash's hoof a quick squeeze and followed Spitfire. Dash, fuming, marched after them.

The three of them left the Administration building and took a quick flight across a cloudy sea to a piece of land housing the Conference Hall. It was a large square building with a set of large, ornate double doors and no windows. Spitfire lead the way inside.

The interior seemed to be comprised largely of one room. Dash glanced around, spotting the uniformed Wonderbolts arranged in a line at the far end of the room, facing a large number of pegasai arranged into groups. Recruits, trainees, cadets of every rank and level, security personal, and other faculty staff members were divided up. Not a single soul was speaking, and every student of the academy and Wonderbolts were standing at attention on their hind legs.

The trio moved up the hall. Rainbow Dash looked ahead at the Wonderbolts themselves, all arranged in uniform shirts. It was the first time she had seen many of them without their flight suits. Soarin lead Rainbow and himself to stand to one side near the line of Wonderbolts while Spitfire walked to the centre of the hall to address the pegasai. She saluted the groups, who saluted back until she had lowered her hoof.

“At ease.” Spitfire spoke in a clear voice and carrying voice, beginning to pace.

There was a loud stamp as the assembled ponies, as one, changed their stance from attention to standing at ease. Each crossed their arms over their chests, legs spread shoulder width apart. The actual Wonderbolts lined up behind her remained at attention.

“Now, it should be very clear to most of you that there was something of a crisis in the East. I will make no effort to mask the rumours that I know have already spread throughout this entire academy during the absence of most the chief staff. We were sent to Saddle Arabia. We were attacked there. I will not belittle you all by denying this.” Spitfire said in a clear voice, removing her sunglasses and scanning the hall with her fierce orange eyes. “A select group will be going overseas to Saddle Arabia to deal with this new threat that has arisen there. Many of you have heard of Rainbow Dash.” Spitfire gestured toward her. “She is here representing the group that will be accompanying my team. There is a real danger to life and limb for all those involved. It is possible that some of us may not return. To prepare for such an event, I will be promoting two members of the team.”

“Wise...” Soarin said softly to Rainbow Dash. “I'm glad Spitfire has that insight.”

“Yeah... Spitfire's a great leader, but it would be great if she didn't treat you like a pig all the time.” Dash whispered back to him.

“Blaze and Silver Lining, step forward.” Spitfire commanded, whirling around to face the Wonderbolts themselves.

“It doesn't bother me. Don't hate her for it, Dashie, please...” Soarin implored as with a sharp 'Ma'am!' each, Blaze and Silver Lining walked forward to stand at ease next to the Captain. “She's been through hell her entire life, I don't mind her storming at me until she's over the breakup.”

“Blaze, your rank is now First Officer.” Spitfire said, reaching into her pocket and withdrawing three golden stripes. As a round of applause echoed from the rest of the room, she removed Blaze's old rank and added the the new one. Moving to stand in front of Silver Lining, she spoke again. “Silver Lining, your rank is now Flight Lieutenant.” Again applause as Spitfire placed a rank similar to Blaze's old one Silver Lining's uniform.

Spitfire stood back to salute them both, starting with Blaze. Blaze saluted in return, her eyes over-bright. As Spitfire dropped her hoof, Blaze quickly snapped to attention and cried 'Ma'am!' once more, before turning to march back to the lineup. Spitfire turned to Silver Lining and saluted him. He returned the gesture, chest thrown out in his pride. She dropped her hoof and he snapped to attention, speaking 'Ma'am!' quickly, and rejoined the lineup as well.

“I will be joining Rainbow Dash,” Spitfire resumed, pacing again, “along with First Officer Soarin, Lieutenant-Major Rapidfire, and Flight Officers Fire Streak, Lightning Streak, and Fleetfoot. While we are abroad, First Officer Blaze will be your C.O. If anything is to happen to myself while in combat, First Officer Soarin will be the new Captain of the Wonderbolts. If the dark forces we will battle should lay claim to us both, First Officer Blaze will advance to Captain. The rest of the chain of command will be revised as necessary by Blaze if that need should arise, just to make sure that we are not here all day.

Allow me to take the moment to explain to each and every one of you how honoured I have been to work with you. I have seen the incredible effort put forth by each face here and I understand that the future of the Wonderbolts is very bright. I sincerely hope that I may return to continue to watch the growth of the recruits I see before me. If I am not to be blessed with that opportunity, then I implore you all to live with hard work and diligence and to place your trust in Princess Celestia, as the future may yet turn dark for Equestria.

That is all I have to say. Continue your efforts to ensure that the Wonderbolts are the prime example of the best military and aerobatic team in the world.” Spitfire finished her speech and turned to salute the assembled groups once more. “You are dismissed.”

“Ma'am!” sang the pegasai as they began to march out in procession.

Rainbow Dash was looking at Spitfire with renewed respect and admiration. Although the Captain's voice was very clear when it had been speaking to the silent crowd, Dash could hear the fear and concern in it. Spitfire had faced The Shadow and had seen what it was capable of, Dash knew. Rainbow understood that she would need to keep her confidence high if Spitfire herself was this worried. Dash would need to ask her again to describe what strength The Shadow had before they faced it. Perhaps then, she would finally tell them?

Dash turned to look at Soarin. His expression was blank as he watched the pegasai continue to march from the room. She saw him studying the lineup of his teammates, perhaps hurting from the absence of his brother.

There was one more day after this one, Dash realized. One more day of peace before they would face down whatever was waiting for them in Saddle Arabia.

What horrors would Gymkhana hold within its walls?

25 Anxious Scootaloo

“Sometimes,” Rainbow Dash was saying, throwing her hair back and staring into the sky, “I feel as though I'm not being a good mother. Y'know, with this whole Elements of Harmony thingie. I know it's 'for the greater good' or some other nonsense motivational speech fuel like that, but, gah! It kills me to leave her!” Dash closed her eyes against the glare of the bright afternoon sun, feeling a comforting arm on her shoulder.

“The way you and Scootaloo act together, one would think you've been a family her entire life, though! It's all very natural, I mean, you act like you've been her mother for years. Just because you're Rainbow Dash doesn't mean you can't shoulder this responsibility as if it was what your cutie mark was telling you!” Soarin reassured her, squeezing the blue pegasus against him. “You can't say you're a bad mom because you've been called into action! How long have you two been together, anyway?”

“Three months to the day that I adopted her, but we've been pals since long before that...” she answered, turning her face toward him and fluttering open her eyes. “I love her as though it's been seven long years. I DO try to act like her big sister most of the time, though.” Dash gave a sigh, running a hoof through her hair. “I mean,that's what she wanted. I really don't think it was ever in her dreams to have a mom anymore. She won't call me 'Mom' to my face... Man, look at me! Blubbering on about my problems like some punched donkey!”

“What do you mean?” Soarin asked, confusion evident on his face. “It makes my day whenever I get to give you advice, Dashie!”

“That's only because it's the only time you don't come second-best to me!” Dash grinned at him, but the confidence faded. “It's seems silly! I mean, we're sitting here, talking about me and my problems, right? I think we should be talking about your situation.”

He frowned at her, running a hoof ruefully through his dark hair. “I don't really want to discuss that, though. No offense, Dash.”

“Soar...” Dash frowned at him, “you're hurting, man!” Soarin's ears twitched at the pet name Dash had given him. “You NEED, I repeat, NEED to talk about Wave Chill.”

“What I need to do is be the one to kill him, Rainbow Dash.” Soarin snarled abruptly, getting to his feet and leaving her still sitting on the park bench.

They had spent the last half an hour talking to each other privately in a secluded section of a park in Cloudsdale after the ceremony with the Wonderbolts. Although the sun was still shining brightly and the birds were singing to one another, Dash suddenly felt like it was the dead of night. She sat frozen, gazing up at the cauliflower-blue stallion, worried that she had upset him. What made his outburst all the more terrifying was the fact that she wasn't sure if his bloodlust was an effusion of grief or not. As Dash prayed silently that it was simply his emotions being roused, she noted that he made no attempt to leave, despite having jumped up.

“Soarin! Please, sit down!” Rainbow Dash asked, trying to prevent herself breaking into hysterics. “You're talkin' nonsense, bro! The Elements of Harmony will fix whatever's wrong with Wave Chill!” Dash explained, feeling as though she was pretending to herself as much as the Wonderbolt.

“Assuming they don't kill him, of course!” Soarin yelled, his voice escalating as he threw his arms up for reasons that Dash thought were beyond him.

“They won't!” Rainbow yelled, just as loudly. “I mean... they can't! Besides,” Dash tried to joke, but feeling zero humour in the situation, “Spitfire's got the claim to his life anyways! You don't scorn the Captain!”

Soarin kept his arms up for a moment, head bowed and shaking. After several seconds, he brought them down and fell back to all fours, flexing his wings convulsively. “I don't know, Dashie. Thirty years. He was my best friend for thirty long years. And now we find out that he's been working with whatever the hell has taken over Saddle Arabia. Seeing Luna's vision... felt like I was having my throat cut open.”

Slowly, Soarin sat back down on the bench and Rainbow threw her arms around his chest, nuzzling her face against his chin. Dash hated seeing the pain bubbling out of him like the tears she had spotted in his emerald eyes. They were twins; they had been a constant in one another's life since the beginning. How could she possibly find the words to dull his pain?

“We did everything together. Everything.” Soarin groaned. “Thirty years. My brother for thirty years!”

“We'll fix this, Soar.” she said confidently. “We've never failed before. And if we can't, then Luna will know a way! She's been around for thousands of years, she's gotta be full of ideas.”

“I hope so, Dashie...” Soarin said in a hoarse and broken voice, apparently trying to steady himself. “Thanks.”

Rainbow nodded, even though she was aware that all she had given him were fancied hopes that she wasn't entirely sure could come true. What an awful feeling, sitting here sickened by her own empty words.

“You should probably head on home and see that little girl of yours!” Soarin said, lifting his chin off her face and gazing down at her. “I'll see you at the Summer Sun Celebration before we depart for Gymkhana.”

Dash swore softly, before continuing in a falsely-cheerful voice, “Like going on a holiday! I bet I can get a tan! If Rarity can pull off a tan through her fur, so can I!”

He gave a soft chuckle. “That would ruin your perfection!”

“Add to it, ya mean!” Dash smiled up, turning to look him in the eyes. She brushed her lips softly against his for a moment. “Take care, Soar! We'll find a way.”

“I guess I won't feel so bad with you by my side, Dashie! Have a good sleep tonight. I'd take you home, but...” Soarin began.

“... but you'd never be able to keep up with me!” Dash finished for him, stroking his mane for a brief moment before getting up and stretching her wings.

“I guess not! I mean, you're faster than Spitfire!” Soarin smiled, getting up himself.

“Yup! Faster than any Wonderbolt alive!” Dash said, puffing out her chest.

“Yeah! It's a pity that Spitfire actually isn't the fastest one, then!”

“Wait, what?!” Dash gasped, her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

“Bye, Dashie!” Soarin laughed, rising into the air and giving her a wave.

Dash rolled her eyes. Surely, that was all talk! Spitfire's the Wonderbolt Captain, and that meant she was the fastest, Dash thought. Or did it?

Dash watched his figure fly away in the direction of the upper-class district of Cloudsdale's residential area. She hoped she would get a chance to see his marble mansion once all of this was over. Turning, she cantered forward and dived off the edge of the piece of floating earth, wings extended.

Rainbow Dash dived down below the clouds and scanned her cerise eyes across the landscape. Every time she saw the clouds painting a shadow over the ground, she felt a tinge of fear in her belly. All she could do is keep faith in her own abilities, the strength of her friendship with her closest and best friends, and her allies in the Princess and the Wonderbolts. It was going to be their best weapon against The Shadow. She sped off towards Sweet Apple Acres.

“So, no deaths?” Rainbow Dash had asked Applejack once she had arrived at the farm not long thereafter.

Dash was sitting down next to Applejack with her back against the farmhouse. Applejack had already finished taking the Cutie Mark Crusaders into the Everfree Forest and had returned back to work apple bucking when Rainbow Dash had touched down next to her.

“Y'all sound disappointed!” the orange earth pony laughed, watching the figure of Big Macintosh hauling a cartload of apples down the road in the direction of Ponyville.

“As if, AJ!” Dash grinned, giving Applejack a tap in the shoulder with one of her front hooves. “I just wouldn't be surprised if something went wrong. I mean, I'm still waiting for something to go right lately.”

“Yer still too worried, Dash.” Applejack explained, slipping her hat off of her golden hair.

“I know, what a concept!” Dash said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “Dunno how you keep your cool, myself.” she sighed, shaking her head. “Where are the fillies now?”

“They went t' Sugarcube Corner around a half an hour ago,” Applejack explained, “so I expect you can catch up with 'em if y'all wanna leave now. But before you go, please do me a favour, hun.”

Rainbow Dash cocked an eyebrow. “What is it, then?”

“Keep your spirits up. For Scoots, at least!” the earth mare sighed, slipping her hat back on.

“I'll try, AJ... stop by in the morning if you want, we'll head for Canterlot together.” Dash said, getting to her hooves and flexing her wings.

Applejack nodded and Dash took flight once more, speeding over the apple trees in the direction of the Ponyville town square. As she sped towards the little building, the pegasus noticed the little red scooter tied outside the bakery and her heart jumped.

Landing softly, Rainbow began to trot to door of the establishment in time to see the fillies exit.

“No way, Sweetie! My mom couldn't even eat that!” Scootaloo giggled, rolling her dull-purple eyes.

“Pinkie called it her Super Triple Trouble Truffle Sundae fer a reason!” Apple Bloom laughed. “Nopony could eat that in one go!”

Sweetie Belle sighed. “You two have no aspirations!”

“What's that? Medicine?” Scootaloo asked curiously.

“It means,” Rainbow Dash spoke up in time to prevent the fillies from walking straight into her, dropping down to her knees and holding her arms out, “having a high goal set! I could totally eat something like that, though, Scoots! I mean, c'mon! Duh!”

“Sis!” Scootaloo cheered, her wings buzzing excitedly again as she ran to jump into Dash's arms. “You shoulda came to the Forest, it was so cool! We saw a spider that could eat Spike!”

“Of course! 'Cool!'” Sweetie Belle said uncertainly, shaking her head in exasperation. “'Cool' and in no way 'absolutely horrifying!'”

Dash cocked an eyebrow at Sweetie Belle, but made no comment. “You ready to go home, Scoots? Early bedtime tonight!” Dash said, squeezing the filly tight.

“How come?” Apple Bloom asked curiously. “Applejack told me the same thing!”

“We've gotta get to Canterlot early for the Summer Sun Celebration! Celestia is raising the sun early to give us all time to leave, at noon tomorrow instead of dawn the next day. We've still gotta get there super early to get a good spot to watch, though!” Rainbow Dash explained, looking to the two girls.

“It's gonna be dark out until noon? Wow...” Scootaloo said, pulling away to look into Dash's face as the blue pegasus nodded. Scoot twisted to face her friends. “Come over early! We'll go together!”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle agreed, Sweetie a little reluctantly.

“Oh boy, Rarity is just so... so pleasant when she's gotta get up early!” Sweetie giggled sarcastically. “Just like a short-tempered, cranky little foal!” she turned in the direction of the Carousel Boutique. “See you girls tomorrow!”

“That's textbook Rarity, alright!” Rainbow grinned. “You want a lift home, Apple Bloom?”

Apple Bloom considered her for a moment, her orange eyes trailing over Rainbow's wings. “Uh. Nope. Nope, nope, nope! Y'all can't fall off the ground! So that's where I'm stayin'!”

“Scaredy pony!” Scootaloo grinned.

Apple Bloom chuckled. “Yer one t' talk, Scoot-a-cock-a-doodle-doo-loo! See you in the morning!”

Scootaloo frowned as Apple Bloom departed. “I ain't no stinkin' chicken!”

“She's just being silly, Scoots!” Rainbow Dash said, ruffling the filly's hair and mane. “C'mon, let's fly!”

“Okay!” Scootaloo cheered, scrambling up on to Dash's back before the older pegasus could even get to her hooves again.

At least Dash could always count on this going right: when she straightened up and flexed her wings, she would hear Scootaloo's excitement building through the buzz of the filly's wings. And of course, she was not disappointed as her heart soared at the soft noise.

Dash's feeling of contentedness continued to grow from there. Rainbow listened contentedly as Scootaloo recounted her adventure in the Everfree Forest, glad that the filly's persistent nightmares did not make her afraid in the daylight. Scootaloo remained happy throughout dinner and took a bath without question. Dash was able to brush out her mane afterwards with Scoot's usual playful resistance.

Rainbow Dash thought she should have realized things would go downhill after such a great evening. She was stretched out on her couch, re-reading one of her favourite Daring Do books, Daring Do and the Volcanic Ruins of Boomadoom, as Scootaloo bounded into the living room. The filly was already dressed in her purple pajamas as she jumped on to the couch next to her sister.

“Oooh, which one is that?” Scootaloo asked excitedly, trying to pull the novel away.

“Boomadoom!” Dash explained, casually lifting it out of Scootaloo's reach. “And you'll read it when we're done with the new one I got ya! Brush your teeth already?”

Dash slipped a bookmark between the pages and closed it as Scootaloo nodded. She threw the book on top of the coffee table. Pulling the filly into her arms, Dash leaned her head over the arm of the couch to peer at the clock she could see in the kitchen. Deciding that they had time for a chapter or two, Dash scanned the table and floor for the copy of Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone that she had bought Scootaloo, as her own was already a little worn.

“Speaking of your new book, wanna read some more, squirt?” Dash asked, nuzzling the filly's face with her own. “Just gotta find it...”

“Uh-uh...” Scootaloo said softly as Dash made to get up, her ears drooping as shook her head.

This took Dash by surprise, as Scootaloo had just seemed interested in the subject. “No? Uh, no big deal, then! What else do you wanna do?”

“Nothin'...” Scootaloo said, taking a shuddering breath as a tear ran down her cheek.

“Scoots!” Dash said, horror stabbing her heart. “What's wrong, baby?”

“I...” Scootaloo tried to speak but her voice caught in her throat. She simply looked tearfully into Dash's eyes, which were beginning to widen with fear.

“Talk to me, Scootaloo! Tell Dashie what's wrong, please!”

“I don't want... to...” Scootaloo mumbled, turning away from Rainbow Dash and starting to cry softly.

Rainbow could feel her own distress beginning to build. Her stomach was churning like a cement mixer already. The abrupt change in Scootaloo's behaviour was starting to make her feel sick.

“Why don't you? Scoots, please, you're scaring me!” Dash said, her voice shaking.

“I DON'T W-WANT TO!” Scootaloo yelled, biting down hard on her lip and waving her arms as she continued to sob hysterically. “DON'T MAKE ME!”

“Okay!” Dash said in a panic. “I'm not doing anything! Here, I'll let you calm down, everything's gonna be fine!”

Rainbow Dash tried to get up from the couch to give Scootaloo room to calm down. This, however, was a mistake. As Dash tried to move, Scootaloo wrapped herself around Dash's arm.

“No! Don't leave me, I'm s-sorry! Don't go! Rainbow D-dash, don't go!” Scootaloo bawled, clinging on to the blue pegasus for dear life as her wings started to extend and contract without control.

Rainbow Dash did not know what to do. She wrapped her arms and her own wings tightly around the sobbing filly, stroking her mane softly and kissing her forehead, doing her best to physically comfort her. All Scootaloo would do is repeat 'I'm sorry' to her, her voice growing raspy as she tried to breath.

“Calm down, Scoots! Please, calm d-down for me.” Dash tried to say in a level voice, feeling her own eyes growing wet. If she was going to start crying herself, she would make no attempt to stop it. “Nothing is your fault. Sssh... hush now, quiet now, little one! Tell me what's wrong, Scootaloo. If you want to, please, tell me...”

“I don't want...” Scootaloo started, crying softly now as her ears twitched.

“You don't have t-” Dash was going to say, but she realized Scootaloo was still speaking.

“... you to go away!” Scoot finished, still holding tightly onto Dash's forearm.

“Dashie's not going anywhere, kiddo!” Rainbow explained softly, trying to keep herself calm as she continued to stroke Scootaloo's mane.

“You're gonna leave tomorrow!” The child protested, and Rainbow understood exactly what was wrong.

“Scoots, I understand that you're afraid-” Dash tried to explain, but Scootaloo cut across her.

“You don't understand!” Scootaloo wailed, shaking her head into Dash's chest. “You don't! You're gonna leave me and you might not come back! It's just like b-before! I don't wanna lose anypony again!”

Rainbow Dash could feel the orange filly shaking violently in her arms. She felt dizzy as she struggled to find the right words to reassure the little girl. Dash had hoped that Scootaloo had accepted what was happening, but she also felt foolish not to realize it would be at its worse just before she departed. She tried to rock Scootaloo in her arms, which themselves were beginning to shake.

“Mommy's gonna come home to you, Scootaloo!” Dash said, throwing all caution with the term to the wind. “Mommy's not gonna leave you forever. But I've gotta go. Dashie's gotta go...”

“You don't!” Scootaloo protested, trying to break free so she could pound her arms against Dash's chest. “You won't come home! You're gonna die and I'm gonna be alone again! Don't go, please stay home! Last time someone said 'Mommy's coming back', they didn't! You won't come home! I can't l-lose you! Rainbow Dash, I love you, don't g-gooo!”

The filly broke down completely again. She stopped trying to attack Dash and just fell into her chest, bawling loudly and shaking viciously, shivering as though she stood in the frozen arctic outside of the Crystal Empire. Dash clutched her tightly, her own body shaking with fear.

“I've gotta go, Scootaloo! If I don't, the Elements of Harmony won't work! Everyone will get hurt without me. I'm so sorry, Scoots, but I've gotta go!” Rainbow spoke clearly, rocking the filly back and forth softly as Scootaloo said 'No, no!' over and over, sobbing uncontrollably. “With me there, everypony will be strong enough to beat the bad guy and we'll all come home safe!”

“YOU WON'T! IT'S NOT GONNA WORK! I'M GONNA LOSE YOU! NO, NO! DON'T GO!” Scootaloo was screaming now, struggling against Dash's hold, her voice losing strength.

“Princess Luna will keep me safe! Your favourite Princess will be with me! The Wonderbolts will be with me and all of my friends, and we're gonna all come home safely! I promise, Scootaloo! I promise you!” Rainbow said in a loud and clear voice. “I wouldn't go unless they really needed me!” She continued to hold Scootaloo close to her, her own breathing erratic.

“But I need you...” Scootaloo whispered, her orange body going limp as the fight left her. “I need my sister...”

“I need you too, Scootaloo.” Dash said, loosening her grip so she could stroke Scootaloo's mane again. “You're the best thing to ever come into my life, so I'm gonna keep you in my mind and in my heart when I'm away. You're gonna be Dashie's strength!”

“I don't want you... to go...” Scoot whimpered, pulling away to look into Dash's face. Dash looked down to see her streaming eyes and nose, both very red.

“I don't want to go either! I wanna stay home with you.” Dash said, wiping Scootaloo's nose with her arm. “You're so cool to be with, Scoots! I mean it. That's why I'm making sure that I'm coming home to see you again!”

“I'm scared...” Scoot mumbled, rubbing her eyes. “I don't like you going... because it scares me.”

“I know, Scoots!” Dash cooed, placing a hoof under Scootaloo's chin to keep the filly looking into her face. “I'm scared too. But I'm also very sure of my own strength and the strength of all of my friends. I know that you're gonna be taken care of while I'm away. You're gonna be with Princess Celestia and her subjects in Canterlot, along with your friends. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom will be there with you, and you'll all be waiting to surprise your sisters when they come home, won't you? You girls should make us a big gift!”

“No! I don't want you to go!” Scootaloo tried to move Dash's hoof so she could look away.

“Mommy's coming home this time, Scootaloo. I'm never gonna leave you forever. I'll come home and we'll go see Tank again, alright? And we'll come home again and finish your book, and fall asleep together again...” Dash promised her, kissing Scootaloo's forehead.

“No.” Scoot said softly, giving a sniffle as her left ear flicked.

“Sssh... Everything is gonna be alright. I'm gonna be brave, just like my brave little filly, and I'm not going to be afraid anymore!” Rainbow Dash told her. “You're brave, right?”

“No...” Scootaloo repeated, shaking her head.

“You're brave! I know you're brave because Dashie needs you to be brave, and I know I can always count on my Scoots...”

“No!” Scoot said fiercely again, closing her eyes as her tail spasmed.

Rainbow pulled her into another hug, lying down on the couch and stroking her mane. “You're a great kid, Scootaloo. I won't let you go. I'll come home because you losing me is the same as me losing you too. I'm not strong enough to lose you. That's why I was so scared when you and the other Crusaders had that fire. That's why I'm scared of you three going into the Everfree Forest. You mean the world to me, Scootaloo. I'll come back to you because I love you so much and I need you...”

“Please... come home.” Scootaloo begged her, giving a shudder as she took a deep breath.

“I will... I promise, Scoots.” Dash said, feeling her own breathing calming down.

Rainbow Dash gave a soft sigh as she cuddled the little pegasus. She really wasn't entirely sure how to handle that and prayed she wouldn't have to again. As the seconds of silence stretched into minutes, Scootaloo's crying had finally subsided and was replacing by deep breathing. Dash was sure she had fallen asleep.

Very carefully, Dash got to her hind legs and stood up straight, supporting the filly in her arms. She walked out of the living room without turning off any of the lights and, although her own throat was very dry and she was so thirsty, she made her way to the foot of the stairs and climbed to the second floor.

She entered her dark bedroom and, balancing on one leg as she stretched out the other, closed the door with it. She approached her bed and supported Scootaloo with one arm as she pulled the covers back. Very gently, Dash crawled into bed and cuddled into the still-sleeping child.

“I promise, Scootaloo. I promise. I'll come home.” Dash whispered softly, her stomach still squirming uncomfortably. “I need you just as much as you need me.”

She closed her own eyes as she took a deep breath. How she longed for this nightmare to end, to emerge victorious from Saddle Arabia as soon as possible. But how would Dash know if her promises will be empty in the end?

26 Summer Sun Celebration

Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep!

Rainbow Dash stretched out a hoof, tapping absentmindedly along her bedside table as the blaring noise pounded throughout the room.

Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep!

Dash swore loudly, whipping around to face the table and slamming her forearm against the top of it. Although the alarm did fall silent, Dash happened to knock the clock itself to the floor. She gave a tremendous yawn and glanced over to see if Scootaloo was awake.

She was. And what was more, she was grinning wickedly. “Wow, you handled that one like a c-c-chaaamp, Sis!” Scoot yawned, rubbing her eyes.

“Aaah, shaddap!” Dash smiled, rapping her hoof playfully over Scootaloo's head.

“Abusing a filly, too!” Scootaloo giggled. "How awful!"

Dash rolled her eyes and wrapped a wing around the child, giving her a tight hug. It warmed her heart to see that Scootaloo was in much higher spirits this morning than she had been the previous night. The pegasus slipped out of bed and picked up the alarm clock, placing it back on the table and stretching.

Dash opened up the window blinds and was momentarily startled to see that it was still pitch dark out. “Oh!” Dash laughed, sitting back on the bed. “Totally forgot about the Summer Sun thing!”

“That doesn't surprise me.” Scoot said loftily, wrapping her arms around Rainbow Dash's torso briefly before jumping off the bed herself.

“You be nice!” Dash yawned again, sweeping her wing softly across the filly's rump as the orange pegasus ran around the bed.

“Naaaw!” Scootaloo grinned back at Dash, shaking her head. “I'm gonna go get ready; the other Crusaders should be here soon!”

As Scootaloo tore from the room, Dash gave a sigh and turned to look back out of the window at the darkness of the morning. She clicked on her lamp as she tried not to think about The Shadow. This turned out to more difficult than she imagined as she yearned to see the sun come up. Deciding to use her fear as some motivation, Dash decided to write to her father.

Joining Scootaloo downstairs shortly thereafter, Rainbow Dash sat down at her kitchen table with a sheet of parchment. As she tapped a pencil on the table, trying to decide how best to start, Scootaloo walked over to her.

“Whatcha doooin'?” Scootaloo asked, biting into an apple and leaning over the table.

“I'm writing to your grandpa!” Dash said, frowning at the blank parchment. "I haven't dropped Dad a line in awhile.”

“Oh!” Scootaloo giggled, smirking at the blank sheet. “It was so obvious just by looking at it!”

“C'mon now, Scoots. Be good right now...” Dash trailed off as she bent over to write.

“Oh... sorry, Sis. I was only playing around...” Scootaloo said uncertainly. She seemed worried that she had upset the older pegasus.

“It's not a big deal, kiddo!” Rainbow explained, looking up again before she even started to write. “Dashie's not mad! Writing to my dad is important, that's all!” Dash gave Scootaloo a swift smile, which the filly returned. Dash returned to the parchment and began to write.

Dad,

I'm so sorry I haven't been writing as much as I should be! My life has been sooo hectic since I wrote to you about the airshow try-outs! But I really wanted to write to you today, because I gotta go play superhero again with the Elements of Harmony over in Saddle Arabia. I really don't wanna worry you, but I can't lie and say it's not going to be legitimately dangerous or even life-threatening. Had to make sure you hear from me before I go, though! I should be alright, Princess Luna will be with us all. I'll ask Princess Celestia to send this over through her magic rather than the regular post, so you should get it in time to say a prayer for me. I'm thinking I'm gonna need it. Y'know, just in case... but, yeah. We're going to Canterlot for the Summer Sun Celebration today, so I'll see the Princess then.

The try-outs went awesome, as you might expect from your baby girl! I got to be Soarin's partner and we performed for like 55000 ponies and other creatures after a week or two of training. It was the most tremulous thing I've ever experienced, if that's the right word for that. Best of all, though, Soarin and I started growing pretty close and he spent the night after the show! The Wonderbolts are going with us to Gymkhana, the capital city of Saddle Arabia. So that's pretty awesome... sorry, I'm trying to sound braver than I actually feel, Daddy. To be honest, I'm actually pretty anxious about everything. I wish I had you here with me.

Thankfully, I've got Scootaloo! She's done with school and she did amazing! I can't wait for you to meet her, Dad! She's so wonderful! Cheerilee said her only problem in school is a weaker vocabulary, and who cares about that?! Otherwise, Scoots is pretty smart. We usually act like sisters when we're together, but I feel our deepest nature is that of mother and daughter. I love her as though she's been my little girl for the last seven years. I can't believe it's only been a few months, but I've always wanted to look out for her even before I adopted her. I just wouldn't have believed, a year ago, that I'd have a daughter right now. It's just something I thought would never happen, due to my illness when I was a filly. Biological or not, she's the brightest gem in my life right now.

Scootaloo had a really bad anxiety attack last night, since she's afraid of what I've gotta face. It was so scary, Dad, I didn't know what to do. It was like nothing I said or did could calm her breathing or crying down and I felt powerless to help her. I wanted to break down and cry, it was horrible to see her in such a state. She's okay now, though. I just hope she stays that way while I'm away. I pray I'll be safe, I really do... but I know that if anything does happen to me, Scootaloo will never be alone. I'm ashamed I never thought of you when I was first thinking about who would care for Scoots if I died in the desert. I'll make sure Celestia knows my wishes in that respect. If you could handle me of all ponies when you were younger, you can easily handle Scootaloo right now!

Wish me luck, Daddy. I love and miss you so much. I'm hoping I get to see you again soon. I wish I could take your guidance with me, but I have your love and I know you'll be with me in spirit. And I've always, always got Mom in my heart.

Lots of love,
Rainbow

Rainbow Dash finished writing and rolled up the parchment into a scroll. She stuffed it into a saddlebag hanging over the edge of another chair and stood up, stretching and taking in all the noise in her house right now.

While she had been writing, the other Crusaders had arrived ahead of their sisters and they were making a terrible racket in the living room. She had roared out to them to keep everything clean and tidy, because she didn't expect to return to this house until after the mission in Gymkhana.

“Rainbow Dash, you have nothing good in here!” Sweetie Belle was saying as she peered into the fridge. “Where's your vanilla-flavoured milk, filly?!”

“I'm an athlete, Sweetie! That's waaay too fattening for this house!” Dash laughed.

“Scootaloo, you poor thing! You've gotta live with that!” Sweetie Belle said in horror, frowning over at Scootaloo, who was standing in the entrance to the kitchen.

“What Rainbow Dash isn't telling you is the fact we keep all our junk food in the drawer at the bottom of the fridge!” Scootaloo grinned.

“No junk this early in the morning! You kids are crazy.” Dash rolled her eyes. “Eat the fruit and stuff, the things that would spoil while we're away! Honestly, there's like forty apples in there... go nuts.”

“Apples are pretty darn awesome!” Apple Bloom agreed, squeezing into the kitchen behind the orange filly.

“You only think that because they're in your name!” Sweetie Belle retorted, closing the fridge door.

“Nu uh!” Bloom frowned at her.

“I like apples!” Scootaloo chipped in.

Knock, knock, knock. Rainbow Dash groaned in relief.

“Finally! The voices of reason have arrived!” Dash said happily, waving the fillies aside so she could leave the kitchen to answer the door.

“Gud mornin', sunshine!” Applejack said as Rainbow Dash opened the door wide. She was standing side by side with Rarity, who was looking simply radiant as always.

“Hey, you two! I'll be ready to leave in a few minutes, come on in. Your sisters are already destroying the house, so...” Dash grinned, stepping aside to let them in.

“They were quite eager to meet with Scootaloo! They wouldn't wait for me to pack my bag.” Rarity shrugged, tossing her mane. “Have you been feeling any better lately, my dear? You're still looking waxen, Rainbow!” She was peering critically into Dash's face.

“Ear-wax-what, now?” Dash asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You look sallow!” Rarity said gingerly.

“Of course!” Dash said uncertainly as Applejack gave a guffaw.

“Ride the train with us instead of your boorish flying and I'll give you a complete facial and hooficure! I have all the essentials packed in my bag for the mission already!” Rarity beamed, clapping her hooves together and positively bursting with excitement.

“That sounds fun, eh, Rainbow Dash?” Applejack chuckled. “I'm mighty jealous!”

“Oh my gosh! Applejack, I would be simply delighted to offer you the same treatment!” Rarity cheered. “I'll do all the girls! We will arrive for the Summer Sun Celebration as the most resplendent mares Equestria has ever seen!”

“See what ya got started?” Dash groaned to Applejack as the three of them entered the living room. They started to laugh at the outraged look on Rarity's face, however.

“What's so funny?” Sweetie Belle asked as she entered the room, walking over to give her big sister a hug.

“Barbarians, my dear!” Rarity said sweetly, jerking her head at the pegasus and earth ponies. “It's okay, your big sister will make them beautiful!”

“Phew... anyways, y'all best go grab your gear!” Applejack said once the laughter had died down. “Train leaves for Canterlot soon.”

“Right!” Dash nodded, raising her voice as she made to leave the room for the hallway. “Scoots! Make sure you have everything you need for Canterlot!”

Before long, it was time to go. Dash had packed any necessities that she would want to take to Saddle Arabia the previous day. She would certainly be packing light, however: a toothbrush, a hairbrush, some soap and shampoo, a pair of books, and the photograph of herself and Scootaloo they had taken on that very first day as a family. She considered this the most important thing to pack. Rainbow Dash knew Scootaloo had a copy of the photo herself, so she wasn't worried about taking it if something went wrong.

Rainbow Dash wondered if she'd ever be seeing her front door again as she closed and locked it behind her. She remained close to Scootaloo as they all walked to the station to meet up with Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Her mind was beginning to race with worries again as the darkness of the morning lingered, awaiting Princess Celestia's sun-raising ministrations. Dash was thankful that Scootaloo's anxiety seemed to be under control as the filly laughed and spoke with her best friends, but Dash accepted that it was going to rekindle when she had to part from the child.

As Rarity had requested, Rainbow Dash did not fly up to Canterlot but rode the train with Scootaloo. While she was fine with riding the cramped locomotive, packed with other ponies off to the celebration, Rainbow wasn't fond of the prospect of not getting one last fly with the orange filly. Dash made a mental note to attempt one later.

“Twilight, dear!” Rarity said as she laid out cosmetics and files in a semi-circle around her on the bench next to her, sitting on the rumbling floor of the train. “Are you unquestioningly sure you would not like to join us?”

“I'm fine, thank you!” Twilight smiled brightly as Rarity leaned close to Applejack, horn glowing blue and clutching her hoof-file like a knife in a madman's hands. “This will be so exciting, though! I love watching the Summer Sun Celebration in Canterlot, just like my first time ever seeing it!”

“It's so awe-inspiring whenever the Princess raises the sun! We are so blessed to get to experience it first hand!” Fluttershy beamed.

“It's pretty cool, yeah...” Rainbow shrugged, her eyes fixed upon Scootaloo at the far end of the carriage.

The three fillies were sitting apart from the other mares, possibly discussing how they might attempt to force their cutie marks to appear while in Canterlot. Every few minutes, she would catch Scoot's eye and her heart would melt at the sight of the filly's smile. Rainbow Dash wanted to relish in these last few moments of peace before they had to attempt to mete out their justice to The Shadow.

“Your turn, Rainbow Dash!” Rarity sang ten minutes later, holding up a mirror in front of Applejack. “Applejack looks simply glorious!”

“I've gotta admit, it wasn't as painful as I was expectin'!” Applejack laughed. “C'mon, Dash! Don't y'all wanna be 'resplendent'?

Dash rolled her eyes, slipping off her seat and walking over. “Fine, fine...”

Rarity was bursting with joy as Dash took Applejack's seat. Throwing a glance over to the fillies again, Dash noticed all three of them were looking over with grins on their faces. Rainbow Dash groaned.

“Thank Celestia there's no more Gabby Gums...” she mumbled, sighing heavily as Rarity seized her leg in a surprisingly powerful grip, the file floating along with her levitation magic.

It was nearing 11:00 AM as the train pulled into the Canterlot train station. As the crowd piled off, Dash spotted all sorts of ponies with coats and manes of every colour of the rainbow. Dash followed them on softly-beating wings. Landing on the edge of the platform, she turned to watch her friends disembark. Her cheeks were a rosy red from the makeup and her hooves felt sore and raw from the hooficure.

“This is the second time I've had makeup on in like a month. If I'm not careful, I'm gonna turn into a girly girl! Hold me, Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash joked, swooping down and scooping up Scoot as she left the train.

“I think you're pretty!” Scootaloo smiled at her, though her voice was so quiet, only Rainbow Dash could hear.

“Pretty scary, you mean!” Dash whispered back, squeezing her tight. “But I'm not as beautiful as you, Scoots.”

“You aaare!” Scootaloo challenged back, kissing Rainbow Dash on the cheek.

“You're the best, kiddo...” Rainbow sighed happily.

“Are you two coming, or what?” Sweetie Belle called back. “We won't get good spots!”

“Oh!” Dash said in surprise, realizing that she and Scootaloo were the only two left near the train. Flapping her wings hard, she flew after the group, deciding that now was the best time for their flight.

Once she was hovering over her friends, Dash allowed Scootaloo to scramble up on to her back and nuzzle into the rainbow mane again. One tell-tale buzzing noise later and Rainbow Dash was beaming.

“Rainbow Dash, are you flying ahead?” Fluttershy asked in concern, floating up to meet them.

“We'll just circle overhead as you girls move toward Canterlot Gardens!” Dash explained, jabbing a hoof in the direction of the location in question.

Canterlot Gardens was the common name given to a large park in central Canterlot. Whenever the Summer Sun Celebration was held in the seat of the Regal Sisters, thousands of ponies would gather in the park to witness Princess Celestia using her magic to raise the sun into the heavens. As Dash swayed from side to side, cutting a swishing path through the air to delight the filly on her back, her eyes fixed upon the mass of ponies already moving to the Gardens.

Rainbow Dash flew up high to get a full view of Canterlot proper, keeping her body horizontal to avoid her saddlebag slipping off her flank. No matter how often she found herself in this white and gold city, the sights never ceased to amaze her. She could feel Scootaloo twisting around to get a good look at everything as Dash herself continued to drink in the sights. As it was still dark out, glowing orbs atop silver pillars and candle-filled lanterns dotted every nook and cranny below, keeping the city glowing brightly.

Glancing down occasionally to keep her friends in view, Rainbow Dash flew slowly over the cobbled streets, savouring what could honestly be the last flight she would have with her child. She wondered if she was being too anxious again, but it was pointless to pretend that the danger was not there, even if she didn't fully understand what the strength of The Shadow was.

“Scootaloo?” Dash said into the darkness, twisting her head around to try and catch a glimpse of the younger pegasus.

“Yeah?” Scootaloo replied, leaning around Dash's neck to peer into her eyes.

“I love you, Scoots. I just want you to know that.” Dash said, her throat beginning to constrict.

“But I already know that!” Scootaloo said in surprise. “I'm not dumb, Sis! I love you too!”

“I know you aren't dumb! Sometimes it's nice to tell somepony special how you feel, that's all!” Dash explained patiently.

“Well... thanks, I guess!” Scootaloo said happily, nuzzling her face into Dash's mane. “I'm really happy that you're my big sister, Rainbow Dash. You were always my idol!”

Rainbow reached around her head to get a firm grip of Scootaloo. Twisting over in midair, she brought the child in close to her chest, catching the saddle bag by the strap by bending back of one her legs. Floating along on her back, wings beating softly, she pressed her lips to the filly's forehead.

“You're not the only one with an idol, you awesome, awesome kid!” Rainbow Dash choked, feeling her emotions stirring as she hugged Scootaloo tightly.

“Gosh, don't crush me, you dummy!” Scootaloo protested playfully. “I bet your idol is Soarin! He's so cool! Is he your boyfriend yet?”

“Soarin's not my idol, you silly filly!” Rainbow laughed. “YOU are!”

“But I can't even fly!” Scootaloo asked in surprise.

“You don't need to be able to fly for your big sister to look up to you and see exactly what makes you so amazing, Scootaloo.” Dash explained, feeling the warmth spreading through her chest and lungs as she looked into Scootaloo's face, illuminated as they flew over a group of glowing orbs. “And no, Soarin's not my boyfriend yet! Maaaybe when we get back? We'll be doing another date, I think!”

“But you guys kiss! I saw you two at it, like you were trying to eat each other! Doesn't that mean you're in looove?” Scootaloo giggled.

“Two ponies who like each other can kiss! And I don't think you're old enough for us to be having this conversation, missy!”

“I don't think you're old enough to be kissing colts, missy!” Scootaloo giggled again. “Um... where's Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom?” Scoot peered around Dash's body, scanning the ground. “I don't see Rarity or Applejack or Twilight or anypony!”

“Horseapples!” Dash groaned, reaching down to grab the saddle bag with one of her front hooves and giving Scootaloo a little push to make her start crawling. “Let's flip over and find them!”

As Dash twirled right-side-up again, Scootaloo scrambled back on top. Dash could feel her winding her hooves into her multi-coloured mane as the older pegasus dived toward the crowd, zooming over them in a quick glide, her own eyes darting left and right for a sign of her friends.

Finally, Rainbow Dash spotted them approaching two large pillars twisted with ivy. Landing with a clatter of hooves, Dash sprinted forward to catch up to them, speaking to Pinkie Pie as she arrived.

“Sorry, got distracted!” Dash panted as Scootaloo slipped down off her back. Taking the filly by the hoof, Dash walked three-legged next to the pink earth pony.

“Holy cupcakes, I don't think we even realized you two weren't still flying above us!” Pinkie Pie gasped, bouncing at the sight of them. “I'm so, so, sooo excited! The sun will be here soon! And then we get to go to BALTIMARE and take a BOAT!” she squeed, her voice climbing higher and higher.

“How come you guys aren't taking a boat from Canterlot? Don't they fly?” Scootaloo asked, wings buzzing happily when she caught sight of her friends through a momentary break in the crowd.

“They can, but Canterlot zeppelins aren't made for travel over the ocean. The ones in Baltimare are made for both air and sea.” Rainbow explained. “You can run ahead with your friends if you want to, Scoots!”

Scootaloo shook her head, her fuchsia mane flopping side to side. “I'll stay with you! I'm just happy I can see them!”

“Aww, thanks, kiddo! Hopefully we can see Soarin here!” Dash said, giving the hoof a squeeze.

Finally, the swelling crowd seemed to stop in the middle of the park. As Dash and her friends crowded around a large platform erected in the centre of the clearing, there was a momentary glow that lit up the dark sky. Lifting Scootaloo to her shoulders, Rainbow Dash stood up on her hind legs, inciting a few angry grumbles from ponies behind her.

Scootaloo's rapidly buzzing wings could be heard clearly through the sea of gasping ponies as Celestia descended on to the raised platform, the glow from her body seeming to tear away from her and fling into the sky as a shower of sparks. As the sparks fell upon a pond behind her, Celestia smiled brightly at her subjects, inclining her head at the crowd as a large and golden statue of the outline of a sun began to raise out of the platform behind her, towering above her.

“The eternal sun shines forever,” the alicorn spoke in a loud and clear voice, her horn glowing brightly, “though the darkness dims its wonder. As you all enjoy the festivities of the carnival just beyond the Gardens, know that Equestria will never again experience eternal night. Although there may always be conflict and evils in this world, there will always be the light to combat it. Over a thousand years, I have made this vow true. And I will continue to do so for another thousand to come. Behold! The glory of the sun! Bask in its warmth as it fills you with life!”

Rainbow Dash glanced over at Twilight to see that she looked like a filly viewing this for the first time. As Celestia stood up high on her hind legs, her ever-flowing mane rippling around her body, there was a sharp intake of breath from every soul gathered. Her incredible wings flexed and began to flap as her horn began to glow, shimmering with golden light.

The Princess rose into the air, almost eclipsing the statue as she spread her body out wide. The sky seemed to flood with colour as though a giant paint bucket was spilled throughout the heavens. The giant, burning ball of flame ascended over the horizon that was visible beyond the tall buildings of Canterlot as Equestria shone like the star that lit it. Dash could see the divide between night and day sweeping over them, feeling the heat hit her chest.

“That never gets old...” Dash could hear Applejack saying in admiration.

“Did you like that, Scoot?” Dash asked the filly, preparing to down back down on all fours. “I remember the first time I saw-”

Dash stopped short as she caught sight of a thick beam of black magic, roaring through the sky and heading straight for her and Scootaloo. It split into two a split second before striking them both. Dash could feel her body contract as though she were being squeezed through a tube. Rainbow Dash could not breath as the light of the late dawn faded from her vision, everything going black. All she could hear before sound was extinguished as well was Scootaloo's surprised cry of fear as the pair of them vanished.

27 Confrontations and Confirmations

Scootaloo's soft whimper echoed out over the void once Dash felt her hooves land on a solid surface. Drawing in a great breath of air as the feeling returned to her limbs, Rainbow Dash could still feel the filly on her shoulders. Hastening to put her down, Dash dropped to all fours.

“Rainbow Dash! I c-c-can't see you!” Scootaloo cried. “I've gone blind!”

“Sssh, everything is fine, Scoots...” Rainbow Dash spoke clearly to her, sitting down on her flank and holding the filly close to her body. “You can see fine, it's just real dark here! Princess Luna sent us here and we'll meet her in a few moments.”

“I'm scared, Sis...” Scootaloo quivered in an escalated sob as Dash squeezed her tighter.

“Scootaloo? Is that you?” a familiar voice called out from a short distance behind them. “Dashie?”

Dash's heart jumped into outer space. “Soarin!” Dash gasped in surprise, twisting her head around. She could not see anything through the blackness all around them. She could feel Scootaloo trying to look as well, still quivering. “Man, am I glad to hear your voice! I wish Luna gave us a little more warning before warping us away like this!”

“I... don't think this is Luna, Dashie...” Soarin replied in a worried tone. “I've been here for a few minutes, but I haven't seen a single soul arrive since. I was standing with Spitfire, too, so it seems like only I've been dragged here.”

Dash felt a flutter of fear in her belly. Now that she thought about it, the last time they had all been warped together as a group. Why would Princess Luna single out Soarin and herself, or even bring Scootaloo to this spooky plane? She could still hear Scootaloo's soft whimpers of fear as she tried to lead Soarin to her with her voice.

“Yeah, this isn't like before...” Dash admitted, her eyes darting all around in search of a source of light. She reached out and felt Soarin's side as he finally found his way over to her. Dash could feel tough fibres; Soarin was in his flight suit. Scootaloo's tears were warm against Dash's chest. “It's okay, sweetie... I know you're scared, but Dashie and Soarin are with you.”

“I don't like this...” she continued to sob as Dash stroked her mane softly.

“There's no reason to be scared, Scoots!” Soarin whispered to her and Dash could feel him lean over her to stroke the filly's mane himself. “I made you a Wonderbolt Recruit, remember? That means you're really tough!”

“WE KNOW.” echoed a harsh and raspy voice from above them.

“What the HELL was that?!” Dash panicked, unable to stop herself as dread flooded her. She whipped her head high at the noise and positively smacked Soarin away from her when it collided with his jaw.

Scootaloo had fallen so silent that Dash would have been worried that she had disappeared. She could feel the girl shaking against her body so hard that it was like Scoot was freezing to death. She felt Soarin scramble back over to them, groaning a little. He wrapped his wings around herself and Scootaloo, as though he were trying to shield them. The top of Rainbow's head was throbbing viciously.

“Who are you?” Soarin demanded, his voice displaying a fury above anything Dash had yet heard. “Show yourself!”

“WE KNOW THAT YOU AND YOUR TEAM ARE PLANNING TO RETURN.” the voice hissed. “STAY OUT OF THE DESERT, FIRST OFFICER SOARIN. WE KNOW THAT YOU MET WITH THE TEAM IN CLOUDSDALE, RAINBOW DASH. WE KNOW YOU SERVE THE SUN PRINCESS. STAY OUT OF THE DESERT LEST ALL OF EQUESTRIA SUFFERS THE WRATH OF THE VOIDWALKER. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.”

Before Dash had a chance to open her mouth again, she felt her body contract once more. All she could do was clutch to her filly for dear life as all the weight left her body. It was like she was floating along in nothingness until she finally felt her flank touch down on another solid surface and her vision was assaulted by a bright light.

“Oh, thank Heavens!” Twilight Sparkle's voice broke with relief.

Rainbow Dash blinked a few times to clear her eyes. As Soarin's wings retracted, Dash could see all of her friends very clearly. They were arranged around Princess Luna along with Spitfire, Rapidfire, the two Streak brothers, and Fleetfoot. Dash realized where they were; they were back on the dark side of the moon. The group quickly moved to crowd around the newcomers as Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom ran forward to embrace Scootaloo. Rainbow saw that the light was coming from Luna's horn.

“What happened?” Princess Luna asked sharply, the dark alicorn striding over. “I attempted to summon you all here, for I have important news that cannot wait. However, the three of you did not arrive immediately.”

“We don't know what happened, Princess,” Soarin began, giving her a swift bow, “but it seems that we were intercepted.”

“Intercepted?!” Luna's eyes widened. “Impossible.”

“Nu uh!” Scootaloo contradicted in a shaky voice, pulling away from the other fillies. Sweetie Belle had tears in her eyes and Apple Bloom looked very reluctant to let go of her. “It was all dark, Princess Luna! It w-was me, Rainbow Dash, and Soarin and we were trapped and I thought I was blind!” Scootaloo took a steadying breath, wiping her eyes.

The alicorn bent her legs low to put herself on a level with the young pegasus, real concern visible in her dark eyes. “What happened when you were all there, Scootaloo?”

“A v-voice... a horrible voice yelled out! It told Rainbow Dash and Soarin not to go to the desert!” Scootaloo whimpered. “Don't make them go...”

“You have done wonderfully in facing your own fears, Scootaloo.” Princess Luna said gently, extending a hoof to her shoulder. “You must allow your mother the same opportunity. I will watch over her to the fullest extent of my great power. You have my word.”

“Sounds like I'm on my own!” Soarin tried to joke lightly, though his voice cracked. Dash could hear Spitfire mumbling scathingly.

Scootaloo gave the alicorn a slow nod of assent. Rainbow Dash was taken aback by this, impressed by her daughter's quick acceptance of the Princess' word. She felt a little inadequate when she saw how quickly Luna had reassured Scootaloo, however. Her own attempts were never that successful.

Luna's legs straightened out again and she turned to face Rainbow Dash. “Did this voice say anything else?”

“It believed that I'm working directly with Princess Celestia rather than you. Told me to stay away for Equestria's sake. It knew that I was with the Wonderbolts yesterday!” Rainbow shuddered, apprehension building in her breast.

“I dunno how or care why this thing intercepted you, but we won't be staying away. It dared to harm us and now we'll repay it in kind!” Spitfire said with a determined air. “If it recognized you then should be safe under Twilight Sparkle's disguise spell. Hell, we all should. I dunno how it knew what you were doing, but we're gonna crawl under its nose.”

“For now, the question of how it managed to pull you three from my grasp remains to be seen.” Princess Luna said once Spitfire had her say. “Is that all, Rainbow Dash?”

“No,” Dash replied, looking over at Soarin, “that wasn't everything it said, Princess. I'm pretty sure it went ahead and told us the name of The Shadow.”

“What?!” Applejack gasped. “Y'all kept that quiet!”

“It mentioned a 'Voidwalker'.” Soarin explained. “Are any of you familiar with that term?”

“Read about anything like that, Twilight?” Rainbow added.

“It doesn't ring a bell. I'm sorry...” Twilight sighed, shaking her head.

The others gave similar answers. All except for Luna.

“I am positive that I have heard that term before. I will ask my sister to put some ponies on research while we are at work in Saddle Arabia.” the alicorn said, flexing her wings. “For now, it is best to assume The Shadow is fully aware of our actions. That is part of the reason I had pulled you all from the Summer Sun Celebration in the first place. My work in Gymkhana has lead me to uncover an espionage scheme against our kingdom. This, I assume, is how our enemy knew of your actions, Rainbow Dash.”

“Is dere an actual spy, Princess?” Rapidfire asked, running a hoof through his cinnabar hair, streaked with charcoal. “Perhaps we could uncovah 'im or 'er if we did some investa'gatin' before we lef'.”

Princess Luna shook her head, her constantly rippling mane swirling through the air. “They are using powerful scrying methods that I have never witnessed before. They have a seer who is using the collective magic in the air surrounding Canterlot as a viewing portal that stretches as far as Cloudsdale. I pray that The Shadow is as of yet unaware of my own actions in Saddle Arabia, for I am presently a hired adviser in a new branch of government that has been set up in recent days in response to the present climate. Wave Chill has been behind its creation and I can confirm that he is still using that name privately.”

Rainbow Dash's feelings of unease was increasing with each passing minute. She gave Soarin a quick glance. He had a look in his eyes that was terrible to behold. It was almost psychotic. Glancing about, Dash noticed that Scootaloo was looking her confusion as well.

“He's not hiding the fact that he's betrayed the team, then? Betrayed me?” Soarin asked, eyes squinting as though he had just experienced a jolt of physical pain. Rainbow Dash stretched out a hoof to him but she could not be certain if he had seen it or not. Soarin proceeded as though he had not. “No disrespect, Princess, but us hiding here and hoping that the scryers look the other way cannot be doing us any good.”

“I agree with Soarin.” Spitfire said, a fury burning in her amber eyes. “If there's nothing left for us to plan here, I suggest we get to Baltimare so we can depart immediately. Perhaps it would be wise to remain undisguised until we reach the Eastern shores? If they can see Canterlot and Cloudsdale, then it's probably best to think that Gymkhana is already preparing for us. They can watch us leave and we can disguise once we are outside of the scrying range of Canterlot!”

“I'm wid' the Cap'in and Soarin, meself.” Rapidfire nodded. “The quicka we get over dere the quicka we get some action. And Spitfiah's right, if we disguise en route den' dere's no way we'll be detectahble.”

“Ha! While they are busy awaiting the arrival of our warring entourage, we shall already be perfectly positioned under their noses! They won't know we have arrived and our glorious Elements of Harmony will make quick work of The Shadow! Or... Voidwalker, or whatever, and we'll be home in time for the spa's 'half-price Mondays'!” Rarity said confidently.

“S'long as Soarin's cutie mark doesn't give us away, that is.” Fire Streak cautioned. “We use that as our current emblem, so here's a suggestion: we'll go without our flight suits and, if we cover up his mark, we might not even need disguises. Few ponies in the streets know what we look like without these suits on, and good luck finding any others over in Saddle Arabia!”

“You're forgetting Wave Chill.” Lightning Streak said dully. “He knows exactly what we look like.”

“I don't see that as a problem, Lightning.” Spitfire snarled. “I'd like nothing more than to be close enough to him for him to recognize us. It'll make this mission a hell of a lot simpler if we're close enough to get our hooves around his throat.”

Rainbow listened to the Wonderbolts talk. The ugly look playing around Spitfire's face was matched on Soarin's, although neither Rapidfire nor either of the Streak brothers looked as vindictive. Dash wondered exactly how close Spitfire had been to Wave Chill, considering it was his brother who she had fallen in love with.

'At least she isn't giving Soarin her hatred right now...' Dash thought miserably. 'Instead, they're both in a murderous mood. I dunno how this is going to end well. I'm not going to let Soarin do anything stupid.'

“The Wonderbolts do not intend to disguise, then?” Princess Luna asked, an eyebrow raised. “I'm not sure I can allow that, Captain. Our secrecy is crucial to the mission. How do you intend for the Elements of Harmony to strike a blow to the usurpers if your rashness sabotages the entire operation?”

“We will form two groups if we must, then!” Spitfire suggested stubbornly.

“We are not separating!” Dash snapped, moving quickly to stand next to Soarin, Scootaloo still by her side. The filly was whispering to the other Crusaders, the present discussion clearly lost on them. “We'll do this together, Captain!”

“Who the hell do you think you are to speak to me like that?” Spitfire said in a dangerous tremble, moving to stand face to face with the rainbow-maned pegasus.

“Speak to you like what, huh? Like a child? Geez, maybe you shouldn't act like one next ti-” Dash fumed, interrupted by Twilight Sparkle.

“Girls, please!” the unicorn groaned, moving quickly to stand between them as Applejack placed a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder.

“You are speaking to the CAPTAIN of the WONDERBOLTS, you worthless foal!” Spitfire roared in a vehement hiss, her voice shaking with indignation.

She looked as though she was going to attempt to strike Rainbow Dash, but the moment Rapidfire placed an arm in front of her, the fight completely vanished from her. She gave the elder pony a single cold look, a fire in her orange eyes. Rapidfire simply looked with concern in his dull blue eyes.

“No, I'm speaking to AN IDIOT!” Dash snapped as she made to charge forward herself. Applejack was quick on the uptake, grabbing Dash's tail by the teeth. “Let GO of me, AJ!”

“Sis!” Scootaloo said in a worried shriek. “I d-don't like fighting!”

“That will do!” Luna's earth-shattering voice echoed throughout the void of the moon prism. All struggling ceased immediately. “Absolutely pathetic behaviour we have witnessed! The Elements of Harmony and the Wonderbolts will work together as one cohesive group lest the plan splinter! There will be no arguments. Have we made ourselves clear?”

“Crystal clear, Princess.” Spitfire said crisply, glaring at Rainbow Dash with something like hatred in her eyes. “Please allow us to remain undisguised. You know what group the Wonderbolts serve under, Princess. It would be disgraceful to our militant order to disguise and crawl around in the shadows, that's all. But if Wave Chill himself spots us, then we'll deal with him ourselves.”

Luna seemed to consider Spitfire's words. After a moment, she finally spoke. “Very well, Captain. Just remember that you are commissioned by the Regal Sisters. Next time the safety of this group clashes with the Order's methods, Princess Celestia or I will deal with your superiors' objections ourselves.”

Rainbow Dash did not have a clue what they were talking about. She knew that there was more to the Wonderbolts than meets the eye, this was true. She knew they had strict military training for a group that are labelled as aerobatic performers to the public. 'But... superiors?' Who exactly did Spitfire, and by extension, the Wonderbolts themselves, serve under? Dash had no idea and she knew better than to try to get information out of Soarin. And she certainly wasn't planning on approaching Spitfire any time soon.

“So... off to Baltimare!” Pinkie cheered, as though that entire exchange had not taken place. “Then we all get to see Twilight's disguises for us! Pinkie Pie and Pinkie Fly! We can both say proudly 'I am the tag-team champions!'” she gave Rainbow Dash a swift hug, Dash rolling her eyes.

“Let's git 'er done, then!” Applejack cheered.

“Oh dear... it's finally happening...” Fluttershy whimpered.

“I will send you all back a few at a time to avoid raising suspicion. It's too much to hope that nopony would notice fourteen of you spring out of the ground all at once.” Luna said, satisfied that the quarrelling had stopped. “There is a bright scarlet train at the Canterlot station right now. It is bound for Baltimare. The ticket keeper already knows to allow you boarding. Once in the city, proceed to the port. You'll be taking a large cruising vessel. It will be the largest ship in the harbour, if memory serves me correctly. Like the train, the crew will allow you passage. Disguise a few hours outside of the Eastern continent's coast and maintain it all all costs. Understood, everypony?”

“We take the scarlet train to Baltimare and board the big cruise ship!” Twilight summarized. “Disguise just outside of Saddle Arabia. I think that's everything?”

“Sounds like it...” Fluttershy mumbled softly. “So much travelling... it makes me a little nervous!”

“Have confidence in yourself, Fluttershy! You are the Element of Kindness and you have great power to go with it.” Luna said.

“I just hope the Voidwalker doesn't catch us as we leave...” Fluttershy shivered.

Princess Luna turned to look in the direction of the three fillies. “Stand by your sisters, girls, and I will send you all back to Canterlot.” she then addressed Applejack and Rarity. “There will be a mare by the name of Ms. Harshwhinny at the station. She will be taking care of the fillies for the duration of the mission. For their safety, they will be staying at the palace and under Princess Celestia's protection.”

“See ya soon, Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom said, giving Scoot a quick embrace and moving to stand by Applejack.

“Can't wait to start Crusading in Canterlot! There's probably a million things to do at the palace!” Sweetie Belle added, hugging her as well.

Once Sweetie Belle had joined them, A light blue aura formed around Luna's still-glowing horn and the black beams of magic erupted once more. Applejack and Rarity vanished, along with their sisters. Princess Luna then turned to look in the direction of the Wonderbolts. With a nod to the Captain, Lightning Streak, Fire Streak, and Rapidfire stood to one side. With another zap of magic, they vanished. Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, and Fluttershy stepped forward next. Dash blinked once and they were gone.

“See you at the station, Dashie.” Soarin said, walking over and placing his arms around Rainbow's chest as she stood up tall to embrace him herself. “I'll see you there too, Scoots!”

Rainbow Dash's eyes flashed to Spitfire and she was not surprised to see the pegasus still glaring in her direction. Was it their confrontation that had infuriated the Wonderbolt Captain, Dash wondered, or was it jealousy over Soarin?

“C'mon, Soarin.” Spitfire ordered. “Teleport us when you are ready, Your Highness. And make sure you hide your cutie mark with something, Soarin. It's not going to surprise me if your dimwittedness causes you to forget.”

Soarin gave Rainbow Dash and awkward smile and walked back to Spitfire. Dash narrowed her eyes furiously as Luna's spell caused them to vanish. She gave a sigh.

“Still a little scared, Scoots?” Dash asked, kneeling down and wrapping a wing around her. “That voice was scary, huh? But I knew we would get to Luna in the end.”

“Yeah...” Scootaloo nodded, hugging Dash's torso and nuzzling her face into her. “I'm glad we're with Luna right now, though!”

“She's gotta send us back now, though!” Rainbow reminded her.

“Oh, right!” Scootaloo gasped, pulling away from Dash and looking to the alicorn. “Goodbye, Luna!”

Luna had been watching them quietly. At Scootaloo's words, she smiled warmly and inclined her head, mane flowing all around her. “Goodbye, Scootaloo. I am glad we could see one another again. Are you ready, Rainbow Dash?”

“Actually, hooold up a sec... I gotta ask before I forget: How do you two know each other? I already guessed that your Scootaloo's favourite ruler, but I woulda never guessed you two were actually friends!” Dash gave a shaky laugh, the prospect of a seven year old filly being close to the immortal Princess of the Night almost being too much to comprehend. “What did I miss?”

Scootaloo giggled and walked over to stand near Luna. “Luna's been my friend since before you adopted me, Sis!”

Dash watched Luna and Scootaloo exchanged a meaningful look, before both looked straight at her.

“You could say,” Luna began delicately, “that I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Scootaloo in one of her dreams when she needed guidance the most.”

“Luna helped me, uh, do something I was afraid to do!” Scootaloo said cagily, still beaming and looking into Dash's eyes with pure adoration. “She made me tell somepony the truth and I'm glad I did!”

Dash looked her confusion as she stared back into the filly's eyes as Scootaloo returned to her side. It was like Scootaloo was trying to tell her something with that look she was still giving her, Dash thought. She looked over at Luna, who was still beaming as though the sight of the two pegasai was warming her heart. For some reason, the first time Scootaloo had ever told Dash the truth crossed her mind.

”I'm so, so sorry, Rainbow Dash! I just wanted you to hang out with me and see how cool I was so you'd take me under your wing and teach me everything you know and become like my big sister! But... then you started telling those spooky stories and I got scared! I thought I heard the Headless Horse so I ran out here all by myself and... well... I guess you know the rest..."

Scootaloo had told her shortly afterwards that she had seen the Headless Horse in a nightmare, Dash remembered. As she looked back into Scootaloo's smiling face, Dash could recall a dream that she herself had experienced that very night. Though the details had faded from her memory, she could still remember one startling feature: Dash had seen Princess Luna, who had shot magic at her. Rainbow Dash had awoken a moment later and noticed that Scootaloo had left the cave they had all been camping in.

“Wait... wait a sec...” Dash said in a shaky voice, looking from Scootaloo to Luna again. “Scoots, you told me the truth about how you were afraid of disappointing me, and how much you wanted me to be your big sister when I saved your life! That's one of the things made me want to adopt you in the first place!” Scootaloo nodded, giving a sniff as her eyes started to grow a little wet. Dash's stared over at the alicorn. “You appeared in my dream that night, Luna. The dream I was having when Scootaloo had ran off, thinking the Headless Horse was after her!”

“So I did!” Luna said evasively. “If memory serves correctly, that wasn't the only dream I had entered that night. But I must really be sending you both back now or your friends will worry!”

Rainbow Dash felt as though she had crashed headlong into a brick wall as the waves of comprehension crashed over her. Luna had sent her after Scootaloo. She pulled the filly close to her chest and held her so close to her heart that she was sure the filly could feel it thundering against her ribs. 'What if Luna had given Scoot the guidance she needed to face her fears about disappointing me?' Dash shut her eyes, breathing deeply as everything came to a point.

Never once had she ever thought to mention to Scootaloo that she was able to save her because she woke up after seeing Princess Luna in a dream. Rainbow turned to speak to Luna once more. Dash had to tell her, had to explain exactly what the Princess' actions had meant to her.

Luna was the one who had brought them together.

“Wait!” Dash croaked, her throat going dry as Luna prepared to cast her spell. She was nearly sick with happiness, completely lightheaded. “P-Princess Luna, how can I ever tha-”

Before Dash could get the words out, the thick black beam was racing toward her. It split just before contact and she could feel herself being warped away with Scootaloo by her side. Dash could feel the cobbled street below her as bright sunlight assaulted her vision. She was still holding on to Scootaloo as tightly as possible. They were back in front of the platform that Celestia had stood upon, although the crowd had dispersed by now to enjoy the carnival.

“Scootaloo...” Dash whispered hoarsely, looking down at the filly as she fought the urge to break down and cry. “Why didn't you ever tell me about Luna before?”

“I dunno!” Scoot shrugged, looking up with a frown before nuzzling into Dash's chest. “I didn't think it was important, I guess... I mean, we became sisters that night! That was more important!”

“'Didn't think it was important?!'” Dash repeated in amazement, lifting the filly high with both front hooves and flying a few feet into the air. “Scoot, it's all because of Luna that I can look into your eyes and tell you that you're the best darn thing to ever happen to me! Well, actually, that's all because of how AWESOME you are, but Luna gave us a nudge in the right direction!”

“I guess so!” Scootaloo said, smiling brightly again. “I love you, Rainbow Dash!”

“I love you so much, Scoots!” Dash grinned up at her.

“I told Luna that you adopted me when I saw her at the soccer game, back when you did the airshow with Soarin!” Scootaloo explained, wiping her eyes. “She said she already knew because she and Celestia review all adoptions in Equestria and then she said she was so happy for us! I'm sorry I never told you, Sis! Hope I didn't upset you...”

“Of course you didn't upset me, love! I'm just so happy I got to find out before I had to go away, Scoots! I can't wait to meet Luna in Saddle Arabia, I'm gonna tell her exactly how important her little dream jumping has been to us both! But I guess she probably already knows, huh?” Dash sighed happily, taking in a deep breath of air.

“Hey! Were y'all hangin' around here the whole time?” Applejack's voice drifted to them on the wind.

“AJ!” Dash called out, floating back to the ground and allowing Scootaloo to climb on to her back. “Sorry, just had a quick word with Luna before she did her hocus pocus!”

“Well, hurry on up! Everypony's left for the station already, I hung back to wait fer ya!”

Dash galloped over to meet her, still beaming brightly with Scootaloo sitting comfortably on her back.

“What're y'all so happy about?” AJ grinned at her, starting to walk in the direction of the station.

Dash started to tell her exactly what had just transpired after everyone but herself and Scootaloo had left the dark side of the moon. Applejack's jaw hung low as Rainbow explained the full details of that night on the camping trip, with a little help from Scootaloo.

Applejack wiped a tear from her eye once they had finished speaking. “Golly! That's such a sweet story. It just goes to show exactly how much the two Princesses really take care of us all, don't it?” Applejack gave a chuckle. “And here I thought ya just adopted Scootaloo out of the goodness of your heart!”

“I did, ya jerk!” Dash laughed, giving Applejack a punch in the arm. “Luna just set up the pins. Me and Scoots knocked 'em down, didn't we, kiddo?”

“What pins?” Scoot asked interestedly.

“Nevermind, Scoots!” Dash giggled, feeling the happiest she had been in so long.

It made her feel so confident to know that the dire warnings that voice had given them to scare them off from going to Saddle Arabia could do nothing to muddle her happy feelings. She was finally beginning to accept that she did not have much to fear from this mission. Difficult or dangerous it was sure to be, Dash knew that luck was on her side and would aid her and her friends. Her heart felt so swollen at that point that she felt as though she could use the strength of her love as a shield itself. Her confidence in her friends was only going to make her Element of Loyalty all the more powerful. And Soarin would be by her side. And when they all came home, triumphant in their victory, Dash knew she was going to be closer to Scootaloo than ever before.

At that moment, Dash felt as though The Shadow was nothing to her; the Voidwalker was a meaningless obstacle to crush beneath her hoof. 'We'll figure out what's going on with Wave Chill, we'll find out what's been corrupting the Saddrabian dignitaries in the first place, and we'll blast The Shadow with the Elements of Harmony! When all is said and done, I'm gonna fall in love with Soarin and the three of us are gonna be a family. I'll get married and Scoot gets to grow up with a daddy, too! Everything's comin' up Dash!'

Completely lost in her own thoughts again, Rainbow Dash didn't realize when they had reached the station. She was only dimly aware of Applejack telling Scootaloo about some of the shops and places she had visited in Canterlot before as they had walked. Coming out of her revery, Rainbow spotted the rest of her friends talking to a very sour looking earth mare with a brilliant orange coat with a short golden mane, just outside the train platform.

“Oh!” Twilight Sparkle said, turning to watch them approach. “Rainbow Dash, this is Ms. Harshwhinny!”

“Uh... hi!” Dash said awkwardly, extending a hoof and receiving the weakest hoofshake she ever had in her life. Dash blinked in amazement, shaking her head when Harshwhinny turned away to speak with Rarity. Her resemblance to Ms. Cassandra was astounding. They even had similar names.

“She's normally the Equestria Games Inspector, but Celestia has asked her to be the fillies' caretaker during her downtime!” Twilight explained conspiratorially. “The last time I spoke with Princess Cadance, she mentioned possibly using the six of us as the welcoming committee when Harshwhinny goes to inspect the Crystal Empire next year. So it's good we get to meet her now!”

“As long as we don't do something stupid like forget what she looks by next year, the Crystal Empire will probably get to host! That's awesome!” Dash whispered back. “Go say 'Hi', Scoots!”

She bent low to allow the filly to jump off her back with a faint buzz of her tiny wings. The filly ran over to where her two friends were standing next to Rarity. Ms. Harshwhinny looked down at her and then back to Rainbow Dash.

“This is the third and final child, is it?” Harshwhinny's voice was lofty and a little hoarse.

“Yep. That's Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash confirmed, raising an eyebrow.

“Very well. I shall be off, then.” Harshwhinny spoke crisply. “Follow me once you have said your goodbyes, girls.”

Dash knelt low to Scootaloo again and gave her another hug. “Dashie's gonna miss you, kiddo. You're not still scared, are you?”

“A little, Sis... I'm gonna miss you too!” Scootaloo said sadly, Dash's heart skipping a beat as the filly's ears started to twitch.

“Everything's gonna be just fine, remember that! We're gonna have so much fun when I get home!” Rainbow Dash explained swiftly. “And remember, I'm gonna hang out with Luna! That's neato, huh?”

“Yeah...” Scootaloo sighed. “Just be careful...”

“I will, Scoots. I promise.” Dash kissed her on the forehead, ruffling Scootaloo's mane one last time. “I love ya, Scoots. I really do. Be a good girl for me, won't you?” Dash lowered her voice. “Ms. Harshwhinny looks reeeally impatient! Just make sure if anything happens, ya can blame it on Apple Bloom!”

Scootaloo giggled softly. “That's not nice, Sis!”

“I know, I knooow!” Dash laughed. “Have fun, Scoots! I'll be home soon! Say 'Hi' to Princess Celestia for me!”

Scootaloo closed her eyes as though trying to steady herself. Dash could feel her stomach dropping, but relaxed when Scootaloo opened her eyes and nodded. With another kiss, Dash stood up again.

As Applejack and Rarity finished their own goodbyes to their sisters, Rainbow Dash spotted Soarin walking over to her. He ruffled Scootaloo's mane for a moment and beamed at Rainbow. Dash noticed he wasn't wearing his flight suit. Scootaloo walked over to her friends and Dash spoke up to the Wonderbolt.

“Where'd ya stash the suit?” Dash asked him, looking around and spotting Rapidfire and Lightning Streak talking to the ticket usher with Fire Streak standing behind them.

“Ms. Harshwhinny's got them stashed in that big bag she's got. Apparently she's Ms. Cassandra's sister, so she's gonna send them over to Cloudsdale. Ms. Cassandra will probably burn them because they're more than a week old, but that just means the team'll have brand new suits for when we get home!”

“Uh huh... So, where's the jackass?” Dash asked conversationally, looking around for Spitfire.

“She's gone to buy me a pair of shorts. I'll look like a douche-nozzle, but we've gotta hide that cutie mark!”

“Maybe you'll look cute in a tight pair of shorts!” Rainbow grinned at him.

“Ha, yeah right! And... could you please give Spitfire a cha-” Soarin tried to say, but Dash cut across him.

“No. She's really arrogant and she treats you like crap!” Why the hell should I give her a chance? And don't give me the 'she's had it rough' nonsense you threw at me at the Wonderbolt Academy yesterday, either!”

“It's true, Dashie. Please... she's still my closest friend. Try and work things out with her, won't you?”

Rainbow Dash groaned, sighing heavily. “Fine. But if she keeps giving me this attitude, I'm going to knock her out. She won't be the first mare I've left lying on the floor, I can tell ya that!” Rainbow said ruefully, although her anger began to lessen when the idea occurred to her that Soarin must think that Dash herself is more than a close friend if someone like Spitfire was the closest.

She walked over and gave Scootaloo a final hug and kiss goodbye as the fillies prepared to depart with Ms. Harshwhinny, who was looking very annoyed at all of the delays. As the Crusaders walked away, Scootaloo kept throwing sad glances back at Rainbow Dash, who was starting to feel miserable again. Praying that she'd see her daughter again one day, Dash looked up to watch Spitfire flying toward the group, clutching a bag.

“I got you a pair of denim shorts. You'll look horrible, but you should be comfortable.” Spitfire explained, completely ignoring Rainbow Dash.

“Thanks, Spit...” Soarin said graciously.

Spitfire closed her eyes at the name, as if trying to contain herself. “Right... oy!” Spitfire's sharp voice echoed over to the other Wonderbolts, still with the ticket usher. “Everything check out?”

“Yes, Captain!” Lightning Streak explained. “All aboard when ready!”

“Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!” Pinkie squeed as she walked over with Fluttershy. “Can't waaait! We're gonna go to Baltimare and we get to ride a boat that can fly!” she clapped her hooves together.

“Oh, goodie...” Fluttershy sighed.

“Let's go, then!” Twilight said, walking down the platform to a large scarlet locomotive on a far track.

With a deep breath, Rainbow Dash took one last look in the direction that Ms. Harshwhinny had taken the Crusaders, and began to follow Twilight down the platform, Soarin and Spitfire walking silently beside her. She narrowed her eyes in determination and held her head high.

28 Spitfire's Story

Twilight Sparkle was heading for the furthest train car from them, the one at the head of the line, just behind the engine. Rainbow Dash's eyes moved around their group, doing a quick headcount. All of her friends and the five Wonderbolts were present. With that, her eyes snapped forward again.

Was it honestly possible that something would go wrong? Rainbow's head was already beginning to shuffle through countless frightening and terrible scenarios and it felt like all of her confidence of the last few minutes was already starting to dissipate like sugar in water.

She wished she had said a better goodbye to Scootaloo. Once they boarded this train for Baltimare, there was no going back. Soon they would arrive at the port city and board the vessel bound for Saddle Arabia, across the vast ocean. Were her friends as worried as she was? She knew Applejack and Rarity had confidence, but what about Fluttershy? Pinkie Pie's strength was due to the fact that she was amongst her best friends. Could Dash find the same courage, she wondered?

She wanted comfort more than anything right now. To sit and cuddle with her filly or to have a moment alone with Soarin and find the warmth within his powerful chest and arms. She wanted to be a little girl again and find herself cooed and cuddled by her supportive father. She wanted her mother's loving gaze.

Rainbow Dash could remember a day when she had a terrible fight with her old friend Gilda Grifftan at her old flight school in Cloudsdale. Dash could not have been more than nine or ten years old. The pair of them had gotten into a vicious confrontation that had resulted in a handful of students getting into a legitimately scary brawl as ponies jumped in on either side. The entire thing had been Rainbow's fault, she knew. And so did her father. Nevertheless, he had still been understanding of the predicament she had placed herself in, still fully aware of how frightened Dash had been while she stood in the thick of a swirling mass of hooves, staring down the claws of a griffon.

That was something she would grow to respect about her father: whatever discipline Dash had earned, there was always comfort to be found in her father's arms when she needed it. Rainbow Dash had been, in her mind, an awful child for a single parent to have to deal with after the death of their spouse, but he had never hurt her in anger and was always there with a comforting wing whenever she needed his advice. Whatever he had ever done to punish her, Dash never resented it because she understood his love for her and the guidance behind every action. It was precisely the parenting Dash wanted to emulate for the sake of Scootaloo.

All of these memories and thoughts had swirled around her head because it was the type of comfort that she yearned to enjoy at that very moment. She wanted to be able to find solace in his arms when she was distressed or afraid.

“Wake up, you moron!” a voice snapped behind her. Dash gave a start of surprise.

“Wha-what?” she stammered, blinking and looking around. There were ten sets of eyes upon her.

“You've been standing there like you're too stupid to walk and breathe at the same time. You're beginning to convince me you are,” Spitfire snarled.

“Dash, is everything alright?” Twilight asked with concern in her voice, walking back to her.

“I... oh! Oh, dammit!” Rainbow cried out, suddenly remembering. She whipped open the saddle bag she was still wearing and stuck her face inside of it, rummaging around for a moment before extracting a rolled up scroll of parchment. “Give me firty seconds! Be righ' back!” Dash's voice was a little muffled with her mouth clamped tightly around the paper.

Had Dash not been so preoccupied, she would have noticed the look of venom the Wonderbolt Captain was shooting her. She took off at a gallop and jumped into the air, wings spreading wide to catch herself on a gust of wind flowing on to the mountain from the empty skies beyond the station. The updraft was strong against her plumage, allowing her to focus on positioning her wings for speed while the lift kept her gliding. As Dash soared to the very edge of the station, she caught sight of the golden hair of the games inspector.

“Miff Halfwitty!” Rainbow called out, speeding towards the ground and landed on her hooves in an ill-assorted manner in her haste. Folding her wings, she pulled the rolled up letter from her mouth.

“Sis?” Scootaloo said with surprise and worry, stopping in her tracks so suddenly that Apple Bloom bumped into her.

“Oh...” Harshwhinny sighed in a bored voice, turning around as Dash trotted over. “It's Rainbow Dash, right? What is it? Don't you have a train to catch?”

“Yes, I do, but this is important, too! Can you please give this to Princess Celestia? It has to be sent to a stallion named Radiant Dash, who's deployed in Trottingham right now. It's urgent, please. The Princess can send post to a dragon there in an instant,” Dash said in a rush.

With a sigh, the mare snatched the letter. “Very well. Radiant Dash, Trottingham. Now, I wish to get back to the palace already! Good day!”

“Love ya, Scoots! Be back soon!” Rainbow Dash said with a quick pat on the filly's head as she turned to gallop away, wings unfolding and beating hard against the air.

Wings flapping furiously, Dash raced back in the direction of the train. She had a new cold feeling in her stomach now. That was an even worse farewell to Scootaloo than before, but Dash knew it couldn't be helped. As she approached the station at speed, she saw a coffee-coloured conductor peering out of the train with an irritable look on his face while Twilight tried to explain something to him. As she drew nearer, she could hear part of their conversation.

“Look, miss, I'm on a very tight schedule. You lot aren't the only passengers going to Baltimare. Princess Luna's instructors or not, I'm going to have to get this train moving!” the conductor was saying exasperatedly, running a hoof through his light blue mane.

“We're sorry to delay you! Look, she's here now,” Twilight explained as Dash landed hard next to her, almost stumbling.

“Sorry, sorry!” Rainbow said hastily, panting.

“Well, hurry along, then!” the conductor said, jerking his head in the direction of the entrance of the first train car. “All aboard!” he called loudly as attendants moved forward to close the train doors.

Dash followed Twilight as the unicorn stepped onto the train. Judging by the fact that she could see none of her other friends or the Wonderbolts outside of the train, everyone must have already boarded. The pair proceeded down a tight corridor and into the next train car.

“I think the ticket usher said we're in the third train car. It has a single large compartment with twelve seats where we're all going to be congregated.” Twilight explained, looking around to admire the beautifully decorated mahogany woodwork that lined the interior.

Dash was not as keen on inspecting the locomotive herself. She focused on catching her breath as they proceeded into the third train car. There was a large green door leading into the main compartment, with a small hallway on the left side to allow guests to proceed further down the train. The door was already open and Dash could see Pinkie Pie's puffy raspberry hair as she peered around Twilight.

“So! This is, uh, it!” Rainbow wheezed, throwing herself into a seat next to Soarin.

Twilight sat down next to Rarity in the front row. Looking around, Dash could see Fluttershy sitting with Applejack along the opposite side of the compartment. Fluttershy gave her a warm smile which Dash returned. She also noticed Fire Streak, who was sitting with his brother behind them, throwing Fluttershy furtive looks. Pinkie Pie and Rapidfire occupied the front row of that side. That left Spitfire and Fleetfoot sitting behind her, as Dash noticed upon entering.

“Yes. Thanks so much for gracing us with your presence, Rainbow Dash!” Spitfire said in a clipped tone. “Maybe if we're lucky, there will still be a crisis in Saddle Arabia by the time we actually get there.”

“That's not somethin' I'd consider lucky, myself!” Applejack shrugged.

Spitfire threw her one look of deepest loathing and turned to stared moodily out of the window. With a rumble, the train began to move out of the station, departing Canterlot at last.

“What did you need to vamoose for, precisely?” Rarity asked after several minutes, leaning over the seat in front of Rainbow Dash to speak to her. “It seemed quite abrupt!”

“I had to make sure a letter I wrote to Dad got to him, that's all. Being snatched up mid-teleport by a bodiless voice that probably belongs to our enemy caused the letter to slip my mind, for some reason,” Dash explained, relaxing as she leaned against Soarin beside her. She smiled as she felt his wings shiver.

“Your dad, huh? Would have taken you for a 'Mommy's Filly', personally,” Spitfire said nastily from behind them.

“Dashie!” Soarin said quickly as Rainbow Dash made to get out of her seat, a furious inferno raging inside her chest. He quickly placed an arm in front of her. “She didn't mean anything by it! Captain, please...”

“Didn't mean anything by it?” Dash said in a frighteningly calm voice. “That's a total crock! But hey, she didn't know any better, right? But what she does know is that she's been doing her best to piss me off lately. And look at that!” Dash pushed Soarin's arm away and stood up on her back hooves, her own arms outstretched to gesture around the entire compartment. “I don't see Princess Luna here, so there's nopony to stop me from beating her face in.”

“Captain!” Fleetfoot gasped as Spitfire got to her own feet, stamping her hooves.

“You want to fight me, Rainbow Dash? Oh, that would be just wonderful. I owe you a proper ass kicking!”

“And there you have it, ladies and gents!” Dash smirked, flexing her wings convulsively and nearly thwacking Fluttershy in the head. “Owe me how, Spitfire? The only claim you've got against me would be if you were jealous about Soarin. And you denounced all ties during that race when we had that talk. The one where you almost convinced me you were a decent pony who was simply in pain! But no, you're just a bitter bi—”

“Rainbow, stop!” Soarin said, clapping a hoof to her mouth. “Please, just give it a rest! Spit, please!” For Spitfire herself was being restrained by Fleetfoot, with Lightning Streak hurrying over to help. “Captain!”

“You...” Spitfire began in a dangerous voice, looking daggers into Dash's eyes, “have no idea what you're talking about, you foal. You might think you've got the read of me, Rainbow Dash, but you couldn't be more ignorant. Relax, Fleet. Sit back down.”

Fleetfoot, who had been trying to block Spitfire from leaving her row, moved back into her seat almost reluctantly. The white-maned pegasus shrugged at Lightning Streak, who returned to his seat next to his brother. Spitfire herself slowly lowered herself back onto the seat.

Rainbow Dash very slowly dropped back into her own spot, putting her face into her hooves and breathing deeply. She always got very touchy whenever her mother was used as an insult against her. There had been a trio of bullies at her old flight school who were notorious for using mother's death as a weapon against her. It wasn't to anyone's benefit that she was currently harbouring real resentment toward the Wonderbolt Captain.

“Listen ta me, da both'a ya,” Rapidfire said, walking around Pinkie Pie and strolling down the middle of the seats, stopping next to Dash. “Actually, all of ya can listen, 'cause dis is impa'tint,”

Rainbow Dash kept her head down until she felt Soarin's hoof on her shoulder. Almost resentfully, she stared up at the aged stallion standing beside her. Rapidfire was looking directly at Spitfire.

“Cap'n Spitfiah knows. Fleetfit, you knows. Streaks, you two knows...” Rapidfire continued.

“Know... what?” Fluttershy asked, looking intimated as she glanced up at the ebony-coated Wonderbolt.

“Dey knows what Da Shadow can do. Captain, forgive dis, but I'm very disappointed in ya righ' now. I know damn well it ain't my place as far as da 'Bolts are concerned. But dis is me speakin'. You knows what dis enemy can do. Please, don't fight wid our only allies 'ere.”

“What... exactly is this Voidwalker capable of, Rapidfire?” Twilight Sparkle asked, approaching him from behind. “You have all been very vague with details of how this enemy works. All we know, from Luna's information, is that it's the darkness that the usurpers are claiming the Wonderbolts are responsible for.”

“Ms. Sparkle,” Rapidfire said respectfully, turning to face her and bowing his head, “Da Shadow covers da ground like night. It moves like a mist, righ'? But it can't be. We have seen dis ting phase through buildin's... and crumble dem to da ground. We have seen horses it consumed fall to da ground dead. It's quite capable o' killin' us. And dat's just Da Shadow, let alone da guards who were intent on spillin' our blood. If da Cap'n sounds like she fears fa her life, it's 'cause da threat is very real. And... Da Shadow went directly fa her. If it wants to eliminate da 'Bolts, it must figure the Cap'n is da supportin' pilla.”

Rainbow Dash was not aware of how fast her heart had been beating due to the left over adrenaline from her confrontation with Spitfire. She only realized she was scared when she laid a hoof on her knee and felt it slip off due to the cold sweat. She could see horror in Twilight's eyes. Rarity had a hoof to her mouth, looking shocked. As Dash studied the rest of her friends, she saw similar looks of fear. Pinkie's mane was razor straight.

“Dere's some... physical atta'butes to Da Shadow. It can move tings. It can kill tings. And if every bloody one of us don't work tagetter, it'll probably kill us too.”

“Waaait one darn second! Physical attributes? Psh!” Pinkie laughed, her hair suddenly poofing up again. “That means it's something we can hit with the Elements of Harmony! But for them to work, we need everypony friends with everypony else! That means you...” Pinkie slipped under her seat and crawled out beside Rapidfire, grinning up at Rainbow Dash, “need to be friends with Spitfire!”

“Pinkie Pie has a point, dear!” Rarity agreed, leaning over the seat in front of Dash again. “You and Spitfire need to give up this ridiculous vendetta. Besides, if you two mares haven't realized, you've been putting Soarin through hell and back. That's not frivolous drama he needs, considering we're going to confront his own brother. He obviously cares deeply for both of you. He probably doesn't want one of you to kill the other in cold blood, hmm?”

Soarin gave a light chuckle. “Rarity... has a point.”

“Whatever,” Spitfire said in a bored voice, “I couldn't care less who or what you care about right now, Soarin. Or any of you, for that matter. However, you do bring up a fair point, Rapidfire. We'll need to be on the same page to win this and I'll make that effort. Don't question my actions again, though.”

Rainbow started to chew her tongue to resist the urge to start shouting again. This Soarin hate was really starting to grind her nerves. She focused on Rapidfire to see how he would take her last words. There was something like a knowing smile on his face.

“Whatever ya ask'a me, Cap'n.” He bowed to her and moved back to his seat, Pinkie following him with a grin.

“I'll be a friendly little parasprite, fine,” Rainbow Dash said, before turning to look Soarin in the face and continuing in a low whisper, “Sorry, Soar. I'll try not to explode at her. I never really realized it probably hurts you to see your ex girlfriend and me trying to kill each other. I know I'm not your girlfriend, but you proved to me you care for me that night...”

“I do, Dashie. More and more every day. It means a lot to know you'll be beside me through this whole mess. I appreciate you making the effort to stop fighting with Spitfire,” Soarin whispered back, reaching over and taking her left hoof in both of his own.

“I'll be good filly. Or at least try too, eh?” Rainbow grinned, giving him a swift peck on the cheek. “Anyways, here's a question: Rapid's the only one she seems to listen to, so... what gives?”

“It's a long story.” Soarin shrugged. “It's not my place to tell it.”

Dash frowned at him. “This honourable secrecy schtick is wearing thin, dude...”

Soarin chuckled. “Not my problem, Dashie!”

Dash rolled her eyes and fell silent. She turned to look out of the window on Soarin's left and was surprised to see rolling hills flashing by. How long had they already been travelling, she wondered? Canterlot must be miles behind them, as they were already off of the mountain.

The rest of the train ride passed by without much incident, unless you count Fire Streak and Lightning Streak getting into an argument over some spilled apple cider. Spitfire had yelled herself hoarse at what she called their childish behaviour. When Fire Streak jokingly implied that she wasn't setting a good example with her earlier behaviour, she had threatened to punched him so hard in the face that he'd never smell again.

Finally, with a creaking of pistons, the train came to a stop outside the Baltimare station. Rainbow Dash stood up with her friends and the Wonderbolts, waiting for the crowd of ponies passing their compartment to leave. When the corridor outside fell silent, Rapidfire lead the group out, Pinkie bouncing behind him. Dash and Soarin stood back to allow the opposite side to file out first. Applejack shot her a wink as she followed a sick-looking Fluttershy, with Lightning Streak and Fire Streak bringing up the rear, in quiet argument about taking things too far.

As Rainbow finally stepped out into the early evening sunlight, she felt an incredible feeling of awe flood through her. The station seemed to be situated at the highest point of the port city, for the rest of Baltimare sloped down toward the brilliantly blue ocean. Rows upon rows of seashell-white, square houses and businesses stretched out in every direction. Dominating the horizon was a tall clocktower, obscuring the view of the harbour in the distance.

“I have... to go shopping...” Rarity said in a quaking voice, a far-away look in her eyes.

“Fat chance, missy!” Applejack snorted, approaching Rarity from behind and thrusting her head down. With a grunt, she knocked Rarity over her head and on to her back. “We gotta find our boat!”

“Oh, my...” Fluttershy shuddered. “Look at it...”

Rainbow Dash followed her gaze to the smallest bit of the harbour they could see to the right of the clocktower. She felt her jaw drop. It was quite visible, and quite big, from their lofty position at the station. A long, storm-coloured vessel rising up in several floors. They could make out a large chamber at the very top, no doubt housing the zeppelin's deflated balloon.

“That's gotta be three or four stories tall!” Soarin exclaimed in wonder. “Imagine it, Dashie: That beast can fly!”

“Its stature is an impressive sight for one to behold, yes.” Fleetfoot spoke from behind them, smiling in wonder. “We must be gratified we're having a opportunity to board that liner.”

“Once you've all put your eyes back in, can we get moving?” Spitfire sighed, taking zero interest in the sights. “That cruise ship might look more impressive if we actually move closer to the damn thing.”

“When we get back, we MUST CLEAN OUT THE STORES!” Rarity shouted with a gleeful giggle once they had started their descent through the marvellous city. “Look at the gorgeous architecture on that tower! Look at how the buildings stretch out like little ivory buckets, as far as a gleaming eye can see! With the sapphire waters stretching out to embrace the sky over the horizon, the pair greeting the edge of the land on that northern shore like an old friend! Look at it! This is Heaaaven!”

“I can smell seagull poop. I don't like this place!” Applejack chuckled.

“The world would be bedlam with hounds like YOU in charge, AJ!” Rarity snarled, slipping off her back to walk on her own, throwing her hair in Applejack's grinning face.

“The world's already bedtime, Rare...” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Y'know, considering what we're going off to do now...”

The uneasy feeling was back in the pit of her stomach. As they continued to march in the direction of the harbour, Dash barely noticed the ponies going about their day to day business. Her thoughts were, yet again, filled with dread and worry. Talking or thinking about how brave she had felt back in Canterlot was one thing, but once they boarded that ship, they would only be disembarking when they reached the shores of Saddle Arabia. How could she expect her confidence to continue to spike if she caught sight of that horrible shadow?

“Covering the ground like night...” Dash mumbled, giving a shiver. “Sounds just like King Sombra... that was a nightmare to face.”

“What was that, Dashie?” Soarin asked from beside her.

“Oh!” Dash swallowed hard and ran a hoof down her mane. “It's nothing, Soarin. Just thinking aloud...”

“Worried, Rainbow Dash?” Spitfire asked, approaching from behind.

Dash closed her eyes briefly, biting her lip. “As a matter of fact...” she hissed through her teeth, “I am.”

“Calm the hell down, I'm not criticizing you,” Spitfire snapped as the harbour came into view. “Rapidfire's already made it crystal clear that I fear this thing myself.”

“So... the Voidwalker can actually bring down buildings, can it?” Dash asked apprehensively, opening her eyes and breathing deeply.

“If that's what The Shadow is actually called... yes, it can. A dark cloud that can sweep tonnes of stone brick out of its way, and I'm sitting comfortably at the top of its hit-list.” Spitfire shrugged as though this fact was no real concern to her.

Rainbow Dash said nothing. She was too preoccupied trying to quell the feeling of nausea that was descending over her like a curse. As they passed by the various ships lining the harbour, Dash looked up at the towering liner that was drawing closer and closer.

“Man, I feel like crap...” she sighed. “I'm getting really apprehensive, Soarin...”

She felt Soarin's hoof rubbing her shoulder. Despite her increasing fears, she was very thankful to have him with her. If she couldn't have her father or Scootaloo with her, Dash was at least happy that the stallion who had spent the last five years on her mind was there for her.

“Don't be such a damn baby. Hell, I'm sure we're all a little scared,” Spitfire said harshly.

“Honestly, I wish you mares would stop swearing!” Rarity sighed. “Somepony is exhausted trying to be the only stunning example of a descent dame who holds herself to real standar—”

Rarity stopped speaking abruptly as they reached the massive ship at last. Everyone's eyes traced up the side of the vessel to the top of the walkway connecting it to the port. Two ponies stood there, both in naval uniforms. The first had an Admiral's crest pinned to his shoulder and was wearing a long, dark blue hat with curved sides. He had hazel eyes, a dark brown mane, and an orange coat. His cutie mark was that of a sailboat. The Admiral was speaking to a unicorn with arctic blue eyes, fine amber hair and mane, and a very pale grey coat that was nearly white, just like Rarity's. He had a compass rose as a cutie mark.

“That son of a bitch...” Rarity swore softly. Dash could see anger in her eyes.

“Oh, dear...” Twilight spoke in a voice that suggested she was fighting back a giggle. “It's Celestia's nephew, Prince Blueblood. He was at the Grand Galloping Gala. He must be the ship's navigator,” she explained for the benefit of the Wonderbolts.

Despite her own fears, Rainbow Dash started to laugh heartily. She grinned sideways at Applejack who started to chuckle immoderately herself. Rarity was starting to grow red, though whether from embarrassment or anger, Dash couldn't tell.

“G-go on, Rarity!” Dash snickered. “Go say 'Hi' to your old crush!”

“What was his name, sugar?” Applejack guffawed. “Vladimir, wasn't it? Go give him a big ol' kiss!”

Rarity let out a furious bellow and did not respond to her sniggering friends. Prince Vladimir Blueblood was did not turn out to be the 'Prince Charming' Rarity had expected when she had gone to the Gala. Dash could remember her raging about how much of a selfish pig he had been for weeks after.

“Girls, don't tease her...” Fluttershy sighed at them both.

“I must say, this journey looks like it's gonna be interestin'!” Applejack wheezed. “I enjoyed how offended he got when he ate my home-baked apple fritters.”

“He insulted your cooking, Applejack?” Soarin laughed. “Now that is a gentlecolt I could not see eye to eye with. That apple pie was the best one I've ever had!”

“Nopony needs to be reminded of how you slobbered over that pie like a dog, Soarin.” Spitfire said, rolled her eyes. “I had never been so embarrassed before. Anyways, let's get on this stupid thing already.”

“Oh, ho!” the Admiral said in a booming voice as the group ascended the wooden walkway to the ship. “Good day to you all. You must be the group I have been told about. Could you confirm your names?”

“Of course,” Twilight Sparkle said courteously, glancing about to ensure there were no ponies listening in. “My name is Twilight Sparkle. Beside me is Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rapidfire of the Wonderbolts.” Twilight turned to point down the plank. “Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and the rest of the Wonderbolts. That is to say... Soarin, Fleetfoot, Lightning Streak, Fire Streak, and Captain Spitfire.”

“They all match our information, I believe. Is that right, Blueblood?” the Admiral asked his navigator.

“Yes...” Blueblood spoke, holding a hoof to his chin and grinning down in Rarity's direction. “Quite a... splendid group...”

“Ms. Sparkle, my name is Admiral Hiexhes, though you may call me 'High Seas. I am the Captain of this vessel, the Herodotus. This is my navigator, Prince Blueblood of Canterlot.”

“I do believe I have met a number of this ensemble,” Blueblood explained, giving a bow to Twilight.

“Capital!” High Seas smiled warmly. “You shall all find your accommodations on the second floor. You will find a private parlour complete with various... beverages... in suite #221. Princess Luna spared no expense. You shall be provided with actual room keys once we cast off.”

“Excuse me,” Spitfire said, pushing herself to the front of the group. “I am the Wonderbolt Captain. When do we depart, Admiral?”

“Within an hour's time, if luck favours the Herodotus! As you may know, this is a luxury cruise zeppeliner, as I like to call them! We are allowing our passengers time to shop in the great port of Baltimare while we await the luggage and new passengers from the train from Canterlot. You will not be the only group joining us,” the Admiral explained. “In the meantime, please make yourselves comfortable in the common area here on the main deck.”

With a nod, High Seas made his way along the length of the ship with Prince Blueblood. Rainbow Dash turned to look at Rarity, who still seemed to be looking furious.

“Well, at least he sounds nicer today!” Dash shrugged.

“Balderdash!” Rarity huffed, marching the rest of the way up the walkway and proceeding towards a glass set of double doors which no doubt lead to the common area. “Perhaps mingling with exotic, high class vacationers will whet my appetite for some sophistication on this oversized tugboat!”

“Well...” Spitfire said briskly, once the group had all moved away from the walkway where a handful of passengers were ascending on to the ship, some crew members, no doubt to check identities, walking to meet them. “I'm going to get our room keys now. There's got to be a service desk on this boat. I have zero interest in 'mingling' in the commons. Team, c'mon.”

“I'll come and see you later, Dashie!” Soarin said in a low voice, giving her a short kiss.

The rest of the Wonderbolts were already following the Captain. “Soarin, that means you, too,” Spitfire snapped, turning to look back at him.

“Yes, Captain,” Soarin said obediently, smiling at Rainbow and quickly joining his team.

Dash gave a heavy sigh, walking in the direction of the doors that Rarity had gone through. “Let's go enjoy ourselves, girls. I guess... Or at least find another chance to tease Rarity.” As she walked, she glanced directly overhead to see the additional floors stretching to the heavens directly above the doors.

“Yeah, I reckon I'd like to see these 'high class' vacation-ponies myself!” Applejack agreed, falling into step behind Rainbow Dash.

“I'm gonna go exploring!” Pinkie cheered. “Find a place to set up shop for a party tonight!”

“Why not in here?” Dash suggested, jabbing her hoof at the double doors.

“Naw, I don't have luck with the high class types! I'll find the ponies who actually want to have fun! Toodles!” Pinkie bounced off.

“That was awfully straight forward for Pinkie Pie,” Applejack commented. “If we ain't careful, she'll start to grow serious.”

“Eh, Pinkies' got a point... I mean, most of her attempts to entertain the stuck up snobs Rarity likes to be seen with end in disaster! Though for all we know, there are no ponies like that on the ship. You two comin', Twilight? Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked them.

“I'd actually like to see the rest of the ship myself!” Twilight said, turning on the spot and taking in every inch of the deck she could spot. “C'mon, Fluttershy!”

“I suppose...” Fluttershy said, looking with apprehension at the size of the upper decks.

“Eh, whatever! Catch you girls later, then.” Dash pushed open the doors.

The common area was an extravagantly decorated room with a large crystal chandelier hanging directly in front of Rainbow Dash and Applejack. The room proper was sunken down in the centre, descending in levels to where guests were congregated. A red carpeted staircase lead from the door they had just entered down to the floor. Dash thought it looked like a mini stadium.

“Fancy pants!” Applejack muttered, sweeping off her hat and rubbing her blonde hair, sweeping back through her mane. “Still seems a little silly to travel to Saddle Arabia on a cruise ship, but I guess goin' incognito has its perks!”

“Yeah, they're not going to expect us to be part of a group of tourists just stopping by the city for some shopping,” Dash agreed, proceeding down the stairs and looking left and right. There were paths leading off the stairs to sets of tables on either side of it. The rest of the floor around the staircase were slanted. “You see Rare anywhere?”

“Yep. Looks like she's startin' the party early.” Applejack pointed toward the bar at the far end of the room. Dash felt her spirits soar.

“So much for mingling with sophisticated ponies! Should have figured this place would have a bar, though,” Dash said casually, opening up her saddle bag and rummaging within for her coin purse. Extracting it with her teeth, she dropped it into a hoof. “I got lots of bits left over from that airshow. Want a drink, AJ? I could use a fine spirits to keep up my spirits, methinks!”

“Naw, I'll pass. I'm gonna go say high to that there stallion over by that waiter!” Applejack said, gesturing toward a massively built mustang sitting alone at a table. “Hot dog, he could buck a barn if he wanted to!”

“Damn,” Rainbow Dash said appreciatively, sizing him up herself. “Go get 'em, girl!”

Dash continued on to the bar and took a stool to Rarity's right. Rarity looked over as Dash sat down and rolled her eyes. Dash cocked an eyebrow at her and grinned.

“Whaaat?” Dash asked, holding her head high to try to catch the bartender's attention.

“I know why you're hear, darling! Come to scorn my sorrowful drinking, perchance?” Rarity said grumpily as the bartender set a tall glass of turquoise liquid in front of her.

“I'm not gonna keep teasin' ya if it's upsetting you, Rare!” Dash patted her on the shoulder. “But while Applejack tries to wrangle herself some evening entertainment, I'ma gonna keep you company and, y'know, enjoy the atmosphere!”

“Is that so?” Rarity said unconvinced, taking an impressive gulp of her drink and shivering.

“Fine,” Dash said with a shrug, rapping her hoof on the counter to get the bartender's attention, “I'm having a bad day so I'm gonna drink myself stupid for a few hours and try to sneak off somewhere with Soarin. Like I'm fourteen again.”

“What in heavens did you do when you were fourteen?” Rarity gave a giggle.

“Something that caused Dad to ground me for three months!” Dash said, smirking a little.

“Did that work?” Rarity asked with interest, draining the rest of her glass and tapping her hoof for another.

“Ha, as if!” Rainbow Dash laughed as the bartender came over with a refill for Rarity.

“What'll it be, miss?” he asked Rainbow Dash.

Dash studied him closely. He was a handsome unicorn with lofty blonde hair and mane and a fine white coat. “Yeeeah... uh, whatever she's havin'!”

“One Minotaur Sweatbomb, comin' right up,” he grinned devilishly.

“Welp, horseapples!” Dash sighed.

“It doesn't taste as bad as it sounds. That's more or less an euphemism, darling!” Rarity giggled, cheeks growing a slight tinge of cherry.

“Uh... y'know, Rarity, I might not know half the words you spew sometimes, but I do happen to know what an euphemism is. That's supposed to make it sound... not as bad as it actually is!”

“Whatever, dear!” Rarity sighed happily, downing the glass in one. “It really doesn't taste that badly.”

“Sheesh, how many did you order?” Dash asked in surprise as the bartender slammed yet another in front of her and one in front of Dash herself.

“As much as I need, honey...” Rarity gave another happy sigh.

Dash took a sip. It tasted like unsweetened applesauce. However, the moment the liquid hit the back of her throat, there was a terrifying burning sensation.

“Holy c-crap!” Dash coughed, staring with disbelief at her drink before taking another heartily measured gulp.

“That'll be two bits, ma'am,” the bartender said to her.

Dash rolled out six. “Send me two more after this. That almost put me on my butt... awesome!”

“So...” Rarity said in a higher pitched voice than what she usually adopted as she took a sip of her newest glass. “How are you feeling, Rainbow?”

Dash didn't need to ask her what she meant. “Whenever we're talking about how, y'know, strong we are as a group, I'm feeling awesome and so confident. The moment I'm left to my own thoughts, I start to worry that we're not going to succeed or else I feel... scared about facing The Shadow. I feel like... a coward, Rare.” Rainbow felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. She was so sure that telling Rarity how much she was worried would alleviate her fears, but that didn't seem to be the case.

“Of course you aren't a coward! Why, you're one of the audacious stallions I know!” Rarity gasped in surprise.

“That's, uh, 'mare'...” Dash said, frowning at her. She took another sip and screwed up her face. “H-how strong did you say this stuff was? Am I gonna start calling my friends dudes, too?”

“Exactly! You are absolutely indomitable!” Rarity giggled loudly, not even listening to her. “I know you had those nightmares after the whole business with King Sombra, but you got over them just fine! I'm sure you'll be very heroic, dear!”

“If you say so, sir...” Dash said, putting a delicate emphasis on the last word and downing the rest of her glass.

After about an hour of steady drinking, Rainbow was starting to feel very bubble-headed. An announcement had been made over the ship's intercom that the Herodotus was preparing to disembark from Baltimare at last. Dash had given a cheer at this, happy to finally be moving toward their destination, frightened or not. Applejack had joined them an hour after that. She had finally lost interest in the stallion she had been chatting up after he made a few unwelcome advances.

“I told 'em y'all gotta earn the combination to this safe!” Applejack chuckled, throwing back her twelfth glass of sherry. “I-I-I was like, 'Yer cute 'n all, but hooo-flippin'-whee, not so fast, hammer-hooves!'” Applejack gave a hiccup.

Shortly thereafter, the Wonderbolts had entered the common area. Rainbow Dash had found it very difficult to concentrate on the approaching Soarin, who looked as though he was dancing his way through couches and tables on his way over. In actuality, he was walking perfectly straight.

“Soarin, dude!” Dash giggled, feeling her face burning like the fires of the hottest star in the universe. “Why ya movin' all over the place? Come and have a d-drink... try thish Minotaur's shweetcheeks or whatever... it's great! I've had, uh—” she tried to count some of her empty glasses. “Well, I dunno how many! The bartender takes them away when there's five glasshes, and he's done that three or four times, so...” Dash trailed off, giggling. “You're so cute, Soar!”

“Rainbow Dash... are you alright?” Soarin asked with concern. “Maybe you should stop before you start feeling sick.”

“But I feel totally awesome!” Dash clapped her hooves together, turning to face her drink again and hiccuping.

“Are you sure, Dashie?” Soarin pressed on.

“I love when you call me that, by the way! Rarity's been calling me it too! Everypony should call me 'Dashie' tonight! The great Rainbow Dashie!” Rainbow reached over and gave Rarity a hug, causing the unicorn to giggle and nearly fall into Applejack beside her, who guffawed again.

“Excellent,” Spitfire snapped, looking at the three mares. “Half of Princess Celestia's greatest champions are completely sloshed. At least I know our loss in Saddle Arabia will be a swift one. I wouldn't want to suffer.”

“I warned ya, Spitty...” Dash said, draining another full glass. “If ya tick me off again, I'm gonna... something about knocking something in? Shoot... uh, shucks! Sheesh, I'm shlurring my words somethin' nuts!”

“I look forward to your attempts to knock my thing in. Right, where's Twilight Sparkle?” Spitfire asked impatiently. “I need somepony sober to give your room keys too.”

“They haven't been to the common area yet,” Rarity explained, tracing a hoof around one of her empty glasses. “Won't you join us, Captain? We're having a gay old time!”

“Maybe you didn't notice my insult just then?” Spitfire spat at her. “I'm looking to give these keys to somepony who isn't making an ass of herself!”

“Right, that's enough!” Dash snarled, whirling around and sliding off her stool on to all fours. Much to her surprise, considering that Rainbow Dash felt absolutely fine at that moment, her legs buckled under her weight and she hit the floor with a smack.

“Maybe ya should take Rainba Dash to one o' da rooms, Soarin?” Rapidfire spoke up. “It ain't dat late yet, but she looks like she could do wit sleepin' some of dat off, righ'?”

“That's probably a good idea. Can I get a key, Captain?” Soarin asked, stooping low to help Dash to her hooves.

“Yeah, whatever.” Spitfire shrugged unconcernedly and reached into one of her bags, extracting a handful of keys on strings and separating one from the rest and giving it to the officer.

“Thanks, Captain. C'mon, Dashie...” Soarin said patiently, leading her toward the stairs.

“There's that name again!” Rainbow beamed brightly, still blushing furiously. She felt absolutely elated at that moment, but for some reason, she couldn't seem to master walking on her own.

“Yep!” Soarin said encouragingly, placing the key in his mouth and sweeping her into his arms. “I don'p twhast you on dese steps...” Soarin extended his wings, ready for flight.

“Whoa, Soarin!” Dash gasped, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Forgot you were packin' shome serious upper body strength. Dashie likes...” she said in a seductive voice, leaning in close to him and sliding her tongue along his ear. She grinned as he started to blush.

“Get her out of here, Soarin. Before I vomit!” Spitfire raged.

Soarin took off with a flap, supporting Rainbow Dash in his arms as he flew off in the direction of the doors. Once outside, he twisted gracefully and flew along the side of the ship. Dash let out a gasp of wonder as she noticed the shimmering sea all around them, painted gold by the setting sun. With difficulty, Soarin pulled the key out of his mouth and gave it to Dash for not-so-safe keeping so he could speak.

“Sooo, the Captain has a point, Dashie... you're not in your right state of mind,” Soarin said firmly, circling higher and higher, ignoring the steps leading up to the upper floors.

“How much time hash passed?” Dash asked, ignoring him and still focusing on the setting sun, rolling the key between her hooves.

“A few hours, I think? The Admiral has a rough idea of why we're on this ship, so he's going to leave it in the water overnight. It's a darker colour, so it'll be hard to see amongst the waves,” Soarin explained, finding an entrance to the second floor by soaring over a rail, head bent low. “I think it's a great strategy if the enemy is watching out for us.”

“And tomorrow, we fly!” Dash cheered, cuddling herself against his chest, again she seemed to ignore any negative information. “I'm so happy to have you with me...”

“I know, Dashie, I know...” Soarin said gently, headbutting open a door and pushing forward into the inner deck.

Once inside, he landed carefully on the soft aquamarine carpet and helped Rainbow Dash to her hooves. He glanced down at his key.

“This is for room #219...” Soarin mumbled. “Keep an eye out for it, okay?”

“I can barely shee right now, dude!” Dash giggled, leaning heavily against his body while twisting around his front to kiss him. She overbalanced and hit the floor. “Oopsie!”

“Are you okay, Dash?!” Soarin gasped, dropping low and grasping one of her front hooves with both of his own.

“Well, duh!” Rainbow smiled contentedly as though nothing happened, her face still an impressive shade of magenta.

“Well, alright, if you say so...” Soarin said in an unsure voice, reading golden-emblazoned plates on each door and stopping at one half-way down the corridor. “Ah, here we are!”

Rainbow stumbled toward the door and fumbled with the key in her hooves. She made three attempts to thrust it into the lock, each one ending in failure. Soarin patiently guided her hooves until the key slipped into the lock. Twisting it with some theatrical swaying motions, Dash shoved the door open and tripped over her hooves again.

Soarin followed her into the tiny but comfortable looking room. There was a shag rug in the middle of the room at the foot of a large queen-sized bed. A small lamp hung from the ceiling and there were two small tables on either side of the bed and a dresser at the far end of the room.

“Let's get you into bed, Dashie! C'mon, up you get!” Soarin pulled her up again and she collapsed into his arms.

“Are you coming too, Soar?” Dash asked him in a very soft voice, stroking his face lightly with a hoof.

“Of course. I'll stay with you tonight!” Soarin gave her a warm smile. “But not just yet, I should check up on the team and find the rest of your friends first.”

“Nooo...” Rainbow pouted, turning and throwing herself upon the bed. She crawled to the headboard and flipped around, beckoning him with a hoof. “Pleeease...”

Soarin gave a sigh and crawled on with her. “Okay, Dashie. I'll chill out for a few minutes, okay? You need to get to sleep, you're way too tipsy right now.”

“I'm fine...” she whispered to him, reaching up and wrapping a hoof around his neck. Pulling him down toward her, she kissed him passionately, tracing her tongue along his lips, which he kept firmly closed. “We haven't had much time together... should make the best of it, hmm?”

“Sssh...” Soarin said gently, stroking her mane and dropping down beside her. He wrapped his arms around her torso. “We have all the time in the world, Rainbow Dash. But right now, you should sleep. You're not in your right mind.”

“I told you, I'm fiiine...” Dash explained, her eyelids feeling heavy.

“I'm gonna go check up on the rest, alright? I'll be back in five minutes!” Soarin assured her, placing a soft kiss on her lips. “You just rest your eyes, alright?”

“Whatever...” Dash yawned. “I'll be waiting for you when you get back, Mr. Handsome Wonderbolt...”

She watched him get off the bed and walk out of the room, closing the door behind him. With a click, Soarin appeared to have locked it. Dash closed her eyes, happy thoughts swirling around in her mind about the pegasus that she adored. He was so strong and handsome, she thought. Dash felt that he was always so good to her. She could happily cuddle into him the entire night.

Rainbow wasn't even aware that she was drifting off to sleep. Nevertheless, she woke up abruptly what felt like mere minutes later, heart racing as a repeat of the last nightmare to rattle her bones had shocked her awake. Judging by the twisted bedsheets all around her, someone must have tucked her into bed. She had a pounding headache rumbling in her skull.

'That freaking nightmare again...' Dash thought miserably. It had been the one with Wave Chill taunting her, standing side by side with the mysterious unicorn as she fell to the hard ground below. Opening her eyes, she turned to her side and was surprised not to see Soarin laying beside her. What was more, the room was in complete darkness.

Dash sat up and rubbed her head. Virtually all traces of inebriation had left her, though the pounding headache remained. Looking around the room, she spotted an illuminated clock face on the wall. It was 4:13 AM.

“Sweet Celestia...” Dash mumbled to herself, throwing off the bedsheets and slipping off the side of the bed. “I must have been out for like six hours.”

She stood up carefully and deliberately, testing to see if she was still intoxicated. Realizing that she was quite steady on her hooves, she approached the dresser with the mirror hanging on the wall above it and glanced around for a light switch. She took a few steps toward the door, where she could see the faint white of the switch contrasting against the dark red wallpaper by the faintest moonlight streaming through the small window. Flicking it on, she turned around and almost jumped out of her fur.

Soarin was curled up on the rug and snoozing quietly. Rainbow was was impressed by the sight. At least, she was once her heart had made its way back into her chest from her throat. She never realized he was so chivalrous. 'I can almost remember... trying to get him to come on the bed with me. I think he did...' Dash thought to herself, frowning. 'I hope I didn't make an ass of myself. Gentlecolt, though! He knew I was drunk off my trees.'

She approached the mirror and studied her reflection. Her mane was dishevelled and the whites of her eyes looked blood red, but otherwise she looked fine. She smirked at the reflection and stuck out her tongue.

“I'm never touching that muck Rarity had me drinking again!” Dash said quietly to herself, shaking her head. She felt wide awake. Hungry, too.

Deciding to see if that private parlour the Admiral had described had any food, she picked up the key from the dresser. Very quietly, making sure not to wake Soarin, she opened the door and slipped out, and just as quietly, locked it behind her. She made to place the key in her mouth and hesitated.

“Wait... it's on a string! Duh, Soarin! You could have just hung it around your neck earlier...” Dash rolled her eyes, smirking to herself.

Slipping it over her head, she made her way to suite #221 after a brief stop at a restroom. Along the way, she heard Prince Blueblood's voice floating from around a corner. He sounded drunk, spluttering and laughing like an idiot.

'Awesome. The ship's navigator's hit the alcohol. I bet this ship crashes into freakin' Dragonspire.' Dash thought, rolling her eyes. She stopped dead when she heard a high pitched giggle and someone reply to him in a sultry voice. A voice she recognized. 'Oh, sweet Celestia, Rarity! Gross, Blueblood's a pig! Is she really that drunk? Never letting her hear the end of that one...”

Pushing some terrifying imagery from her mind, she proceeded to the door of the suite and tried the handle. She was very happy to find the door unlocked. Opening it quietly, she tiptoed inside. The immediate area inside the door was a small dining area, in case passengers that usually occupied this suite wanted room service rather than dining in the ship's commons. Pushing ahead, Rainbow Dash passed by two small bedrooms, both with an open door.

Peering inside the first room, she spotted Fire Streak and Lightning Streak, both deeply asleep. Peeking into the next one, she saw three beds. Rapidfire and Fleetfoot were fast asleep. The Wonderbolts must have claimed the suite, she realized. The bed beside Rapidfire was empty, but disturbed. With a sudden feeling of dread, she moved on to the end of the suite, gently pushing open a door labelled 'parlour'.

“Well, well...” Spitfire said loftily as Dash entered, lounging on a long red sofa with a glass of wine clasped between her hooves. “I'm surprised to see you walking.”

“Spitfire,” Dash greeted curtly, acknowledging her with a very brief nod.

Rainbow descended a small flight of steps into a warmly coloured room complete with a self-serve bar, several soft chairs and sofas, and a fireplace. Spotting a few bread rolls and crisps on a plate at the bar, she made beeline for them.

“Hungry, are we?” Spitfire asked with a quirked eyebrow, starting to look more and more offended that Dash was just helping herself.

“Sorry, but there was no food in our room, the common area is probably closed, and I didn't really eat yesterday. So...” Dash trailed off, shoving a full roll into her mouth.

Spitfire seemed to be studying her for a moment. Dash felt a tinge of unease, expecting her to start raging at any moment. Much to her surprise, however, Spitfire jerked her head at one of the soft velvet chairs.

“Care to join me for a drink? I'd suggest non-alcoholic, so you don't look like a total jackass again,” the Captain offered.

'I guess that's as close to a friendly gesture as she's going to give me,' Dash thought ruefully in her head. Seizing a bottle of water from a bucket of ice, she strolled over and dropped down in the seat.

The two mares sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Dash screwed off the top of her bottle and took a number of small sips, which felt pleasant on her dehydrated throat.

“Well, not that I don't enjoy awkward silences or anything, but it's clear you don't like me, Rainbow Dash,” Spitfire said abruptly, finishing her glass of wine and lying down more comfortably on the sofa. “Care to explain why?”

Dash frowned at her. “It's not so much that I can't stand you or anything, Captain. It's the simple fact that you've been prone to jumping down everypony's throats lately!”

“Fancy that,” Spitfire said simply. “Care to... take a guess why?”

“I honestly have no idea. Honestly, it seems to be that your jealous that I'm growing close to Soarin!” Dash accused, feeling her insides churning with unease. She couldn't really understand why.

“I told you before... you've got the measure of me all wrong. I won't deny, though... there is a bit of jealousy there. And dammit, you can't exactly blame me!” Spitfire said defensively. “I told you that I loved him. That's not exactly easy to just drop. Also, it might not come as a surprise to you that Soarin's obviously a novice when it comes to relationships, as our own didn't go anywhere. He doesn't exactly comprehend 'kiss and don't tell'.”

Dash opened her mouth quickly but seemed unable to find any words to utter. Spitfire grinned at her and leaned over to a small table sitting between them. She placed her empty glass upon it and filled it up with more wine from the bottle on the floor. Reaching into a cupboard under it and pulling out a second glass, she poured Dash a generous volume. Dash accepted it, mouth still slightly agape.

“Just in case you're worried, I don't know what the hell you might or might not have done the night of the airshow. He's not that much of a dimwit to let something like that slip, but he kept going on about enjoying his time with you. Honestly, he wouldn't shut the hell up about you. The stupid, brain-dead moron...” Spitfire said with venom, sipping her wine.

Dash began to relax a little once Spitfire had explained that Soarin had not gone into detail about what might have transpired after their first kiss on her couch, but anger now filled the void inside her once the apprehension had left.

“Can't you just leave him the hell alone?!” Dash snapped, laying the glass of wine down without drinking any and flexing her wings in fury as she stood up. “He wasn't ready to progress things with you because he probably wasn't all that interested anymore! He probably wasn't sure how to tell you because, as you've said yourself, he's not an expert at dating!”

“Sit down. Who do you think you're impressing, jumping up as though you think you have the guts to do a damn thing about it?” Spitfire asked in a dangerous voice. “It's awfully hard to forgive a guy for breaking your heart when he starts monologuing about his new squeeze to your face as though there's nothing wrong! Do you have any idea how much that eats at me? And the stupid moron knows I'm still hurting over the whole ordeal! As if I haven't been through enough in my effing life!”

Rainbow felt the fight drain out of her as she gave a sigh. “Look, Spit, I—”

“It's bad enough that my ex boyfriend is practically rubbing his newfound happiness with another mare, a rival, in my face. But I also have to contend with the fact that The Shadow is threatening to destroy everything that matters to me!” Spitfire stormed, leaping to her hooves and slamming the wine glass on the table with such force that Dash was surprised it didn't break. “I would be dead if it weren't for the Wonderbolts. I'm the Captain, I put the team before my own boyfriend which probably attributed to the pair of us drifting apart. I have poured every last drop of blood, sweat, and tears into the Wonderbolts for the last seventeen years! Ever since I was thirteen! And it's entirely possible that we'll be eliminated in Gymkhana...” Spitfire paused here, breathing deeply as she tried to catch her breath. Dash was shocked to see tears in her eyes. “How dare you accuse me of jumping down ponies' throats? You have no idea, NO IDEA, what I've been through and how important being a Wonderbolt means to me!” Spitfire closed her eyes, positively quaking with emotion.

Dash let Spitfire explode herself into silence. Slowly, Rainbow dropped back into her seat and stared at her glass of wine. She had felt a little flutter of pride when Spitfire had referred to her as a rival, but it had been marred by pity and confusion.

“Spitfire, I... I know it's not exactly my place to ask, but what—” Dash tried to speak.

“'What the hell am I talking about'?” Spitfire supplied, cutting her off.

“Not exactly, I—” Dash attempted to correct Spitfire, but the Captain cut across her again with a mere wave of her hoof.

Spitfire sighed and dropped back onto the couch, running a hoof across her eyes. “I just told you I would be dead if it weren't for the Wonderbolts. This wasn't exaggeration, Rainbow Dash. When I was seven years old, my mother was murdered by her ex boyfriend. I never knew my father.” Spitfire began, putting her face in her hooves.

Dash sat there in stunned silence, unable to say a word.

“I was afraid of being taken away. I was afraid that he'd be coming back for me, so I ran away. Ran as far away from Phillydelphia as I could. That's where we lived, see... Do you have any idea what that's like? I watch your own mother die?” Spitfire asked, keeping her face hidden.

“I... do, Spitfire. I absolutely do. I'm not trying to diminish your own suffering or anything, but I was with my mom when she died of brain cancer eighteen years ago. I was only four...” Dash explained, closing her eyes as the pain tore at her heart. “That's why I... on the train, earlier...”

“I...” Spitfire hesitated, looking up to stare over at Rainbow Dash, who looked her dead in her amber eyes. Dash could see that she was still tearful. “I'm sorry, Dash.”

“It's... fine. Really. I'm sorry you had to go through watching something so horrible...” Dash said, these startling similarities making her want to stroll over and embrace Spitfire like a sister, just so they could cry into each other's arms for comfort. She mastered the impulse, however.

“Anyway, I lived as a street urchin and roamed Equestria until I was twelve or thirteen, I can't remember specifically when. But... I had enough of it. I had enough of scrounging for food, being chased by other children and hissed away by mares and stallions who could have helped me due to my delinquent appearance. I didn't even have my cutie mark. So I decided to throw it all away! My pathetic existence! I had no family, no nothing. Without a cutie mark, I never exactly had something folks would call a 'destiny', did I?” Spitfire said in a disgusted voice.

“When you say you decided to throw away...” Dash said uncertainly, feeling her stomach clench painfully.

“The cliffs on the edge of Baltimare. That's why I wasn't exactly keen on hanging around in town today. I stole some rope from the dockworkers one morning and tied it around my body to pin my wings to my sides. I climbed up the hills overlooking the sea and was ready to jump in...” Spitfire said, wiping away more tears.

Throwing away all pretence, Dash strolled over and sat down beside her.

“Who do you think you are? Blaze or Fleetfoot?” Spitfire said with a small laugh as Dash put an arm around her.

“I'm just Rainbow Dash, Spitfire. But it's clear you could use a friend rather than somepony who fights with you right now!” Dash said, giving her a squeeze.

“Charming.” Spitfire sighed, rolling her eyes. “But thanks for the thought.”

“So, what happened?” Dash asked, removing her arm once Spitfire had dried her eyes.

“Well, if you're going to kill yourself by jumping off the cliffs, make sure the Wonderbolts aren't doing a show in the town you pick to do it in.” Spitfire shrugged. “That ebony bastard...”

“Rapidfire?!” Dash gasped in surprise.

“Yep. He saw me approaching the cliffs while flying around the city. I guess to enjoy the sights? Whatever the reason, he landed next to me and tried to talk me out of it. He didn't have ash-coloured streaks in his red hair then. It was orange...” Spitfire trailed off a moment, lost in reminisce. “Anyways, he was a little cocky about it. Didn't I know who the Wonderbolts were? Did I really expect to pull it off? 'I'll just catch ya!' he said. 'A pretty young ting like ya must have lots ta live for.' I jumped anyway. True to his word, he caught me the moment my mane cleared the edge of the cliff. He tore the ropes off and dragged me back into town to get cleaned up and fed. Told him I didn't want his sympathy! Told him I just wanted to be let alone to die in peace. Stubborn old goat wouldn't allow it. I managed to give him the slip and flew away from Baltimare as fast as I could. He caught up with me as easily as he freakin' caught me sailing off that cliff! But he said he was impressed with my flying...”

Spitfire paused here for another moment. She readjusted herself on the sofa to show off her cutie mark, three licks of flame in the shape of a bird.

“A phoenix?” Dash asked, thinking about Princess Celestia's pet bird, Philomena.

“Indeed. Rapidfire offered to get me placed into the Wonderbolt Academy. Told me they'd take care of me and keep me fed. Offered to cover everything, even offered to tutor me, since I lacked any real education since I had run away,” Spitfire said in a whisper, gazing down at her cutie mark. “The words were barely out of his mouth when this appeared on my flank. Phoenixes represent rebirth and resurrection... I actually knew what phoenixes were, so when my eyes caught this, I knew that this was... my second shot at life. I accepted at once! I met Soarin and Wave Chill at the Academy... I lived there myself and they did the training every single year! We were all best friends and we practically grew up together! We all made it onto the team once we were old enough to qualify and I rose through the ranks quickly. I've been Captain now for over four years. Youngest ever Wonderbolt Captain, all because of Rapidfire's kindness. I owe him, and the Wonderbolts, everything. All throughout the years, he was there for me like a parent. He was the father I never had and I love him as much as anypony would love their own father. He lets me call him 'Dad' when we're not being formal. Or, you know, when I'm not trying to bite his head off. Maybe the phoenix represented my flaming personality?” Spitfire finished with an amused chuckle. “So there you have it, Rainbow Dash. I'm short tempered lately because, one, I always am, and two, The Shadow is a threat to everything I've ever known. So I'm edgy... I'm also nearly as upset over the whole Wave Chill business as Soarin. Like I said, we were all best friends. Wave Chill was as much my brother in the academy as Soarin's. So that's another thing adding to my misery lately. As for Soarin himself...” Spitfire trailed off briefly. “He really likes you, Dash. So I'm probably gonna be angry with him for awhile if he doesn't shut up about you. I'd still give my life for him, like I would for any member of the team, but I'm treating him like crap if it makes me feel better. That's not changing for awhile!”

“Fine, fine...” Dash laughed, reaching over for her glass of wine at long last, “just try not to be too harsh on him, alright? It hurts me to see him harassed so... fiercely.”

“Well, deal with it, honey!” Spitfire grinned. “Anything else you wanna talk about before I actually go to sleep for a few hours?”

“As a matter of fact...” Dash leaned back on the sofa, fixing Spitfire with a determined look. “Who's the fastest Wonderbolt?”

“Ha!” Spitfire threw back her head and laughed, looking scores happier than Dash had ever seen her. “Soarin finally told you that I wasn't the fastest, did he? I was wondering when he was going to pop that little bubble of self-confidence that was surely blossoming around your ears! No, Rainbow Dash, in case you were wondering: you did not beat the fastest Wonderbolt in a race. Fleetfoot has your speed and my techniques. You'll find her quite the challenge!”

“I look forward to racing her when this is all said and done, then!” Dash laughed, pounding her chest. “Nopony can beat the great Rainbow Dash!”

Still grinning, Dash raised her glass to her lips to take a sip. She felt so content at that moment, so happy that she could finally talk to Spitfire like she would any of her friends. It was friendly jabs like her 'little bubble of self-confidence' that Dash preferred over real animosity. Before she could take a sip, however, the door to the parlour flew open with a crash.

“What the...” Spitfire jumped up, alarmed. “Rapidfire? Lightning Streak? What is it?”

“Captain!” Lightning Streak stammered. “The crew just banged on the door, ma'am! They were going over preparations for the ship lifting into the sky in an hour's time and they came across stowaways hiding amongst luggage on the lowest deck. They want the Wonderbolts for added security...”

“Stowaways... no...” Rainbow Dash gasped, her heart pounding. “Did the Voidwalker see us leaving Canterlot for Baltimare?!”

“My thoughts exactly, Dash!” Spitfire snarled. “No doubt our enemy's been keeping a close watch on us. Probably intended to ambush us once we were far enough in the middle of the ocean! Go and wake Soarin, Rainbow Dash. Meet us outside on the deck! We'll get your friends!”

“Alright!” Dash said, tearing up the stairs and back into the suite proper. “I expect Rarity's already aware of what's going on! At least, she is if the navigator is!”

Rainbow Dash ran back to her room at top speed and quickly opened the door. Shaking Soarin awake, she quickly explained the situation and the pair of them met the rest of their allies rushing down the corridor.

“Where's Rarity?!” Twilight asked in fear. “Fleetfoot said there's trespassers!”

“I'm right here!” Rarity stammered, racing around a corner and panting. “Seems you all already know, then!” She looked a real mess. All of her make-up had been running and her hair was sticking out everywhere. “That gives me some time...”

“What are you doing, Rare? C'mon!” Rainbow Dash said, stamping her hooves as Rarity ran into one of the rooms.

“Alright, I'm coming!” she answered, running out with a hairbrush and washcloth levitating beside her, caught in the glow of her horn. “I'll clean myself up en route!”

“I hope you're not too tipsy, Rarity!” Dash said warningly.

“I'm fine! At least, I'll manage...” Rarity said with uncertainty.

Within minutes, they had all reached the main deck. Admiral Hiexhes was waiting for them. Judging by the complete lack of other ponies, it was likely that the crew were keeping the other passengers inside their rooms.

“Gallopin' griffins, I'm glad you're all here!” the Admiral panted. “I ordered my crew away from the lowest deck the moment one of them reported the stowaways. I don't know exactly what the threat Princess Luna spoke of is, but...”

“We'll deal with it!” Spitfire said in a commanding voice. “I don't mean to give you orders, Admiral, but keep your crew up here to prevent our enemies escaping! They're safer up here as well.”

“I shall, Captain! Thank you,” the Admiral bowed to her.

The group proceeded to the bow of the ship where a crew member stood next to an open trapdoor. She was a pale green pegasus with pink mane.

“Straight through here. Good luck!” she said in a terrified voice.

Spitfire lead the group down into the darkness, wings splayed wide to cushion her landing. As Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie couldn't fly down on their own, they were helped by Lightning Streak, his brother, Rapidfire, and Soarin. Bringing up the rear and practically dragging Fluttershy along with her was Rainbow Dash, Fleetfoot beside her.

The room below the bow looked like a mixture between a factory and a warehouse. Wires and tubes were everywhere the eye could see, illuminated by the early morning sunlight streaming in through the trap door. Rainbow could see rigging and other strange looking mechanisms that must, she thought, be linked to the zeppelin portion of the ship.

“Keep your voices down, you lot...” Spitfire whispered to the group. “I can hear them speaking, just over there.”

Rainbow Dash flicked her ears, desperate to catch something of what they were saying. The voices sounded muffled but not very distant. There didn't seem to be any more than three or four speakers.

“Be careful, you two...” Applejack hissed warningly as the Captain and Soarin moved forward in the direction of the voices. “Y'all don't know what's down here! And remember, we ain't got the Elements of Harmony with us...”

There were two large bins piled high with luggage. Bags and bags of clothes and possessions towering over them with those deathly whispers floating from their midst. Soarin and Spitfire stopped just short of the bin and Soarin turned to look back at the group.

“Twilight Sparkle? Rarity?” he whispered, jerking a hoof at the pile. “One of you should levitate the luggage out of the way. It sounds as though they're hiding under the pile. The other should shine a light on the stowaways. We'll surround them once they're blinded.”

Spitfire nodded her approval to the plan and Rainbow felt a sudden rush of either excitement or fear, she couldn't seem to make up her mind. Slowly, the rest of the Wonderbolts began to spread out, ready to pounce at their foes in ambush.

“On three!” Spitfire hissed, leaning low on all four hooves and spreading her wings. “One, two, three, now!”

Twilight's horn glowed a light raspberry as she concentrated, focusing her magic on the pile in front of them. Squinting her eyes, the luggage suddenly flew into the air and the Wonderbolts darted forward.

They stopped short, all of them. The figures who had been hidden were caught by the dazzling spotlight shone from Rarity. Shielding their eyes, they seemed to cower before their discoverers. Their bodies illuminated, Spitfire slowly turned to look at Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity herself.

Dash's eyes were focused on the intruders. She could feel her stomach falling away from her as though she was rocketing into space. As Rarity lowered the intensity of her light, Dash continued to gaze at the three very guilty looking fillies.

“Oh dear...” Sweetie Belle mumbled in a squeaky voice filled with fear. “I... I guess yelling 'Surprise!' is out of the question, is it?” No one answered her. “Yes. Yes it is.”

“I don't even... understand...” Applejack said in a hollow voice, staring with disbelief at her younger sister. “Apple Bloom? What... what in blazes... what in tarnation are you three doing here?!”

Neither Dash nor Rarity seemed to be able to speak at that moment, though Rarity seemed to have a vein throbbing in her forehead. Twilight slowly moved forward, keeping the bags still floating overhead.

“Climb out, you three...” Twilight said gently, shaking a little with surprise. “You all must be starving and... and thirsty, too. Come out where we can see you properly.”

Slowly, the Crusaders did as they were told, Apple Bloom mumbling that she wanted a bathroom more than food or water at that moment. The moment that Twilight had returned the luggage to the bin, Rarity started to storm at her little sister. She cut a furious tirade on Sweetie Belle, who sank lower and lower on her hooves to the floor. Rainbow Dash couldn't make out a single thing that Rarity was screaming. Wordlessly, she beckoned the only child that had remained silent toward her; the only one she had been unable to look at.

Scootaloo slowly walked forward with a look on her face that suggested she was approaching a set of gallows. Dash took a firm hold of Scootaloo's arm and spread her wings, floating back to the trap door and into the sunlight. The journey back to the room she had shared with Soarin seemed to take an eternity, due to the fact that Dash had been in a daze the entire time.

“Go... get cleaned up...” Dash said in a flat voice, leading Scootaloo to one of the washrooms on the second floor.

Soarin knocked on the door to their room some five minutes later. Dash moved away from it and pulled it open. He stepped inside. He was holding some grapes, cheese, and crackers, with a bottle of water clamped in his teeth.

“Grabbed these from the common area on my way up,” Soarin explained, once Dash had taken his burden from him and he had removed the bottle from his mouth. “Do you need anything, Dashie?”

“No...” Dash shook her head. “But thank you, Soarin. Here, Scoot...”Dash laid the food and bottle on the dresser and Scootaloo slipped off the unmade bed to approach it.

“I'm going with Spitfire to explain the situation to the Admiral. I expect the ship will be preparing to fly in a half hour or so...” Soarin said offhandedly.

Dash was looking at him but she wasn't really seeing him. Her mind was filled with a faint buzzing noise, thoughts completely blank with shock. How could this have happened?

“I'll bring you up something for breakfast, alright? Scootaloo should be fine with those,” Soarin said when she did not reply.

“I... yeah. Thanks, Soar...” Dash said, giving her head a little shake and blinking.

Soarin placed a hoof on her shoulder, walking forward to embrace her before dropping back to all fours. “I'll be back soon, Dashie.”

Rainbow nodded her head slowly and Soarin left the room, closing the door behind him. Dash leaned against the door again, eyes locked on the shag carpet where Soarin had slept the night before. She could see some of his dark blue mane hairs caught in it. Scootaloo was sitting on the bed, eating ravenously, but quietly.

Once the orange filly had finished off the water, she screwed the stopper back on with her teeth and laid it on one of the side tables next to the bed. Rainbow Dash could see her doing this out of the corner of her eyes, now gazing out of the window over the bed.

“Rainbow Dash, I—” Scootaloo began, speaking at last.

“Scootaloo... why?” Dash asked, still not able to look her daughter in the face. Still completely numb with shock and disbelief.

“I-I...” Scootaloo spluttered, apparently unable to find the right words.

“Alright. How?” Dash snapped, feeling the emptiness slowly being replaced with anger.

“I- um, we ran back to the station when Ms. Harshwhinny wasn't looking...” Scootaloo answered meekly.

“Why did you?” Dash asked the floor, placing one of her hooves against her face.

“I didn't want you to go, so... I told my friends that maybe we should try and get on the train t—” Scootaloo tried to explain, Dash cutting across her.

“I told you I had to go. I told you... I had to go. Scootaloo, do you have any idea what you've done?” Dash demanded, breathing in sharply to try and steady herself.

“Wha-what do you mean, Sis?” Scootaloo asked, her own voice starting to tremble with fear.

“Can you imagine how Harshwhinny felt when you three disappeared? Can you imagine how Princess Celestia feels? She and Luna decided that the three of you would stay in Canterlot! Made sure that you guys would be safe with her! Can you imagine how guilty she must feel, knowing you three are lost?!” Dash roared, stamping her hoof hard on the floor.

“But... we didn't think that—” Again, Dash cut across her.

“Do you remember...” Dash began, looking directly at Scootaloo now, “that day you and your friends caused the fire in your clubhouse? Do you remember when I had to spank you for that?”

Scootaloo was staring at her own knees, nodding. “Yeah...” she replied in an embarrassed voice.

“Do you remember what I said to you after? I told you I was going to trust you completely, Scootaloo...” Dash trailed off for a moment, taking her eyes off the filly again. “Was I wrong to trust you?”

“No!” Scoot cried in hysterics, jumping off the bed and rushing over to her. Scootaloo flung her arms around Dash's waist. “No, Rainbow Dash! You can trust me!”

“Scootaloo, there's no more dangerous place in this entire world than where this ship is going!” Dash said, closing her eyes.

“But... you're going...” Scootaloo said, giving a shudder as she began to cry.

“Do you honestly think I wanted to go, Scootaloo? I told you I was scared. It's because this mission is dangerous!” Rainbow Dash dropped all pretence about sugar-coating what was waiting for them in Saddle Arabia. “These bad guys aren't like anything me or my friends have faced, Scootaloo. Ponies could die. YOU COULD DIE OUT HERE!”

“I thought... you'd be happy to see me...” Scootaloo whimpered, “please don't... don't yell at me...”

“Scootaloo, I've never wanted to see you less than I do right here on this boat...” Dash said, her stomach squirming as though she had just flown through a vortex.

She picked up Scootaloo and moved her back to the bed. The filly was shaking violently, her ears twitching and tail wrapping around her body as she curled up on the mattress. Dash moved away from the bed, feeling extremely dizzy.

“You should have stayed put... you were safe in Canterlot! You were safe, Scootaloo. I would have been able to face anything if I knew that nothing could hurt you. I don't know how you got from the train to this boat and I really don't care. You betrayed my trust, Scootaloo... This stupid boat is reaching Saddle Arabia today! We don't know what the place will be like when we arrive. If anything happens to you, I wouldn't be able to live with myself.

“Sis... I'm so s-sorry...” Scoot bawled from the bed, voice muffled as she cried into her own tail. “I love you... I was afraid I was never gonna see you again...”

“YOU DRAGGED YOURSELF AND YOUR FRIENDS, INTO THE MOST DANGEROUS SITUATION YOU'LL EVER BE IN!” Dash shouted, staring a hole into the wall. “Scootaloo, I can't even look at you right now! This is the very last thing I needed to deal with... You were safe! Now we don't even know when we'll be able to get you all back to Canterlot!”

Horrible visions were flooding her mind. Fire, screaming, a great black shadow rippling over fleeing ponies and horses. She could remember finding Scootaloo's unmoving body in her nightmare.

“Scootaloo... I'm leaving, I... I can't deal with this right now.” Dash said with a horrible finality in her voice, feeling as though the world was closing in around her. “Stay here, so I know where you are.”

“R-Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo wailed. “M-Mom... Mom, I'm sorry! Don't go!”

Rainbow Dash couldn't say another word. She approached the door and pulled it open. Stepping into the corridor outside, she closed the door behind her and pressed her back to it. The corridor was completely empty, as other passengers were either still asleep or outside, waiting for the ship to lift into the sky. Slowly, she slid down to door to the floor.

She had experienced so many emotions in the last twenty four hours. Anger, hatred, fear, sadness, total depression, happiness, wonder. So much had happened between writing to her father and now. Everything was swirling around her and closing in like descending night.

Dash curled her own body up against the door. On top of everything that had happened, finding Scootaloo on the ship had been the absolute worst possible thing to happen. She placed a shaky hoof to her eyes, shivering uncontrollably. It was too much for her. She could not stop herself.

The realizing that Scootaloo's well being had been jeopardized had sent her into real panic now. Tears began to leak from the eyes of the mare who never cried as Dash squinted them shut, shaking all over. The Herodotus sped ever-closer to the country that she feared would become a graveyard.

29 More Unwelcomed Guests

The morning sunlight continued to crawl across the aquamarine carpet while enticing scents wafted in from the deep blue ocean surrounding the Herodotus. It was the beginnings of a simply marvellous day, with not a cloud in the sky and a calm breeze sweeping across the sea.

All of her senses had to be lying to her. How could the morning be so perfect when all was cold and dark? Rainbow Dash's heart ached and her head pounded, feeling physically cold inside. The tears leaking down her face were warm against her the skin. Her breath caught in her lungs as she struggled to control herself, biting her lip so hard that it had started to bleed.

She did not lift her head when she heard rapidly approaching hoof-falls. She could not find the strength to try and steady herself, nor could she find the courage to look the newcomer in the face without shame. She simply laid there on the warm rug, sobbing quietly, feeling completely broken.

Dash felt a gentle set of hooves caressing her head and back, ruffling her mane and stroking her hair. There was a sweet scent coming from somewhere nearby coupled with a quiet shushing noise. Dash shivered as soft feathers brushed her body.

“It's okay, Rainbow. Everything is fine. Everypony is safe. Whatever is the matter?” Rainbow Dash pictured a kind-faced yellow pegasus.

Safe? How could everyone be safe? The concept felt foreign to Dash.

“Fluttershy...” Rainbow whimpered, sucking on her bleeding lip and keeping her eyes closed against the glare of the light still flooding the hallway. She was finding it difficult to find any words to say. “How c-can you say that? I promised Scootaloo I would keep her safe... I promised her I would n-never let anything bad h-happen to her!”

“Rainbow... nothing has happened to her,” Fluttershy explained gently, lying down on the floor next to her, still stroking the rainbow-coloured mane.

“I can't protect her from what might be waiting when this boat hits land, Fluttershy... I can't even protect her from my o-own anger. I've never... shouted at her before. I told her I couldn't look at her!” Dash continued to wail, shaking her head back and forth, disgusted at her own actions. “I wouldn't be s-surprised if I set off her anxiety myself...”

“Dash, that's enough...” Fluttershy said firmly, sitting up and tugging gently against Dash's shoulder to make her do the same. Dash reluctantly pushed herself off the floor and sat down on her flank, head averted from the kind mare and blinking to try and clear her vision. “You shouldn't say such awful things about yourself, dear...”

“About myself?” Dash wiped her eyes, doing her best to try and control herself as she felt a hiccup erupt from her abdomen. “I shouldn't have said those horrible things to Scootaloo...”

“What, um, did you say to her?” Fluttershy asked, unable to keep the fear from her soft voice.

Dash closed her eyes sharply, the memories ripping through her like a wound. “I told her I wasn't happy to see her. Told her... I didn't trust her anymore.”

Dash felt the yellow pegasus wrap her arms around her in a tight embrace.

“Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy said softly, brushing some orange and gold from Dash's face, “the girls were very foolish to follow us. Nopony can deny that, nopony can deny it's gonna be dangerous out here. I'm sure Scootaloo realizes that herself now. I'm sure she understands that you were upset, you two are so very close!”

“I hope so, Fluttershy. I really do,” Dash said simply, tapping the back of her head against the wall to the left of the door, as if attempting to harm herself.

“Would you feel better talking to her again, now that you've calmed down?” she suggested, giving Dash a small and friendly kiss on the cheek.

“I think I would, Flutters,” Dash nodded, taking a deep breath, steeling herself. “Actually, I already feel a little better. That cry did me wonders...”

“That's the first time I've seen you cry in such a long time, Dash. I thought you had forgotten how!” Fluttershy gave a small chuckle, apparently thrilled that Dash was slowly returning to her usual self.

“I tear up all the damn time!” Dash said, laughing herself and wiping an arm across her eyes again. “But I haven't had a real, good cry in... man, it musta been a few years now. I just... stopped doing it, y'know? I fight the urge when it comes with everything I gots! Honestly, fighting the urge to cry is something I've been doing my entire life. Mom told me never to cry when things got too tough and those are words I've taken to heart. It still happens when I really can't stop it, though. Anyways... thanks, Fluttershy. You always seem to know what to say. You'd make a good mom yourself one day.” Dash thought about the look Fire Streak had given Fluttershy on the train. “Remind me and Soarin to work on hooking you up on a blind date or two once this mess is all over!”

“Oh, no!” Fluttershy shook her head vigorously. “I haven't even spoken to a boy I liked! Crying does help, though! I cry all the time!” she added, smiling broadly and fluttering her wings.

Rainbow Dash gave her a weak smile and slowly got to her hooves, holding her head high. “Seriously, thanks a load, Flutters!”

Fluttershy got to her own hooves and nodded, turning to continue down the hallway. Dash watched her enter room #222, a slight feeling of nervousness creeping within her breast. Taking another deep breath, Dash wrenched open the door to her room and proceeded back inside.

The filly was still curled up on the bed, crying silently. Rainbow Dash found it comforting that she was able to look directly at Scootaloo, even after the snap of the door closing caused the filly to lift her head and look directly into Dash's own eyes. Rainbow proceeded across the room, her hooves suddenly feeling a thousand times heavier. It was incredibly distracting to her, to be this nervous for no real reason.

“Mom... I-I'm so, so... s-sorry, I should have thought about the con-quences...” Scootaloo said tearfully, ears drooped.

'That's the second time she's called me 'Mom' now...' Dash noted. 'Is she still just scared? Or has she decided that she's comfortable with saying it to me now?'

Not breaking eye contact, Dash sat down on the bed beside Scootaloo. Turning her body to face the filly, she held out her arms, inviting Scootaloo to accept this peace offering. The filly quickly scrambled into Dash's embrace and started to cry even heavier into her chest.

“I want you to listen very closely, Scoot, and I don't want any interruptions,” Dash began, rubbing her hoof over Scootaloo's back, just between the wings. “Now, you should have thought about the consequences. Scootaloo, I know you have a pretty bad guilty feeling in your belly right now, so that's gonna take the place of any punishment you've earned yourself today, but you are going to apologize to the Princess herself when your butt is back in Canterlot. Ya got that, kiddo?” Rainbow Dash could feel Scoot nodding, her hair tickling the mare's own fur. Rainbow gave her a tighter squeeze before continuing. “I'm sorry I yelled at you, Scootaloo, but I can't lie and say I'm pleased with you. Dashie's very upset with you, Scoots. I hope you understand how much danger you and your friends are in and that you'll accept the fact that you and the girls are going straight home as soon as we meet up with Luna. I'm only looking out for your well being and I want you to be safe. Your place is not here with me, do you understand? It's in the safety of Canterlot! When we, that is to say, me and my friends, defeat the evil guys, I will come home to ya, just like I promised.”

Scootaloo had said nothing to any of this. All she had done was nod in the appropriate places as she continued to cry softly, slowly and slowly regaining her composure. Once the filly had fallen silent, Dash lifted Scoot's chin with her hoof to make the filly look into her eyes.

“If you want me to trust you again, Scoots, then you're gonna have to listen to me from now on, alright? No looking for loopholes like going after me when I tell you I've gotta go and you've gotta stay home. Got it?” Dash asked, her voice a shade more stern than she had intended out of her ever-present worry.

“Yeah... I got it, Sis. I'm sorry, I really am, Rainbow Dash! I'll listen to you from now on, I swear...” Scoot said earnestly, drawing a hoof across her chest before rubbing her nose with the other.

'Well,' Dash thought sadly, 'back to 'Sis', am I? If I weren't such a coward, I'd ask her why she's afraid of calling me 'Mom' to my face when she's fine with acknowledging it when talking to other ponies.'

“Sis?” Scoot said uncertainly.

“Huh? Oh, sorry, I, uh, spaced out for a sec there. Right, I don't really buy the whole 'listen from now on' thing, since I see myself when I look at ya, Scoots!” Rainbow said, ruffing Scootaloo's hair and grinning. “You wouldn't be Scootaloo if you were a total angel, would you?”

“But I am an angel!” Scootaloo giggled, giving Rainbow's stomach a tight squeeze.

“A likely story! But, listen... we're gonna lay some ground rules, alright? Until lunch time or so, I'll let ya leave this room. But, you aren't leaving my sight. If Applejack and Rarity decide to let Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle out of prison, the lot of ya can do whatever you want as long as you stay by me. This ship's transforming into a zeppelin any minute now, so I figured you'd probably wanna see that, right?”

Scoot listened closely, looking slightly more animated as Dash spoke on. Once she mentioned the Herodotus transforming, Scootaloo's wings gave a small, excited buzz. “Yup!”

Almost as if on cue, a voice sounded within the room. There were no speakers on the ceiling or anywhere else Dash might have noticed them. The voice was loud and clear, as though the speaker was there in the room with them.

”Attention all passengers, this is your Navigator, Prince Vladimir Bluebood,” the voice spoke, sounding very tired and groggy. Dash assumed that the voice was transmitted to the ship by magical means. She also assumed he was hungover. “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we've had to delay the lift-off of the Herodotus. However, the ship is all set to fly and will begin its ascent in five minutes time.”

“Looks like you're in luck, Scoots!” Dash laughed.

“He sounds funny!” Scootaloo said matter-of-factly.

“Yep, he totally does. We'll go watch this thing morph! After lunch, though, you're on lock-down unless I say otherwise. You've been gettin' off way too easily lately, so don't expect to be so lucky next time!” Dash warned her, slipping off of the bed and stretching her wings.

“Yeah, yeah! C'mon, let's go!” Scootaloo cheered, leaping from the bed and rushing for the door.

“Hold up, you,” Dash said calmly, stamping one of her front hooves down on Scoot's tail, causing her to jerk back. “I need to leave Soarin a note in case we don't see him; Soarin said he's coming back up here once he's spoken to the Admiral about the little adventure you and the other Crusaders went on!”

“No need!” Scootaloo said upon hearing a knock at the door. Tugging her tail free, she ran to the door and reached up to turn the handle, pulling it open. “Soarin!”

“Hello, Wonderbolt Trainee!” Soarin said, stepping inside of the room with a container held under one of his arms. “I got you some pancakes, Dashie. Figured you must be hungry.”

Dash was only now fully appreciating how big of an appetite she had in the wake of discovering the Cutie Mark Crusaders within the ship. While her emotions had been roused, her hunger was at bay. Remembering the bread she had eaten in the parlour with Spitfire, she moved forward to gratefully accept the container.

“All I've had in the last twenty four hours or so were a couple rolls! You're dang right I'm hungry!” Dash beamed at him, looking affectionately into his green eyes. She noticed a dawning look of concern creeping across his face and realized that her own eyes must still be red from her little crying session. “So, uh, thanks! I'll totally eating this while walking, though. We're on the way down to the main deck, gonna take Scoots to see the ship transforming. Not that she deserves it, am I right, Scootaloo?”

“Yeah, yeah!” Scootaloo repeated, trying to push past them. “Goodness of your heart and junk. C'mon, Sis! We're gonna miss it!”

Dash reached out to nab Scootaloo by the ear with one of her front hooves while holding the container aloft with the other. Deftly popping the top off with her teeth, she allowed the delicious aroma of the warm pancakes to send her into spasms of delight for a moment.

“Naw so fass, Scoos. Wai' fer me,” Dash said, teeth gritted against the lid's corner.

“Need a hoof, Dashie?” Soarin asked, grinning.

“Hurry up!” Scootaloo groaned, jerking her head forward to yank her ear from Rainbow Dash's grasp.

“Don't be ridiculous!” Rainbow replied confidently to Soarin, spitting the container lid from her mouth and on to the dresser.

“Lemme go already!” Scootaloo protested, now trying to pull herself free with her hooves.

“How are you going to open the little syrup packet, exactly?” Soarin asked with a chuckled.

“That's a great question,” Dash admitted, sighing.

“Let's gooo, stop ignoring me!” Scoot wailed, stamping her hooves.

Soarin, who evidently seemed to have noticed Scootaloo about to move into a position to bite Rainbow's arm, reached over and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “How about this, Dashie... I'll fly Scoots down, you eat that here and fly to join us?”

Rainbow let go of Scoot's ear and dropped the container on to the dresser, next to the lid. “Alright, that works. Looks like you're winning today, Scoot! Got out of this room and you get to leave my watch for a little bit!”

“Yeah, awesome...” Scoot said absentmindedly, rubbing her ear and looking close to tears again. Her aspect changed at once when Soarin bent low to allow her to climb on to his back, however. “Finally!” She scrambled up and buzzed her little wings.

“So cute together...” Dash mumbled as they both left the room, preparing to dig into her pancakes. While she could not exactly say she was happy that her mood had been so indecisive over the last day, Rainbow was at least satisfied that she was feeling content again. Scootaloo's anxiety had not been triggered and she was quite comfortable with allowing Soarin to watch her.

Opening the syrup quickly and dousing her pancakes, she scarfed them down hastily, starting with the largest. Choking down the smaller ones afterwards, she gave a tiny hiccup again.

“Way to forget a drink, Soar!” Dash sighed, suppressing another hiccup and finally leaving the room herself.

She locked the door and slipped the key around her neck. Spreading her wings wide, she took off down the hallway at a gallop and jumped into the air, stiffening her wings to catch herself. Bumping the door at the end of the hallway open with a hoof, Rainbow swooped out of the second floor and gracefully soared over a guard rail. Circling around the superstructure, Rainbow scanned the heads of the ponies who were now gathered on the main deck, waiting anxiously for the ship to take to the skies. Spotting Soarin standing near the starboard side with Scootaloo, Rainbow dropped down to land next to them.

“Didn't get me a drink, ya goof!” Dash grinned at him, jabbing his side with a hoof.

“Oops! I'm sorry, Dashie!” Soarin apologized, smiling at her. “Want me to go get you one?”

“Dude, are you nuts?” Dash asked, laughing. “I'm just kidding, Soar!” Rainbow Dash stood next to him and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks for bringing me breakfast to begin with! And bringing Scootaloo some food earlier.”

“Glad to do it!” Soarin responded, nuzzling her cheek with his own.

“You two are so gross,” Scootaloo said simply, staring up at the large chamber at the very peak of the ship. “Look! It's opening!”

Rainbow followed her gaze to the highest point on the ship. The top of it was open like a box, both halves on either side. A team of white-uniformed pegasai were working with ropes to drag the deflated balloon from within.

“Hey, y'all!” Dash looked down at the sound of Applejack's voice, watching the orange mare marching towards them with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle by her side. “Figured I'd see ya out here somewheres.”

“Awesome! You two made it!” Scootaloo said with glee, taking her eyes off the working pegasai above.

Rainbow glanced down at Sweetie Belle, who was in conversation with the other two fillies already, and then back up at Applejack. “Rarity's sleeping, I take it?”

“Rainbow Dash didn't kill you?” Sweetie Belle asked conversationally.

“Nope,” Scoot shrugged. “Got yelled that, that was kinda scary!”

”Me too... sorta.” Apple Bloom grinned. “I think our sisters realized we could take care of ourselves, so we got off easy-peasy!”

“Yep. She said she didn't get any last night. I slept like a baby, I tell ya what!” Applejack laughed. “She sure tuckered herself out by roaring at poor Sweetie Belle, though.”

“I'll say...” Sweetie Belle chipped in with a mumble, giving her own ears a tug. “Thought I was going to go deaf!”

“Better deaf than what she'd probably do to ya if she was in any proper state!” Applejack laughed again.

“Better deaf than what happened to me!” Apple Bloom said earnestly. “Applejack bored me with a talk!”

“Was more than jes' some regular ol' talk, missy!” Applejack scoffed, shaking her head. “Yer lucky I didn't take ya out behind the barn.”

“What barn? This is a boat!” Scootaloo questioned, turning to Apple Bloom, who looked just as confused.

“So, where's the rest of our little special forces group?” Rainbow Dash asked Applejack, glancing up at the workers again, surprised to see most of the large, long and grey balloon already out and rapidly inflating. She then turned to face Soarin, who was watching the zeppelin inflating and apparently not paying attention to a word the mares were saying. “On that note, where's the rest of the Wonderbolts? Soarin? Soarin!”

“What? Oh!” Soarin said distractedly, running a hoof through his mane. “Well, Spitfire went to bed and the rest are in the commons. Said she was up all night and had a pretty nice chat with you. From the way she was talking... I take it things are better between you two?”

“Yep, Dashie fixed it, like it ain't no thaaang!” Dash said, tossing her hair.

“Well, I'm jes' gonna break up your fancy little egomania for a moment, Dash... ” Applejack said, taking off her hat and tossing her own hair. “To answer yer question, the rest of the gals, minus ol' Rarity, are pokin' around the deck. Everypony wants to see this thing bloom!”

Blooming was certainly the right word for it, Rainbow thought. As she watched, the balloon was swelling rapidly as what she could only assume was helium was pumped into it. There was a loud clanging noise coming from over the railing of the ship's starboard. Satisfied that Applejack was keeping a close eye on the fillies, who were deep in conversation, Dash leaned over the edge to take a look.

“Don't fall, ya dumb-dumb!” Scoot warned, turning away from her friends to give Dash's tail a tug.

“You're the dumb-dumb, Scoots! Thinkin' Rainbow Dash would ever fall!” Dash grinned, rolling her eyes.

“How often do you ever fall down?” Soarin asked her in a whisper, grinning as well.

“More times than I like to admit! I slipped getting out of the shower the day of the airshow try-outs!” Rainbow laughed, still craning her neck for a sight of what was making the loud noise.

“Slipped? And yet you still managed to out-race Spitfire? Very impressive, Dashie,” Soarin complimented.

Dash could feel her cheeks brightening. She thought it was amazing how she could make out with that stallion any time of day or night without so much as a blush, but every time he complimented her or said something nice, she beamed and burned up like a star.

“Soarin, you're incredible, y'know? I say we skip the second date when we finally get home when this is all over. I'ma just gonna start calling you my boyfriend,” Dash said in a rush, still peering over the side of the ship.

Soarin gave an embarrassed little chuckle. “I'm nothing special, Dashie.”

“Ya might be a little dim sometimes, Soar. Especially, like, when you say stuff like that... but you're anything but ordinary, bro. The fastest mare in Equestria wants a relationship with a Wonderbolt like you. This is where you say 'welp, sure, Dashie! When we go home we'll get together and live happily ever after,'” Rainbow laughed, a happy inflating feeling erupting in her chest. She would not have imagined that she could discuss something like that with Soarin a month or two ago. “Oh!” Dash said suddenly, her eyes widening. “Look! That's what that noise was, part of the ship's hull was opening!”

Slowly, a long and massive aluminium wing was extending outward from the hull of the ship. Looking around, Dash could see ponies on the port side looking over their own edge gleefully. Clearly, the wings were coming out on both sides. Opening her eyes wider, Dash could make out large barrel-like containers attached to the bottom of the wing. Once it was fully extended, she noticed three of them. Each seemed to have a series of propellers inside.

“I wanna see!” Scoot begged, tugging at Rainbow's mane.

Rainbow Dash turned to scoop Scootaloo into her chest. Keeping one arm firmly around Scoot's torso, she leaned back over the rail. Scootaloo let out an exclamation of delight as the wings began to rotate upwards. Steeper and steeper they angled until the barrels were nearly vertical. Dash noticed Applejack giving both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle the same view, standing awkwardly on her hind legs with an arm around either. Rainbow smirked; Applejack could never quite manage standing as easily as she could.

“This is gonna be SO EXCITING!” Pinkie's voice echoed from a short distance away.

Looking down the ship in the direction of the stern, Rainbow Dash saw Pinkie Pie bouncing along to meet them, Twilight Sparkle shortly behind her.

“Hey!” Twilight greeted with a wave, smiling warmly at the euphoric look on Scootaloo's face. “Big wings, aren't they?”

“Huge!” Scootaloo said with an excited giggle. “This'll be so awesome!”

“Came for a better view of the wings, eh?” Soarin asked them, giving a nod in greeting.

“A super and spectacular view! I can't wait for this thing to float! Is there enough helium inside the balloon yet? That makes balloons float!” Pinkie squealed, stamping her hooves in excitement.

“It could be hydrogen...” Soarin speculated aloud, stroking his chin with a hoof.

“Helium makes things float! I mean, duh!” Pinkie said, throwing up her arms and rolling her eyes. “It also makes you sound like a squirrel when you inhale it!”

“I'm not sure what gas the zeppelin uses,” Twilight said, pointing to the balloon, “but it's sure getting huge now!”

The balloon had nearly reached its full size. It had a distinctly triangular shape, with the two back corners stretching near either side of the vessel while the point reached toward the bow. As it swelled bigger and bigger, Scootaloo pointed out how the ship seemed to be floating out of the water. Dash thought she seemed right about that, as the water did seem to be further away than normal.

“Here we go, here we gooo!” Pinkie exclaimed, pointed excitedly a balcony attached to the front of the superstructure housing the upper floors.

Prince Blueblood was standing on the balcony, gazing out over the deck and the mass of ponies now flooding the area. Closing his eyes, his horn began to glow a soft orange. The propellers on either side of the ship began to glow orange as swell as they started to rotate slowly. With each passing second, their revolutions grew more and more numerous as their speed accelerated. The moment Rainbow Dash could hear a faint humming noise, she could feel the deck of the Herodotus pressing hard against her hooves.

“It's flying, Sis! It's flying!” Scootaloo screamed in delight as the ship started to rise out of the waves.

Rainbow Dash dropped Scootaloo safely back on to the deck as the waters below inched further and further away. Applejack imitated her, holding on to her hat as the wind started to whip across the ship. Rainbow herself was smiling just as broadly as either of the fillies as she watched the wing slowly rotate once again. As the barrels moved into a horizontal position again, the ship started to move forward.

With a rush of excitement, Dash noticed a second pair of wings extended outward, complete with two additional barrels. She had no idea how many propellers were now whirling in place, but Blueblood's spell seemed to be only gaining in strength as the seconds turned to minutes.

“Hot dooog! This is crazy!” Applejack cheered loudly, her left arm clamped tightly over her hat as her mane rippled in the breeze. “How fast are we goin'?”

“I have no idea!” Twilight said, giggling herself as the ship moved through the air faster and faster. “This is kind of fun! We'll arrive in Saddle Arabia within hours at this rate!”

“Most oceanic zeppelins can reach nearly four hundred miles an hour when aided by magic!” Soarin explained in a loud voice as the noise of the wind increased. “I know from aviation courses at the academy! We might be a little protected from the ship's slipstream on the deck, but it's still going to get really windy! Maybe we should step inside the commons soon?”

“That's probably a good idea, Soarin!” Dash agreed, her eyes narrowing against the rush of air. “Ol' Vladimir up there gotta grit his teeth and face this wind! Ha!” She thought about Rarity for a moment, possibly still sound asleep and missing all the excitement. Then Dash thought about Fluttershy, who she hadn't seen since the yellow pegasus comforted her in the hallway. “Where's Fluttershy, Twilight?”

“Still in the room! She said the idea of the ship flying made her nervous!” Twilight hollered shrilly against the wind. “Let's go inside now!”

With nods all around and with much enthusiasm from Apple Bloom, who didn't seem to be enjoying the flight as much as Scootaloo or Sweetie Belle, the group moved toward the glass double doors leading into the commons. Dash had to remark that the glass must be sturdier than it looks to withstand the turbulent air that was now making the ship rattle occasionally.

Once inside, they descended the stairs to the sunken floor below and joined the other Wonderbolts, sitting at a cluster of tables in a far corner. Rainbow Dash had an enjoyable morning together with her friends, the Crusaders, and the Wonderbolts as the ship continued to sail through the air at incredible speeds. She was sitting with Soarin on her right and Scootaloo on her left, listening to Rapidfire explaining some of his more interesting experiences on board zeppelins. As Rapidfire moved into the climax of one of his stories, a waiter brought another basket of muffins to the table. It had been their sixth.

“A' course, dat's when dey were sayin' dey would ratha jump to da ground below wid dere wings broke den 'ave a'nutta round o' cards. I managed ta talk 'em into it, though. Botta Rocket was countin' on me, since we lost dat show commission to da Steel Talons. If I could beat dem griffons in one last round, they'd give us da job. Was funny, really. I neva intended ta get into a fo'ite. Almost lost an eye!” Rapidfire gave a roar of laughter, shaking his head in exasperation. “Lemme tell ya dis; dey did not expec' ta lose all dere bits to me on top of da commission. I actually jumped from da ship and flew off 'fore dey could scratch me good!”

“Not that silly Steel Talons story again, Rapidfire?” came Spitfire's voice from behind them.

“C'mon, Cap'n! You love dat one,” Rapidfire said with a hoarse laugh. “How'd ya sleep?”

“Brings back memories of Bottle Rocket, that's all, since he yelled at you for about a straight week beforehand! Anyways, I slept fine. At least until it felt like an earthquake tore through the ship! Did you feel that patch of turbulence five minutes ago? Surprised this piece of junk held together. Anyway, Bottle Rocket was a fine captain...” Spitfire said reminiscently, sighing.

“What happened?” Twilight asked delicately, buttering herself a blueberry muffin.

Spitfire flinched slightly. “A hell of a bad crash.”

Dash frowned, wishing Spitfire wouldn't swear in front of the fillies, but otherwise made no comment. She was not surprised when she realized that Scootaloo was too preoccupied talking to her friends anyway to hear any swearing. Judging by the fierce look on Sweetie Belle's face, it had to be a cutie mark scheme. She was quite impressed with how well behaved they were acting, though.

“I'm sorry to hear about the loss...” Twilight said solemnly.

Spitfire laughed. “He didn't die, Sparkle! He retired. That's the depressing part. But it was a bittersweet departure. No idea where he lives now, he left Cloudsdale ten years ago.”

The group remained in the commons as the day stretched on. Lunchtime came and went they they were eventually joined by Fluttershy and Rarity. Scootaloo threw Dash a worried look now and then, as if expecting to be dragged back to the room and locked up. As Rainbow's elation continued, she was quite happy with letting the filly off the hook.

Of the course of the day, she did learn of the full story of the Crusaders' little adventure from the train to the boat. They had simply remained with all of the luggage, since some of the train passengers had boarded the Herodotus. While initially irked that Scootaloo seemed to have lost her saddlebag, Dash soon found out that the girls had simply left them all in the belly of the ship with the rest of the luggage. Scoot had asked if someone could go retrieve it for her so she could have her diary to occupy herself with.

“I wouldn't worry about needing to busy yourself with that, squirt. I'm lettin' ya stay with us,” Dash explained in a low voice, ruffing Scootaloo's hair. “I'm not mad anymore, baby. Any and all threats still stand if you decide to do anything else dumb, though. Just sayin'.”

Scootaloo gave a low giggle. “Dumb? Me? I think you confused me with Apple Bloom, Sis!”

“Somepony say my name?” Bloom asked, looking across the table at them.

Scootaloo shrugged and Dash suppressed a grin. “You're such a little brat sometimes, Scoots!” she continued in another whisper, giving Scoot a playful tap on the noggin.

“Only 'cause I got the biggest brat to come outta Cloudsdale as a big sister! I love you, Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo beamed at her.

Rainbow beamed in return, reaching over and giving Scootaloo a one-armed hug. “I can't say I'm still not happy you're with me, kiddo. Well... not happy that you came on the ship, but happy I get to be with you right now. Dashie really loves you a lot, Scoots.”

“Whatever are you two smirking about over there?” Rarity said with a lofty giggle, before lowering her voice so only Rainbow Dash would hear her. “Fluttershy mentioned that you were upset earlier? Is everything alright, my dear?”

“Yep. I'm amazing right now! Not even worried about the mission! I see you've forgiven Sweetie Belle as much as I'm letting Scoots off the hook,” Dash said, pointing out the sleeping filly curled in Rarity's lap.

“One could say that the sleep did me justice, honey!” Rarity said, fluffing her mane.

“So...” Dash whispered, looking around to see if anyone was listening. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were listening to a story Fluttershy was telling them and Soarin was deep in raucous conversation with Fire Streak and Lightning Streak about an air show the previous year, “what in the blue hell were you doing with Blueblood last night?”

Rarity blushed slightly. “He's quite the arrogant pig when he's sober, this is true. Vladimir is actually a lamb once he's had a few knocked back, strangely enough! Royalty is royalty, Rainbow Dash!”

Dash rolled her eyes. “Rarity, sometimes even you manage to dissapp—”

Rainbow slumped against the table and nearly fell off of her chair as the ship tilted. The ship's bow had suddenly dipped down dangerously. There was a smattering of screams and confusion as ponies were thrown to the floor. The Herodotus was decelerating at an alarming rate and within fifteen seconds had come to a complete stop.

“What...” Dash groaned, pushing herself off the table. She had smacked her face against the surface and felt momentarily dazed.

“Sis, are you okay? What's happening?!” Scootaloo whimpered fearfully from beside her.

Dash gave her head a little shake and quickly stood up, scanning the room. There were still ponies getting to their hooves, chairs had fallen over, glass had smashed, trays and food littered the floor and the doors at the top of the staircase were still rattling. The Wonderbolts had already rose into the air as one and were speeding to the top of the staircase.

Rainbow draped an arm around her filly and held Scootaloo close to her. She could not find words to comfort her. Like a bubble bursting upon a blade of grass, Rainbow's feeling of elation had vanished, to once again be replaced by fear and nervousness.

“S-Scootaloo, stay with Applejack and the others!” Dash told her in a shaking voice. “P-please, Scoots!” Dash said as the filly immediately began to protest, looking horrified. “I've gotta see what's going on! As soon as I know, I'm coming straight back!”

Dash spread her wings and jumped into the air, flying high above the tables and total disarray of the other passengers to follow the Wonderbolts to the doors. Slamming her shoulder into them, she knocked them open and the sturdy glass banged off of the wall with another great rattle. Zipping out on to the main deck, she quickly scanned her eyes from left to right and felt a spasm of fear cripple her.

At the bow of the ship, over the heads of the ponies assembled on the deck, she could make out the distinctive figure of a unicorn mare. The unicorn was floating in midair as though she could fly. Her jet black mane whipped around her starlight-white figure as her body glowed in a light green aura. On either side of the unicorn were around a dozen heavily armoured pegasai in dark brown colours, all of them carrying spears. The unicorn was staring down at the figure of Admiral Hiexhes.

“Dashie! Get back inside!” Soarin's anxious voice rang out from beside her.

Rainbow had only just realized that Soarin and the rest of his teammates were clustered in the shadow of the superstructure, just outside of the commons. Panic was rising in her chest like steam and her breathing was sharp.

“Soarin? What's happening? Who the hell is that?!” Dash asked hysterically, chills dripping down her spine.

“We cannot be certain who the achromatic unicorn is,” Fleetfoot said in a low hiss, “but it would appear that she has suspended the Herodotus' flight herself. I have never imagined magic so powerful!”

“Tings are gettin' worse!” Rapidfire said in a shocked voice, pointing directly overhead. “Cap'n, Soarin, we need ta hide. We can't face 'em 'ere, dere's too many civies! Rainba Dash, get back inside and get Twiligh' to disguise ya all!”

Dash looked fearfully in the direction he was pointing and felt her stomach plunge through the bottom of the ship. A steely blue pegasus was floating overhead, eyes fixed upon the bow and the Admiral, his dark blue mane eerily still in the breeze.

30 The Warlock

“No... not here!” Rainbow Dash croaked, gazing with disbelief at the pegasus hovering over the floating ship.

“Captain!” Fleetfoot said sharply, placing a hoof on Spitfire's shoulder. “Do not engage. Rapidfire presented the proper course of action, ma'am.”

“Betrayed...” Spitfire snarled. “We were betrayed!”

“Soarin, c'mon...” Fire Streak said uncertainly. Dash noticed that Soarin had the same ugly look on his face as the Captain. His eyes were narrowed and his face was screwed up in a scowl. “There's a dozen guards with Wave Chill. Besides, there's that unicorn! We can't start a fight, there's too many innocents here!”

“We need to get out of the open. If he sees us...” Lightning Streak trailed off, shaking his head. “Soarin! Captain!”

Rainbow Dash stood rooted on the spot. Half of her wanted to retreat back into the commons while the other part wanted to know why their enemy had stopped the ship. Had they found out about the plan revolving around the Elements of Harmony? Had they discovered that the Wonderbolts were on board? Glancing about at the other passengers while these questions burned her mind, Dash felt a terrible jolt in her throat; Prince Blueblood was laying in a heap surrounded by a group of ponies some twenty feet away from them. Dash assumed he had stumbled and fallen when the unicorn had slowed the ship down. He was stirring feebly, showing her that he was still alive. Dash returned her gaze to the Admiral, cold sweat forming on her bow. She could still hear the four Wonderbolts attempting to dissuade Spitfire and Soarin from charging into action. Soarin had not said a single word since he warned Dash to return to the commons.

As the unicorn descended to the deck, Dash could make out a long brown cloak of sorts fastened around her neck, draping down across her back. As all four of her hooves made contact with the deck, the jade glow of her horn faded. Overhead, Wave Chill began to fly in her direction. With their enemies' attention on the Admiral, Rainbow Dash felt a strange calm flood her and she could martial her thoughts. She had a plan.

“What we need,” Dash said sharply, loud enough to be heard by the arguing Wonderbolts, “is a way to hear what they're saying. We gotta know why they're here. And look...” Rainbow jabbed her hoof toward the starboard side, at the end of the front wall of the superstructure. “It's another door to the hold. High Seas is standing near or above that trapdoor we used to get down to where the luggage was! We'll go under it and listen from the other side.”

Without waiting for a response from the team, Dash galloped to the trapdoor and bent low on her knees to study it. It was padlocked, but she didn't think that would be a big problem. Turning quickly, she pulled back one of her legs and thrust that hoof as hard as she could into the lock with a powerful buck. Ignoring the stabbing, searing pain in her throbbing hoof, she wheeled about to face the door again. With a feeling of sudden elation, she saw the lock's base cracked. Praying the mechanism was damaged enough to release, she pulled the arm of the lock and it slipped out.

Glancing about once again, Dash noticed most of the passengers had fled into the commons or the upper decks; she was alone with the Wonderbolts. If Wave Chill, the unicorn, or the guards were looking this way rather than at Hiexhes, they would be in serious trouble. Swinging the door open, she dived into the gloom, wings spread wide.

As she soared over crates and barrels, wires and ropes, she could see the sharp, thin line of golden sunlight streaming in through the crease of the bow's trapdoor. Diving around a supporting pillar, she soared toward it, hovering just below the ceiling.

Twisting in midair, Rainbow was satisfied to see the Wonderbolts, Soarin and Spitfire included, trailing her her wake. Placing a hoof to her lips, she perked her ears, yearning for the sounds above to paint the picture for her.

“... won't complicate matters, I hope?” It was the dreadfully familiar, perky voice of Wave Chill. Dash could hear none of the old lightheartedness or humour that she had come to associate with that voice. “We honoured our end of the bargain, Hiexhes; we didn't raze this ship! We know the Wonderbolts boarded the train from Canterlot. We know they're here! And yet you claim otherwise?”

“I-I...” Hiexhes spluttered. “Th-this is outrageous! How dare you threaten—”

“How dare me? HOW DARE YOU?” Wave Chill snarled. “You dare to go against the great nation of Saddle Arabia? You forget your place, Admiral! You speak with the commander of the Saddrabian Army, the same pony who gave you your liberty when you agreed to deliver us the Wonderbolts. I repeat, YOU FAT, WORTHLESS PIECE OF CRAP: WHERE ARE THE 'BOLTS?”

“Commanda... so soon?” Rapidfire whispered hoarsely. “Dis... can't be...”

“I to-told you... I do not know! They did not board,” Hiexhes said in what Dash thought was a most convincing lie.

“OUR WARLOCK,” Wave's voice roared and Rapidfire gave a short gasp beside Dash, “WITNESSED THEM BOARD THE TRAIN. YOU WERE TOLD TO GREET THEM WHEN SHE SENT YOU THAT MAGICAL LETTER! WHERE ARE THEY?”

“I did not meet them! I swear to you!” Hiexhes continued, his voice stammering tremendously. He seemed to be determined not to give them up.

“Very... very well,” Wave Chill said, his voice calming. Dash could hear pacing hooves above. “Here's what's going to happen, Admiral: we will search this flying piece of junk. If we don't find our quarry, our warlock here will send the Herodotus into the ocean as a flaming, burning ball of hydrogen.” Dash heard Hiexhes give a gasp of protest and her own thoughts immediately landed on Scootaloo's safety, her stomach clenching quite painfully as the fear stabbed her heart. “If we find the Wonderbolts and are convinced that you lied to us, then you will be tried for treason in Gymkhana and I will take great pleasure in seeing you hang from the gallows.”

“N-no! Please, I—” the Admiral gasped fearfully.

“Or,” Wave Chill continued, ignoring the ship captain's protests, “if you go and fetch them now, I may consider sparring your miserable life, the lives of your crew, and the lives of your passengers.”

Rainbow's eyes were wide with fear. She couldn't immediately spot a way out of this without putting either the entire ship at risk, or endangering the life of the pony who was refusing under threat of death to give the team to the enemy. The Wonderbolts were listening intently, hovering still in the air. From what little she could see of their faces, Rainbow Dash could see anguish and strain everywhere. All she could think about was trying to get Scootaloo off the boat, terrorized by horrible visions of the flames engulfing her.

“I can see your pitiful brain searching for a loophole to throw against us, Hiexhes. I assure you, should we burn this ship, there will be no survivors to bear witness. We will slaughter any pegasai who attempts to escape by flight. You've got five minutes to mull this over before we send our entourage to search. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a word with the warlock. And... don't you dare go anywhere, or we'll toss you to the sea a mile below us!”

Rainbow could hear the hoof-falls of Wave Chill and the unicorn he kept referring to as a 'warlock' retreating. Her throat was dry and her heart was pounding in her chest. She would never have imagined that the pony she had known at least as long as Soarin, though not as well, would be so bloodthirsty and cruel. He had zero regard for anyone on the ship and sounded happy to see them all burn to death. She was shaking with equal amounts of fear and rage.

“Well...” Lightning Streak whispered softly into the stunned silence, "this makes things much more straightforward.”

“I... agree, Lightning,” Spitfire said, biting her lip and closing her eyes briefly. She appeared to be doing some very quick thinking. “Right. Fleetfoot, Fire,and you, Lightning. Are you three with me? Are you prepared to do what it takes to save the lives of the ship?”

“Spitfire!” Soarin hissed sharply, eyes widening. “Wait, what are you—”

“I am, ma'am. We have been close friends for far too long for me to turn my flank on you, Spitfire. You have my wings,” Fleetfoot said in a shaky voice, bowing her head. Rainbow Dash felt a growing sense of foreboding at the fact that Fleetfoot was talking slowly and without her usual, long-winded vernacular. “Always, Spitfire... Captain.”

It was then that Rainbow Dash realized what Spitfire was possibly planning. “Spitfire... you aren't planning on giving yourselves up, are you?!” A sheet of ice slid down her throat and into her chest.

“Of course not!” Spitfire said in a clear and quiet voice. “I have a better plan in mind.”

“I'm with you, Captain,” Lightning Streak agreed, looking ill.

Fire was hesitating, blinking his eyes momentarily. He was looking deep into Spitfire's eyes, who stared unblinkingly back at him.

“We've had our differences, Fire Streak. Breaking your nose is a threat I generally follow through with and your usual tomfoolery and wisecracks tend to put me on edge...” Spitfire admitted, closing her eyes. “But... I will not hold this against you. I respect every Wonderbolt, including you.”

“You have no worries, Captain!” Fire whispered in a voice that was nevertheless solid, face splitting into a grin. “I'm with you.”

“Listen, what exactly—” Dash began, but Spitfire answered the incomplete question.

“The four of us happen to be the only Wonderbolts who can out-fly Wave Chill. He's fast. Rapidfire... Dad... guard Rainbow Dash and her friends!”

Rainbow Dash gave a soft gasp. Soarin was looking confused. He opened his mouth to speak, but like many others, he found himself cut off when another spoke up.

“Spitfire!” Rapidfire hissed, inhaling sharply. “Da lot o' ya sed ya ain't turnin' yoselves in!”

“We aren't. We're going to lead these cowards away from the ship. We'll circle around these waters for awhile, give the illusion that we're lost, and then we'll fly for Gymkhana and lead them back there!” Spitfire explained, her arms and legs shaking slightly.

Soarin was mouthing wordlessly, looking in total shock. Rainbow Dash couldn't exactly find the right words to say either. There had to be another way. There had to be another solution! Wrack her brains as she might, she was drawing blanks.

“No, no, no...” Rapidfire groaned, shaking his head vigorously. “Please, Spit!”

“Get Dash and her friends safely to Gymkhana with Soarin's help! The Elements of Harmony are probably going be our only way out of this mess! We're wasting time here, we've gotta act!” Spitfire instructed, breathing heavily. Her eyes were over-bright.

“Spit, please!” Rapidfire implored, stretching his hooves out to her.

“That's an order,” she said simply, shaking her head and looking away, pain etched in her face.

“Don't ya give me dat crap!” Rapidfire snarled. “I'd neva allow... Spitfire, no! Dere's gotta be anotha way!”

“If you've got an alternative, then speak up, Dad!” Spitfire rumbled, not able to look into his face.

“Den... den let me go instead a' ya! Let an old—” Spitfire cut him off.

“I will not risk losing you,” she said, blinking away tears and turning her face toward him again. “Dammit, Rapidfire! Listen to your Captain! I can't l-lose you! And I've already had to suffer through losing Soarin once before! The both of you are staying with Rainbow Dash! Get back to the commons and make sure they're disguised, just in case Wave Chill comes back! He might not recognize Dash's friends straight away, but he knows what she looks like! For Celestia's sake, we haven't got time to argue!”

“Celestia be damned, Spitfire! Dere's a warlock up dere! Let's...” Rapidfire whispered in a rush, but his voice trailed off completely as they heard hoof-falls overhead again.

“Soarin, if anything should happen, take good care of the team and the academy,” Spitfire said with a deep breath, flying directly under the trapdoor and rotating in the air to face her back hooves toward it. “I won't worry too much about you, Rainbow Dash will take care of you.”

Before Dash or Soarin could raise their own objections, Spitfire gave the door a tremendous buck. The noise rang out like a bell being struck with a hammer. The steps above halted and they could hear Hiexhes scurrying away from the trapdoor himself. It did not open, evidently padlocked since they had all used it that morning.

Spitfire prepared to buck it again. Fleetfoot, Lightning Streak, and Fire Streak positioned themselves below her, ready to rush out. They all looked determined. Rainbow's heart was throbbing harder and harder, as Wave Chill would have known from the first crack at the door that they were in the hold. Soarin was gazing in horror at his Captain. Dash wished that she could peer into his mind to understand exactly what anguish he was going through.

Spitfire gave another hard buck and there was a metallic snapping noise. Twisting around once again, Spitfire dropped down several feet before giving her wings a great flap and rocketing straight up, front hooves held out in front of her. With a crash, the trapdoor flew open. Wings rustling, Fleetfoot and the brothers raced out behind her. Dash, Soarin, and Rapidfire quickly moved away from the light now flooding the area from the open door.

“Wave Chill!” Spitfire roared. “You slimy bastard!”

“Well, well! What a development!” Wave Chill's laugh was cold and full of hatred. “Look at that, Hiexhes! The Wonderbolts are here!”

Dash continued to back away, wings beating hard, worried to death that one of the guards would peer into the trapdoor and find them. She reached out and grasped Soarin's hoof, clinging to it for dear life. Soarin's eyes were fixed upon Rapidfire beside them, who seemed to be fighting with all his might to resist the urge to fly out after his surrogate daughter. Within another few seconds, they were out of the range of light, but still able to hear the commotion above.

“We snuck on! We figured you'd have some sort of spy or plant! The Admiral had no idea we were here!” Spitfire's voice echoed.

“Consider yourself lucky, Hiexhes,” came an unfamiliar voice. “We have what we've come for. I will leave the ship in one piece.”

“Yes, indeed!” Wave Chill gave another harsh laugh. “Get out of my sight and keep this hunk of junk sailing to Saddle Arabia! Draw any attention to what has happened here today and you will be killed, Admiral! Now... what to do with you. 'Captain!'” Wave continued, putting a sarcastic emphasis on the word. The Admiral could be heard trotting away, huffing and panting fearfully. “You're surrounded, Spitfire! You and... let's see... Lightning Streak, Fire Streak, and Fleetfoot! Where's the rest of our team?”

“We came alone!” Lightning Streak's voice spoke clearly with a growing fury. “And let's have less of the 'our team' talk, if it's all the same to you, traitor!”

“Do you take me for a fool?” Wave Chill asked.

“You are a damned fool!” Spitfire snapped. “I'm going to murder you with my bare hooves, Wave Chill!”

“I saw two more Wonderbolts board the train after you stripped off your suits. There were also numerous other mares in your group,” that mysterious voice spoke again and Dash realized it must be the aforementioned warlock. “Where are they?”

“Yes, where's Rainbow Dash and her friends?” Wave Chill demanded and Rainbow felt her heart jump into her throat again.

“They accompanied us to Baltimare, but I ordered the rest of the team to return with them. It wasn't worth the risk!” Spitfire explained.

“Wasn't worth the risk?” Wave Chill asked, laughing again. “Brilliant choice of words, Captain! Wasn't worth the risk when you just handed yourselves over! The Voidwalker truly watches over us!”

“Handed ourselves over? You want us, come and get us, you son of a bitch!” Spitfire challenged.

There was a flutter of wings and much shouting. There were unmistakable sounds of hooves against flesh, a voice yelling 'get 'em', more shouting, a hollow tapping noise as a spear landed on the deck, and finally silence.

“Shall I immobilize them, sir?” the warlock asked after a few seconds.

“No... I'll enjoy the hunt,” Wave Chill replied grimly. “Meet me at the palace. You!” Wave seemed to be shouting at someone else. “Get up, your worthless whelp! If you can fly, get after them!”

More hoof-falls crossed the ceiling before the warlock spoke again. “Good luck, sir. May the Voidwalker guide us.”

“May the Voidwalker guide us,” Wave Chill repeated.

There was another flutter of wings and a crackling noise that reminded Rainbow Dash of lightning or static electricity before all was quiet once again. The whole situation suddenly felt very surreal to her, as though she had been sleeping and dreaming one moment and awake the next, without realizing she had fallen asleep.

All Rapidfire did was curse under his breath over and over, shaking his head in the gloom. Slowly, cautiously, Dash dipped low and circled close to the light streaming in from the open trap door, eyes skyward, ready to rush back into the shadows if she caught a glimpse of a set of eyes. Moving to float directly below it, she had an unimpeded view of the heavens above. There was not a sound to be heard but for the blowing of the wind.

Thinking that she had to be mad to do this, Dash flew up to the opening and slowly poked her rainbow-maned head out of it. As her view crossed the dividing space between the hull and the deck, she had to fight with herself to keep her heart from exploding out of her chest. Blinking, she turned her head this way and that.

“Nopony there...” she said softly to the two Wonderbolts who had approached her from below. “They're gone...”

Flapping her wings, she flew out of the hole properly and landed on the deck. Her eyes raked the sky for some sign of a pegasus or perhaps the unicorn. Narrowing them, she could see the faintest blur in the distance, soon swallowed by clouds.

“Fools, damned fools!” Rapidfire snarled, exiting behind her. In the light, Dash could see that he looked rugged and defeated. “Dis all happened so fas'...” He swore again.

“Rainbow Dash, I...” Soarin tried to speak as he flew out behind them both, but seemed unable to form his words after a moment.

Dash jumped back into the air and rushed over to him, throwing her arms around his chest. “I know, Soarin... I don't know what to do either. We should, uh, get back to the commons and my friends. We've gotta tell them what happened.”

“I'm gonna find out if da navigata is a'righ',” Rapidfire said softly, spitting on the deck. His eyes were glazed over and he was looking centuries old, “n'... speak wid Hiexhes. We owe 'em a great deal righ' now.” Dash could see him depart out of the corner of her eye, but did not see where he had flown off to.

“This feels like a dream...” Soarin groaned softly, shaking his head. “Doesn't even feel real!” he spoke, voice suddenly savage. “If anything happens to them... my own brother! My own twin! If Spitfire doesn't kill him, I will!”

“Soarin...” Dash mumbled softly, still holding him tight, “we're going to get to the bottom of all of this.”

“I'll beat him to death myself... you heard him, Dash! He would have seen this whole ship and everypony on it die! He u-used to be so gentle! He liked w-watching birds, we always gave our show money to charities, and...” he trailed off again, holding a shaking hoof to his face as his body began to tremble. “What happened... what happened to him, Dashie?” Soarin's voice was hollow and croaky, cracking as he spoke.

“We can only pray he's bewitched or something, Soar...” Dash whispered softly to him, feeling his chest heaving with his grief. “Sssh, we're gonna fix this... you've gotta keep it together. Let's... get back.”

Rainbow peered into his face. Both of his eyes were closed tight and she could see tears leaking from under them as he shook. Wordlessly, she wiped them away and took one of his front hooves in both of her own, giving him a small tug. Soarin seemed to obey her pull without conscious thought, eyes still shut tight and his breath sharp and heavy. Rainbow turned to face the superstructure, still holding Soarin's hoof with one of her own, and fluttered her wings, drifting slowly toward it.

Passing through the double glass doors, Dash landed on the steps and slowly began to descend them into the common area as she let go of his hoof. She could hear Soarin following her quietly. She couldn't string two thoughts together. The noise of the room was almost deafening to their ears as the three of them continued into the chaotic scene. It was as though every passenger on the ship were converged here, shouting in panic. In the distance, she could see Blueblood on shaking legs, surrounded by other crew members.

One of them had asked him something, but he merely shook his head and responded in an undertone. He levitated a drink to his lips before gingerly making his way toward the stairs. Dash and Soarin took to the air once again to let him pass by below them. Scanning the room, Dash caught sight of Scootaloo standing next to a group of ponies she did not recognize. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were with her. All three of them looked scared.

“Scoots!” Dash said, descending next to her and dropping on her flank. “Are you alright? Where's the girls?”

“Sis!” Scoot gasped, throwing herself into Rainbow's embrace.

“I told ya I'd be back. I'm sorry I took so long...” Dash whispered to her, stroking her mane.

“Rainbow, it's us!” an unfamiliar unicorn with an all-to-familiar voice spoke softly to her.

“I—” Dash gasped before logic caught up to her senses. “Oh! You disguised!” She studied the unicorn closely. Twilight's size and mane styling were quite the same, but she had primarily white hair with streaks of varying shades of silver. Her fur was golden-looking tangerine.

“Keep yer voice down!” Applejack hissed at her. “When nopony was lookin', Twilight used her spell on each of us in turn.”

Rainbow turned to look at her and had to fight a momentarily incredible urge to laugh. Applejack was the splitting image of her brother with a red coat and orange mane. Panning the group, she saw Fluttershy with a cream coloured coat and cerulean mane, Pinkie Pie with light green fur and a puffy, vermillion mane, and finally Rarity, sporting a violet mane with magenta highlights and a pale blue coat.

“She modelled me after the famous painting of Sparkler, that absolutely gorgeous opera singer two hundred years ago!” Rarity whispered, looking rapturous. “It's a great pity that my own eyes still see my usual facade!” Rarity continued, standing on her hind legs and glancing down her body, tail twisting around her waist.

“It's far too crowded in here to risk casting my spell on you, Rainbow Dash...” Twilight mumbled. “So, what's going on, exactly?”

“Let's head to one of the rooms where we can talk privately,” Dash said. “We aren't in any immediate danger anymore, but—”

“Whatcha mean, 'anymore'? What happened out there?!” Applejack asked, voice full of concern. “I mean to say, ponies were talkin' about pirates!”

“We will explain everything. C'mon, let's go to the suite. Hopefully Spitfire left it unlocked, since there's lots of room in there to my knowledge,” Soarin spoke clearly, seeming to have pulled himself together.

With murmurs and nods, the strange looking group followed Soarin back up the stairs. Out onto the deck once again, Dash could see Blueblood leaning over the port side, possibly examining the propellers. Wave Chill had threatened Hiexhes to keep the ship moving to Saddle Arabia, after all. Had Hiexhes already been in contact with Vladimir? Rapidfire said he was going to talk to them, but Rainbow Dash couldn't see him anywhere as they progressed around the superstructure to the stairs leading to the upper levels.

Once inside the second floor, Twilight stopped to glance up and down the main hallway.

“Nopony there. Alright, Rainbow Dash, let's get you disguised!” Twilight said, bowing her head to point her horn at Rainbow.

“Pinkie Fly!” Pinkie cheered, stamping her hooves.

A white beam ripped from Twilight's horn and hit Rainbow in the chest. Although Dash could feel nothing, she could tell by the reactions of her friends that she had once again transformed into the pink and blue colour scheme of the renaissance flier, Firefly.

“Ha, I like it!” Soarin said, giving an approving nod.

Dash could feel her cheeks warming, but knew it would be difficult to discern with pink fur. “Yep. The blue hair's the best, though. Blue's amazing. And best of all, I still look like me to me!”

“I still love it!” Scootaloo grinned. “You look awesome no matter what you, uh, look like!”

“I expect no less from my Number One Fan!” Dash beamed at her.

“Slash daughter slash sister,” Applejack chuckled as the floor below them began to shake. Evidently, the ship was starting to move forward again.

“Whatever,” the pair of them spoke in unison as the group reached the door to the suite, stumbling a little as Herodotus started to immediately pick up speed.

“It's unlocked,” Soarin discovered, hoof on the handle. “Let's get comfortable, then...”

As they entered the suite and gathered around the table, Applejack started. “So, what the hay happened out there? Ponies were panickin', the little ones were scared out of their wagons, and nopony seemed to know what was goin' on.”

“I...” Dash began, but hesitated. “Scoots, you and your friends can go play in the parlour. That's the door at the end of the suite,” Dash explained, pointing. “But for the love of Celestia, don't drink anything that ain't in a water bottle!” Scootaloo nodded, albeit uneasily. Rainbow Dash knew the look of concern on Scoot's face all too well. “The grownups gotta talk, 'kay?”

Sweetie Belle opened her mouth to make a retort to that, but caught Rarity's eye and hesitated. Rarity shook her head softly and jerked her head in the direction of the parlour. Shrugging, Sweetie slipped off in the direction of the door. With a hoof on her shoulder, Apple Bloom was able to convince Scootaloo to follow.

“Alright,” Dash said, clearing her throat once the room was filly-free, “first thing's first, whatever the hell your worst fears were when the ship basically crashed mid-air were true. It was Wave Chill. Him, some unicorn broad he kept calling 'warlock', and like a dozen pegasai guards. They came looking for the Wonderbolts. Apparently they saw them board the train through that warlock's crying or whatever Luna called it.” Dash registered the look of surprise and fear on everyone's face.

“He was... heartless when they spoke to the Admiral. Apparently he ordered Hiexhes to hand us over when they came or else they'd destroy the boat. He must've considered it, since he didn't warn us beforehand. However, I guess he changed his mind because he wouldn't betray our whereabouts, just played ignorant,” Soarin explained into the shocked silence. “Wave gave him an ultimatum to hand us over or step aside so they could search. Threatened to burn the ship or kill him. Spitfire, Lightning Streak, Fire Streak, and Fleetfoot emerged to meet them to prevent that and try to lead them off...”

“We were hiding in the hull, ya see. So we could hear every word that jerk said,” Dash said softly. “Spitfire had no choice and the four of them are the only 'Bolts quicker than Wave Chill himself. Either way, they saved our lives, but... man. This is pretty much a rescue mission now on top of everything else. That is, assuming the Wonderbolts don't escape or aren't killed on the spot!” Dash groaned. “It was Spit's intention to get them back to Gymkhana. So... that's the situation. We've gotta get in touch with Luna, y'know, go from there...”

Applejack swore softly under her breath, hat tilted low over her eyes and her arms crossed over her chest. Rarity was shaking her head, a hoof over her eyes.

“I expected this to be... fun,” Pinkie bemoaned, her new, red hair razor straight again. “It's not, though. It's kinda... scary. I can't even find something to laugh at...”

“Tell me about it,” Applejack sighed.

“Twilight?” Dash asked, brow furrowed. “You've had a weird-ass look on your face this whole time. Do you have a plan, or...?”

“You mentioned,” Twilight spoke in a clear voice, “that the one doing the scrying was a... warlock?”

“She did,” Soarin nodded. “I'm unfamiliar with the term, myself.”

“I've heard it before, I'm pretty sure. Dad used to tell me stories all the time and I've totally heard him mention them, but I...” Dash closed her eyes, pummelling her brain in an attempt to bring back the memories, “I can't remember what they were or what the word even meant. I think Rapidfire knew what they were, though. His eyes went wide as dinner plates when he first heard it.”

“I'd imagine they would!” Twilight said seriously, frowning. “Warlocks aren't supposed to exist anymore.”

“But... what is a warlock?” Fluttershy asked.

“A warlock,” Twilight began, “is a, well... a type of unicorn mutation.”

“A mutation?!” Dash asked, surprised. “Ya mean, like, an extra head or something? She looked normal to me.”

“Not necessarily a physical mutation, but one that nevertheless deals with genetics. As I understand it based on my reading of more or less everything Starswirl the Bearded ever wrote, warlocks were a unicorn mutation in which their magic becomes increasingly potent as they age, but far, far more destabilized with use. The worst warlocks were without equal in power, but were so unstable that the magic had affected their minds! They were afflicted with madness, dementia, and nearly unending power! They were very dangerous.”

“Like King Sombra!” Dash gasped. “Right?”

Twilight bowed her head. “That's been under debate for centuries, actually. Whether or not Sombra was a warlock, I don't know. He was exceptionally powerful, though. Warlocks were supposedly bred out of existence before his time. In fact, Starswirl himself was involved in reducing their numbers. He had alchemized a potion that would cull the mutation. Most warlocks took it willingly to save themselves and make it legal to mate, as they were forbidden by law to reproduce and risk spreading the aliment.”

“So, if there's a 'lock workin' with Wave Chill, then... chances are, she made the Shadow! I bet she's the one behind dang-near everything!” Applejack said confidently.

“I don't believe that's true.” Soarin had his head in his hooves. “My brother and the warlock spoke as though they themselves served it. Assuming the Shadow is the Voidwalker, of course. I definitely believe this unicorn is a warlock, however. She stopped this ship dead with ease and could fly without wings.”

“At least we've got Luna...” Fluttershy added, looking a little less frightened at the idea. “I bet she'd sort a warlock out!”

Twilight gave her a tragic look, shaking her head again. “I'm afraid it won't be so simple. All magic, including alicorn, has its limits. Warlock magicks are exceptions to the usual rules through their sheer power. Luna would be the only pony capable of fighting her if we have to fight her, though. Rarity or I would be... destroyed...”

“Indeed!” Rarity said, giving a weak smile. “Twilight's magic does exceed my own, sadly! I would be support at best. Protective shields, perhaps? Although...” Rarity trailed off, giving a deep sigh. “I've never done them.”

“If they'd even work against magic as powerful as this warlock's...” Dash mumbled. “Even still, we've never really been in real combat unless you count that brawl with the changelings, so I don't think any of us can blame ya, Rare... This whole thing makes me want to get drunk off minotaur snotrags again, to be blunt as an elephant fart.”

“That's very elegant, Dash, my dear, but they're called 'sweatbombs',” Rarity said softly, although it was evident from her expression that she didn't really believe it was important. “I just pray that the Elements of Harmony would work against a warlock.”

“How do they work, exactly?” Soarin asked the room at large.

“The elements work primarily by attacking the evil in somepony's heart. The severity of the damage they can inflict is proportional to the evil-good balance within them. Princess Luna, for example, still had vestiges of her goodness deep down when she allowed her magic to enhance her heart's darkness, which transformed her into Nightmare Moon. The Elements purged the evil and her goodness surged back into dominance. She could transform into Nightmare Moon whenever she wants, but she'll remain her true self now. Discord, though... worked a little differently.”

“How so?” Soarin asked with interest. Dash was glad for the topic of conversation, as it was keeping Soarin's grief at bay.

“Discord lacked true evil intentions,” Twilight explained. “He was a spirit of pure chaos and disharmony. Lacking evil to attack, the Elements took the neutral route of petrifying him, I suppose. I don't believe he has any good, either, so if he did have evil in his heart, he probably would have been destroyed by them.”

Pinkie Pie's body suddenly jerked. Narrowing her eyes, her ears twitched and flopped and she started grinding her teeth. This caught everyone's attention and they stared.

“Uh... what?” Dash asked, confused.

“Pinkie sense!” Pinkie said, cheering up suddenly and jerking a hoof over her shoulder in the direction of the door to the suite.

Dash and the rest looked in that direction for a moment.

“Nothing's happening,” Applejack said, shrugging. “I... oh!'

The door suddenly opened and Rapidfire slipped inside. He hesitated on the threshold, looking confused at all the new faces. Soarin, however, gestured him forward.

“It's alright, Rapid, it's them; they're disguised, remember?”

“Ah, a' course,” Rapidfire said, nodding and strolling to the table. “Did ya fill 'em in, Soarin?”

“We both did,” Rainbow explained, waving a hoof. “Rainbow Dash, sounding off over here!”

“Pink? Interestin'... anyways, I jes' spoke ta da Admiral n' tanked 'em. I tink he'd be quite 'appy t' see da back o' us, though. I expect we'll get ta Saddle 'rabia in a few hours,” he explained. “Hopefully we meet up wid Princess Luna 'fore long.”

“That's the plan, anyway!” Applejack nodded.

“Well...” Rainbow said, getting to her hooves and giving Soarin a swift kiss on the cheek. “If nopony has any objections, I think I'll go for a drink. A little liquid courage never goes amiss...” she said, moving toward the parlour. “Once I kick the Crusaders out, anyway.”

“I think I'll join y'all...” Applejack said, getting up to join Dash. “After all... things are about to get crazy.”

“AJ... they already are,” Dash said, marching to the parlour door. “And in a few hours, I betcha it's gonna get ten times worse.”

31 Arid Arrival

With a mighty splash and much rocking, the great ship touched down upon the waves once more. High above, the crew were working diligently to return the balloon to its chamber. With a sigh, Rainbow Dash relaxed her hold on the filly beside her, gazing in silence out across the water to the mass of black land whose coast they were skirting.

They were so close now, Dash knew it. The Herodotus would be docking at a small village along the coast where they would be shuttled across a small portion of the desert to the city. Hiexhes had explained that he'd leave the ship there for a full day to allow passengers to visit Gymkhana, vowing never to return to the 'cursed sands' once the ship had departed afterwards.

The sun had nearly faded behind the horizon, the vibrant colours painted on the waters stretching endlessly to the west. She had never been so far from home before. As she continued to gaze at the Eastern continent, she closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, her throat and tongue tasting the salt of the clean air she was filling her lungs with. A surreal experience misplaced in her current reality.

To Rainbow Dash, everything was set to fast forward. So many emotions, so many questions, so many terrible things transpiring, and all taking place so very fast. It all swirled about her mind, coupled with persistent doubts. Thinking about the coming days sent chills down her spine. They were going into this blind and with no real plan against an enemy none of them understood. Bludgeon her mind as she might, Rainbow could not seem to martial her thoughts. Beyond finding Luna, she had no idea what to do. And she was convinced that the rest of the group were in the same boat.

'Or, like, the same zeppelin...' Dash thought, sighing.

“Rainbow Dash, ya still with us?”

Dash snapped out of her revere at the voice. “Uh, what?”

“Holy cow! That was some major spacing out, Dash!” Scootaloo laughed. “You okay, Sis?”

Rainbow Dash hesitated for a moment. “Of... course, Scoots! Why wouldn't I be?” She could not tell Scoot the truth, not when she needed Dash to always be strong for her sake.

“I dunno, but you seem... kinda weird, I guess?” Scootaloo shrugged.

“Welp, ain't that the pot calling the kettle black.” Dash grinned at her, feeling her mood improve in the way that only Scootaloo could provide.

“I'm orange, ya big pink dummy!” Scoot commented, rolling her eyes.

“I thought you liked my disguise? Besides, you're 'gamboge', as Applejack would say!” Dash laughed, ruffing Scoot's mane. “And that's cerise, like my eyes!”

“HOW ARE THOSE COLOURS?!” Scootaloo demanded, shaking her head disbelievingly. “Red, yellow, orange, green, um, blue, black, purple, white, uh... pink? And brown! Those are colours!” The filly tossed up her hooves in exasperation. “My coat is orange and my mane is pinkily-purplish, with the awesome purple making up for the lame pink!”

Rainbow threw her head back and laughed. “Alright, kiddo! Pinkily-purplish it is! What's your eye colour, greyclad-purpletrope?”

Scootaloo huffed and sat on the deck, folding her arms and glaring in the opposite direction, averted from Rainbow Dash. “Whatever...”

Dash sat down beside her and pulled Scoot into a hug, still laughing. “Don't be mad at me! I'm just a big pink dummy, remember?” Scootaloo tried to hide her face but Dash knew she was smiling. “Man... Scoots, thanks for this.” She broke the hug and just beamed at the filly.

Scootaloo looked into her face. “For... what?”

Dash exhaled deeply, still smiling at her, already feeling relaxed again. “Nothin'!” She couldn't really say that Scootaloo had cheered her up, since Dash had denied being upset in the first place. “Just... love ya, Scoots. I really do.”

“Yeeeah...” Scootaloo said, raising an eyebrow. “Already knew that, weirdo!” She lowered it and grinned. “Love you too, though! Even if you're completely cracked!”

“Pinkie Fly!” a voice hollered behind them. “Scootaloo!”

“I hate that name, but don't tell Pinkie Pie that!” Dash said confidentially to Scoot, causing her to giggle. “Apparently me and Pinkie are the tag team champions... despite her being green now.”

“Whatcha doooin' out here?” Pinkie asked, bouncing over. “Everypony's been looking for you!”

“We've just been, y'know, chilling out here, watching the ship descend. Why, what's happened now?” Dash asked, concern in her voice.

“Nothing bad!” Pinkie grinned. “Rapidfire wants a headcount before the ship docks! It was a fun trip, wasn't it?”

“Sure was!” Scootaloo agreed, looking ahead to the continent before them.

Rainbow couldn't honestly say she agreed herself. She didn't really see losing nearly half of their group before they even arrived in Saddle Arabia as 'fun'.

“We'll regroup, then. Twilight should cast her disguise spell again, too. Make sure the disguises are fresh, eh?” Dash suggested, getting to her hooves.

“Attention passengers,” Blueblood's voice spoke around them, again sounding as though it was coming from the ship itself, “We shall be docking in Corral Bay in half an hour's time. The local time in Saddle Arabia is 8:43 PM, so you can expect to disembark about quarter-after-nine. Again, the Herodotus apologizes for the unscheduled stop earlier today. We will forward any complaints to the, uh, Saddle Arabia Boarder Patrol.”

“You think anypony buys that excuse?” Rainbow asked Pinkie in a whisper. “I can see them thinking it was pirates, but a 'rough boarder patrol' is a tough pill to swallow.”

“Who knows?” Pinkie shrugged. “I'm not worried, so you shouldn't be either! We've gotta keep our spirits high, smile and just dive into the fun! But not into the ocean, let's wait until the boat stops before we dive over anything!”

“Pinkie, your optimism always impresses me! And I ain't no easy pony to impress,” Dash complimented, before raising her voice a little to get the filly's attention. “Let's go see the rest of 'em, Scoot!”

Pinkie Pie lead them back to suite #221. Once inside, they found the other ponies clustered around the table as though waiting for them. Dash chose a chair next to Soarin again and plopped down, gazing to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, before looking over at Scootaloo, who was still standing.

“Alright... time for another little hero talk. Crusaders... you know the drill! Skedaddle!” Rainbow said, jabbing at the far door to the parlour.

“Oh boy!” Sweetie said, rolling her eyes to the heavens. “More grown up talk we're not allowed to partake in! We're only going to put up with this so much.”

“You'll do as you're told, young lady!!” Rarity said, frowning at her.

Mumbling darkly, Sweetie slipped off her chair and walked away from the table, looking grumpy. She looked to her friends to see if they were following.

“Well... Sweetie Belle's got a point!” Apple Bloom added in defiance. “Like... y'all can't stop us eavesdroppin'!”

“You're not supposed to tell them that!” Scootaloo groaned, sliding a hoof across her face.

“What a shame! I guess since they know we'll listen in somehow, we have no choice but to stay here!” Sweetie sighed theatrically, standing tall and throwing up her arms in a shrug with a most grievous look of disappointment.

“Git!” Applejack said sharply, glaring the fillies down.

“Okay! We're going!” Scoot said cautiously, strolling past her friends, who followed, whispering to one another.

Rainbow Dash watched them leave with an odd feeling in her stomach. She felt disappointed that Scootaloo didn't immediately obey her, especially when Dash thought of Scootaloo's promise to her. “I swear, they're getting braver!” she sighed, shaking her head. “We'll need to break out the threats again!”

“Maybe their defiance is their way of showing grit? They know we're all heading into danger, after all,” Soarin suggested. “Maybe it wouldn't be fair to the girls to respond with threats of punishment?”

“But that's my favourite parental tactic!” Dash joked, grinning. Her stomach started to squirm, but she continued regardless. “Seriously, though, we can't exactly have them talking back to us, can we? We need the Crusaders' obedience on this little... field trip. I mean, damn, the kids should be grateful we've even been this lenient! Imagine what Rarity's parents are going through right now, or Applejack's family? Letting the girls stay close to Celestia is one thing, but she's bound to have told 'em by now that, y'know, they aren't there...”

“If my parents are even aware she was even supposed to be there...” Rarity sighed, looking pained. “It's not as though they take an active roll in raising little Sweetie Belle.” She sounded quite bitter and Dash understood that Rarity was easily the biggest influence on Sweetie's life. “That's my job! And despite the little vociferated scolding I gave her back in the hold, it's one that I am rather proud to do.”

“Yeah... not meanin' to rain on yer parade, there, Dash, but you know Big Mac and Granny Smith pretty much give custody of Apple Bloom to me!” Applejack shrugged. Rainbow glared at her, not exactly pleased with how this conversation was going. Applejack seemed to realize that she was being rude, however. Sweeping her hat off her head, she rushed on. “I've gotta admit, though: Rainbow Dash is right, Soarin,” Applejack continued, frowning at him and twirling her stetson between her hooves nervously. “We can't let them get carried away... it just ain't worth the risk. These are our sisters,” she said, gesturing at Rainbow, “n' Dash's daughter.”

Soarin nodded and Rainbow Dash felt a little lighter now that Applejack was taking her side. She knew Soarin disagreed with the brand of punishment she and her friends used on their charges. It was something that had come up during those long training sessions in preparation for the airshow, when they had taken the time to get to discuss little details about each other.

Soarin and Wave Chill, it transpired, apparently had a rather abusive upbringing for a pair of fraternal twins born into wealth. She wondered briefly if it was a contributing factor to whatever had caused Wave to lose his marbles recently? Nevertheless, it had upset her that he seemed unable distinguish between abuse and discipline when they had talked about it, especially given how much she had grown to love Scootaloo.

Dash shook herself mentally. Her heart rate was increasing as though she was preparing herself for a fight. Why was she even dwelling on this? There were more important things to deal with right now. This would be their last chance for a private talk before their hooves touch dry ground in a potentially hostile environment. She had to push it out of her mind and focus on ironing out these last few details.

“So, anyways,...” Dash said quickly, feeling a little dazed, but she trailed off as she saw Twilight Sparkle stand up.

“If there are no objections, I think I should dispel and re-cast my magic to make sure the duration on our disguises last,” the unicorn explained.

Rainbow nodded her head and waited patiently for Twilight to act. Her horn glowing brightly, the disguises of herself and the rest of the mares faded, revealing their original mane and fur colours. As white beams rippled from the horn once more, Dash saw Pinkie look in her direction and giggle. Dash rolled her eyes and, once Twilight had sat down again, spoke up.

“Alright, so, Pinkie Pie said you wanted a headcount, Rapidfire? Well, we're all here, so let's, uh, decide: What'll we do once make landing? We're not sticking around until morning, right? Straight off this tub and onto whatever those shuttles are, straight to Gymkhana! Find Luna, figure out what's going on, get some new details...” Dash continued speaking fast, tapping one hoof with the other. “Plan, move out, deal with this, go home quickly! Get Luna to send the Crusaders home A.S.A.P., Scoot has a therapist appointment to keep!”

“I'm game with that, but I'm mighty chuffed to see how we're gonna keep them girls in the dark about any new details we learn for long. With luck, we'll get them shooed back to Canterlot through Princess Luna before their newfangled attitudes get them into danger. Imagine if they start with some ridiculous scheme in Gymkhana to get heroic cutie marks, or somethin'?” Applejack brought up, bringing the conversation careening back to the fillies. “It wouldn't be the first time the Crusaders put themselves in danger. Just look here at them followin' us on the train and boat! We've gotta be firm with 'em, leave 'em on a short tether, for their own good.”

Rainbow wanted to agree, but part of her would have been happy not to hear the discussion reverse itself. She was starting to get another squirm in her belly whenever she thought about exactly how easy it would be for Scootaloo to get into danger. She wanted to steer the conversation away from the Crusaders to take the weight off her chest, especially given that Fluttershy, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rapidfire couldn't partake in the present discussion. To her delight, Rarity provided.

“Did Luna ever explain to what her disguise looks like to you, Twilight?” Rarity asked, her eyes suddenly protuberant with worry. “How can we find one another if we're masked, precisely?”

“She didn't... no. But I'm sure the Princess has a plan!” Twilight said confidently. “She knows when the ship should be arriving at Corral and thus when we'd be reaching Gymkhana, delayed by Wave Chill or not.”

“I trust the Princess,” Fluttershy added. “I think Twilight's right!”

“Me too!” Pinkie chipped in. “I trust all my bestest friends and I trust the Princess just as much! So that means a lot for those of you following! I bet you she has a great plan already and she's just waiting for us to get there, like a surprise party! Remember yours, Rainbow Dash?!” Pinkie demanded.

Dash smiled. “Sure do!” She looked to Soarin beside her, her grin broadening. “It was awesome,” she said, resting her left hoof on top of his right. She knew she had started to blush in front of everyone when she saw him light up at her touch but she didn't care.

“Well, if we've got a party to get to on the outskirts of hell, we best be stickin' together,” Applejack said, sighing softly. “That way, if summat happens, we'll hopefully be able to deal with it.”

“I'm game with that idea,” Dash agreed, tilting her chair back on two legs, still holding Soarin's hoof. “If we've gotta fight, we'll be better off doing it together. Somepony's gonna need to watch yer backs!”

“Well, shucks. Thank ya kindly, great hero!” Applejack said, rolling her eyes.

“Well then, we're sticking together as planned,” Twilight said, knocking her hooves together a little nervously. “I guess that is our best bet... well, let's gather our things.”

“Hold up, somepony's gotta go grab the Crusaders' saddle bags from the hold!” Rainbow Dash remembered. “So, I'll go grab them, and...” Rainbow trailed off when she saw Rapidfire get to his hooves.

“I'll do dat,” he said, inclining his head. “Da resta ya meet me on da main deck in ten minutes. Then it's show time, ladies! I'm lookin' at you, Soarin!”

“Less dissension in the ranks, eh, Rapidfire? I do sit higher on the chain-of-command than you, you know!” Soarin chuckled, stretching and getting up himself.

“And I've been in da 'Bolts since ya was in diapas,” Rapidfire retaliated with a smirk. “'n' I cud kick ya ass. Dun faget dat.”

Soarin continued to laugh. “I'll give you that, Rapid.”

“Oh boy...” Fluttershy said uncertainly as he left. “He gets like that when ponies are watching, huh? It's okay, Soarin, ponies did that to me too...”

“He's actually like that all the time,” Soarin said, shrugging. “It doesn't bother me, Rapidfire always jokes like that. You'd be hard pressed to find one more loyal or respectful than him when he's being serious.”

Rainbow was frowning. It really did seem to her that Soarin tended to get picked on often. Were the Wonderbolts always like that, constantly taking jabs at one another, or was it all directed to Soarin, like Spitfire's recent wrath? She was starting to really like having Rapidfire there, knowing how valuable his experience was going to be and understanding that the Wonderbolts were certainly important to him. There was even a certain reassurance to the strength of his voice that she found helped regulate her calmness whenever he was speaking, even if his vernacular was a little funny. She held him in even higher respect now that she knew of Spitfire's past and Rapid's own role in keeping her alive.

Maybe she was over-thinking things? Maybe it was due to her recent resurgence of nerves that she was overreacting to a mere joke, she deliberated. And what happened earlier? Dash felt like the discussion concerning the Crusaders had just spiralled out of control! She was looking back on it as though it had been a heated argument, feeling the sweat in her face. She did not even realize that she was staring into her hooves. She was hunched over, cradling her face in them.

'I'm... falling apart...' As she looked up, she was surprised to see that she was the only one still sitting at the table. What was more, her friends and Soarin had not failed to notice. As she scanned the room, she saw many looks of concern on the disguised yet familiar faces of the mares. Craning her neck, she saw Soarin standing behind her, confusion playing across his features.

“I'm a total mess right now...” Dash said quietly, blushing a little out of embarrassment. “Like, my thoughts have been all over the place for the last ten minutes!”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked her, walking around the table to stand next to her.

“I just can't... focus myself right now, I guess? I'm just...” Dash trailed off, staring blankly at her hooves. “I'm... nervous. I think I'm starting to get scared.”

Yes, that made sense, she thought. After all, they were technically already in Saddle Arabia. They were at the gates of a charred vale and ready to evaluate the destruction.

“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight's voice seemed to reach her from far away. “Do you need to lie down?”

“No time for that!” Dash said, shaking her head vigorously. “I'm getting all metaphorical here!”

“You... are?” Applejack asked, placing her hat back on her head. “'cause... I ain't noticed!”

“In my head!” Dash explained. “I'm just... nevermind. I'm fine, whatever, just being s-silly...”

“You aren't being silly, Dashie...” Soarin said, gently pulling at her head with his hoof to make her look at him. As she finally stood up and turned to face him, she gazed deep into his emerald eyes and saw something of the fear that was now cascading down her chest. “You're being alarming!”

“You aren't having a panic attack, are you?!” Twilight gasped, rushing around the table.

“I... DAMMIT, I'M FINE!” She wasn't even sure why she was shouting. “I just got overwhelmed earlier, hard to straighten out my thoughts, I'm apprehensive because we're at the gates of Hell, or Hades, or Tartarus, or however the crap you lot might wanna describe it and I—” Dash stopped abruptly, closing her eyes and trying to catch her breath. “I... I'll meet you all on the deck. I'm sorry. Soarin, can you bring Scootaloo down for me? I don't want her to see me... like this.”

Without waiting for a response from any of them, she took a few steps away, spread her wings, and ran for the door. Throwing it open, she fluttered into the air and flew down the hallway. She could hear the distant slam of the door swung back closed, whether on its own or if someone closed it behind her, she didn't know.

Within seconds, she was already regretting her explosion. She wanted to go back and bring Scootaloo down herself, just so she could have some comfort in being with her child. Angrily brushing away the wetness at the corner of her eyes, she soared onward. She had already cried once today; she was not going to cry again.

With a crash, she knocked the door at the end of the hallway open and flew over the rail, circling down around the superstructure. She she rounded the port-side and zoomed to the centre of the ship's deck, blinking rapidly as the safety lights illuminating the ship flickered in her eyes. Looking straight ahead, her breath caught in her lungs and her wings threatened to snap shut in fear. Dash could see the cliffs dividing the narrow passage into Corral Bay as the Herodotus sailed between them. The sun was down properly, but the little village was quite visible as torrents of flame and smoke billowed into the air.

“Calm down, Rainba Dash. I know dat look on ya face,” Rapidfire said, approaching her from below and looking up at her glowing figure, caught in the light. “It's 'spose ta look like dat. It's beautiful, innit?”

Dash landed cautiously and folded her wings, barely able to make out Rapidfire's profile in the semi darkness. “What is it, exactly? My heart is in my throat here, I thought the place was on fire!” She gasped, taking a few steadying breaths.

“What yer lookin' at is da Fest'vile of Summa Flames. Equestria has da Summa Sun Celebration, Saddle 'rabia has dis,” he explained. “Effigies, 'n' bonfiyas, dat sorta ting. Gymkhana will look a real treat, I assure ya.”

“A festival, huh?” Rainbow asked, gradually calming down, landing on the deck to catching her breath. She held out a hoof for one of the saddle bags Rapidfire was holding, spotting Scootaloo's blue one.“T-that's neat, I guess! Like, uh, a holiday or something?”

“Ya cud say dat,” Rapidfire said with a nod. “It's some religious nonsense, appeasin' da Sun Deity, some 'scended anubis by da name o' Osiris. Dem Saddrabians don't adhere to da notion dat Celestia is attuned to da sun. Total whackas if ya ask me!”

Rainbow Dash made no comment about Rapidfire's bigotry, having no desire to hold anything against the stallion. “Have you been to Saddle Arabia often?”

“What makes ya ask dat?” Rapidfire enquired, watching the waves wash up against the rocks.

“Well, ya sound pretty darn familiar with their culture!” Dash remarked, approaching the railing lining the edge of the deck and watching the cliffs drifting by as the Herodotus skirted the narrows.

“Aye, I am. Dis my sixth, mayb' seventh time... countin' dat total bull mission, dat is. Haven't been 'ere fer some ten years. Mayb' longa. Me, 'n' Silver Linin', 'n' 'igh Winds, we are da only ones o' da present 'Bolts ta perform 'ere. Money was 'mazin'!” Rapidfire continued, turning his head to look at Corral Bay as the Herodotus approached. “Lotsa folk. Lotsa horses, ponies, griffons, dose sorts... but Saddle 'rabia has anubi 'n' satyrs. Dey all got nothin' ta do in dis blisterin' 'eat and I 'ere war is common, so dey go for a bitta entertainment when it crops up, so air shows make a fortune.”

As Rapidfire talked, the pair of pegasai approached the bow-end of the ship. Rainbow was now studying the lively waterfront as well as the docks inched closer and closer. She could discern no less than three bonfires, all flickering in the night. There were nearly a hundred smaller fires, perhaps torches or lanterns, illuminating the roads and storefronts.

Corral Bay itself seemed to be divided into three levels against the edge of a mountain. Rainbow never noticed it on her first look, but the village itself looked to be completely isolated by tall rock on three sides and the ocean on the other. The lowest level was the waterfront, alive with activity, with small buildings and battered looking shacks dotting the landscape. The next tier seemed to contain larger houses and a long rectangular building, which could have been some sort of mill or fishery plant. She couldn't see the third level properly, as it rested what looked like a few dozen feet above the second, high on top of a cliff wall.

“What's a satyr?” Rainbow asked with a cocked eyebrow, momentarily focused on the fresh air she was breathing in, trying to catch the scent of burning wood from the bonfires. They were far too distant yet, however. “I know anubis are these dog things, but I've never heard of a satyr.”

“Satyrs are dese two-legged goat tings. Lotsa hair, great big horns, sorta like minotaurs, but much skinnia and nimble. Dey can cast magic, like unicorns.”

“Two-legged? Ya mean they don't use their front hooves for walking? Weird. I mean, I know of minotaurs and goats walking on all fours, and I can walk on two legs if I gotta for a little bit, but all the time? Madness. Must be weird for anubi, too...”

“Madness? I'd be 'clined to agree wid ya, but dey don't have front hooves. Dey got claws on der hands. Trust me, ya ain't seen nuttin' yet, Rainba Dash. Jes' ya wait.” Rapidfire said mysteriously. “Satyrs are 'credible bein's.”

On that enigmatic note, Rapidfire turned away from her to watch the port sail closer. Dash never really had a chance to ponder exactly what a hand was as her ears perked up when heard approaching hoof-falls from behind them. Wheeling around, she saw that numerous ponies had now reached the main deck in preparation for disembarking. With a smile, Dash saw Soarin, Scootaloo, and the others among them.

“Sis!” Scootaloo called out, running forward and stopping just short of Rainbow. She was frowning and glaring at Dash with what Dash felt was an altogether unnecessary fury. “Already got your disguise memorized, but how come you never came and got me?! How come it was Soarin?! He wouldn't tell me why, either!” Her anger gave way to disappointment as her face fell. “I wanted to come down with you...”

“I'm sorry, Scoots!” Dash apologized earnestly, dropping low to put herself on a level with the filly. “Dashie was distracted, that's all! I'll get off the boat with you, I promise! That cool, kiddo?” She ran a hoof through Scoot's hair, causing the filly's mane to look distinctly messy.

“I guess...” Scoot shrugged. Her face suddenly brightened as she changed the subject at top speed. “Soarin looks stupid in those shorts, doesn't he?!” She giggled. “What a doofus!”

“Now, now, be a good girl, Scoots!” Dash chastised, unable to contain her laughter as she studied Soarin critically. He was looking somewhat embarrassed, blushing as he looked into her face and held out her saddlebag for her to take. Despite her dislike for Soarin being the subject of mockery, she just couldn't help herself at that moment. “You look adorable! Like a little colt scout! Spitfire suuure can pick 'em, those shorts are like four sizes too small for ya!”

“As long as dat cutie mark is 'idden,” Rapidfire said seriously, turning to face them. “Small price ta pay if ya ask me.” He looked over his shoulder back to the waterfront. “Looks like we'll be dockin' in a mo'. Ya can see da workers gettin' da wooden walkway. We're officially here.”

Dash took a deep breath, calming herself yet again and squeezing Scootaloo to her side. “That... that we are, Rapid.” She tossed the bag over her back and secured it.

“Well, I'm at least glad yer... not distracted anymore, Dash,” Applejack said, approaching with Fluttershy and Rarity.

“Indeed. I'm very happy you're, uh...” Rarity hesitated, throwing Scootaloo a cautious look. “... focused! We must all be focused in the coming hours as we meet out next challenge!”

“What's with all the fire?” Sweetie Belle asked the group at large, gazing with interest at the distant flames billowing in the night.

“Those,” Rainbow said knowledgeably, “are the fires of the Festival of Summer Flames! They're used to praise, uh, Iris the Sun Dude.”

As the Herodotus came to a stop alongside a long boardwalk, an anchor hit the water with a splash and pegasai flew with ropes in their mouths, aiming to tether the ship to the dock. With a thunk, a wooden walkway was placed in a gap between the railings. With a nod to the mares, Rapidfire was the first pony to descend it, leaving the ship.

“Alright, Scootaloo...” Rainbow said, allowing her friends to march forward. “You take my hoof and you don't let go. Got it?” She peered down at the ground, already spotting dock workers who were, quite clearly, not ponies. There were four or five horses and a pair of anubi. “We're in a whole 'nother world out here.”

“Not scared, are ya?” Scoot grinned, but she permitted Dash to lead her three-legged down the walkway anyway.

“I dunno, Scoots! Are you?” Dash asked her, taking her first step on the dock. “You're squeezing my hoof awfully hard here!”

“That's because I'm trying to make ya feel safe!” Scoot replied, before whispering in an even lower voice. “Thanks for squeezing' back, though...”

The pair of pegasai stepped aside to allow the rest of the passengers to descend off the ship. Glancing about, Dash caught sight of Soarin standing next to Rapidfire. Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie were approaching them, the other two Crusaders in tow. Fluttershy stood in the void between the group and Rainbow Dash, taking one last look at the luxurious ship.

“N-nopony would have any objections if I, um, got back on, would they?” Fluttershy asked meekly.

“Sure, ya go 'head,” Rapidfire said, flapping his wings and floating over to her. “All dat'll mean is, once ya friends get da Harmony tings, dey won't work. It's my understandin' dat ya need all six o' ya.”

Fluttershy sighed. “Oooh...” she huffed, frowning. “I know... I'm just so scared!”

“Fluttershy, we all are,” Twilight explained, walking back to her. “That's why we need each other.”

“Twilight's right. Or... I think that's Twilight! Either way, yeah, she's right!” Dash said. “We've gotta be there for each other. Isn't that right, Scoots?”

Scootaloo nodded vigorously, though Rainbow Dash saw that her eyebrows were furrowed. Was it possible that Scoot herself was definitely more scared than she was letting on? Rainbow didn't like to think that. She knew this entire ordeal so far must have been a terrifying experience for her, yet Scoot's anxiety had, so far, remained absent.

“So...” Dash said uncertainly, looking to Soarin. “How're we getting to Gymkhana, exactly? What're these shuttles?”

Rapidfire turned toward the heart of the village, pointing a hoof high up the mountain. “Da highest point of da village is an airfield of sorts. We'll be takin' a gyrocopta.”

“A... what, exactly?” Applejack asked, following his gaze. “Ain't never heard of such a thing!”

“It's a flyin' machine. Wid propellers on top. Gymkhana is on da otha side of da mountain,” Rapidfire explained. “If we hurry, we can probably catch da first one.”

“That's too bad, I was sort of hoping to explore this quaint little place!” Pinkie sighed. “They're all having so much fun! I swear I can see a parade snaking along the side of the hills there!” She pointed to the eastern edge of the village, where large banners of flame were slowly moving along, followed by a mass of creatures.

“Da coptas operate most o' da day. Once we finish da mission, we can come back,” Rapidfire shrugged. “We've got otta irons in da fire, y'know.”

“Well,” Soarin said, throwing out his chest and starting to walk away from the port, “let's get moving, then!” he cried to them, head turned back. “The sooner we get—”

With a grunt, Soarin walked straight into someone. A shorter, palomino horse dressed in a bright green garb bounced off his chest and stumbled to the ground as Soarin tripped over him. Gasping, Soarin scrambled to his hooves to help the stallion to his own.

“I'm so, so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going!” Soarin apologized profusely.

Rapidfire was the first one to make it over and helped Soarin drag the horse to his feet. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo ran over to join them, shortly followed by the rest of the group.

“Not here five minutes and you already make a mule of yourself!” Dash groaned.

“It is... of little consequence!” the stallion gasped, being dragged back to all fours. “My apologies! I was in such a rush to get to the ship, I must have been walking careless!”

“No, no, it was me who wasn't watching where they were going!” Soarin repeated, shaking his head.

“It is fine, truly!” the stallion said earnestly. “By the sounds of it, you all must be new to Saddle Arabia? Allow me to be the first to welcome you! I was in such a hurry to get to the ship because I am doing a report on the Festival of Summer Flames for the local paper!” he explained, tugging at a camera around his neck. “I wanted a nice shot of the ship, you know, illuminated by its magical lighting and with the moon in the background! Something for a section on the tourism this time of year brings!”

“Thank you, then!” Soarin said, bowing his head. “We won't delay you any longer. Have a good evening, sir!”

“And the same to you and all of your beautiful friends!” he said, bowing low to Dash and the rest of her friends. “You, uh, dropped something, by the way!”

“I... what?” Soarin said distractedly, gazing at the ground. Rainbow Dash looked as well and saw a rolled up parchment. “Sorry, that's not mine. Must be yours.”

The stranger laughed. “I ain't the one wearing' clothes with pockets! Good evening to you all and enjoy your stay in Gymkhana!”

Something definitely felt strange about him, Dash mused to herself. She tightened her grip on Scootaloo's hoof, which caused the younger pegasus to complain softly. She watched as Soarin bent low and picked up the parchment with his mouth, dropping it into one of his hooves. Stretching his wings, he hovered in the air in order to free another hoof to open it with.

“Dat was odd... 'n' fishy, if ya ask me...” Rapidfire said softly, looking back to the surge of creatures now flooding the dock to get a glimpse of the Herodotus up close, masking the stranger from sight. “How did he know we was goin' to Gymkhana? Da coptas go to otha locals, too...”

Soarin was starting to look concerned. “I dunno, Rapid...” he said softly, holding out the parchment to him. “Why don't you tell me?”

Cocking an eyebrow, Rapidfire took the letter from him and read it fast. “What...?” he croaked.

Heart racing, Rainbow reached out for it herself. Wordlessly, Rapidfire handed it to her before gesturing to the other mares to approach. Scootaloo tugged at the arm holding the parchment, no doubt wishing to read it herself, but Dash shushed her.

“One sec, Scoots...” she said, letting go of Scoot's hoof to hold the parchment steady. “Stay next to me...”

The desert hides many secrets. No doubt you are here chasing that which can be called a mystery. You already know you are not alone and we know who you are. She waits for you in the Disc. The furthest reaches of the Cross, the Resin house. Show proof of your identity to gain what you seek. Memorize what you read and burn this note.

Walk always with Eternal Night

The bottom of the letter was suffixed with a strange symbol, depicting a waxing moon superimposed over a helmet, all encased within a triangle.

“Twilight... what do you make of this?” Dash asked, extending her hoof to the unicorn.

Twilight's eyes raced back and forth as she read quickly. She gasped softly, eyes wide. “It's...”

“Well?!” Rainbow demanded, feeling ice creeping down her spine. “What's it mean?”

“I dunno what it means, exactly... but I know who wrote it,” she said carefully. “That symbol... belongs to the cult that worshipped Nightmare Moon. That's the New Lunar Republic's mark.”

“The what?!” Applejack said sharply, snatching the paper from Twilight's hooves. “Last time I checked, they weren't exactly friendly! They wanted the whole world cast into darkness, regardless of whether or not their idol was reformed or not! Sure sounds like a group that would be buddy-buddy with The Shadow!”

“Applejack, keep your voice down!” Rarity hissed as a pair of anubi watched them curiously.

Rapidfire jerked his head to the edge of the small road leading from the docks. Once they were all safely out of both the way and earshot of the crowd moving to see the ship, he waited for everyone to get a good look at the letter before asking for it back.

“Let's see dat letta again,” he spoke, reaching out for it. “Let's see... 'kay, dis is obviously some blasted riddle ... no less den da type o' nonsense I'd expect from da New Luna' Republic.”

“What exactly is the New Lunar Republic? I never heard what y'all were sayin' when you were talkin', and—” Apple Bloom spoke up, interrupting the Wonderbolt.

“Hush!” Applejack hissed, cutting her off. “Let Rapidfire speak, Bloom.”

“It mentions a 'Disc'. Dat's easy 'nuff. Gymkhana was built widdin a big circular wall. Da 'She' has to be Princess Luna,” Rapidfire explained.

“What about the 'Cross' and 'Resin' it speaks of?” Twilight Sparkle asked him, hoof to her chin as she narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.

“'Cross' could mean a crossroads, or... maybe a group of buildings in the shape of a cross?” Soarin suggested.

“Perhaps dat one will make sense when we get dere. Same with some Resin house. Regardless, we should actually get dere. No more delayin'. Do you agree, Soarin?” Rapidfire asked, rolling up the parchment.

“I do,” Soarin said, nodding. “I can only hope the New Lunar Republic has been assisting Princess Luna. If not, then the enemy already found us, so no point in wasting time here worrying about it. The longer we delay, the more likely it is that the rest of the Wonderbolts are in serious danger.”

“Well!” Dash exclaimed, voice cracking. “Cheerful way to view it, Soar!”

“What does he mean, 'the rest of the Wonderbolts'? Is that where they all went?” Scootaloo asked, tugging on Rainbow's mane. “Did they chase off the pirates? Were they working for The Shadow?”

Rainbow looked down into Scootaloo's eyes, hesitating. Applejack was right; it was going to be impossible to keep the Crusaders in the dark for very long. As Rainbow Dash looked up, trying to give herself thinking time, Soarin opened his mouth to her. She expected him to apologize for letting something like that slip. Shaking her head, she forestalled his speech.

“Scoots...” Dash said softly, kneeling down beside her. “The Wonderbolts saved our lives back on the ship. But the bad guys might have them right now. Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Lightning Streak, and Fire Streak... We've gotta get to the capital and figure stuff out so we can find them before its too late.”

“If somepony as strong as Captain Spitfire can get caught...” Scootaloo murmured softly. “What... what'll happen to you guys?”

“Nothing, hopefully!” Dash assured her, looking at the tell-tale signs of Scootaloo's eyes and her twitching ear. “C'mon, we've gotta get to the gyrocopters and they'll fly us to Gymkhana. We'll solve the riddle on that letter and find Princess Luna. Everything will be fine when we find Princess Luna!”

“But...” Scoot mumbled, already beginning to shake.

“I know you're worried, Scoots! I am too. But there's nothing we can do where we are. There's a big festival going on, so maybe they won't notice us?”

Scootaloo didn't look exactly reassured, but to Dash's great relief, she did relax somewhat. With that, the group began their climb. Part of Rainbow would have been absolutely tickled to just take Scoot and fly up the hill. She wanted to be able to comfort her if she had to, but the rest of her wanted to stick together with her friends. After all, they had their safety in numbers, diminished or not, she thought. How did the Republic find them? They were still disguised, for pony's sake! More importantly, how would they even know if the Republic would be friendly to them? Would they move into an ambush?

As they approached the edge of the waterfront district, they found a large procession moving around a bonfire. The air was filled with the aromatic scents of burning incense and firewood, and the sounds of singing.

“They really look like a happy bunch, though!” Twilight said. “I sort of wish that we were hanging around. I'd love to learn about the history of this celebration!”

“Maybe the New Lunar Republic are seated in Corral Bay? If they're friendly, maybe we'll come back. It's fun... lookin'. I guess, deep down, I really am Pinkie Fly!” Dash said, laughing.

“Friendly? Shoot, that'll be the day! Listen, I grew up bouncin' on my pa's knee listenin' to spooky stories about those psychotic cultists! They're our enemies, Dash!” Applejack spoke adamantly. “Terrible criminals n' thugs! During the short darkness of Nightmare Moon a couple years back, there were reports of the cultists terrorizin' folks!”

“Pa didn't trust 'em?” Apple Bloom asked in a small voice, looking a little uncomfortable.

“He sure didn't, hun,” Applejack said, nodding sombrely and pulling her sister into a hug. “Our daddy was a very wise stallion, Bloom! Don't you trust 'em either! And you!” Applejack snatched the letter from Rapidfire's grip, glaring him down. “We were suppose to burn this awful thing! Rare, wanna do the honours?!”

Rarity was frowning at her, evidently shocked at her outburst. As the red and orange facade of Applejack waved the parchment in front of her, Rarity slowly inclined her head, pointing her horn at the rolled up letter. With a small flash of light, it burst into flames and fell from Applejack's hooves. Rarity stared at the place where it fell to the ground, looking unnerved.

“We ain't needin' no fancy riddles 'n'... other stupid nonsense!” Applejack huffed, wiping at her eyes. “We woulda waltzed out butts right into a trap, you mark my words!”

“Applejack...” Dash said softly, concern bubbling in her chest. “We're all a little edgy... and I don't really trust these guys either, but it's... all we have to go on!”

“We could do worse, is all!” Applejack shrugged.

Rainbow simply stared at her, fear starting to crescendo within her. Applejack's outburst was reminding her of her own back on the Herodotus. 'Awesome. I bet we all completely freakin' lose our satchels out here!' she thought wryly.

“A-Applejack... dear?” Rarity asked softly, extending a hoof to her. “Are you alright?”

“'m fine...” Applejack mumbled, starting to walk again. “We should keep movin', I guess...” Applejack looked back to Rarity and then directly into Rainbow's eyes. Dash knew she still had concern etched on her face. “Just... I've met... the cultists. Bad experiences. Pa didn't trust 'em, and all... I don't really wanna talk about it.”

“Can you tell me?” Apple Bloom asked her sister softly as they all began to climb the next hill. “You're scaring me, AJ... I ain't never seen ya act like that!”

“If I feel up to it, I'll tell ya, sugarcube. I'll give my word, alright?” Applejack's voice was a little warmer.

“So... I love the smell of burning firewood!” Sweetie Belle said, making an impressive stab at changing the subject.

“You do?! Me too!” Pinkie Pie gasped. Rainbow guessed that she was happy for the change of subject as much as she herself was, as Pinkie, too, was looking frightened with Applejack's actions. “That's why I wish we could stay here!”

“Yep! And... the smell of roasting marshmallows! Mm, mmm! And the sound of a crackling fire...” Sweetie Belle looked back down the hill at the bonfire and the crowd swelling around it.

“Ya can all stay in dis quaint lil' village if yer so desperate!” Rapidfire sighed. “Gymkhana, mind, celebrates da fest'vile, too! I ain't meanin' ta sound like a jerk but I'm gettin' awfully tired of dese delays and da bickerin' and the complainin'! Soarin, you gotta be too! Our team, our family, could be in danger and 'alf of us wanna sit around a damned campfire!”

Dash bowed her head, a guilt now squirming within her stomach. She was starting to grow weary of the constant, rapid changes of her emotions lately. Out of the corners of her eyes, she could see Applejack, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Sweetie Belle looking ashamed as well.

“You're right, Rapidfire.” Fluttershy said quietly.

“Whoa... sorry, Flutters! I actually... forgot you were here. You haven't said a word since we walked away from the ship!” Rainbow Dash admitted in surprise.

“I've been keeping to myself out of nerves, but the right thing to do right now is to get to Gymkhana...” she said with certainty.

“Let's get to the choppers, then, or whatever they're called,” Applejack said, taking a deep breath. “I'm fine, really.”

Rarity patted her on the shoulder, smiling. Twilight was nodding at her words and Pinkie was just bouncing along quietly. Rainbow looked down at Scootaloo's face. The filly looked as though she was doing some deep thinking and Rainbow didn't want to break her concentration by asking how she was feeling. She knew Scootaloo didn't like confrontations, but as long as she was calm, Dash was happy.

“Well, if there's no objections,” Soarin said, “lead us to the gyrocopters, Rapid.”

“Yes, sir,” Rapidfire said, nodding respectfully. “Glad dat's settled.”

They proceeded quickly through the second tier and passed another bonfire. Dash paused briefly as she caught a glimpse of what she assumed could only be a satyr. A tall figure stood next to a group of horses, all of which were watching it with great interest. Rainbow was surprised to see one or two ponies in the group as well. The satyr raised both of its claws and began to wave his arms through the air slowly. A green substance, like floating liquid, was being weaved through them like yarn. As it dropped to one knee, it brought the claws down and the magical substance spread over the ground in front of him.

Rainbow Dash gasped as flowers started to sprout from the earth, dozens and dozens of them of different shapes and colours, from the place where the satyr's magic connected with the ground. The creature held out one of its palms and a long string floated out of a box on the ground and moved through the air toward him. Sweeping several of the colourful flowers up with one claw, he snapped the other and caused the stems to fade away like a mist. Another snap and the heads of all the flowers fixed themselves to the string, which the satyr levitated to a little filly.

“They're druids!” Twilight gasped, causing Rainbow to jump; she hadn't realized the rest of the group had stopped with her. “Fascinating! They have an affinity to the very earth underhoof... it's like how earth ponies can cultivate far better than unicorns!”

“I always thought unicorns could do anything with their magic?” Scootaloo asked, staring back at the satyr too. “Are those goat things better?”

“You must remember, Scootaloo, that there's so much to the world outside of us ponyfolk!” Twilight explained as they all continued to move up the next hill, leading to the third tier. “I don't think ponies were ever the best at magic. There could be hundreds of different types of creatures far better than ponies. And maybe unicorns do different types of magic far better than anything else in the world? Like how unicorns have always been tasked with raising the sun and the moon since the first era, or in recent times, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. There's always balance. There might be stronger creatures than earth ponies, but they've gotta be the best I know of when it comes to farming.”

“I... see!” Scootaloo said, scratching her chin with her hoof. “So pegasai are the best at...?”

“Everything,” Dash said with a shrug, winking down at Scoot. “We can't farm and we can't use magic. We're the best fliers, like, ever.”

“What about griffons?” Apple Bloom asked, jumping into the conversation. “I know we earthy folks are great at farmin', but what if, oh, I dunno, griffons are better fliers?” she asked smugly.

“Ha!” Rapidfire laughed, turning to look back at them. “Dem Steel Talons would like ta tink so, but da 'Bolts could always whip 'em in a race.”

“He seems in a better mood,” Dash remarked as she leaned close to Soarin.

“Like I told Fluttershy, he may seem upset or angry sometimes, but he's really laid back for an older stallion. As long as we're making progress, I doubt he'd care what we talked about,” Soarin whispered to her. “And he's really competitive, so if ya get him on the subject of griffons... he'll turn into a younger sports fan arguing about his favourite team!”

As the path twisted around the back of the fishery, the strong scent of fish flooded the air briefly, causing the Cutie Mark Crusaders to gag in equal measure. It didn't bother Rainbow or her friends, but it did set her stomach churning slightly. As herbivores, fish wasn't exactly something any of them ate on any occasion. The only exception that could cross her mind was fish oil, which ponies like Rarity ingested for a healthier coat.

“Here we are...” Rapidfire said s they reached a stone staircase at the end of the path. Looking up, Dash saw that it actually went into the side of the mountain. “We follow dis through da cave 'n' it comes out on da t'ird level... das da airfield I mentioned.”

Silently, they started their trek up the steps. Up and up they climbed, reaching a landing some thirty steps up. Turning right, they climbed under an overhang of rock and into the hill itself. With every step, the view got dimmer and dimmer as the burning glow of the festival fires drew farther away. Both Twilight and Rarity illuminated their horns as darkness closed in around them.

Rainbow could feel a stitch in her chest as she climbed, huffing and puffing along with her friends. After another dozen steps, she swore softly under her breath and paused.

“The stairs are pretty wide. Screw this, I'm flying!” Rainbow decided, spreading her wings and dropping low. “Hop on, Scoots!”

“Thank Celestia, my hindquarters are on fire here...” Scootaloo said, graciously climbing aboard. “My muscles aren't built for this! Pegasai were meant to fly, not climb! Even if... I can't. Well, you can fly, so I'll continue to use you, minion!”

“Scoot over, Scoot!” Sweetie Belle yelled, squeezing between Rarity and Applejack. “You're getting another passenger, Rainbow Dash!”

Rolling her eyes, Rainbow gazed over at Apple Bloom. “You coming too, Bloom? Or do you gotta say something clever like these two devils first?”

“I ain't trustin' your wings, Rainbow Dash! Besides, I'm not a wimp! Me 'n' Applejack are powerhouses! The earth pony way!”

“You know, all of this talk about different types of ponies and other creatures like that satyr back there... it's all giving me an idea! On the flight to Gymkhana, I could maybe tell you girls some of the history between the types of ponies, or... maybe stories about when they first had contact with other races? Wouldn't that be fun?” Twilight asked, beaming.

“Twilight, as your friend... no,” Dash said simply, fluttering into the air. “Just... no. The girls like you; don't turn them against you.”

All three of the Crusaders chuckled immoderately at these words. With gentle flaps to keep herself elevated, Dash hovered along above the group, making sure to stay within the radius of the unicorn light. She could feel Scootaloo stretching out on her back, the filly's arms swung loosely around her neck.

“Nice to get off our hooves, huh?” Scootaloo asked, Dash feeling her nuzzling into her mane. “Not used to seeing a bucket-load of blue hair!”

“I'd still be happy without the pink fur! At least I still look like me... y'know, to me! That seems like a silly feature of the disguise spell, making me still look normal to my own eyes, but whatever... I'll be glad when we're back home and I get to look awesome again!”

“Yep!” Scoot agreed. “You still look sorta awesome...”

“Yep...” Dash said absentmindedly, an idea occurring to her. “I'm proud of you, kiddo.”

“You sure change your mind a lot!” Scootaloo laughed. “You go from mad, to worried, to laughing like some little kid. to proud, you'll be mad again soon, I bet! Probably at me...”

“I will if ya keep pointing out my flaws, ya critical little demon!” Rainbow snickered. “Seriously, though... how do you feel?”

“Whatcha mean?”

“I mean... do you still feel nervous?” Rainbow asked.

“A lil', I guess...” Scoot said uncertainly.

“Do you feel the same way you feel when your anxious? Like you're scared and you don't know why, or it's something that makes you nervous and you can't control it? Are you getting upset like that?” Rainbow asked, floating a little higher to give them privacy.

“I dunno, Sis... sometimes... it comes and goes and I never like it when it's happening, and... I can't control it, and... it makes me wanna cry when it happens...”

“I know it does, baby...” Rainbow said softly, reaching up to touch one of Scootaloo's arms, still draped around her neck. “You can't control it and that's not very fair or fun, is it?”

“Umm mmm...” Dash could feel her shaking her head into her mane. “It's not...”

“But... do you feel like that right now?”

“Uh... not really. Talkin' about it makes me think about it, and that makes me feel upset... but I'm okay, I suppose. Right now, anyways.” Scootaloo explained.

“And that's why I told you I'm proud of you!” Dash laughed. She wasn't sure if Scootaloo was simply getting more control over herself or if she was simply getting used to being away from home. “You're keeping yourself tough and that makes Dashie really happy. I can't promise stuff might not get scary when we're in Gymkhana because I don't even know what me and my friends will be facing ourselves... but if you can keep feeling brave, it's gonna make everything at lot easier. Knowing you're happy makes me braver, Scoots.”

“I don't help that much...” Scoot sighed.

“You'd be surprised how much you help me, Scootaloo,” Dash assured her. “I'm not lying to you.”

“I know, dummy! Because I can trust you!” Scootaloo said confidently. “Do you... still trust me?”

“I do, Scoots. I'll always can trust you, even if you sometimes do...” Dash said, trailing off.

“Stupid stuff?” Scootaloo suggested.

“Stupid stuff. Like fire. That's stupid. And fights at school... that was stupid. And stunts with the Crusaders that involve you lot forcing two ponies to think they're in love! That was... actually, that was pretty funny!” She snickered for a few seconds. “It was the wrong thing for you guys to do, but the gossip in Ponyville was amazing for like three weeks!”

Scootaloo giggled softly. “We felt sooo guilty, but it was... kinda funny! But it's not fair to use stuff like that against me, Rainbow Dash! We weren't sisters then!”

“Fiiiine, fiiine... How about following me here? That was stupid! And apologizing to Princess Celestia when you get home... will that be stupid?” Dash enquired sternly.

“No, Sis...” Scootaloo huffed and Dash could practically imagine her rolling her eyes.

“You got that right!” Rainbow Dash grinned to herself. “You're a good kid, Scoot. Don't forget that... and I love you, Scoot. Never forget that, either.”

“Can't forget that, since ya never shut up about it!” Scoot retaliated, bonking Dash on the head lightly.

“You act like you don't like hearing me say it!” Dash laughed.

“Horseapples! You're hard to trick, Sis!” Scoot sighed.

“Just get tips from Soarin! He tricks me all the dang time,” Dash said, shaking her head sadly. “His best so far was acting like he didn't like me back!”

“Is he your—”

“Not yet!” Rainbow Dash cut across her, knowing what the question was going to be. “There's too much junk goin' on for us to be dating, Scoots! You know that. I'm the best, so I'm totally worth the wait as someone's girlfriend... and I'm gonna stop talking about this, because you're too young.”

“Sister of the year, you are! 'The best', indeed!” Scootaloo said, giving a roar of laughter. “Dash, you're tactless!”

“How do you even know what that means?!” Dash asked, sighing.

“What in tarnation are you two doin'?” Applejack called out to them.

Dash looked down at her and saw the entire group standing just outside of the exit to the cave. “Oh, shoot! How long have you guys been waiting for us?”

“Like four flippin' minutes!” Applejack sighed in exasperation.

Rainbow Dash gave a great whoosh of her wings and soared out of the cave, landing haphazardly on the ground, apologizing profusely. Scootaloo jumped down off her back and Dash straightened up, smiling apologetically.

“Sorry... whenever I talk to Scoots, I always suck at paying attention to my surroundings!” Dash admitted, tossing her hair. “So...”

“It's no big deal, Dashie!” Soarin said, walking over to her. “Rapidfire's talking to one of the pilots, so we should be leaving in a minute or so. It's a good thing Gymkhana pays for flights to every province of Saddle Arabia, eh?”

“Uh, huh...” Dash said absentmindedly, peering over at Rapidfire speaking to a tall anubis wearing a dark brown jacket and a pair of goggles reminiscent of the Wonderbolts' flight goggles.

Just behind the pilot, Rainbow Dash could see no less than three long gyrocopters, all shimmering in the moon light. Each one was painted gold with a long container with many seats connected to a lightweight chassis. The pilot's little cockpit was in the front, with a small windshield and many levers. From the centre of the passenger seats rose a tall piece of metal with wires coming out of the top, which were connected to the base of a contraption connected to two long propellers. At the back of the machine was a small tail with long fins. Rods below the machine seemed to connect them to the cockpit. The entire copter rested on three long legs connected to small wheels.

“How in the Iris of Osiris can that hunk of junk fly?” Rainbow asked in amazement.

“It's steam powered! You see that little container, just below the pilot's seat? Water! And a heater! The steam rises up, goes 'whoosh', and poof! Works.” Pinkie Pie pointed out. Rainbow squinted her eyes and she could make out a small hose connected to it, possibly filling it with water. “I think it's neat!

“Equestria might have had film and projectors and that sort of thing before Saddle Arabia, but they had steam power first, I think. Just wait until you see some of the stuff they have in Gymkhana; this place is light-years ahead of us when it comes to technology!” Soarin explained.

“Great Heavens, whose side are you on?” Rarity asked, appalled.

“I'm not against the innocent of Saddle Arabia, Rarity,” Soarin explained calmly. “There's stuff you'll enjoy as a fashionista, I assure you. I'm just trying to look on the bright side of things.”

“I understand! I'm sorry for jumping down your throat like that,” Rarity said, bowing her head. “It's just... we're so close, now, and...”

“I think we've all been feeling that way, Rarity,” Twilight comforted. “Stress of this whole trip and the unknown that we'll be facing... I've stopped worrying, though! I think we've all handled worse things! I mean...” Twilight hesitated, looking over to Soarin.

“It's fine, Twilight Sparkle!” Soarin said quickly. “I'm dealing with my brother's betrayal in my own way. Like you said, you girls have handled tough situations before. We've gotta find the Captain and the rest of our teammates, get in contact with Princess Luna, and go from there.”

“Are you sure you're gonna be okay, Soar?” Rainbow whispered to him once he turned to look to see if Rapidfire was finished.

“I dunno, Rainbow. Sometimes it threatens to overwhelm me, but I can't afford to break apart over this. If there is some possible way of getting him back, we've gotta pull it off. He could be enslaved by the Voidwalker, for all we know.”

“That would be the obvious explanation!” Rainbow agreed. “And he seems to worship it with that warlock. I think you're right, it's probably behind both. The only question is: Why? Why pegasai like the Wonderbolts? Why Saddle Arabia?”

“I don't know, Dashie... There's so much about The Shadow we don't know. We don't even know for absolute certainty that it and the Voidwalker are the same thing. We could have two powerful enemies on top of the warlock and the entire military force of Gymkhana. He's their leader right now, after all...”

Rainbow opened her mouth to speak but closed it again quickly, unable to find the proper words. She looked out over the horizon from their lofty position on the highest point of Corral Bay. Hills and mountains surrounded them with the ocean as far as the eye could see below. She could feel a hot wind blowing from beyond a tall mesa behind the airfield. The desert had to be that way, she thought. It probably wouldn't take long for the gyrocopter to bring Gymkhana into sight.

“Soarin! Da rest o' ya!” Rapidfire called out. “C'mon. We're takin' dis copta to Gymkhana now!”

“Oh, man...” Rainbow gasped, feeling her heart race suddenly increasing. “This is it!” Was it exhilaration or fear? She couldn't decide. Turning to look at Scootaloo and the other Crusaders, who were talking quietly to each other, she spoke again. “You ready, girls?”

“As we'll ever be...” Sweetie Belle said uncertainly. “Gosh, it's getting warm up here.”

“That's the wind coming from the desert,” Soarin explained, leading the girls to the gyrocopter. “We'll be wanting shade in the morning. Thankfully, there's lots in the city, because we're gonna absolutely need it.”

Dash picked up Scootaloo and helped her climb into the container with the seats. Spotting seat belts, she buckled the filly up and sat down next to her. She watched the others climb in and strapped in with them. She was unsurprised, but very pleased, when Soarin sat down on her other side.

“It was easier the first time,” Soarin explained. “The Wonderbolts just flew directly to the city. But I'm not complaining, you've got some great friends, Dashie!”

“What a lovely compliment!” Rarity smiled from across them. “I will give you the benefit of the doubt, Soarin! Perhaps I will find the fashion of the Gymkhanites to be to my liking?”

“You will!” Soarin said, raising his voice as the propellers started to whirl above them.

There were pops of steam as the chassis started to tap on the ground. The pilot yelled 'Strap yourselves in tightly!' from the cockpit before the copter lifted from the ground properly. Within seconds, they were a dozen feet in the air. The Crusaders all gasped in equal measure as the copter tilted forward. Scootaloo twisted around and peered around the back of her seat over the low wall of the container. Looking with her, Rainbow saw Corral Bay pass beneath them as the gyrocopter circled around the little port village. Most of the fires had now been extinguished in the lateness of the hour.

“I'm surprised you girls aren't fallin' asleep!” Applejack said, speaking to Scootaloo before turning her head to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, both of which were sitting across from Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, and Soarin.

“Oooh, trust me!” Sweetie Belle yawned. “I'm getting there! As soon as we hit the city, you're carrying me, Rarity!”

“I suppose I'll have to, won't I?” Rarity sighed. “I assume there's plenty of inns in the city?” she asked Soarin.

“I only know of the one the 'Bolts were going to say at. It's called the Amber Cotta—” Soarin stopped speaking abruptly, mouth falling open.

“Amba Cottage, eh? I know dat one,” Rapidfire said, a grin spreading across his face. “Sounds like a 'Resin 'ouse', if ya ask me!”

“What's the road leading to it look like?!” Dash asked excitedly.

“Can't remember! I'll bet you a thousand bits that it's intersected by another road, though! Just like a cross!” Soarin said happily.

Applejack was frowning at them. “Just peachy...”

“I know you don't like the idea, AJ...” Rainbow Dash said, “but it's the only lead we have! Hopefully this works out for us!”

“Resin house... Amber Cottage...” Fluttershy mumbled, frowning. “Not a very good riddle, is it?”

“That's probably because they want us to actually find it.” Dash shrugged, looking over the edge of the gyrocopter again.

She could see the mesa sailing beneath them. Looking ahead, she saw the sea of sand stretching out endlessly. On the edge of the horizon were sparkles of light. Could Gymkhana only be a ten minute flight from the coast?

“How long do you think it'll take this copter to get to Gymkhana?” she asked Soarin, still watching the dunes of sand pass by.

“Hmm...” Soarin wondered, turning his head first to look at how far they had travelled from the coast, then looking further East. “Ten minutes? It's not far.”

“On the money!” Rainbow exclaimed with a laugh. “That's what I was thinking!”

As the city drew closer and closer, Rainbow Dash found it necessary to start focusing on her breathing. Whenever her eyes panned the skies, she kept expecting to see a massive black cloud blotting out the stars. It was only really dawning on her that The Shadow was surely out here with them. After a few minutes, the many lights of the city were spreading out as they became more and more distinguishable.

Once they were close enough to make out specific features, Rainbow Dash could see a tall palace dominating the landscape. The layout of Gymkhana reminded her of the Crystal Empire, as the entire city was arranged in a circular pattern around the palace. Unlike the Crystal Palace, the palace of Gymkhana looked to have a solid base. A large wall ran around the perimeter of the city and large, square buildings dotted the ground. There were five tall towers along the wall, arranged like a star with the palace at the centre. Dozens and dozens of roads, hundreds of canopies and stalls, far too many braziers of fire to count, all burning brightly and keeping the city alight.

The gyrocopter did pass over the city. Rarity gasped, exclamating 'it's beautiful!' and causing Soarin to chuckle. One feature of the streets below struck Rainbow as particularly odd, however.

“Where is everypony?” she asked in confusion. “Well... 'everyone', in this case, as they aren't ponies, but still! Corral Bay was still crowded ten minutes ago...”

“Are those... guards?” Fluttershy squeaked in fear.

“Yer right, Fluttahshy,” Rapidfire said with a frown. “Looks like dere must be some sorta curfew in place. I can see nobody but gua'ds... Looks like regulah Gymkhanites, but I can see a pony here and dere. I assume pegasai, like da ones dat attached da ship.”

“Brace yourselves!” the anubis pilot yelled from the front of the gyrocopter. “We're landing!”

Dash felt her heart rocket into her throat as the copter dropped, aiming to land just outside of one of the city's gates, which was stationed by a lone pegasus guard, blocking their path into the city.

32 A Matter of Time

The gyrocopter touched down softly on the coarse sand just outside of the north-western gates of the capital of Gymkhana. After a chorus of metallic clicks, the group unbuckled their restraints and clamoured off of the gyrocopter. Rainbow Dash helped Scootaloo get her hooves back onto solid ground. Gripping one of her front hooves tightly, she turned to stare at the pegasus guard with distrust swirling about her mind.

Once they had all disembarked, he started forward with a determined air about him. His face was hidden behind a study-looking iron helmet and he had a sword in a sheath strapped to his side. Dash could see the hilt protruding, a small leather loop tied to the handle, allowing a pony an easier grip. The guard's coat was a light orange and he had a very short tail of blue-green, matching his mane.

“Gud evenin',” Rapidfire greeted him, moving swiftly to meet him. “May we gain entrance to da city? We 'ave young exhausted from a long journey. My name is Ashen Vindacation, 'n'—”

The guard held up a hoof. “Shut up,” he said in a fierce voice, reaching across his chest to the hilt of his blade. “Do not act! We know all about you, Wonderbolt! You can drop your stupid facade, you villain! You endanger this great city!” He took another step forward, wings spread wide threateningly. “I will destroy you. ALL OF YOU!”

Rainbow's breathing had completely stopped. 'How did he know? How?!' She would barely feel her heart violently thrashing against her ribs as fear spread a paralyzing numbness throughout her. Scootaloo was shaking at her side as the fear continued to lick at her insides like the fire on a candle's wick. Her muscles were stone as she turned her head to see Rarity, who was bending her hoof inward, as though balling up a fist. Fluttershy was covering her face, cowering in fear. Pinkie Pie was frowning angrily, but her eyes were full of an uncertainty. Sweetie Belle was hiding behind her sister, out of sight. Applejack was pawing at the ground, teeth gritted and fury in her eyes, with Apple Bloom at her side.

“No, no...” Twilight shuddered, shaking her head. “Rapidfire, be careful...”

“Be careful?” Rapidfire said, twisting to stare back at Twilight Sparkle. “Don't be ridiculous.”

“W-what?” Dash gasped, pulling Scoot tight to her side. “Are you stupid, Rapid?!”

Rapidfire looked back at the advancing pegasus, sitting down and folding his arms. Soarin had made his way over by now and was standing his ground next to his teammate, tall on his hind legs with both forehooves ready for a fight, his own wings splayed wide.

“Hones'ly? Ya expect to intimidate me, eh?” Rapid asked the guard. “Wid a voice like dat? Wid wings like dose? Do ya recognize dis idiot, Soarin?”

The guard stopped dead in front of them, sword pointing directly at Rapidfire's chest. After a moment, in which Rainbow battled with herself not to soar over there and attack the guard herself, he returned the sword to its sheath and gave a heavy sigh.

“We thought it would be funny,” he said with a shrug, jerking his head at the anubis pilot.

“Funny?” Soarin said in a quaking voice, putting his face in his hooves. “You have any idea what we've been through? Rapidfire even said we have young with us, yet you go through with this?”

Dash was staring in disbelief, completely thrown for a loop. “What the... hell?” Even if she was thinking about the fillies present, she would not have been able to stop herself. “What... was this a joke, or something? A joke? WHO IS THIS SON OF A BITCH? I almost had a heart attack!”

“Look!” the guard said, putting up his hooves defensively before removing his helmet, revealing his face. His left eye had an eye-patch over it, while the right shone green. “Alright, stupid idea! My mistake, won't happen again, miss!”

Soarin sighed, flying over to Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. He looked down at the filly and his face fell. Rainbow imitated him and looked down at Scoot herself. Scootaloo was sitting on the ground, a blank expression on her face. Her eyes were wide with fear and tears were trickling down her cheeks. Dash dropped down low and turned Scootaloo to face her as the fear once again mounted.

“Sssh, Scoots, it's okay, baby...” Rainbow said softly, pulling Scootaloo into her chest and cuddling her tightly, her mind numb with shock. “We aren't in danger, everything is fine... Scoots, talk to me...” Rainbow started to rub her back softly, squeezing her tightly. She could feel Scootaloo's shaking intensify and she buried her face into the filly's mane, still holding her tightly into her chest.

“This filly has issues with anxiety,” Dash heard Soarin speak. “That was the worst thing you could have possibly done, Bottle Rocket! It has been a mentally exhausting day for all of us. What did you really hope to accomplish?”

“I'm sorry, Soarin! Rapidfire! And you mares, I just... damn. I wanted to inject a bit of humour into the proceedings, that's all! I've been in Gymkhana for eight hours and this place has been a total nightmare.”

“Wait a sec! 'Bottle Rocket'?” Applejack said, voice full of meaning. “This rooster-brained moron was your old Captain?”

“Ya cud say da crash rattled his brain,” Rapidfire said in a disgusted voice. “What exactly are ya doin' here, Botta?”

“How is she, Dashie?” Soarin asked softly, kneeling down beside her.

Rainbow didn't answer him. She had asked Scootaloo to speak to her again, but the filly had remained silent. Dash felt Soarin's hoof against her own back as she continued to caress Scoot's, her own eyes starting to feel wet at the filly's anguish.

“She hasn't said anything, Soar...” Dash whispered, taking a steadying breath. “That... that...” Rainbow Dash wanted to go on a swear-filled tirade, to rage and storm and throw all of her emotions out into the open, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She didn't want to cause Scootaloo any more pain by adding to the tumult, especially given how easy the filly had been set off.

“You alright, trainee?” Soarin asked Scootaloo softly, still rubbing Rainbow where she sat.

“Scootaloo, baby, talk to me... please,” Dash whispered, now stroking her mane softly. “Are you okay?”

“I wanna go home...” came her voice at last, quivering with fright. “I've seen enough, this is too much... I just wanna go home...”

“I'm sorry to cause this, I really, really am...” Bottle Rocket said earnestly, ignoring Rapidfire's question. Rainbow could hear his hooves crunching the sand as he approached.

“Don't come near her!” Dash hissed at him, resting her chin on Scootaloo's head. “You'll just upset her more!”

“I just wanna go home...” Scootaloo repeated softly, breaking into renewed sobs into Rainbow's chest. “C-can we go ho-home?”

Rainbow wrapped her arms around Scootaloo's body and stood up on her hind legs, clutching her safely to her torso. “I'll get you home as soon as I can, Scoots. Dashie promises...” She fluttered over to the gyrocopter and sat down on the edge of the rusty container which housed the seats, cradling the filly in her lap.

Was this all just some sick, twisted joke, orchestrated by fate? One terrible thing after another. There was no waking from this nightmare. Every little thing that had happened in the last two days had been horrible. Scootaloo's crying had gone quiet, though Rainbow Dash could still feel the warm tears dripping from the end of her snout as sat with Scootaloo placed on her left shoulder. Scootaloo's hooves were wrapped around her neck as Rainbow did her best to comfort her without words, stroking her mane and patting her back, humming softly to her.

She could hear the others breaking into conversation. Despite the importance of whatever details an ally on the scene could possibly tell them, she made no attempt to listen in. All of her focus was on the filly in her arms. She could see Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looking sadly over at them, perhaps wanting to try and comfort their friend, but perhaps they both realized that Scoot was better off in Rainbow's hooves, or perhaps their sisters had asked them to stay put.

“Scootaloo, I'm so sorry you've had to go through all of this... I know that was really scary for you, baby. I was scared, too. It was just a stupid joke, he never meant to hurt your feelings or frighten you. Our friends are talking to him now, he's here to help us...” Dash explained gently, trying to keep her emotions in check as the pain of seeing Scootaloo like this clashed with the still-burning embers of fury at the audacity of pulling such a prank on them.

Her eyes focused on the pilot of the gyrocopter. Judging by the 'we thought it would be funny' line, he was in on the prank as well. How could they think that it would be funny? How could they possibly think that pulling a sword on them as they proceeded further and further into frightening, unknown, and hostile territory would be a good idea? And poor Scootaloo, she was set off so easily. Rainbow Dash wondered if Scootaloo was more nervous than she had lead on.

“I'm sorry I didn't listen to you...” Scootaloo said in an almost non-existent whisper. “I shouldn't have come...”

“It's okay, sweetheart...” Dash replied softly, pulling Scootaloo off her shoulder and sitting her on her lap. She carefully wiped the tears from the filly's eyes, which were reddened. “You had no way of knowing this was gonna happen, I know you were only trying to stay close to me. Trust me, I don't wanna be over here either... Are you gonna be okay, kiddo?”

“I... I dunno...” Scootaloo said in a hoarse voice, staring into Rainbow's stomach. “I n-need you, Sis... or I won't be okay...”

“You got me!” Dash assured her. “I'm gonna stay by your side the entire time you're here if I can!” She hugged the filly tight to her chest again, realizing with each passing second exactly how much Scootaloo did need her. Would she be alright if Luna could send the Crusaders back to Canterlot?

“Dashie...” Soarin said after a few minutes, strolling over. “How is she?”

“'M alright...” Scootaloo replied in a muffled voice, her face buried into Rainbow's fur again.

“We've gotta get moving into the city. According to Bottle Rocket, there's a patrol of pegasai who pass over here every half an hour,” he explained, wrapping his wings around them both.

“What's going on, Soar?” Dash asked him, pressing her own face into his chest, feeling exhausted. She kissed it softly, wanting nothing more than to just fall into a warm bed, safe and sound with the two ponies she was touching.

“Bottle Rocket was stationed here by Luna earlier today. Apparently, he owed Celestia a favour. The pilot was working with him and radioed ahead to warn him.” Soarin explained, pulling away from her so he could get a good look at Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash was touched by his concern for her daughter, affection for the stallion she so cared about exploding in her chest. “Apparently, he figured out who we were when he was talking to Rapidfire while the copter fuelled up. I guess he knew to be on the look-out for suspicious tourists, or maybe Bottle Rocket gave him Rapid's description. Or... maybe he just figured it out when Rapidfire used my name... whatever the case, the clowns came up with that stupid prank.”

“I still can't believe they went through with it. I mean, me and Gilda used to pull some cruel pranks on ponies when we were younger, but Bottle Rocket's a full-grown stallion! He's gotta have more sense than that.” Dash groaned, shaking her head.

“He's been weird ever since his accident. He didn't just resign as Captain due to his injuries... he's been a bit funny in the head ever since, so it was more or less out of necessity.” Soarin sighed.

“Princess Luna's gonna freakin' hear about this!” Dash growled, sighing and stroking Scootaloo's mane again. “She couldn't have picked a worse pony to greet us... Well, has he told you guys anything important?”

“He doesn't know anything about the Republic or any of Luna's plans, since he's only been in the city for a short time. All Luna told him to do was to allow us to pass safely into the city, since the other soldiers would require information or paperwork before they allow anypony into Gymkhana right now. He also told us the name of one of Luna's allies, who's the patron of the Amber Cottage. I expect he'll know the deal with the Republic.” Soarin explained, before his voice became more rushed. “But we've gotta get moving, Dashie! The patrol will be by in ten minutes.”

“Alright,” Rainbow said, preparing to get off the edge of the container. “You wanna walk, Scoots?”

“No...” Scoot said, shaking her head against Rainbow's chest.

“Alright, I'll let ya ride my back,” Rainbow Dash offered.

“Can you... carry me?” Scootaloo asked softly. “I don't wanna ride...”

“Of course,” Dash said, giving her wings a flap and rising several inches into the air, keeping her hooves wrapped around the filly.

Out of no where, out of nothing, a potentially wonderful idea struck her. An idea she was sure would make Scootaloo happy. She looked inquisitively at Soarin for a moment. He simply stared back, confused.

“Scoots... do you wanna go up with Soarin? Let him carry for you a little bit, so I can talk to my friends and Rapidfire?” Dash asked, floating next to Soarin.

“Uh... okay,” Scootaloo agreed in a sleepy voice.

“You don't mind, do you, Soar?” Rainbow asked him.

“I don't mind at all, no!” he reassured her, though he still gave her a curious look as he gently took the filly from her, now using his own wings to hover a few inches from the ground.

“Thanks...” Dash said, smiling warmly at him as she watched Scoot's wings give a quick little buzz as the Wonderbolt placed her on his shoulder. Scootaloo wrapped her arms around his neck and Dash was sure she closed her eyes.

Falling back to all fours, she started to walk alongside him as he flapped his wings evenly, drifting along with her child in his arms. She wasn't really entirely sure why the idea struck her, but she loved seeing them together. She knew Scootaloo wouldn't object, remembering with fondness at how happy the filly was to fly with Soarin during that day in Cloudsdale. If they could all get out of this nightmare in one piece, she told herself, who knew what kind of bond Scootaloo and Soarin could have one day?

Something strange crossed her stomach like a poison, making her suddenly feel as though she had come down with a terrible feather flu. She recognized it immediately as guilt, something she was no stranger to. Was it guilt for promising Scootaloo she would stay by her side, yet depositing her on Soarin? No, she reasoned, that wasn't it, since Scootaloo is comfortable around him. Did it have something to do with Soarin himself? She confirmed these suspicions through an uncomfortable belly clench.

Approaching the city gates where her friends had gathered with Rapidfire, Dash averted her eyes from Bottle Rocket and the pilot, who was now standing next to him.

“I'm staying on the scene for a few days, just in case you need an escape,” the anubis explained to the group at large. “I'll inform any patrolling guards that I need to make repairs to the copter, and that the parts I need are on a caravan from Half Rock. That's a two-day journey from here.”

At last, they crossed the threshold, entering the city at last. Once inside the walls of Gymkhana, Rainbow's eyes panned across her immediate surroundings. She could see empty stalls surrounding a large fountain to their left. The road from the gate forked into three directions, including along the stalls. Directly ahead of them, she saw the road lead to a flight of stairs at the end of a row of square, clay houses, leading to a higher level of the city. She could see the palace dominating the skyline ahead, although the road above the stairs did not lead directly to it. To the right, the road continued through another residential district. A single road bisected it at the end, clearly visible from the gates.

“Dere's our cross...” Rapidfire spoke softly, jerking his head down the right road.

“Now, you are absolutely certain, are you, Rapidfire?” Rarity asked, throwing a nervous look at a pair of guards strolling up the street from the market. “We can't haunt these streets too long, it isn't safe.”

“Absalutey. Dis ain't my first time 'ere, Miss Rarity. Down dat road lies da Amba Cottage. Dat's where we'll find Amadeus. Botta Rocket sed dat was Luna's contact, so dat's who we're goin' after,” Rapidfire said, turning right as they walked away from the gates. “If we look like we're jus' walkin' 'round lost, it'll look su'picious.”

Rainbow thought he had a pretty good point. She followed the road right, falling into pace next to Twilight, half-trying to listen to the whispers she could hear coming from Soarin and Scootaloo. They were talking to each other, but she didn't want to wedge herself between them. Instead, she focused on Twilight beside her. Her now-silver-maned friend seemed to be watching the back of Rapidfire's red and grey mane, if only to give herself something to follow. Twilight's eyes were unfocused.

“Twilight?” Rainbow voice broke the silence her after a moment's hesitation. Her throat was oddly constricted, causing the voice to issue out hoarser than she had intended, and certainly lower than she did.

“What is it, Rainbow?” Twilight responded after equal hesitation.

“Just, y'know, wondering about your thoughts, that's all.” Dash shrugged.

“I'm thinking... about the New Lunar Republic. They wanted to lead us to the Amber Cottage. Can they be trusted? Can this Amadeus be trusted?” Twilight asked rhetorically. “The Republic supported Nightmare Moon's vision of eternal night, covering this land like a blanket, a shadow.”

“What... are you getting at?” Dash asked, feeling a cold sweat on the back of her neck, dripping through her mane.

“There's nothing to tell us that the Republic and the Voidwalker are not tied somehow. Maybe I'm wholeheartedly wrong! That would be a welcome outcome. After all, they praised Nightmare Moon, it's possible that that means they are loyal to Princess Luna, too.”

“That's what I'm hoping for...” Fluttershy mumbled, evidently overhearing them. “This place already feels like it's covered in a blanket, though... the dark houses and empty streets!” Her voice was almost panicky. “It's the Festival of Summer Flames, but I didn't see bonfires as we flew over. Only the darkness, save for a few braziers....”

“There's a curfew, remember?” Applejack said, patting Fluttershy softly on the back. “That's what that Bottle Rocket idiot said, anyway!”

“Exactly,” Rapidfire said. “Da guards dat watched us arrive prob' ain't gonna botha us if we look like we knows where we're goin'. We keep movin' like we're just tryin' to get indoors, and dey won't feel the need to enlighten us o' da curfew.”

“Well, we're almost there,” Soarin said from the back. Dash turned around and saw him staring to the left.

Following his gaze, she saw a long building just beyond the crisscrossing street. It was made of stone or concrete, like most of the surrounding constructions, but it was artfully decorated with exterior wooden panels and walls, all painted orange. It looked quite old, however, as the paint was peeling in several places. Was it simply weathered, Dash wondered?

“We'll get you to bed soon, Scoots!” Dash said gently to Scootaloo's back. “Maybe even back home if Luna is here.”

“She's already asleep,” Soarin explained in a low voice. “We were talking and she just dozed off mid conversation. Preening her at the same time probably didn't help, I noticed she had a few bent feathers...”

“Aaah,” Dash moaned softly, beaming at him as a warmth rose in her chest. “Knew you could help her relax, Soar.”

“Why?”

“She likes you,” Dash went on. “Ever since you took her flying, she's been super approving of you! She spent that week after the airshow constantly asking about you...”

She trailed off as the uncomfortable feeling tore at her again, extinguishing the warmth. She had a sneaking idea where this guilt could be coming from. Her mind fell across that wonderful night alone with Soarin. Squirm. That was definitely it. It had to be, she thought. She tried a different tact.

“Sooo, what were you kids talking about?” Rainbow asked him in a would-be casual voice.

“I told her I wouldn't tell you!” Soarin chuckled softly.

“Oh, is that so?” Rainbow Dash challenged, grinning. “We'll see about that!”

She followed her friends across the road and through an iron gate outside of the flat little inn. Up a few stone steps and through an iron-grated, heavy wooden door that rang a bell when opened.

“It's so... bright!” Pinkie mused quietly as they all stepped into the main room.

Bright was right, Dash agreed. The immediate interior of the Amber Cottage greeted the eyes like a spontaneous combustion. Warm reds and oranges illuminated by gas lamps and candles adorned every surface, from the wallpaper and painted amber ceiling, a soft yellow-gold rug that covered most of the floor. The smell of food wafted in from a door possibly leading off to a kitchen at the far end of the room, adorned with chairs and tables.

Rapidfire approached a single desk at the back of the room, where a white satyr was speaking with Gymkhanites stallion.

“Wake up call for eight in the morning, then?” The satyr asked, the stallion nodding in response. “Very well. Have a good sleep, sir.”

Rapidfire approached the counter, with Twilight stepping up beside him. Rainbow Dash knew that they would be required to confirm their identities, as per the note left behind by the New Lunar Republic.

“A big group, I see!” The satyr spoke up, studying them all. “I am very sorry, folks... The Amber Cottage is quite near capacity. An entire wing has been closed for renovat—” He stopped abruptly the moment the stallion disappeared through the door on the right side of the room. He narrowed his eyes at them, peering over the desk to fix his gaze upon Twilight Sparkle's cutie mark. He cleared his throat significantly. “What is it that binds harmony?”

“The magic of friendship,” Twilight responded immediately.

“Twilight Sparkle,” the satyr said softly, exhaling. “I am relieved you and your friends are here at last.”

“We affirm our own alleviation on that, sir,” Rarity said, approaching the desk. “We are just as relieved to be here.”

“Good to hear! My name is Amadeus and I have been working side by side with Princess Luna since she arrived in the city. We have so much to discuss, but you all must be exhausted!” Amadeus moved to the kitchen, returning within seconds with a pitcher of iced juice and a tower of teetering cups. “I shall get food.”

“It'll be nice to finally get some answers,” Twilight said, magicking the pitcher to fill several cups.

“You think this guy is part of that Republic?” Rarity asked. “After all, Nightmare Moon is an alicorn, so I would have made the presumption that only ponies would praise her.”

“The Republic ain't selective!” Applejack said savagely, passing a cup to Apple bloom. “They'll take in any folk, s'long as they're corrupt enough!”

No one said anything in response. Rainbow Dash still wasn't sure whether or not she wanted to believe the Republic were allies. Not wishing to continue on her spiral to a bleak frame of mind, she did not voice these doubts.

Amadeus returned with some fruit, vegetable, and a few strange pastries shaped like rolls that Rainbow had never seen before. The group accepted the food with thanks and ate until their tummies were full. Dash had persuaded Scootaloo to wake up long enough to eat and drink something, but she soon fell asleep again, still in Soarin's arms. With a meaningful look to Rarity and Applejack, she cleared her throat significantly and spoke to Amadeus.

“First things first... can we get a room, Amadeus? Should really get the fillies to bed before we talk,” Rainbow Dash said briskly.

“Of course, madame,” the satyr said, moving forward to the left side of the room. With a click, he unlocked the far left door. “I have several rooms this way. Princess Luna requested I close this wing off. Bad for business, I assure you! Nevertheless, we wanted to ensure you all had a safe place to stay, and beds to boot.”

Rainbow Dash took Scootaloo carefully from Soarin's arms. It wasn't an easy task; Soarin had her turned into his chest with her arms around his neck. After a few tense moments, Dash was able to slid the filly off his chest and into her own. Soarin grinned her success, holding out his hoof.

“Thanks,” Dash said, pecking him on the cheek as she hoof-bumped him. “You're a real sweetheart sometimes, Soar.”

“Only sometimes, eh?” Soarin grinned at her, giving her a quick squeeze with one of his wings.

“C'mon, darling,” Rarity said gently, levitating Sweetie Belle with her magic. “Despite a nap earlier, you must need a respite of a good, solid eight hours! You poor fillies have had a long day.”

“I'll say... I can't remember when we last slept before you lot found our h-h-hiding spot...” Sweetie yawned hugely, floating along ahead of Rarity. “I approve of this method of transport, by the way...”

Apple Bloom was the only Crusader still on her hooves and not sleeping, although she did look exhausted. She made no comment as she followed Applejack over to the door, yawning softly. Applejack paused to yank her up by the mane, grabbing her around the bow and tossing her over her back.

“Let's get you to bed, hun!” Applejack said sweetly, once Apple Bloom dug her hooves into her sister's back in alarm.

“C-careful, Applejack!” Apple Bloom stuttered, “I ain't a kitten!”

Dash floated through the door after Rarity, entering a long hallway reminiscent of the second floor of the Herodotus. However, it was not nearly as long, only four doors on either side. The floor was wooden and had a single long rug stretching down the length. Like the rest of the inn, the wallpaper adorning the walls was a fiery orange. Dash could hear Applejack trotting behind her, catching up after apologizing enough times to Bloom to satisfy her.

“So, which door?” Dash asked uncertainly, gazing around at the darkness illuminated by one solitary candelabra hung from the ceiling.

Rarity tried a couple of the doors. “Two beds in here...” she said, before peering into the next one. “Three in here! In you go, sweetheart.” Rarity floated her sister toward the doorway.

“Watch my head!” The filly snarled as the aura of magic veered dangerously close to the door frame.

Rainbow flew inside and, after pulling back the sheets on the bed closest to the door, gently laid Scootaloo on her belly, covering her up with the sheet again. There was a distance of some four feet between this bed and the next one, which Apple Bloom had climbed into. Dash watched Applejack sit on the edge of the bed, leaning down to hug her sister. Rarity imitated Rainbow Dash and deposited her sister on the bed opposite the two others, once she deftly magicked the bedsheets away. Levitating them back and tucking them in around Sweetie Belle's body with her hooves, Rarity leaned down to kiss her forehead, before finally illuminating the three candles on the three bedside tables with her magic.

“Uh, Rarity...” Sweetie asked, a little embarrassedly. “You wouldn't exactly be party to, uh, staying with me for awhile, would you?”

“I shan't leave your side 'til you shoo me away!” Rarity told her happily.

“Y'all talk funny...” Apple Bloom said, yawning and closing her eyes, rolling onto her side.

“Just until I fall asleep is good... I don't want to make you hover over me all night,” Sweetie said, closing her eyes as well.

“We should probably spend the night in here, too,” Applejack suggested, kissing Bloom on the forehead.

“Sounds awesome to me,” Dash agreed, finding herself almost lost in just watching Scootaloo sleep. “To be honest, I kinda don't want to go back out there. Putting Scoots safely to bed and just... being here with her. It feels right. It's kinda therapeutic.”

Applejack and Rarity both gave her looks that told her plainly that they felt the same way. This small and dingy room nevertheless had a home comfort to it, with soft beds for their charges and a pleasant heat in the air from the desert climate.

“Girls, I just... I hate being on this mission. I haven't felt right in my stomach since the stupid boat reached this rock. I'd be happy to just stay here with Scootaloo all night. Y'know, just screw the mission...” Dash shrugged quietly.

“Don't you want to hear all about Princess Luna's plan, Rainbow?” Rarity asked her in a whisper. “That's so very, very important.”

“'Course I do!” Rainbow whispered back, stung at this. “But it's just been so much to take in, since before that airshow... I just want a peaceful break where the bad stuff is temporarily at bay. Is that too much to ask?” She turned to study the sleeping filly. “Just stressing out over poor Scoots and her anxiety, preparing for the airshow and Soarin being an idiot half the time, then stressing out over whether, y'know...”

“Know what, exactly?” Applejack asked, stroking a hoof through her sister's hair.

“Well...” Dash checked Scootaloo again, making sure she was definitely asleep. “We should have waited. Me and Soar. After the airshow, I mean. And to cap it all off, once all that was said and done, The Shadow popped up not a full week later!”

“I definitely hear ya, Dash. Y'all have had loads on yer plate, nopony denyin' that. But what in tarnation ya mean by 'shoulda waited'?” Applejack asked quietly, checking to ensure Apple Bloom had drifted off as well.

“He's just worth it, AJ. We got so carried away in the post show, with the drinking and dancing at that stupid club. It all felt so amazing and made me so unbearably happy, I guess I got... carried away. We both did, I guess. We should have waited... shoulda waited.”

“So... you regret it, then?” Rarity enquired, stroking the sleeping Sweetie's mane softly.

“I dunno...” Dash sighed, “That's been the only real opportunity we've had to just be ourselves, alone with each other, coming down off our little emotional highs after that cheering crowd.”

“Gosh, ain't pregnant, are ya?” Applejack asked, throwing her eyes to the heavens as she rolled them. “That's jes' whatcha need right now.”

Rainbow gave a sharp, low laugh. “Yeeeaaah, good luck with that happening! As Scoots would say...” Dash tapped her stomach. “I'm broken. And unlike these,” she went on, tugging back Scootaloo's sheets to take a look at her wings. She could see several in a neat row where Soarin had preened her, “I can't get better with training.”

“You really believe she'll fly, then?” Rarity asked quietly.

“Absolutely. Scoots hasn't failed me yet and she never will.”

“Back to the Soarin thing... now, don't get me wrong,” Applejack whispered. “I've done things I regret when it comes to stallions, but I see you and Soarin like yer already dating. Y'all have never been closer, right? What's the problem, exactly?”

“I just feel guilty about it. That's all. I don't know why...” Rainbow shrugged, pulling the sheets back over her daughter and watching them rise and fall with her breathing.

“You don't know why are you feeling guilty?” Rarity asked, evidently seeking clarification. “Wait... shed some light on this, dear, like a phosphorescent opal: Rainbow Dash, did you take advan—”

“No!” Dash hissed defensively, burying her hooves into her face. “No, no, absolutely not. Was nothin' like that! C'mon, you girls know me... it was just, I dunno, seeing him getting on so well with Scootaloo, makes me think we should have waited. Like it woulda been the right thing to do! That's all.”

“So, what was with Soarin carryin' Scootaloo back there, huh?” Applejack asked after a moment's pause.

“Scoot's comfortable around him. 'sides, I like seeming 'em together! Makes me all fuzzy 'n' junk.” Rainbow shrugged, still watching the orange filly sleep.

“Hmm...” Applejack was clearly deep in thought. “I think I've got me an idea as to why yer all worried like this, Dash.”

“Oh?” Dash asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“Yep. I think I do. What you say, Rare? You thinkin' along the same lines as me, or are ya confused?” Applejack asked, throwing the unicorn a look.

“I think you may be absolutely correct, Applejack,” Rarity responded, inclining her head to the earth mare. “I've suspected this would happen. It was only a matter of time.”

“Uh, what?” Rainbow Dash had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.

“You're...” Rarity began.

“... in love!” Applejack finished.

“HA!” Rainbow Dash immediately threw a hoof to her mouth. She had laughed so hard she could have woken up the fillies. Indeed, Apple Bloom was stirring and Scootaloo mumbled incoherently for several long seconds. “Oops... anyways, me? In love? Get real, you two! Me and Soar have got a long way to go, I think. I thought that took time, anyway?”

“You act like y'all have only jes' met!” Applejack grinned at her. “And you keep callin' him 'Soar'.”

“Bad habit I slipped into,” Rainbow said with distinction. “And stop smirking, Rarity!”

“But you most certainly have a powerful infatuation! Had one for years, did you not?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah, I'm not sayin' that isn't true! I mean, yeah, I would like him to be Scootaloo's dad one day. I mean, c'mon, who wouldn't? Rich and talented, handsome, athletic, an effing' Wonderbolt...”

“Lookit 'er, Rare!” Applejack laughed. “She's glowin' like a ripe red delicious!”

“I don't love Soarin!” Rainbow said firmly. “At least, not yet. I'm not saying I'm not totally crushing' on him something fierce, but I haven't fallen in love with him. End of story...” She wasn't really sure why she was taking so much offense to this. After all, the thought of the two of them falling in love caused cascades of delight in her heart. But, she told herself, she'd know if she was already in love, right? “Let's just... go back and hear what this satyr got to say.”

The other mares just shrugged, still smiling to each other, and accompanied Rainbow Dash quietly from the room.

“Sweet Celestia, ya took ya time!” Rapidfire bellowed as the three of them re-entered the front room.

“Sorry, sorry!” Rainbow said, hooves up defensively. “Simmer down before you experience heart failure, Rapid! That's a risk when you're a hundred and forty.”

“Ye'h, real funny! We've been waitin' on precious information, 'n' 'Amadeus here told us dat our time is very short.”

“Whatcha mean, 'short?'” Applejack asked, looking around.

“Well, Amadeus told us a few things,” Twilight explained quickly. “Like how the New Lunar Republic is working with Princess Luna; they'll serve her, no matter what form she is in. And...”

“And...” Soarin spoke up, removing his face from his hooves. “Dashie... they have Spitfire.”

“What?!” Rainbow gasped. “They were caught?!”

“Yep,” Rapidfire said painfully. “Dey managed t' get Wave Chill and dat warlock away from da ship, but dey got caught in da end.”

“Luna has found out some details on the Voidwalker,” Amadeus explained. “She has been working very hard, working tirelessly against these usurpers. She has infiltrated the Gymkhana ruling body, who are presently nothing but puppets to the usurpers.”

“What has she been doin', exactly?” Applejack asked.

“Well, she has not given the Republic all of the details, our reputation have not endeared ourselves to her. However, we are presently building up a resistance in the common Gymkhanites, a militia to match the military might of Azure Wings.”

“Azure Wings? That kind of sounds familiar...” Dash said softly.

“Azure Wings is Wave Chill's pseudonym,” Soarin explained.

“Does Luna know if Wave is being controlled or not?” Rainbow asked.

“All we know, unless the Princess is concealing more information from the Republic, is that Azure Wings and Gwyndolin, the warlock, are the leaders of our enemies. Whether or not there is something higher up controlling either or both of them remains to be seen,” Amadeus said. “What's more, we are not the only ones working against this new government. There is a small group presently in the city, working in the shadows, spreading warning to the common folk not to trust the propaganda against Equestria and Princess Celestia. We haven't made contact yet.

“One thing at a time, then! So, what's our first move?” Twilight asked. “Has Luna told you what she wishes us to do?”

“Luna is presently focused on freeing the Wonderbolts. She has told me that she will be touching base here in the morning, so you can get a proper debriefing from her then.”

“Excuse me? Um, sorry to butt in...” Fluttershy whimpered. Rainbow Dash only now realized that the shy pegasus seemed intimidated by the satyr. “Um... does Princess Luna know what the Voidwalker is after?”

“I believe she does,” Amadeus confirmed, smiling at Fluttershy. “She will give you the details in the morning. Now, any other questions before I move on?”

“I daresay we got 'nuff to get by until we talk to da Princess,” Rapidfire said. “Now, wha' did ya mean when ya told us dat time is very short?”

“Long story, short...” Amadeus said with a deep breath. “Luna wants Azure Wings and Gwyndolin taken down before seven o'clock on the evening of June 24th, before they can act! That is only Monday.”

“Uh, oh! You're gonna miss the spa's 'half-price Mondays' that you wanted to be home for, Rarity!” Pinkie Pie said tragically.

“So, anyway,” Twilight said quickly, frowning uneasily as Pinkie Pie continued pulling horrifying faces. “Why must they be taken down specifically before seven on Monday?”

“Because that is effectively... our time limit,” Amadeus said, closing his eyes for a moment and taking a deep breath.

“Time limit?” Soarin asked, his eyes widening. “That does not fill me with confidence...”

“They intend to summon the Voidwalker on the citizens of Gymkhana on that exact hour,” the satyr finished, shaking his head. “If this war is still going before then, we will need to evacuate the entire city! The Voidwalker will destroy it and everyone within will die.” Rainbow's friends were gasping and she felt her breath vanish from her chest. “They will blame the Voidwalker on Princess Celestia. Dragonspire and Griffon Peaks have been adamant supporters of Gymkhana since the initial attack on the city, when the Wonderbolts were involved. As I believe the Princess has already told you, the government has blamed Princess Celestia and the Wonderbolts for this darkness once before.”

“W-what'll we d-do?!” Fluttershy cried, blinking away tears as she stared in utter defeat at the satyr.

“Princess Luna has told me you six mares possess incredible power. You will need to win this clash in the city or defeat the Voidwalker yourselves, or Princess Luna fears the destruction of the city will spark a war between the East and the West, with the Voidwalker at the helm. Equestria will fall from the combined force of the dragons and the griffons, or else be consumed by The Shadow. The Republic and the citizens of this city will help you the best we can, but Luna believes you six will be what wins this battle in the end.”

Silence filled the room as Amadeus finished speaking. Soarin and Rapidfire were throwing each other meaningful looks. As Soarin glanced toward Rainbow Dash, she found herself overcome with an urge to fling herself into his arms. Her heart was pounding so hard in her chest that it was painful, thundering the blood to her extremities. How could it be that they only left Equestria the day before? Yet it would all be over in less than seventy-two hours. Her gut feeling had been right all along; there was no waking from this nightmare.

Her thoughts drifted to that wonderful filly sleeping just down the left hallway and she wanted to vomit. She had to get Scootaloo home somehow, she told herself. Luna must send the fillies home through her moon sanctuary, leaving their sisters and mother at the gates of Hell without them.

“If we don't pull this off... then we're dead,” Rainbow said to the silent room. “If they summon the Voidwalker, we're going to die. And there's no way out of it!” Her voice was rising hysterically.

“No!” Twilight said fiercely. “If we can't take down Wave Chill and Gwyndolin before they summon the Voidwalker, we WILL hit it with the Elements of Harmony. We'll give it everything we've got! We can't fail! Equestria's fate is on us!”

“We can't lose faith now,” Rapidfire spoke clearly. “We meet da Princess in da morn', get da Elements you lot use, we get da 'Bolts safely from dere clutches, 'n' we fight da military directly. Dey won't 'ave a chance t' summon da Voidwalker.”

“I hope not...” Twilight sighed. “Girls, we should get to sleep. We've got a long three days ahead of us...”

33 The Outcast Children

The sounds of song, of laughing and cheering, of dancing and racing feet and hooves echoed through the air. The streets of Gymkhana were jam-packed with horses, ponies, anubi, satyrs, and countless other types of creatures. Rainbow Dash didn't even recognize what some of these things were.

“Rapidfire said the Mesa District was where The Shadow struck when the Wonderbolts fought the military forces, didn't he?” Rainbow asked Pinkie Pie in a low voice.

“He diiid!” Pinkie confirmed, jumping all around her, her now-vermillion mane bouncing all around. “All of this excitement in the air is so, so contagious! I just wanna bounce and scream and cheer and laugh!”

“We're trying to avoid drawing attention to ourselves, Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow reminded her, elbowing Pinkie as she bounced by. “Let's get to the Mesa District and have a poke around.”

“Well, okay!” Pinkie agreed, grinning. She jerked her head at a map of the city on the wall near a tunnel entrance. “I bet this'll tell us where we need to go!”

“Aaah, nice find,” Dash said appreciatively, moving to examine it herself.

Her eyes raked back and forth, taking in the symbols marking the various shops and features of the city. According to a red circle, which marked their present location, the Amber Cottage and the marketplace they had passed by the night before were all located within the Crossroads.

The map showed that taking the tunnel would lead them to an intersection of passageways that would take them under the palace, eventually leading to the Mesa District. It would be quicker to cut under the city than to go around the other districts; Mesa was on the opposite edge of the circular city from the Crossroads.

“We take the tunnels, then.”

“I wish we could stay here and enjoy the Festival,” Pinkie bemoaned, sighing heavily as she approached the tunnel entrance.

“Pinkie, we have a time limit!” Rainbow reminded her. “We've gotta try and fix everything before we, y'know, die. We should go check exactly how much damage The Shadow can dish out to the city itself. Rapidfire said there's a news centre in the Mesa District as well, assuming it's still standing. That means we can probably find out what's happening with Spitfire and the rest.”

“I guess that is a great idea...” Pinkie gave a nod.

“Yeah, you should always listen to Rainbow Dash,” Dash said with a smirk.

“Pinkie Fly, you mean!”

Dash groaned, biting her lip. She was starting to hate that name. However, she rearranged her face into a smile. “Yep. Since Princess Luna decided not to show up today, we've gotta find our news somehow.”

Rainbow lead the way into the tunnel, which was lit with torches on either side. The blistering heat of the desert sun left her body as she descended into the much cooler underground. Soarin had said that the technology of Saddle Arabia was light-years ahead of Equestria, but thus far she had seen nothing to confirm that. As a result, she had a certain excitement building in her chest; Soarin had also said that morning that the underground had traces of 'special science'.

This excited bubble seemed to be enough to keep her ever-present doubts and worries temporarily at bay. However, she had found an optimistic thought: The prospect of three short days to finish their mission or else face annihilation meant that things couldn't possibly get any worse. Armed with this information, she had found it easier to concentrate, which spurred on a new determination to do her best to help make this endeavour successful. If they actually managed to make it out of this alive, surely she could look forward to a real, legitimate relationship with Soarin in seventy-two hours time. This new-found optimism even prevented her spirits from dipping lower when everything failed to go to plan earlier that day. Rather, they tipped sideways, from despair to slight anger.

They had wasted away the morning at the Amber Cottage, awaiting Princess Luna at long last, when an associate of Amadeus arrived to inform them that Luna was choosing to remain in the Palace. Precisely why Luna seemed to be avoiding them, Dash reflected irritably, the associate didn't seem to know. Thus, they had all decided to try a few reconnaissance missions into the streets of the city to try and gather intel on their own.

The city itself was a heck of a lot more different than their journey the evening before would have implied. With the curfew lifted, the Festival of Summer Flames celebrations were in full swing. With street performances, fireworks, horses dancing everywhere and food vendors every few feet, this would have been an amazing opportunity to enjoy themselves had the situation not been so dire.

While listening around for gossip or asking shopkeepers about any current events under the guise of being tourists, Rainbow and Pinkie had simply learned that the 'terrorists would face judgement' that day. It was this news that had lead Rainbow Dash to assume that Princess Luna had chosen to remain at the palace in order to try to protect the Wonderbolts; if there was any place in Gymkhana they were being held, the palace seemed the most likely place.

“Oooh, what's that?”

Pinkie's voice broke through the train of Rainbow Dash's thoughts. She hadn't noticed, as the pair of them continued to descend into the cold earth on this hard stone floor, that they had come to a dead end.

“Wait... what?” Dash croaked, staring at the wall. “The map said we could go through here!”

“At your hooves, Pinkie Fly, ol' pal!” Pinkie Pie jabbed a hoof at the floor.

“What do you mea-... oooh.” Rainbow Dash took a pace back and lowered herself to the ground, eyes fixed upon the glyph comprised of strange markings inscribed on the floor.

These runic symbols were arranged in various shapes: a circle within a square, the square housed within a triangle, which was encircled by a larger circle. Every few seconds they pulsed with a crimson light, like a beating heart.

“'The hell am I looking at?”

“This looks like an alchemy glyph!” Pinkie explained.

“Uh, I'll just... repeat myself: 'the hell am I looking at?” Rainbow asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“Alchemy is the combination of science and magic, you silly filly!” Pinkie Pie chortled. “That's the symbol of the philosopher’s stone, but I bet it acts like a teleporter.”

“How in the name of Luna's great bulbous moons did you know that?” Dash demanded, feeling her jaw drop.

“I read it in Twilight's library one day!” Pinkie beamed at her.

“I didn't know you knew how to read,” Dash lied, doing her best to sound completely serious. Her expression betrayed her as she grinned.

“Of course I can read!” Pinkie giggled. “So, I'm betting that if you step inside the big circle and wait, you'll transmogrify, probably, and pass through the wall, or something!”

“Sounds legit. And if I don't transmission properly, what happens? Will I wear my bones on the outside afterwards? What a fantastic idea.” Dash gave a sarcastic, hesitant laugh.

“Only one way to find out!” Pinkie yelled excitedly, leaping upon the glyph.

Rainbow Dash felt a momentary flicker of panic as Pinkie Pie moved. Upon stepping into the circle of markings, a red mist materialized around her and swam hazily through the air for a brief moment. Standing stock-still with a grin on her face, Pinkie Pie appeared to dissolve into red smoke. Rainbow Dash yelled out in fear, mouth wide in horror. The smoke was sucked into the dead centre of the circle and vanished.

Dash fell back on her rump, feeling her heart thrashing against her ribs. She didn't know how to react to this. What did that do to her friend? Rack her brain though she might, she could not remember seeing any 'magic' or 'science' to match this. All she could do was pray silently, trying to calm her thumping heart.

There was a sharp red light and the smoke reappeared. It formed the shape of Pinkie Pie, the red haze returned, and the earth pony was standing before her again. What was more, she was no longer disguised; she was her usual pink appearance.

“PINKIE FLY, OH MY GOSH, COME SEEEEE!” Pinkie gasped, jumping off the circle and gesturing madly at it. “So many colours and so many ponies and horses and stuff, it's like a giant birthday party!”

Rainbow Dash was sputtering incoherently until she was able to find her voice. “Pinkie, wha-what happened? Where's your disguise? WHERE'S YOUR DISGUISE?!”

“Oooh, I'm me again?” Pinkie asked, cocking an eyebrow. She moved in quick circles, staring at her raspberry tail. “I suppooose having my molecules shuffled around like that returned them to their usual look...? We're learning so much today!”

“I dunno...” Rainbow spoke cautiously, staring at the pulsing glyph. “I'm not a huge fan of dropping this disguise and being all 'hey, Gymkhanites! I'm the only rainbow-maned, blue-coated mare on the planet! I sure hope your military leader isn't aware of my unique appearance! Wait, he is! Welp, shucky ducky, quack quack, the jig is up!'”

“Don't be so melodramatic,” Pinkie suggested with a giggle, bumping Rainbow Dash playfully on the flank and pushing her over the circle.

“PINKIE, THIS ISN'T SAF—” Rainbow's voice caught in her chest as the red haze obstructed her vision.

She felt weightlessness for the third time in a month. It was just like being transported to Luna's prism on the moon, Dash thought. Just as soon as she lost feeling in her extremities, thinking her body had dissolved, she reformed on the other side of the transporter. She hadn't even felt the squeezing sensation that she expected from the smoke being sucked into the centre.

She gasped. She had appeared on the edge of a grand room, a cathedral's interior in size. An incline descended from her lofty position half-way up the area's height, twisting back and forth horizontally until it reached the floor. From the shadowed ceiling hung a dozen crystal chandeliers full of candles, while hundreds of smaller ones littered the room on candelabras. Dozens of colourful tents had been set up, interspersed with numerous little stalls and tables. Plum-coloured sections of carpet formed walkways in and around the tents. Hundreds of creatures were going about their business. She was very, very aware of how exposed she felt if her disguise had vanished like Pinkie’s had done.

Far across the room, Rainbow Dash could see another incline, ascending up the opposite wall. The faintest glow of red told her that there were more transporters over there to join those in a row with her own. They all, she assumed, must lead to different sections of the city. The alchemy glyph leading to Mesa had to be over there.

Her eyes fell to her hooves and she studied the glowing symbols. Was that all there was to alchemy, she wondered? Transportation between two linked glyphs?

“Ma'am?”

Rainbow Dash gave a start and straightened up, glancing around. She saw no one.

“You look lost, ma'am. Can I help you?” Rainbow Dash glanced down to her left and spotted the source of the soft, friendly voice.

It was a small light-beige horse colt with startlingly blue eyes and a bright orange mane. If she had to guess, she would have placed him at six or seven years of age. He looked dirty and weak, but wore a smile. His ragged appearance suggested he had been living rough.

“Oh! Hello,” Rainbow said kindly, taking a step off the glyph. The moment she did, Pinkie Pie sprang up behind her, looking annoyed.

“You blocked my poofy!” Pinkie accused.

“Sorry!” Dash said quickly, turning to look at the child again. Aside from a pair of anubi remarking her mane with great interest as they left another transporter, the colt was the only one to notice her.

“You need help, ma'am?” he asked again.

“Well... we're new here, so would you mind tellin' us where we are right now? This whole teleporting business got me all outta whack,” Dash explained wearily.

“This is the Station commons, ma'am,” the boy explained. “It's where the alchemists set up free market. They're not allowed to practice outside, so they do it here and the guards don't care. We homeless live here, just down the ramp to the sewers...” He gestured near the end of the long room. Rainbow Dash could just make out a path leading down into the shadows. “Where are you goin'?”

“You're... homeless?” Rainbow asked as Pinkie continued to take the transporter again and again. “Darn… that sucks, kiddo…”

“I'm sorry!” he said quickly, looking awkward and embarrassed. “I shouldn't have said nothin'... we aren't allowed to talk about it.”

Rainbow Dash hesitated on the verge of speech, but thought better of it. Clearly, the child didn't want to talk about it.

“It was because of the Mesa Incident... but, um, sorry... Where are you headin', ma'am?”

“Mesa Incident...” Dash repeated in a small breath, leaning low to talk to the tiny horse easier. Moments prior, Pinkie had popped out of the transporter with a crow of laughter. “PINKIE, KNOCK IT OFF!”

“Whoops! Sorry,” Pinkie apologized, moving to stand beside her. “Was gonna go again, but maaaybe not! So, what's your name, little one?”

“My name is Neighshyte Mustangolin, ma'am.”

“You're really darn polite,” Dash complimented him, making a mental note on how strange the names sounded in these parts. Amadeus? Neighshyte? She expected Shady Inns for Amadeus, maybe. Or Vanilla Sapphire for Neighshyte.

“Thanks, ma'am,” he replied modestly, his cheeks brightening.

“Where's your mommy and daddy?” Pinkie Pie asked sweetly.

Neighshyte shuffled his hooves uncomfortably. “Gone.”

“Oh? Where are...” Pinkie trailed off once Dash locked eyes with her, shooting her a warning look. “Well, it's fun up here by the portals, but let's check out the free market!”

Neighshyte nodded quickly and lead them down the incline. Rainbow Dash felt her feelings dip low again as they went. Ever since she had found out about the Wonderbolts being attacked, she had barely spared a thought for the innocent. 'We homeless live down here'. The homeless of the Mesa District, the site of the clash of pegasi, military, and the Voidwalker. Neighshyte was just a child... a foal's life ruined before it even had a proper chance to begin. These thoughts coursed through her like poison.

“We'll check out the market later, Pinkie...” Rainbow whispered to her friend as held out a wing to halt the colt's progress. “Neighshyte, can you show us where the rest of those who lost their homes to the attack live?”

“How did you know about that? Aren't you new?” he asked in surprise.

“I'll explain everything after,” Dash promised. She had to see the victims, she had to know the cost of the battle.

“The outcasts live nearer to the sewers. It gets real cold down there 'cause we're not close to Osiris...”

“Osiris?” Pinkie repeated in confusion.

“The sun, ma'am,” Neighshyte amended. “You sure you wanna come down there? I can show you wherever you need to go, I promise. We go around the city all the time...”

“We're heading for Mesa,” Rainbow revealed. “Please, show us your friends first.”

“Down here, Rainbow Dash!” Neighshyte called back. “You don't wanna take that way 'cause you might fall in the water!”

“Thanks, kiddo,” Rainbow said, keeping low to the damp metal walkway and slipping off to the left, where the ground was covered in garbage.

“What are we doing, anyways?” Pinkie asked her.

“We wanted to see what damage The Shadow was capable of, right? Why the parasprite snot didn't we think about those hurt by the attack? We're gonna see the damage, Pinkie. The real damage.”

The little colt was straight ahead, ducking around a large, hissing machine. The sounds of steam and pistons were loud in Dash's ears as the mechanism pumped water to the upper levels. According to Neighshyte, the sewers were a couple hundred feet below the palace. The cold, damp air and stench of waste choked her. Behind Dash, Pinkie Pie had a hoof held to her muzzle.

“Eeeww, this place smells!” she whined.

“Pinkie, it's a sewer... what didja expect? Onions and carrots?” Dash sighed in exasperation. “And the 'outcasts', as Neighshyte called them, have to live here. We saw the poor back near the free market, too, remember? It's awful...”

They slipped in behind the machine, Rainbow's eyes peeled for the colt. They cantered down a long passage and caught a glimpse of the bright tail whipping out of sight around a corner. As she lead Pinkie Pie around the corner herself, Rainbow stopped dead.

The vanilla colt was approaching a coffee-coloured, young looking stallion. The older horse was sitting on the cold floor by a large metal door, as though he were keeping sentinel. He looked no older than fifteen or sixteen and his eyes were fixed upon the sprinting colt, who threw himself into the other's arms.

“Big brother, I'm back! I couldn't find any food, I'm sorry...”

“Hey, it's alright...” the older stallion sounded disappointed, but did his best to hide it from the energetic child. “Thanks for looking, I know you didn't want it to be your turn today.”

“Oh!” Neighshyte said suddenly, as though just remembering something. He twisted around and jabbed a hoof in the place Rainbow and Pinkie were standing. “I brought friends!”

“Neighsh, what are you talking... about... Oh.” The youth looked up and Rainbow found herself pierced by his bright amber eyes. “Hello.”

Pinkie Pie strolled leisurely over to him, beaming. “Hiya! I'm Pinkie Pie and this is my bestest best friend, Rainbow Dash! You can call her Pinkie Fly, but she ain't pink right now!” Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“Strange names...” the youth remarked to himself. “No offense meant, please. Just... unusual.”

Rainbow herself walked forward, inclining her head and fixing a grin upon her face, despite there being no humour in anyone else. “Don't worry, kid! The names of you lot sound just as weird to us!” The smile faded as she got down to business. “We're from Equestria.”

“Equestria?!” the youth gasped, cocking an eyebrow and running a hoof nervously through his blonde mane. “It's not safe here in Gymkhana, if you come from Equestria. The government is not friendly to Equestrians.”

“We're aware,” Rainbow spoke quickly. “We're less concerned for our safety right now. Just… we’ll explain everything if you’ll give us a chance, don’t worry about it. Seriously, we’re not in danger.”

“I won't worry about you, but be careful. It's not just the government and our military... heck, this continent isn't friendly to your kind.”

“Are yooou... friendly to uuus?” Pinkie enquired slowly, tilting her head.

“I don't know yet... I tend to be cautious around strangers; it has nothing to do with you being from Equestria. You were kind to my baby brother, so we'll see. Why are you down here?” he demanded, still regarding them with apprehension.

“We'll get to that,” Dash said delicately. “Your brother says that the 'outcasts', as you call yourselves, live here? From Mesa?”

“We do,” he confirmed. “Why?”

“To start, we know what really happened there. Don't believe a word your leaders tell you,” Rainbow cautioned.

The youth's eyes widened. “Well... you're not the only ones who know what really happened. We were there. You already know those in charge lied to us, so maybe I will trust you.” He glanced down at his brother, who had remained silent since they had started talking. “What do you think, Neighsh? Do we let them in?”

“Yeah!” Neighshyte exclaimed at once. “Rainbow Dash called me polite and Pinkie Pie called me really cute on our way here!”

The youth smiled to his brother and got to his hooves, rapping one smartly against the door. “My name is Dameer Mustangolin. Welcome to the Hideout.”

After a few moments, there was the sound of a deadbolt sliding out of stone and the door swung open. A brown satyr stood standing at the doorway, eyebrow cocked.

“We've got visitors, Marius,” Dameer explained. “Dunno why they're here yet, but tell Numane.”

“I ain't tellin' him a dang thing,” the satyr challenged. “He's been stubborn as a mule since the Mesa Incident. You're in charge, are you not?!”

“Fine, I'll deal with him,” Dameer groaned, turning to look back at Rainbow. “You and your friend can come in.”

“Marius? Dameer? Numane?” Pinkie mumbled in a low voice, looking dazed. “So many new horses and satyrs to make friends with!”

“I'm starting to lose track of names, myself...” Rainbow replied in an undertone, moving toward the open door. Marius closed it behind them, now standing guard outside himself.

The room beyond resembled a very old boiler room illuminated by a few oil lamps. There were pipes and valves all over the walls and ceiling, although only a single pipe seemed to be functioning. No doubt the noisy machine outside the room and down the passage was pumping either hot water or hot air through to this room. There was a young purple earth pony with a long, flowing silver mane sitting down against the wall next to a pipe. In her hooves she cradled a light blue unicorn foal with a small wisp of red hair. She was leaning against the vibrating pipe for warmth, her eyes closed. Dash thought she might be sleeping along with the baby.

A pair of griffon twins sat talking quietly in a far left corner. An anubis was sleeping on the floor in the right. A dark red horse with a fiery amber mane and purple eyes was glaring from the back of the room. Aside from several boxes, a few large containers of water, and some rolls of cloth, the room had nothing but the dwellers within.

They were kids. They were all kids. Neighshyte's brother Dameer was easily the eldest one of the group, even looking older than the filly holding the foal, who was easily approaching marehood. The satyr and the other horse looked to be teenagers as well, but the rest were children. Rainbow Dash couldn't believe her eyes.

“This is the Hideout. We are the outcasts.”

Rainbow turned to stare the coffee-coloured horse in the eyes, her heart aching. “There's... no parents, are there?”

“One,” Dameer replied grimly, his voice very quiet. He jabbed a hoof at the filly with the foal. Rainbow felt her lips part as her jaw dropped. “The foal is her own. Yeah, she's thirteen, if you're wondering. She was raped. Welcome to Gymkhana.” Dameer shook his head sadly, approaching the centre of the room and sitting down next to a lamp. Rainbow and Pinkie Pie followed him, remaining on their hooves. “We are the outcasts, abandoned by God since the day the darkness descended upon the Mesa District and blocked His light.”

“Osiris?” Rainbow enquired softly.

Dameer nodded. “The Sun God, yes.”

Pinkie's face fell as she listened closely. “How are things... so bad?” Rainbow watched her throw a look over at the purple pony.

“Osiris has abandoned us. We pray, He doesn't listen anymore. He's busy with the rest of Saddle Arabia as they celebrate Him during the Festival activities. Who cares about some motley collection of brats?”

“I don't think anyone's abandoned you all yet,” Rainbow said, sitting down next to him. “We haven't really said why we're here, after all.”

Dameer gave a chuckle that suggested amused skepticism. “I'd love to listen, then. I'm sure everyone here would, but maybe we should show some hospitality and feed you what we can spare, hmm?”

“Don't be ridiculous,” Dash said quickly, shaking her head. “You kids need it way more than we do.”

“Well, have some water, at least. Numane, can you bring over the water?”

“Sure, let's share our limited resources with strangers,” the red horse hissed from the corner.

“Here we go...” Dameer sighed as Neighshyte sat down beside him.

“You don't have to give us anything, silly!” Pinkie said hastily.

“And you don't even have to be here,” Numane whispered, getting up so he could walk over and speak in a louder voice. The griffon twins watched him walk wearily. “Why exactly are you here?”

“Well, as we told your friend Dameer, we know what happened in the Mesa District,” Dash explained.

“That doesn't make you special! We all know what happened! The darkness swooped over the district and destroyed EVERYTHING that mattered to us. What little we had was lost. Our families were attending the prayer service in the great chapel... and Osiris saw necessary to sweep them away from us forever when the darkness made it collapse!”

“I'm sorry about what happened,” Rainbow empathized, “but—”

“Sorry? Sorry for what? It wasn't your doing, was it?” Numane's voice was rising in his anger. Over in the corner, the purple filly lifted her head. “I don't care what you or the pink one came to say, but if you hoped that EMPTY WORDS would make everything all better for the outcasts, then just leave!”

“Numane...” the filly said quietly, eyes still closed, “if you wake Appleberry, I'll break your face. Did your thick head already forget that my son was up all night? He's sick.”

The red horse was breathing deeply, but seemed to deflate. “I'm sorry, Grape...” he said in a lower voice.

“Thanks, Numane.” She laid her head against the pipe again.

“Since you're awake, do you wanna listen to our guests, Grape?” Dameer asked.

“Huh?”

“They're from Equestria.”

“Equestria?!” she repeated, her soft orange eyes fluttering open to gaze at them. “I'm always happy to see other ponies, so I'm game for listening. The name's Grape Blossom, by the way.” She ran a hoof very gently through the wisp of hair on the foal's head. “This handsome stallion here is my little angel, Appleberry.”

“He's sick?” Pinkie muttered with a croak in her voice, frowning.

“You didn't trot happily into our little sewer abode and expect to see a baby to be in perfect health, did you? You truly are new to this city.”

“Is life really that bad here? I always thought Gymkhana was, like, the top city in Saddle Arabia...” Dash mumbled, feeling dazed.

“Life was hard in Mesa,” Dameer explained. “Visitors to the city usually expect the Mesa District to be something akin to high society. Mansions, luxury, that sort of thing...”

“That's what I thought it would be like, yeah...” Dash admitted.

“Well, you aren't the only one. It makes sense, you know, the word mesa meaning a high plateau, but in Gymkhana, the Mesa District... is the poor district. It’s the highest district, but… it’s the slums. We were never as poor as those who live in the sewers before, but things were rough.” Dameer buried his face in his hooves. “Some nights we went hungry, Neighsh got hand-me-down toys, and the desperate stalked the streets at night...”

“Desperate thieves, and... predators,” Grape said in a hoarse whisper, throwing her eyes upon her son. “But we've always had our faith... until that day.”

“It's hard to believe it was only ten days ago. Ten days... that's it,” Dameer spoke in a hushed tone, face still in his hooves. “Wednesday, the 12th of June... school ended for Gymkhanites last month, so we were off. Neighsh was playing with three of his friends at the park outside of the community centre. I was watching them. Numane, Marius, and Fenuku, he's the anubis sleeping over in the corner... anyway, they were working out inside the centre. Grape was sitting in the park with Appleberry, Aidos and Alastor, those two griffons over there,” Dameer continued, gesturing at the twins who were now listening intently, “they were with us, too. There were twelve of us, counting the three foals who were playing with Neighsh. They're out in the city looking for food right now... anyways, we were all at the community centre when the skies darkened.”

“Our parents, our older brothers and sisters, our aunts and uncles, our cousins, our grandparents... everyone was at Wednesday morning worship. The chapel fell when the dark, smokey cloud swept over it. We could see the spires fall from the park,” Grape explained in a whisper. “They all... died.”

“The military came through the park. They were fighting pegasi dressed in blue suits,” said one of the griffons, speaking for the first time. "The Wonderbolts."

“They told us all to take shelter in the sewers. We were scared, because we saw everything falling and there were horses screaming, but we did as we were told. Took the transporters and made for the sewers,” his brother supplied.

“And that's pretty much it,” Dameer finished, looking up. “We've been down here ever since. This new pegasus in charge of the military came down to see us after a day or two, told us we were on our own, and that was it.”

Rainbow Dash breathed deeply, feeling her chest contract painfully. “That's awful...” She had a feeling she knew what pegasus they were talking about.

“That's so sad...” Pinkie sniffed. “You definitely lost your families...?”

“We did, ma'am...” Neighshyte spoke up. “We've been goin' all over the city since then, lookin' for food, and we found out about everyone who d-died...” He gave a shudder and his brother wrapped a hoof around him.

“The military is blaming the darkness on the pegasi they were fighting, the Wonderbolts from Equestria,” Dameer explained, shooting Rainbow a careful look. “None of us believe it. We saw what happened as we ran to the sewers. More of them arrived and tried to fight the darkness, but it killed anything it covered. It was after them.”

Rainbow Dash gave a solemn nod. “It was after them. We're gonna tell you kids why we're here in this city. Do you agree, Pinkie?”

“I do.” Pinkie Pie gave Dash a warm smile. “I trust these kiddies! They deserve to know what's happening and they need to keep their faith!”

“Well... we're listening. Get it out already!” Numane spoke with a bite of impatience.

“Numane, don't be a jerk,” Grape Blossom sighed, adjusting herself against the pipe. “And it's hard to keep faith when Heaven has turned its back on us.”

“I know things are dark, probably never been darker,” Rainbow began, “but you can't lose hope. Hold dear to your faith, guys... especially if it's all you have left.”

“Why?” Numane challenged. “God has abandoned us.”

“I may not pray to Osiris like you all do, but I know that no one has abandoned you!” Rainbow Dash's voice was growing in strength, though not in volume. “Because we're here. We were sent by Princess Celestia, who I think your government has had a field day with slandering with their totally B.S. propaganda. None of you believe it, right?”

The children all nodded their heads, one of the twins tapping their beak.

“We're here to help. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” Pinkie promised.

“Uh... what?” Grape questioned, cocking an eyebrow.

“Pinkie Promise,” Dash answered with a soft laugh. “Same from me. Back home, we're champions of Princess Celestia. Now, I know we don't look the part. Like, seriously, we don't,” Dash continued, forestalling an interruption she saw coming up from the red horse, “but we have the necessary power to defeat what you call the darkness, what we've been calling The Shadow, and what is actually named...”

“The Voidwalker,” Pinkie concluded with a determined frown.

“My name is Rainbow Dash, this is Pinkie Pie, and we are part of a group of six who command the Elements of Harmony. In two days' time, the Voidwalker will return to the city from who-knows-where and will try to destroy it, our spy tells us. It won't get the chance, because we'll blow it to pieces!”

“So...” came a voice from the corner. Rainbow glanced over and saw the anubis who had been laying there since they had entered getting to his pawed feet. “The Elements of Harmony actually exist.”

“You were listening, Fenuku?” the coffee-coloured stallion asked, still holding tight to his little brother.

“Of course. How could I sleep with you all gabbing over there? I'm surprised little Appleberry is still snoozing.” The anubis walked over and sat down beside them all. “Do you remember learning about the spirit of disharmony in school, Grape? The one named Discord?”

“Uh...” Grape looked thoughtful. “I... think so?”

“H-how do you guys know about Discord?” Pinkie Pie enquired with a soft stammer.

“He ruled over Equestria, but his touch covered the entire world. Trust us, Saddrabian scholars are well versed in his reign of chaos,” Fenuku insisted. “We know that Celestia and her sister used the Elements of Harmony to defeat him at long last.”

“Well, you know,” Numane jested, and Rainbow was surprised to see him smile. “Since you're such a big dork.”

The anubis rolled his eyes. “Don't lie, Numane. I'm sure you know just as much about Discord as I do. You got ninety percent on your last history exam, remember?” Rainbow watched Fenuku give a satisfied smirk as the red horse looked uncomfortable.

“Discord actually returned awhile back, y'know!” Dash confided. “This time, me and my friends were the Element Wielders, and we beat him up! Black and blue!”

“Actually, we just turned him back to stone!” Pinkie corrected, grinning.

“I was being dramatic,” Dash sighed, but went on. “Anyways, yes, the Elements of Harmony exist, and we're the ones who can use 'em to take down the Voidwalker and avenge the lives he has taken from you all. I have the Element of Loyalty, Pinkie Pie has the Element of Laughter, and there are four others: Honesty, Generosity, Kindness, and Magic.”

“The unknown sixth Element... Magic...” Fenuku uttered, his blue eyes widening.

“Magic? That's an Element of Harmony? Seems out of place...” Grape argued.

“You haven't seen our friend, Twilight Sparkle! Most gifted unicorn in the world, easily!” Rainbow Dash spoke with confidence, fixing her eyes on Grape's foal. “I'll ask Twilight to give your boy some tutoring once he's older! Appleberry will be the BEST unicorn in Saddle Arabia!”

“Hush...” Grape said warningly as the foal stirred. “I'm grateful, I really am, but c'mon... you're getting loud.”

“Sorry,” Rainbow apologized, still smiling.

“This is all pretty amazing to hear,” Dameer admitted.

“Yeah, it is,” Neighshyte agreed, “I knew they would be cool, big brother!”

“But... what does all of this have to do with us? Why come down here and tell us all of this?” the older brother demanded.

“Well...” Rainbow hesitated for a moment. “Consider this greedy, or whatever, but I thought you lot could be useful. Our side is building a resistance to challenge the military before the Voidwalker shows up and our time is super, super short. Your baby brother said that the outcasts go around the city all the time. I thought you could make nice scouts, keep an eye on the movement of officials, that sorta thing.”

“I... suppose we could try that,” Dameer said thoughtfully.

“There's more. After hearing what happened to you all... I really want to help you, beyond just winning your allegiance. You've been losing your faith, you're all practically starving, living here in the sewers... heck, Grape's child is sick. If you guys don't wanna help us to avoid putting yourselves at risk, that's fine, but join us in the Crossroads anyway for your own good.”

“How can we help them, Dash?” Pinkie pleaded with a worried look.

“Food and medicine cost money, Pinkie. Remember my air show payment? The Wonderbolts were very generous with my little windfall of bits, and if there's one pony who doesn't need riches to march around with swagger, it's totally me.”

“We should probably think about this...” Grape suggested, sitting up straight. “But whatever you all decide, I'm game for Dash's help. Appleberry's out of diapers and I'm tired of using newspapers like he's some house pet. We need food, too, but I'm not as worried about me than the rest of you. Appleberry could use actual baby food, not just what I can provide for him.”

Rainbow Dash got to her hooves. “We'll leave you guys to decide for yourselves, but remember, Grape: Your health is important to your child, too. You can't nurse him if you starve, can ya? Whether you all choose to help us or not, go to the Amber Cottage in the Crossroads and talk to Amadeus. He'll give you guys food.”

She turned to leave, spotting three horse foals entering the room as she did so. There were two fillies and a colt, looking startled to see her. She figured these had to be Neighshyte's friends, who were out looking for food.

“So, Crossroads. Amber Cottage. Amadeus. If a stallion named Soarin is there, ask him about my money, he's holding onto most of it. Take every single bit, my daughter and I will get by, even if I gotta take up that second job again. C'mon, Pinkie, let's bounce!”

“Dash... can I talk to you first? Please,” Pinkie begged, looking hopeful.

“Uh... yeah, Pinkie. Why wouldn't you be able to? Duh. Seriously, am I suppose to ignore ya all the way to Mesa?” Dash joked.

“No... now.” Pinkie sounded dead serious.

“Sure... now,” Dash echoed.

“Be right back,” Pinkie assured Neighshyte as she followed Rainbow out of the room, past the confused foals and Marius at the door.

“What's up, Pinkie?” Dash asked, though she felt in her hear that she already knew what her friend was about to say.

“I'm staying,” Pinkie admitted abruptly, giving her an apologetic look.

Rainbow didn't need to ask why. She had rarely seen her pal looking as depressed as she did while listening to the plight of the outcasts. Pinkie lived for making others happy, and there were twelve hungry, upset, and lost children inside the Hideout. Losing their faith and losing their hope.

“I wanna be there for them, answer any questions they have. I just... I think they need me, Rainbow Dash! I wanna make them smile, the way they talked about being abandoned... it breaks my heart. Even if they don't decide to go to the Amber Cottage, they need somepony like me.”

“I'm not gonna try to stop ya, Pinkie, but remember that we need you, too. We can't destroy the Voidwalker or blast the evil out of Wave Chill or that warlock without you and the Element of Laughter.”

“When it's time to fight, you know where to find me! And we'll take it on together, all of our friends! And we'll bring smiles to everyone and everypony in this entire city! But right now, I'm better off bringing smiles to the faces of Neighsh and his friends, I think!” Pinkie spoke earnestly. “Besides, I'm a pastry chef, so I know how to cook. I have some money on me... I could buy them ingredients and cook them up a really, really yummy meal! Even if I gotta use... ick, meat... for Marius, Fenuku, and the twins!”

“Alright, just make sure Grape Blossom can get medicine for Appleberry. If they want to stay put, we can't force them, but drag that filly to the Amber Cottage if ya gotta! Give her all of my money if I'm not there to do it myself. Get the foal to a doctor and get some medicine! Pinkie Promise?” Rainbow implored her.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Pinkie beamed.

“Keep us updated and keep safe, 'kay? And don't forget, seven o'clock on Monday is when the Voidwalker will be summoned... we'll freakin' need ya for that. We don't even have sixty hours...”

“I'll be there, Pinkie Fly!”

“Hey, it's Rainbow Dash until I can get my disguise again. I'm gonna check out the free market and find my way to Mesa, then... Good luck, Pinkie!”

“Bah, lucky!” Pinkie sighed, but she giggled anyway and jumped upon Rainbow, wrapping her hooves around her.

“Stay safe, Pinkie...” Dash begged her, patting her friend's mane.

Pinkie Pie grinned broadly and bounced back into the boiler room, pausing to look back at her. Rainbow turned and walked down the hallway, feeling buoyant.

She really felt like she had a purpose in this city now. They weren't just battling Wave Chill and the Voidwalker for Equestria; they were fighting for the 'innocent of Gymkhana', as Soarin had put it.

She could not, would not allow herself to fall into the same depressed stupor that she had slogged through for so long. She was determined, determined to remain calm, to remain confident, to remain strong. If possible, she could not allow her fear to consume her, there was simply too much at stake. Rainbow Dash would treat her fear and worries just the same as she treated crying: it has to be avoided.

Halfway across the metal walkway, Dash remembered that she was no longer in the company of earth or unicorn ponies. She gratefully threw out her powerful wings and flexed them lovingly. With a gallop, she leapt into the air and flapped them. Dash soared over the garbage and the dirty streams of murky water, circling higher and higher in the freezing cold, stagnant, smelly air. As she went, she thought about how awful a place it was to live down here. She prayed that the outcasts would take them up on the offer. Yeah, the sewers would make a great hiding place, she had to admit it. However, she wouldn't stand by and let them live here full time, even if she had to pay for their rooms in the Amber Cottage out of her own pockets.

'Gotta give 'em credit, though... especially Grape... they're holding out well,' she thought to herself. Grape Blossom was still a filly, yet there she was, a strong mother of a foal. That couldn't be easy, but her attitude suggested that she had self confidence and was maybe even comfortable with her life, regardless of the hand that fate had dealt her. Rainbow felt deeply sorry for what had happened to that girl, but she was nevertheless impressed.

She flew over the poor citizens of Gymkhana, closer to upper levels of the sewers where it was warmer. There were so many things wrong with the city, but Wave Chill and Gwyndolin were just making things worse. How far had their corruption extended through the government? What the hell were their motives? Did they have the leaders bewitched? Who else was working with them? What does the Voidwalker want?

These questions bludgeoned her brain as she soared back to the free market. She had no answers. Dash didn't even know if Luna had any answers. All she could do was hope that they would finally meet with the Princess soon. She touched down outside a stall near the centre of the hall. There was a satyr manning it, hunched over and carefully pouring a bright cyan liquid from a long vial into a larger container.

“Excuse me,” Dash requested, not really wanting to disturb the alchemist, “but can you tell me something?”

“I suppose, miss,” he said without interest, reaching for several herbs and crushing them in his palm. He deposited them into the beaker and shook it vigorously, corking it with a claw. “Are you looking for a potion?”

“A potion?” Rainbow questioned, momentarily distracted. “I thought alchemy was used for teleportation?”

The alchemist laughed. “You must be new to the city! Alchemy and magic, together, link the transporters leading to and from the Station. Alchemy can used to enchant letters or symbols, you see. It turns them into vessels to hold magic, like teleportation or transmogrification spells. It has other purposes, of course, but enchantments are the easiest. So, what did you need?”

“That's pretty... neat, I guess! Anyways, yeah, I wanted to know if you could tell me which of the transporters up that ramp over there would take me to Mesa,” Rainbow explained.

“Do you work there? Otherwise, the military isn't happy with citizens or tourists going to the Mesa District right now,” he explained.

“Yeah... I'm aware,” Rainbow said. “I'll take the risk.”

He cocked a furry eyebrow at her. “Very well. The middle one.”

“Thanks,” Rainbow Dash replied.

Flapping her wings yet again, she flew over the crowded market and up the twisting ramp on the far side of the commons. Landing by the circles, she took a deep breath, walked upon the middle glyph, and exhaled. The red mist swam around her, the feeling in her limbs left her, and she was enclosed by darkness for a moment.

The mid-afternoon sun blazed overhead, making her plumage slick with sweat. Her heart pounded in her chest as she flew over the ruins of the chapel, the very site where the outcasts had lost everything. Other buildings didn't fare any better, she noticed. Clearly, the Voidwalker had perused the Wonderbolts in and around the district as they battled the military. How could a mere shadow cause such destruction? She wondered if the true threat of the Voidwalker was something hidden by the darkness that surrounded it. She steeled herself, determined not to feel fear as she imagined the shadowy form of King Sombra swooping over the Crystal Empire.

She had seen enough. Since leaving the tunnels for the Mesa District, she had flown all over the slums, surveying the damage, watching the horses and guards moving about, observing clean-up crews still working on clearing the debris. It was no small wonder to her why the poor had clogged the sewers; there seemed to be no actual residents left in the district.

Rainbow Dash spotted a large, queerly-coloured building against the city wall. It was painted white and black in a checkered fashion. Assuming this was either the news centre or a giant bathroom, she decided on the former and dipped low and skidded to a halt.

As she approached the doors, they flew open and a horse galloped out, carrying a stack of newspapers strapped over his back. Well, Dash thought, that cleared that up nicely. She walked up to an open window on the side of the building, where a sleepy-looking anubis was leaning against a counter.

“Hmm?” she mumbled, lifting her head off her arms.

“Uh, hi,” Dash greeted awkwardly.

“You look like a paint factory exploded!” the anubis gasped. “Can I help you?”

Rainbow Dash smirked. “Yeah, my colours rock. So, this is one of the city's news centres, right?”

“Yeah, it is,” the anubis clerk replied. “Not many come by aside from workers these days, but we're kept busy shipping papers to the closest districts.”

“Hey, whatever pays the bills, am I right?” Rainbow jested lightheartedly. “So, uh, do I just ask for a paper, or do I gotta buy one, or do ya just tell me?”

“You ask for a paper to buy, but they're only two bits,” the tired clerk explained. “Or I could just tell you whatever you wanna know, as you're the only pony, hell, the only anyone to come by today.”

“That works for me!” Dash laughed. “I wanna know what's happening to the, uh, terrorists. The Wonder... Colts, or whatever they call themselves!”

“Aha, you're in luck! That's the front page of the evening herald!” she explained, rummaging around out of sight and extracting a stack of newspapers. She separated one from the pile and held it out. “Feel free to read the story, but I want that back if you aren't gonna buy it.”

“Thanks...” Dash said, unfolding the copy of 'Gymkhana Herald, Evening Edition'.

She turned around so that the sun shown clearly upon the words on the paper. The front page had a large picture of the Wonderbolt's insignia, Soarin's cutie mark. Below it, she read the accompanying story.

Your Evening Herald is pleased to inform its readers, the proud citizens of Gymkhana, that judgement has been passed upon the terrorists responsible for the events of nearly two weeks ago.

The Wonderbolts, the notorious team of psychopathic pegasi, organized by Princess Celestia in Equestria, have made their mark well known upon this glorious and ancient city. The Wednesday before last, they attacked the Mesa District with a terrifying and evil creature of darkness and corruption. Tragically, many lives were lost and the city has yet to recover from the structural damage to many of the oldest buildings in Gymkhana.

While the Festival of Summer Flames celebration is in full-swing, our brave citizens pray and give tribute to our Sun God, Osiris, thankful for His warmth and light to help these deep wounds heal. The recently re-branded crown of the Saddrabian military, the Tempered Feather, meanwhile, is prepared to carry out justice in the name of Osiris and the citizens of this fine city.

Lead by the beloved Commander-in-Chief, the pegasus Azure Wings, the Tempered Feather had successfully captured four of the terrorists responsible yesterday in a skirmish outside the city walls. Those captured include the Wonderbolt Captain, Spitfire, as well as the high-ranking members Fleetfoot, Lightning Streak, and Fire Streak.

After a short, private trial by the Ruling Council of Gymkhana, the criminals sentence is as follows: The pegasi will have their wings bound as they are hung before the palace in the Jewel District at 7:30 PM this evening. The execution will be overseen by Azure Wings himself and a delegation, including members of the Ruling Council and Azure Wings' personal entourage of Gwyndolin, Moonlight Sonata, and the best soldiers of the Tempered Feather. While it is rumoured that other members of the Wonderbolts are in or around the city, bringing the Captain to justice will surely serve a deadly blow to their morale and show Princess Celestia that we will not be intimidated.

Long live Gymkhana. Long live Saddle Arabia.

Rainbow Dash had barely the time to fully comprehend what she had read. As she read, her apprehension increasing with every word despite her own assurances of her bravery, she had not heard the gentle clip-clop of hooves approaching her. However, as they drew closer and closer to her, she could no longer ignore their noise.

As she lifted her head away from the paper, she was nearly blinded by the shimmering light reflecting off the tip of the spear pointed directly into her face. The clerk at the news centre gasped as a thickly-armoured stallion jabbed another spear in her direction.

“Go!” he commanded. “Close the window!”

Rainbow Dash heard her obey at once and the window slam shut behind her. She took a careful step back, away from the deadly weapon inches from her muzzle.

“Rainbow Dash, you really are stupid.”

No. It couldn't be possible, all of her senses had to be lying to her. The newspaper fell with a rustle to the dirty ground.

“Did you really think you of all ponies could fly around this city without my knowledge? It is pretty damn lucky I decided to check up on the progress with cleaning up this district before inspecting the gallows, huh?”

How could her fortune drop so low? She was foolish to come here without finding Twilight Sparkle and reapplying her disguise. But she never would have imagined that this would actually happen.

The guard before her stepped aside, allowing her a clear view of the pegasus she had developed a fierce hatred for. The bastard who had betrayed his brother, his teammates, and his kingdom. Steely blue coat, dark blue mane, Rainbow Dash glared into the dull green eyes of Wave Chill.

“I knew Spitfire had to be lying. There was no way my brother and Rapidfire would let the rest of them travel to Saddle Arabia alone. Figured you would tag along with Soarin. After all, my warlock saw you all board the train bound for Baltimare,” Wave Chill hissed, taking a step forward. “Hope you enjoyed reading tonight's top story. I sure wish you could see it all unfold later, but a worse fate awaits you, my dear.”

“You...” Rainbow Dash was having difficulty finding words. Whatever fear she had developed was long gone. Her chest heaved as anger and rage boiled in her blood.

“I'll enjoy hunting down my former Captain, Rainbow Dash. And Rapidfire, too. But, really, it's Soarin who I'm looking forward to meeting again the most!” He laughed wickedly.

“Dammit, W-Wave Chill!” Her voice shook with her fury. “COME TO YOUR SENSES! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?! YOU'RE BEING CONTROLLED, OR SOMETHING!” Rainbow roared at him. “YOUR BROTHER LOVES YOU! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO HIM?! FIGHT THE VOIDWALKER'S HOLD OVER YOU, IT'S NOT TOO LATE!”

Wave Chill paused a moment, his expression blank. Very slowly, his lips curled into a smile. That smile became a maniacal grin. “You... you actually think... I'm being mind controlled? DID IT EVER OCCUR TO YOU, RAINBOW DASH, THAT THIS ENTIRE OPERATION WAS MY IDEA TO BEGIN WITH?!”

“No...” She would not believe it.

“If there's anypony being controlled, it's these poor, unfortunate souls carrying spears beside me. I must say, the military was pretty damn boring until I staged this little coup. It was easy to lure my brother and the rest of the team here. All I had to do was play along and await the loving embrace of the Voidwalker, Rainbow Dash. I forced them to slaughter the ambassador's militia. I forced them to kill any Gymkhanite who dared rise up against them. This is my city, Dash, and it will lead me to destroying Equestria.”

“You're insane...” Dash spat, panting and gritting her teeth and her anger continued to bubble within her.

“No, I'm brilliant!” Wave challenged. “After I'm done watching Spitfire die, I'm going to hunt down Soarin, 'Dashie'. I'm going to enjoy, really, really enjoy telling him in loving detail all of the things I did to you, his little SLUT, before I killed you. And then I'll cut his throat, maybe. Or gouge out his eyes. Whatever tickles my fancy.”

Rainbow Dash flung out her wings. She could no longer speak, blind with rage, her blood coursing through her veins like electricity. Wave Chill roared with laughter, flicking out his own.

“Go on, then. Fly away, you coward. I'll catch you! I have the Voidwalker's blessings within my body and soul. With his boon, you will never outrun me. I control these wretches without effort. I caught up to Fleetfoot, perhaps the greatest flier in the world, just as easily.” Wave Chill waved off his guards, who backed away at once.

Rainbow Dash kicked off from the ground hard. Wave Chill's face immediately jerked up to the skies, ready to track her. It was precisely what she had expected him to do. She knew he would not have expected her to rush forward, not up. He would not see her racing through the air directly for him, ready to attack.

34 Justice in Gymkhana

There was an explosion going off. Mountains were crumbling, the earth was cracking, and huge, sharp shards of the sky were breaking away and falling like meteorites. The seas boiled, the wind became a tempest, then disappeared forever.

In other words, Rainbow Dash was absolutely livid. She had placed every ounce of her rage into her hooves as she twisted in midair, bending her back legs so that her thighs felt like an elastic band being pulled to its limit. She shot them forward, spurred on by the momentum of her kick off and vigorously flapping wings. She closed the distance between herself and the threat to her in the infinitesimal space between her brain signals controlling her own heartbeat.

She connected with the hardest buck she had ever done in her life. The warm flow of blood heated the underside of her hooves as she felt Wave Chill's nose break beneath her fury. They landed hard upon the ground, Dash practically standing on his face as they tore across the surface of the ground in an eight-foot skid.

“You destroyed your brother!” Rainbow Dash hissed, finding her voice immediately. She dropped down and seized the stunned Wave Chill by the front of his foreign military uniform with her left hoof. “I'll never forgive you for hurting Soarin!”

She punched her right hoof into his face with all the strength she had. She did not wait around to see his reaction or what new damage she had done to the pegasus. Rainbow Dash sprang off him and kicked off hard from the ground again, shooting straight into the air as she flapped her wings with all her might. None of Wave Chill's guards were pegasi, but if he recovered quickly enough, he would be on, and he had said that he was able to catch up to Fleetfoot effortlessly.

'Fleetfoot is a better flier.' Dash's thoughts were razor sharp as her anger began to ebb away as the warm, dry air of the desert tore at her eyes. 'I have to get back to Soarin. I have to warn everyone about the Wonderbolts. Dammit, dammit, DAMMIT!'

Tucking her wings close to her, she raced like a missile through the archway connecting the Mesa District to the district directly west of it, a long streak of her rainbow-colours trailing her. Rainbow knew that she would need to circle around half the city to reach the Crossroads and the safety of the Soarin's hooves. She flapped her wings again and twisted down an alleyway between two large buildings. Glancing behind herself, she saw Wave Chill already hot on her tail, leaving a dark blue haze behind him as the blood flowed freely from his face. His body rippled weirdly. Not desiring to find out what that meant, threw her eyes forward.

WHAM.

Her head had to have been cleaved into two halves. There was no way she could be in so much pain otherwise. Rainbow Dash did not know how, but Wave Chill had gotten ahead of her. He had punched her so hard in the jaw as she turned to the front again that she doubted the world would ever stop tilting sideways. She could not control her own wings and hit the ground hard, completely dazed.

“Bitch. You... bitch. I told you. I told you. I will catch you. It doesn't matter how fast you can fly, I caught the fastest pegasus in the world. Even faster than me. The Voidwalker guides my hoof, Rainbow Dash.” Wave Chill landed softly next to her, wiping the blood off his mouth. “You never had a prayer.”

The fight had left her. All of her anger was gone, replaced with shock and confusion. She did not feel fear, even though all hope was lost. She was disappointed in herself, in her own ignorance for going it alone into the Mesa District without the protection of her disguise. All of the breath left her body as he kicked her hard in the stomach, rolling her onto her back with his hoof. She was gasping for air, unable to think.

“I was looking forward to having you as my own little concubine. Nothing but a toy to play with until I got bored. I would have completely broken you, Rainbow Dash. Not just physically, either. Yes, I would have blinded and crippled you after awhile. But, no, I mean I would've broken your spirit entirely. Rainbow Dash, nothing but an empty shell of the confident and smart-ass mare she once was... I can almost picture you begging me for death, not that you'd have had a tongue to speak with.”

Rainbow stared up into his bruised face, trying to control her breathing. He placed a hoof on her throat as he towered above her, increasing the pressure. She tried to pull him off of her with her front hooves, but he was too strong.

“I'm going to kill you. Right now. You pissed me off back there, Rainbow Dash. Had you given up like a good little girl, you would have lived to see this city fall to the ground under the Voidwalker's strength.”

Dash's eyes widened as she stared into his own. His purples were elongating, reddening. The whites of his eyes had turned to green, while his dull-green irises became a lighter shade of red than his pupils. She had seen the glowing purple energy energy in her head before they formed, flowing from the eyes of his eyes. It was precisely the appearance that King Sombra had. The pressure against her throat was increasing, causing little white dots to obscure what she could see.

“You like it?” he asked, a smile creasing his lips. “The Voidwalker's boon, Rainbow Dash. My power... is like nothing you can possibly imagine. He can only share the boon with one being at a time, sadly. This meant that for a thousand years, no one could enjoy it, not while King Sombra was sealed away. Yes, indeed, you could say I'm not the same Wave Chill you are familiar with... no, I am so much more.”

“Ya absalutely righ'. Ya really are so much mo'. For example, ya dead, Wave Chill!” Rapidfire snarled from out of sight.

Before those glowing green eyes could look away from her own, Rainbow Dash felt the pressure ease off her throat as a body came flying across her vision. Rapidfire had tackled her enemy off of her. Dash rolled over on to her front and coughed, hearing the two pegasi slam against a wall. She hadn't registered the glowing raspberry aura around her body until she was dragged out of the alley.

“Oh, Celestia! Twilight, is she gonna be alright? We shoulda never split up, y'all were MAD to suggest it!”

“Now's not the time, Applejack! She should be fine, but what happened to her disguise? They aren't supposed to wear off for another hour or two!”

“How the hell should I know?!”

“Calm down! Hold her up, I'm going to try to teleport us back to Amadeus!”

“Rapidfire...” Dash mumbled stupidly, lightheaded and unfocused. The voices of her two friends sounded distant.

“Where in tarnation's Pinkie Pie? She was with her!”

“Safe, I hope... alright, here goes!”

She was already very weak from crashing to the ground and nearly being strangled. Teleportation always sapped some of the stamina of those affected by it. Rainbow was unable to stop herself slipping into the darkness gathering at the edge of her mind as the spell took hold.

Rainbow Dash came to. Her head was pounding like a beating heart and she felt hair tickling her face, though she didn't immediately open her eyes. Her head was resting on something soft, like a pillow. It was taking a lifetime for the nerves in her body to reach her brain, so she had no idea what she was lying on.

“Does it hurt, Rapidfire?” Sweetie Belle's voice asked.

“A li'l. As I've told yas, I'm fine!” Rapidfire hissed in response. “Ya kids are drivin' me nuts.”

“He's right, leave 'em alone, you two,” Applejack scolded from the side.

“Alright, but... gosh,” Apple Bloom whimpered softly.

“Twilight fixed me up best she could, so stop ya belly achin',” Rapidfire replied crisply. “I'll just borrow Botta Rocket's eye patch, he owes me a fava. Hell, he usually owes everypony a fava.”

Eye patch? Why would Rapidfire need an eye patch? Why would he need fixing up? Rainbow was still dizzy. It was hard to string two thoughts together, everything was slow.

“You two go on 'n' play in the other room,” Applejack commanded. “No arguments, either. Now... are you staying here with your mom, Scootaloo?”

“Yep,” came Scootaloo's voice, much closer than Rainbow expected.

“You're really brave, Scootaloo, sticking by Rainbow's side! No wonder she's so proud of you.” That voice belonged to Soarin. He sounded close by, too.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and quivered, wanting to make sense of everything. 'Well, damn,' she thought as pain shot through them. 'Celestia, that hurts.'

“Dashie?” Soarin stirred beside her and she felt the mattress she was laying upon shift.

“Man, my head? Killin' me,” Dash groaned. As her eyes adjusted, she saw the fuzzy outline of Scootaloo's hair. The filly was lying on top of her, her body warm to the touch. “Hello, Scoots! Ya miss me, or something?”

“Don't joke, you big dummy...” Scootaloo mumbled. “You almost d-died, Sis...”

“Wave Chill hurt nothin' but my pride. And, uh, my head. He punched me... pretty hard. No use trying to hide the fact that I was fighting him from ya, Scoots...” Dash said with a heavy sigh, staring at the ceiling.

“You promised you'd be careful...” Scootaloo croaked, burying her face into Rainbow's chest.

“I know, sweetheart... I screwed up, I should have come back the moment I lost my disguise, I'm sorry, Scootaloo...” Rainbow apologized, wrapping her arms around the filly.

“What happened to your disguise, Dashie?” Soarin asked gently, wrapping a wing around them both.

“Your stupid 'special science'!” Dash snapped. “I took that alchemy teleporter transmutation thingy and it removed Twilight's magic. We gotta travel the city the long way.”

“Oh... shoot, I didn't realize that would happen,” Soarin admitted.

Dash sat up, running a hoof through her frizzled mane, keeping the other wrapped around her child's back. She saw Twilight sitting on the opposite bed, frowning as she scanned a newspaper with the Wonderbolt insignia on the front page. Applejack was reading it over her shoulder, shaking her head in dismay. Soarin was laying on Dash's right. She twisted her head in Rapidfire's direction and recoiled.

“Not pretty, eh?” he asked with a soft chuckle. “I wish I cud say I repaid Wave in kind, but I had t' focus on gettin' da hell away from 'em. He was imposs'bly strong.”

The left-side of Rapidfire's ebony face had a terrific gash, extending from his forehead to the edge of his cheek, straight across one of his dull blue eyes. The wound looked recently cleaned, but... Rainbow Dash had to look away, trying to erase the image of his eye from her memory.

“Rapidfire, I'm so sorry...” She forced herself to look at him, it was the least she could do. “You saved my hide back there...”

“An eye fa ya life seems a reasonable trade, Rainba Dash. I got anotha one,” Rapidfire assured her. “I'm an old stallion, all rocks get weatha'd over time.”

“How did this happen, Dashie?” Soarin implored her, unable to suppress his rage as he took a sobering look over at Rapidfire's face. “How did my... brother... get you?”

“When the disguises fell, we met up with a boy in the Station, that portal, or tunnel, or whatever intersection. Me and Pinkie, I mean. Oh, right! Gosh, you all must be worried sick about...” Rainbow Dash trailed off as Twilight got off the opposite bed to approach her, leaving Applejack to re-read the paper herself.

“We already know about the outcasts; Pinkie Pie showed up ten minutes ago,” Twilight supplied. “Grape Blossom is in one of the spare rooms as we speak, with Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity. I think they're giving her son a bath.”

“She's here!” Rainbow gasped, relief filling her. “Thank Celestia, they listened! Right, anyway, so I went to the Mesa District to check out what the Voidwalker could do.”

“Is it bad?” Scootaloo asked meekly.

Rainbow hesitated. How much information should she still try to hide from the filly? “Yeah, it's bad, Scoots... but, uh, can you go play with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle? I'd rather you not hear this next part.”

Scootaloo paused, on the verge of speech. She must have realized it would have been no good. Instead, she leaned up and kissed Dash on the cheek, before slipping off the bed. Rainbow Dash waited until she had closed the door behind her before continuing.

“I went to the news centre and got a copy of the newest paper. By the looks of it... you all already know about the Wonderbolts,” she said, gesturing to the paper Applejack was holding.

“We do,” Soarin confirmed with a nod. “We're going to the execution, as it'll be our only chance to save them. Twilight believes the 'Moonlight Sonata' that the paper mentions is Princess Luna, so if we have to fight Wave Chill and allies... we should have back up.”

“Princess Luna said she could summon the Elements when we need them. I convinced Pinkie Pie to stay here with us, so if we need to use the Elements, all six of us will be there.”

“Awesome!” Dash said appreciatively. “So, to finish my story, Wave Chill saw me because I never had my disguise, I bucked him in the face like I did to that dragon, y'know, the one Fluttershy scared the crap out of. He chased me into that district you found us in, clocked me in the jaw and sent a freakin' earthquake through my head, and... I kinda can't remember much after that.”

“Dat district was 'Research Row',” Rapidfire explained. “Twilight insisted on inspectin' da schools. Lucky she did, eh?”

“I wanted to see the Gymkhana Grand University!” Twilight admitted. “Selfish of me, given our time limit...”

“Do you hear me complaining?” Rainbow questioned. “I'm glad you were there! Otherwise...” she drew a hoof across her throat. “Preeetty sure he woulda killed me.”

“Dat's what he told me. Soarin went nuts when he found out, didn't ya, Soarin?”

“You could say that,” Soarin admitted grimly. “I wanted to believe you when you said my brother could be saved, Dashie... I don't think that's possible anymore.”

Rainbow wrapped her hooves around him, placing a kiss to his forehead. “I'm sorry...” She seemed to be saying that a lot lately. “He said this whole mess was his doing from the get-go. I mean... the Voidwalker could still be controlling him, he has the Voidwalker's 'boon', or whatever. Maybe... maybe his soul is still his own, Soar, even if his mind isn't.”

“Nobel fa ya to defend da stallion who had 'is hoof against ya throat, Rainba,” Rapidfire noticed.

“I decided to stop being so damn depressing, Rapid. Sorry about your eye , and all, but if there's the smallest chance to save Wave Chill, I wanna make sure it can happen. I don't think I felt that way when he was threatening everypony, since I was freakin' pissed, but now that I've calmed down... yeah.”

It wasn't really so much that she wanted to save Wave Chill out of friendly affection for him, she thought. She would hold on to the faintest glimmer of hope in order to spare Soarin this terrible pain. He didn't look it at that moment, but she knew Wave's recent actions had completely shaken him.

“We'll do what we can for him,” Twilight said, a small touch of confidence in her voice. “The Elements of Harmony have never failed us. If Wave Chill's deepest nature is still good, the Elements should drive the Voidwalker's influence from him.”

“What is this 'boon' ya mentioned, Dash?” Applejack demanded from over on the other bed, finally throwing down the paper. “He's gonna be at the execution, so I'd like to know what we're gonna be goin' up against.”

“I'm... not really sure,” Dash admitted. “I remember him mentioning it, but most of what he said after he knocked my head off my shoulders is a bit of a blur.” She gave a shudder, remembering something along the lines of having her beg for death. “I'm sure it was all pretty damn sick, though.”

“It's prob' where he got all his powa,” Rapidfire suggested. “He used magic to conjure dis green blade that fixed itself onto the edge of his hoof. Dat's when the sonuvabitch slashed me. No offense, Soarin.”

“None taken,” Soarin replied with a grim laugh. “You never did tell us how you got away, Rapid...”

“I suppose a story couldn't 'urt. But, once I'm done, we really shud get goin'. The execution's at 7:30; it was nearly five last time I checked, just before Rainba Dash woke up.”

“Yeah, we'll get over there as soon as we can, but I'm curious to hear how ya got away myself!” Rainbow said. “So, cough up, Rapidfire!”

“Well, once Twilight Sparkle and Applejack got ya outta there, I wrassled with 'em best I cud. Dat boon made him really strong, howeva, so I had to play a little dirty... drove my knee into his groin. He responded by slashin' me. I countered by tossin' him through da window of a buildin' on one side of the alley. Den I dove through the window of a diff'rent one. Spread my wings and sped to da opposite side. It was a classroom, I think... pretty sure I spotted a blackboard with my gud eye,” Rapidfire told them, sitting down beside Applejack on the opposite bed. “Once I left da school through da otha window, I went through anotha building! Dis was owned by an old couple, scared dis poor mare outta her wits, prob' 'cause I was bleedin' so bad. Flew up da stairs, out anotha window, and soared as fast as I cud around more alleyways until I saw a tunnel.”

“You were going for the Station?” Rainbow asked, remembering that had been her plan when she was fleeing from Wave Chill: lose him and duck into a tunnel.

“Yup. Was my best hope. I rememba'd the alchemy B.S. from my last trip to Gymkhana. Raced as high as I cud, into da shadows of da ceiling, flew over da alchemist market, and took da portal to Crossroads. 'Ere I am. I bet Wave Chill must be bloody rippin' dat we all gots away, but dem's da breaks, eh?”

“He's probably just happy he got your eye,” Soarin said bitterly.

“Yeah, seriously...” Dash winced, feeling so very guilty. “I'm sorry I pretty much cost you that...”

“For da love o'... da pair of yas sounds sound like dem Crusadas!”

He got up and tore off a piece of a bright amber bed sheet with his teeth. He wrapped it around his head at a slanted angle, covering the wound. Adjusting it slightly with his hooves, he relaxed.

“Shoulda done dis since da beginnin'... I'll get an alchemist to look at it afta dis evenin', eitha to fix it or remove it, dependin' on whetha it can be saved or not.”

“An alchemist? Why not a, y'know, doctor?!” Dash demanded, cocking an eyebrow.

“You'll see...”

Rainbow Dash shrugged and shuffled off the bed at long last, getting to her hooves and standing up straight, stretching. She figured she had been lying in bed uselessly long enough. She wanted to see Grape Blossom and Appleberry before they all set out for the Jewel District. Falling back to four hooves, she shot a look over at Twilight and Applejack.

“I'ma go check up on the others. Then we should get our disguises on and head for Jewel,” she suggested.

Applejack reached into her saddle bag, resting against the bed, and pulled out a pocket watch. “Yeah, we definitely should. They'll be dead by the time we get there!” Applejack had grinned at the humour before she realized the irony and suddenly looked stoney-faced.

“Before you go, Rainbow...” Twilight began quickly, looking from Applejack to Rainbow Dash herself. “I think Soarin and Rapidfire should stay here. Do you two agree?”

“Absolutely,” Applejack said at once, skirting over her momentary embarrassment. “We can't have Wave Chill recognizin' either of ya, now he knows yer both here.”

“None of yous got da authority to keep us anywhere,” Rapidfire snarled, throwing them a venomous look. “I will be dere to save Spitfiah and da others!”

“I've got the authority to keep Soarin here!” Rainbow snapped back, feeling incensed.

“Like hell you do!” Soarin replied with a whip-like crack in his voice, leaping to his hooves. Rainbow took a step back, alarmed at this. He seemed to notice her surprise at his outburst. “I'm sorry, but I can't just sit here while you all go risk yourselves for the team. Spitfire's my longest friend, I'm going.”

“Wave Chill knows you're both here, though!” Twilight reminded them, her voice cracking somewhat. “I don't have time to work up disguises for both of you, Rapidfire's wrappings make him stand out, he'd recognize those...” She jabbed a hoof at their cutie marks: Rapidfire's light grey flame and Soarin's wings and lightning bolt. “It's too dangerous!”

“I'll see if Amadeus has cloaks, den,” Rapidfire said, turning to leave immediately. He paused at the door. “I'll meet ya all in da lobby.”

Soarin made to follow him. Rainbow reached a hoof out and gave his mane a tug. “Soarin, please...” she implored, looking him deeply in the eyes. “Can you seriously not freakin' go?”

“Dashie, I told you I wanted you at my side for this whole damn thing,” Soarin reminded her. “But that works in reverse, too. I will be at your side. Wave Chill will be there with his warlock and guards... you honestly expect me to just sit comfortably here at the inn?”

Rainbow sighed, feeling Applejack's hoof on her shoulder. She let go of Soarin's mane and turned around to face her. Applejack always had a way of calming her down, and now was no different.

“He's made up his mind. They both have, Dash. I know you're worried about his well being, but you've gotta trust his decisions, even if ya don't agree with 'em... even if none of us agree with 'em!”

Rainbow looked sadly in the direction of the doorway, which he had just left through. “Why's he gotta be so stupid...?”

“You said yourself the Wonderbolts are like a big family. I mean, I thought it was a good idea for them to stay behind, but I understand why they both want to go,” Twilight explained.

“Horseapples...” Dash sighed. “I'm just sure Wave Chill is quite capable of murder... he was determined to track Soarin down, too. I'm trying to remain positive, because I know this is all so important, but...” She sighed again. “Whatever, I'm going to check up on the others. I'll meet you guys back in here in a bit and we'll all disguise.”

They both nodded and Rainbow strolled out of the room. Once into the hallway, she listened at the door of the adjacent room. She could hear the Cutie Mark Crusaders having some sort of scuffle. Concern filled her until she heard the giggling and Rainbow rolled her eyes. Making a mental note to make sure she said 'goodbye' to Scootaloo before leaving, she walked across to the other side of the hallway and listened at a door. Rarity's voice met her ears and she rapped a hoof on the door.

“Oh! Hello,” Fluttershy greeted, opening the door. “I'm so glad you're awake!”

“Thanks, Flutters!” Dash said appreciatively, giving the shy pony a quick hug. “We'll be leaving soon, just wanted to see how you're all doin'.”

Dash followed Fluttershy into the room and closed the door behind her. Rarity was levitating a large wooden tub of water into the air and debating how she would get it out of the room without spilling it. Dash didn't bother asking how she got it into the room in the first place.

“Rainbow Dash!”

Following the voice, she saw Grape Blossom sitting on one of the beds, wrapped in a white towel. Appleberry was sitting in Pinkie Pie's lap beside her, also wrapped in a cloth. He was awake now and staring up at the pink pony, studying a little wooden pony she was dancing through the air and giggling.

“Hey, kiddo,” Rainbow greeted her, walking over and sitting on a bed opposite her. “So, they gave you a bath as well?”

“Your friend Rarity insisted that I 'smelled like a spit-roasted swine',” Grape informed her, throwing her eyes to the heavens. “Marius would say that smells awesome, but I'll trust the pony who looks like she's a frickin' beauty queen!”

“Are the others going to come, too?” Dash asked, leaning back against the bed comfortably, with both front hooves behind her to keep her balanced.

“I think Dameer and Neighsh will, Numane's bound to come since he kinda digs me, but I'm not so sure about the rest. Pinkie brought me here on my own because Appleberry's fever spiked.”

“How's he doing now?” Dash looked over at Pinkie, who was bouncing the foal on her lap.

“He's as perky as a pickle!” Pinkie said, beaming down at him as she removed the wet cloth around him. “All dry, too!”

“I was an idiot, Rainbow Dash...” Grape said with self-disgust in her voice, throwing her face in her hooves.

“W-what?” Dash stammered, taken aback. “Why?”

“I should have taken Appleberry and set out for the surface the moment we finished talking. He needs a doctor and medicine, but it's too late in the day to get anything now! Every time his fever goes up or he's crying for no reason, I know it's getting worse and worse...”

“Don't sweat it, kid! You're here now, aren't ya? He'll make it until the morning, then we'll get him help together, alright?” Rainbow promised her. “I just hope tonight goes smoothly.”

“You're... going after Azure Wings, aren't you guys? Can you beat him? He's already taken you out, Rainbow Dash! Don't get yourself killed, please.”

“We...” she hesitated, frowning at Grape, wishing she could give a concrete answer. “We're gonna rescue the Wonderbolts, but if we've gotta fight him... we'll fight. Hopefully we'll have the Elements with us and this nightmare will be over tonight. It almost... seems silly, when I think about it... I thought you and your friends would be useful in helping us out. I mean, you might still be, but... our time is so short, there's not much we can really do to make a difference beyond taking down Wave Chill and Gwyndolin.”

“Maybe they could help the New Lunar Republic?” Fluttershy suggested, causing Rainbow Dash to jump. As usual, her shy and quiet demeanour meant that she had completely forgot that Fluttershy was in the room.

“Maybe...” Dash shrugged. “We don't even know their plans yet.”

“Uh... who's Wave Chill?” Grape asked after a pause.

“That's Azure Wings' real name. He is... well, was, a Wonderbolt. Soarin is his brother, he's the second-in-command.”

“Soarin? That's the cute guy you're dating, right?” Grape demanded.

“We aren't dating,” Rainbow said quickly, sighing. “If things were different, yeah, we would be, but... how can we even think about being together when everything's going crazy all around us? But, uh... how'd you even know about that?”
“She asked about you...” Fluttershy murmured softly. “So I told her all about you. For example, training to be a Wonderbolt... the Sonic Rainboom... being a weather pony... oh, and all about Scootaloo and Soarin. Et cetera.”

“My life story, then!” Rainbow grinned, shaking her head in bemusement. “As long as you didn't tell her about the Mare-Do-Well thing.”

“That's when your friends were dressing up as a costumed hero, right?” Grape asked excitedly.

“Dammit, Fluttershy!”

“Language!” Pinkie hissed, covering Appleberry's ears. “There is a child present!”

“We should... get going,” Rainbow muttered, breathing deeply as she stood up. “I'll catch up with ya later, Grape. I'm glad you came.”

“Best of luck with everything!” Grape wished her, accepting her son from Pinkie Pie. “Aunt Pinkie's gotta go, Appleberry... yes, I know, I know.” For he had started to whimper, screwing up his face and biting his lip. “Mommy's gotta feed you, you can play with Pinkie Pie later.”

“Whoops!” Pinkie giggled, realizing she was still holding the wooden pony. She handed it to Appleberry, who relaxed at once, smiling with delight. “Buh-bye!

“We all set to go?” Soarin asked as Rainbow Dash and her friends joined him some five minutes later, fresh disguise spells applied. “It won't be long before it's seven... forty-eight hours to go.”

“Yeah, let's not do the countdown thing... “ Rainbow Dash said, flinching. “We're just waiting on the Crusaders to finish trying to kill each other.”

As if on cue, the left door to the lobby opened up and Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom joined them. Rainbow was very happy to see the hopeful look Scootaloo threw her. Sweetie ran to her sister and Rarity bent low to nuzzle her.

“For Heaven's sake, be careful, Rarity...” Sweetie implored her. “I'm not even kidding, I need you to come back...”

“We'll be fine, sweetheart,” Rarity assured her, wrapping a hoof around the unicorn filly. “This will be all about proper stealth and subtlety, after all.”

Rainbow Dash was studying Scootaloo carefully. Would her child be able to maintain her bravery, or was Scootaloo going to suffer another attack? The orange filly approached her and Rainbow dropped low.

“You gonna be able to stay brave for me, squirt?” Rainbow asked her very gently, wrapping her wings around Scootaloo.

“I'll try... please be okay...” Scootaloo gave a shudder and Rainbow kissed her forehead. “I k-know you're gonna try to save the W-Wonderbolts... d-don't do anything stupid, please!”

“We won't fight the bad guys unless we absolutely gotta, I promise. Can you believe me?” Rainbow Dash asked her, feeling the filly collapse into her chest. Scootaloo nodded softly.

Apple Bloom didn't seem able to find any words. Applejack seemed to understand. She stood on her hind legs and allowed the yellow filly to leap into her arms. The three pairs remained wrapped around the fillies for a moment later until, one by one, they all broke apart.

“Good luck, all of you,” Amadeus spoke as he walked out of the back room. “I will keep your youngsters safe... and that new girl, too.”

“Let's roll,” Rainbow said with a deep breath.

“How are we gonna rescue the Wonderbolts without fighting Wave Chill and his goons?” Applejack asked the group as they departed the Amber Cottage for the dusty street beyond.

“AJ...” Dash sighed. “I have no idea.”

“Where's the Jewel District, precisely? I mean, had the circumstances surrounding our little foray into this city been different, the Jewel District would sound like my kind of spot!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Da rich folks live dere,” Rapidfire huffed, throwing on a cloak. “We go East. Alls we gotta do once we get close is follow da crowd, since executions in Saddle 'Rabia are public. I'm expectin' a good showin' to see da 'terrorists' hung.”

“How'd you know the executions are public?” Applejack asked.

Rapidfire took his time answering. “I've... been to one, dat's all. Years and years ago.”

Rainbow was curious, but she could tell that he wasn't keen on discussing it. Instead, she glanced over at Soarin, who was busy adjusting his own cloak. She wondered how he would react upon seeing his brother again. How exactly would he handle being in range of the stallion who had not only tried to kill her, but blinded Rapidfire in one eye?

“Why are executions carried out in the evenings?” Twilight asked interestedly.

“More religious nonsense,” Rapidfire spat, leading them down the road. “Dey believe da condemned are not worthy of Osiris' light, which is considered strongest between da mornin' and noon.”

“There's nothing wrong with Gymkhanites worshipping Osiris, Rapid...” Dash said before she could stop herself, thinking of the outcasts.

“I know dat, but I have me own reasons for distrustin' the whole lot of dese sun followers!” Rapidfire spoke with a finality in his voice.

“Uh... fair enough,” Dash replied, shrugging.

Once down the 'cross' street, they turned right and Rapidfire lead them up to the steps ascending to a higher section of the district. In the distance, the palace loomed overhead. It was tall, golden in colour, with many spires and great violet banners flying in the gentle breeze of the evening. For perhaps the thousandth time, Rainbow Dash wondered what the interior looked like or what the Ruling Council's intentions could be. Were they bewitched, like she was still positive Wave Chill was? She didn't care how much he claimed the coup was his own idea; she trusted Soarin's proclamations that Wave Chill was never a cruel pony before.

“If we get through the next two days, it would be awful nice to enjoy the city for a bit, eh? See the palace, maybe.” Applejack had clearly noticed her staring at the large building. “We've barely seen a thing this place has to offer,” she continued, giving the rim of her stetson a twirl, “seein' the Festival in full swing was alright, but Gymkhana is huge. So much to do see.”

“Remember, girls... this isn't a vacation,” Soarin reminded them.

“Yeah, no kiddin', 'cause we clearly didn't know,” Rainbow replied sarcastically, although she winked and grinned sideways at Applejack.

“I'm just saying, Dashie...” Soarin sighed. “Please, don't get upset.”

“I'm not! I'm just messin' with ya, Soar!”

The party turned left and descended a twisting road circling around the outskirts of the palace grounds. The entire trek so far had presented them with the sight of a handful of horses or satyrs mingling about as curfew drew nearer and nearer, but as they got closer to the Jewel District, the crowd was beginning to swell. What was more, there were guards, dozens and dozens of them. Horses and pegasi, all heavily armoured and carrying spears.

Rainbow felt her stomach clench painfully and she experienced a surge of guilt for acting so lighthearted given what was coming. Resolving to take this a bit more seriously, she focused one last time on the palace. They would need to skirt the northern edge as they continued to move around it, which told her the Jewel District was the northernmost section of the city.

She was suddenly very thankful that Wave Chill had not decided to change the time of the execution once he realized they were all in the city. Unless, she dreaded, he already did, and the massive crowd wasn't aware of it yet. What if they arrived in the square before the palace and discovered them already...

She pushed the thought from her mind.

They joined the crowd approaching the dividing archway between the two districts. Rainbow noticed that Soarin and Rapidfire were not the only ones wearing cloaks. Indeed, directly in front of them she could see several horses and two anubis wearing cloaks. This would help the two Wonderbolts blend in better, which was now one less worry burdening her or burying her recent optimism.

“Rememba, stick togetha and try to be a bit more serious, Rainba Dash...” Rapidfire whispered back to the group as more and more joined the moving throng.

“Don't worry about it, Rapid,” she returned. “Already taken care of.”

“I always find a bit of humour and fun can defuse an otherwise tense situation!” Pinkie whispered excitedly. “Execution, schmexecution.”

“Are you seriously for real right now, Pinkie?” Applejack demanded in a low hiss.

“What?” Pinkie asked defensively. “We're gonna rescue them, so why worry?”

“Keep ya traps shut!” Rapidfire growled. “If we get caught... this isn't ova yet!”

“Right, good point!” Pinkie agreed, falling silent.

Rainbow Dash averted her eyes from their group, glancing around to double check that none of the other Gymkhanites had picked up on their conversation. Luckily, they all seemed to be absorbed in their own discussions about the upcoming display of justice. She was about to turn her head forward again when something caught her eye.

A momentary gleam of bright silver in the evening sky. It had come from the top of one of the city walls, just to the East of one of the five towers along the city's circumference. It flashed again, this time much closer to the tower, as though it were moving. She paused in her tracks, causing Fluttershy to bump into her and fall to the ground. She blinked once and the gleam had vanished. Turning quickly, she reached out a hoof and pulled Fluttershy back to her hooves, mumbling a quick apology.

'What... in the name of Firefly's classic disco-shorts was that?' Rainbow thought to herself, slightly disconcerted. No one else was looking around in confusion, merely in amusement at Fluttershy's stumble. She looked embarrassed and stared at the ground until the Gymkhanites ignored her.

They passed through the gate and Dash immediately knew they had reached their destination. The crowd was larger than ever as they gathered around a long, flat, raised stone platform. Judging by the worn state of it, it had to be a regular feature of the square. Standing atop the platform, supported by four thick wooden posts, Rainbow saw the gallows. There was a winding staircase leading up to the floor of the structure itself, situated some ten feet above the stone base. Above it was a single beam with four ropes with plenty of slack thrown over it. The fact that the stone platform and the gallows were located in the 'rich' district unnerved her, almost as though it doubled as entertainment.

“JUSTICE!” someone in the crowd roared, a sentiment that was echoed on all sides.

“GLORY TO THE TEMPERED FEATHER!” a pegasus roared, throwing a hoof into the air.

“HAIL AZURE WINGS!” a horse mare cried, stamping her hooves.

“OSIRIS SHINES UPON OUR CITY!” an anubis cheered.

Rainbow Dash, feeling sick, moved to stand with her friends, Soarin, and Rapidfire on the right-most edge of the gathered mass, ensuring the drop area was clearly visible. Spectators continued to flood the square as the minutes passed.

“What time is it?” Rainbow whispered to Soarin as she continued to gaze upon the gallows.

“It's nearly time... they'll bring them out soon, I expect,” Soarin replied in a croaky whisper.

“So, uh... what exactly is our actual course of action? What did you lot decide while I was chillin' out unconscious?” Dash enquired in a low voice.

“Twilight and Rarity will each target two of them. They'll sever the ropes with magic... both sets, the ones around their necks and the ones preventing them from spreading their wings. Once they're free... who knows, Dashie?” Soarin sighed. “We'll need to ensure that not only can Spitfire and the others get away, but that we do, too...”

“This plan.. is bad,” she whispered bluntly. “Like, really bad. But we don't really have a choice, do we? If they chase the Wonderbolts and we try to slow them down, we're gonna give ourselves away. I...” She swore softly. “I dunno, Soarin...”

Her confident little bubble was bursting. How exactly were they supposed to get out of this? If Twilight and Rarity released the Wonderbolts, Wave Chill and his little group would just recapture them, so Rainbow and her friends would have to intervene somehow and expose themselves.

Her musings were cut short as a hush fell over the crowd. She saw everyone craning their necks to spot something in the sky. Looking up as well, she saw him. He was floating high above the district, observing the gathering, wings beating steadily against the sky.

Wave Chill descended upon the gallows stage, folded his wings and looked out over the assembled ponies, horses, and other creatures. He cleared his throat loudly and tore off a pair of sunglasses he had sitting upon his repaired muzzle, stuffing them into a pocket of the uniform he was still wearing. Rainbow Dash could see that, while his face had been cleaned, either his own or Rapidfire's blood remained on his clothing.

“My friends,” he called out, rising to his hind legs and folding both front hooves behind his back, “tonight will be a glorious night! We can finally put behind us that terrible catastrophe. I am referring, of course, to the tragic events of ten days ago, when the Wonderbolts brought the darkness to the Mesa District. How, you may ask, did a mere trope of entertainers, specializing in aerobatics, pull this off? The answer is quite simple. The Wonderbolts are not what they appear to be.”

“No...” Rapidfire hissed, curving one of his hooves.

“What's wrong?” Applejack asked him in a hushed tone.

“He's gonna compromise our Order. Dat bastard... he's gonna tell dem all everything.”

“Bring them out!” Wave Chill roared loudly to a group of pegasi guards near the base of the platform. “They must face each and every one of you as I reveal their true purpose. Justice will be done this evening, my friends. The souls lost will be avenged and Gymkhana's darkest day may finally be forgotten when the four ropes behind me support the weight of these criminals.”

The guards at the base marched to a small tent that had been erected some fifteen yards away and vanished within its folds. Seconds later, they emerged, dragging their prisoners. With a pair of soldiers on either side of them, Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Fire Streak, and Lightning Streak were flown into the air as the pegasi headed for the gallows. Each of them were heavily bound by thick ropes, not only around their wings, but their front and back hooves as well. At the same time, a bright flash of jade light lit up the square by the stone platform. The same white-furred unicorn that Dash had seen on the ship when Wave Chill attacked had appeared as the light faded. She was flanked by an unrecognizable light blue unicorn. Behind them were five horse stallions. Two of them were dressed in regal clothing of bright golds and aquamarine. The other three were heavily armed soldiers.

Gwyndolin's black mane whipped around her body as the glow of her horn faded slowly. The coarse hairs on the back of Rainbow's neck were standing up; the magic flowing from this unicorn was unbelievable, even a pegasus like her could feel it rippling through the air. She could not remember sensing this back on the Herodotus, but she thought that maybe that was due to the fact that she had been so terrified at the time. Wave Chill took his eyes away from the approaching guards and stared down at the warlock, who returned his gaze. Nodding once to her, he fixed his eyes back upon the pegasi as they landed on the gallows.

The Wonderbolts were forced to stand on their hind legs below each of the four ropes, with Spitfire and Fleetfoot in the centre. Fire Streak was on Spitfire's left while Lightning Streak stood on Fleetfoot's right. The look that the Captain was giving her former teammate was pure hatred. It was only then that Rainbow Dash realized that every Wonderbolt had a cloth tied around their muzzle, preventing speech.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, if I may introduce to you...” Wave began, giving a bow to the finely-dressed horses as Gwyndolin lead them to the gallows stage. “Two representatives of our Ruling Council, Sultaan and Ameer. By their side stands Gwyndolin, the Court Sorceress, who will also be observing the execution along with Moonlight Sonata, our adviser.” Wave Chill gave a bow to each of them as he introduced them to the crowd, and as each returned it, Rainbow's heart leapt into her throat.

As Moonlight Sonata bent low in a bow, she swished her tail to the side and Rainbow Dash caught a perfect look at her thigh. A crescent moon upon patches of dark cloud. Princess Luna. She could have burst out laughing, relief flooding her. Of course, Rainbow recognized her now. It was the exact form Luna had taken when she had first reverted back from Nightmare Moon, the small alicorn with pale hair and mane, only she had hidden her wings somehow. With the Princess close by, how could the Wonderbolts be in danger?

“Now, as I've stated, many of you know that the Wonderbolts are a flight team, but they also double as a special group of sorts, contracted by Princess Celestia herself! They carry out her wrongful orders without question, for you see, the Wonderbolts are a secret military!”

Spitfire began to struggle at her bonds, eyes narrowed and face reddening. If her voice could carry beyond the rag covering her mouth, she would surely be swearing her head off. Wave Chill glanced back at her before turning to the front again. He was barely disguising his grin.

“I have a confession and I beg for your forgiveness, proud citizens of this great and most ancient city,” Wave Chill boomed, strolling back and forth across the stage. “I used to count myself amongst their numbers! I WAS A WONDERBOLT!” There were murmurs throughout the crowd. “While my former colleagues would plunder and murder willingly and without hesitation, I was forced to do terrible things that ate at my heart. I suffered with my sins until I called out to Osiris! He forgave me, friends, he forgave me! I found His light and my salvation. I renounced my wicked, unjust ways so that I could help this wonderful city and its souls usher in a new age.”

An applause rang out across the spectators. Rainbow Dash found herself sick to her stomach. She wasn't entirely sure how, but she knew, she absolutely knew, that these claims about Osiris were errant nonsense. He was lying and using their own faith as a crutch to win over the allegiance of the horses and other creatures, making Rainbow's blood boil.

“So, while my own soul was cleaned, Princess Celestia continued to send out her military to do her bidding and unlawfully advance Equestria's place in the world by oppressing lesser nations! To make matters worse... the Wonderbolts are not the only organization of their kind. There are others. In fact, they are connected!”

Due to Spitfire's struggling, the cloth silencing her had slipped down her neck to where the noose would soon be situated. Claiming her voice at long last, it sounded out over the square with a fury Rainbow had yet seen from her. It was terrible to behold.

“YOU PATHETIC, BACKSTABBING, SINFUL SON OF A BITCH! THE WONDERBOLTS GAVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER KNOWN! HOW DARE YOU BETRAY US? HOW DARE YOU BETRAY OUR PRINCESS WITH THESE LIES?! KEEP YOUR TONGUE INSIDE YOUR LYING FACE OR I WILL RIP IT OUT!” Spitfire struggled harder against her bonds and a soldier beside her punched her hard in the stomach.

“Imagine, fine Gymkhanites... this raging banshee is the Captain! It is no small wonder that the team had been so willing to do evil in this world, with such unbridled rage leading it.” He waited until the soldier had re secured the rag over Spitfire's mouth. Rainbow Dash could hear Rapidfire snarl as Soarin twitched beside her. “The Wonderbolts belong to a group that styles itself 'the Order'. It is an international crime syndicate with its claws rooted deeply into nearly every nation in the world! Princess Celestia is not the only corrupt ruler, and all of these heathens must be brought to justice before we will truly enjoy peace! Worry not, friends, justice will now be served as these ropes sever their ties to life, and Gymkhana will be one step closer to peace.”

Rainbow focused heavily upon Princess Luna, who had narrowed her own eyes slightly at Wave Chill, who's attention was back on his former teammates as the guards threw the ropes around their necks. One by one, they were tightened. Spitfire continued to glare, infused with rage. The other Wonderbolts had not struggled. Fleetfoot looked on sadly, perhaps disappointed in their failure or in her fate. Fire Streak was looking just as defiant as his brother as they stood proudly, prepared to die for Equestria, even if they had failed the mission.

Looking around, Dash saw both Twilight and Rarity staring unblinkingly at the gallows. Rarity was chewing her lip softly, completely focused. Twilight was frowning in determination. She caught Soarin's eye and saw the fear in his features, attempting to wordlessly reassure him that they still had Princess Luna for support, even if, say, zapping the Wonderbolts to her moon sanctuary the moment the section of floor they were upon dropped would reveal her espionage to their enemy.

“May your souls be cleansed,” Wave said simply, raising a hoof into the air. He never had a chance to bring it down.

“PROUD CITIZENS OF GYMKHANA, YOU HAVE BEEN LIED TO BY YOUR GOVERNMENT AND YOUR MILITARY!”

Wave Chill twisted around, hoof still in the air. He fell back on to all fours, eyes panning the crowd. Gwyndolin was imitating him, her teeth gritted. A babble of talk broke out amongst the gathered spectators as everyone looked this way and that for the speaker. Rainbow, who had tensed up greatly in anxiety as Wave Chill had prepared to order the execution, felt her heart pounding in her chest. Whoever had yelled out, the speaker had been female. The members of the Ruling Council, who had remained stoney-faced throughout Wave Chill's speech, were talking quietly to one another, looking confused.

“Dat voice...” Rapidfire breathed, scanning the skies. “I'll be damned...”

“YOU HAVE LIED TO THE GOOD AND HONEST FOLK OF THIS FAIR CITY, AZURE WINGS!” Rainbow Dash was prepared this time and caught the direction of the speaker, twisting to her right. There was a flash of silver above the dividing wall between the Crossroads and the Jewel District. “DO NOT BE FOOLED!”

The entire crowd was now looking over at the wall. Again and again, gleams of silver flashed in the dying light of the descending sun. After a moment, the outline of some creature formed, standing fall with its wings outstretched. A few seconds later, and a light seemed to ripple across its body as it solidified into sight. On top of the wall was a griffon, dressed in a bright gold uniform that matched her fur. Around her waist she wore a belt marked with strange, glowing runes. If her choice of clothing was odd, it was nothing compared to the metal she was wearing over her claws and feathers.

“My name is Major Hawkeye, the commander of the Steel Talons,” she spoke clearly, now that she had the attention of every being in the square.

“They must be the other group Amadeus mentioned!” Fluttershy gasped. “Do you all remember?”

No one bothered to tell her to keep her voice down as Hawkeye pointed a steel claw toward the gallows. “My forces have been observing the climate in this city for months. You may be duped into believing that the horrible events started with the attack on the Mesa District, but you would be mistaken.”

“Sir,” Rainbow could hear Gwyndolin say to Wave Chill, causing her to look back over to them, “shall I?”

“No, my dear... let this heretic speak, so that our friends may understand the lunacy that is behind the evil!”

“An unwise move,” Hawkeye said, licking her beak quickly. She tapped the belt once and vanished from sight, reappearing several seconds later standing below the gallows. “The Tempered Feather have been the poison that has been choking Gymkhana for weeks, long before Azure Wings took control of the military. The Wonderbolts were not in this city to attack, but to defend. This society must understand that everything is not as it seems.”

“Enough of this!” Wave Chill commanded, leaning over the edge of the platform to stare down upon Hawkeye. “This sick individual does not understand the words coming out of her mouth.”

“Steel Talons! Mark!” Hawkeye roared, jabbing a claw up at the gallows.

Dash gasped. One by one, all over the square, all over the walls, griffons appeared, the sun reflecting off of their silver gauntlets and metallic wings. All were wearing the same belt as the commander, and Dash assumed that the they were a type of cloaking device. One of the griffons leapt off the wall as more and more materialized everywhere, at least twenty or more now visible. As he flew toward the stage, he threw a round object at one of the supporting posts. Every griffon near him did the exact same thing. The moment the objects made contact, they burst open and began to release dark clouds of thick smoke. In the blink of an eye, the gallows were completely obscured by the many smoke bombs.

“DROP THEM, NOW!” Wave Chill yelled in a panic. “SNAP THEIR NECKS!”

The unmistakable sound of a trap-door opening reached Rainbow's ears, echoing from the midst of the smoke.

Intermission - Of Souls and Spells

Princess Luna exhaled greatly, her hooves echoing dismally off the elegantly decorated walls. The Palace of Kings, the seat of the Gymkhanan Ruling Council, was nothing short of breathtaking to behold. The murals adorning the surfaces of the corridor looked ancient, the colours having faded with the long years, yet the details were still sharp as a memory. A pair of long, purple velvet tapestries lined with a golden silk hung from the ceiling on either side of a large, stained glass window.

Luna fell to her belly and crawled slowly, for the Princess was not supposed to be down here. Once clear of the window, she straightened up again, her gaze raking the surrounding hallway for a set of prying eyes. Not a soul in sight. Relaxing, she proceeded with caution. It was growing darker as she moved down a marble flight of steps, the torches lining the cool walls doing little to pierce the gloom.

“Sister?”

Luna flattened against the floor once again, occupying a single large step. She twisted around to glare up the stairs, breathing deeply. Realization setting in, she groaned.

“Luna? Are you there, my sister?”

“Celes, darn you!” Luna hissed to the darkness, standing straight once again. “You gave me a start.”

“I apologize, Sister. How are you?”

“I'm fine,” she replied crisply. “I'm making my way down toward Gwyndolin's lab, as a matter of fact. I'm positive the answers I seek are down here.”

“Be careful.”

“I am being careful!” Luna snapped. “What is the reason for this interruption?”

“If I am not welcome, I will leave you be, Sister.”

Luna sighed. “Whaaat is it, 'Tia?”

A laugh echoed inside Luna's mind. “You were always terrible at being scornful.”

“Celes... now is not a good time. I can only communicate to you by speech and, presently, I must be perfectly discreet,” Luna said testily, opening a door thirty paces from the staircase with a simple unlocking spell. “You want me discovered? Do I have to repeat to you what I'm doing?”

“Please, I am not trying to upset you, Sister. I have an hour or two to my leisure before I'm expected to oversee the relocation of Discord's statue; I merely wish to check up on you.”

“Weeell, as I've just told you, I'm proceeding to Gwyndolin's laboratory,” Luna repeated, launching an orb of crimson light into this new hallway, watching it illuminate various doors and features along the walls as it travelled. She walked after it. “Do you have anything to report, yourself? Have you made any progress on Sunset Shimmer's journal?”

“As a matter of fact... I have.”

Luna stopped in her tracks, dispelling the orb with a blink. “Oh? Well, I can't deny my curiosity. What have you discovered, Celes?”

“Sadly, not that much. Her enchantments were cast superbly well; I won't pretend it has been easy breaking through her magic. I'm currently working on translating her description of the demon. Thus far, I've learned that... that it has massive wings.”

Luna did not respond. She was expecting Princess Celestia to say something... something she did not want to hear, so she was steeling herself. However, as Celestia's voice remained silent in her mind, she started moving again. The darkness was getting worse and worse, almost impenetrable by any source of illumination she could conjure. It was as though the dimness was denser than any usual absence of light.

“Have you succeeded in dispelling the barrier?”

“That's one of the things I am hoping to discover: the method that warlock is using to sustain the spell, and more importantly, the means to destroy it,” Luna answered, once again proceeding with caution as the darkness threatened to engulf her, her hooves descending down another flight of steps.

“Have... Sister, have you told the Elements of Harmony what we discussed yesterday morning?”

“Of course not! I'm not a fool, Celes... If they knew the truth about that demon's little special ability, how in Starswirl’s beard could they muster the courage to face it? We need their resolve, Celes.”

“A wise move on the whole, I think, although I hate leaving them in the dark. I have already lied to Twilight Sparkle once before, a move that leaves a sour taste in my mouth to this day. I love her like my own child, Luna...”

“You've lied to Twilight Sparkle?” Luna asked, eyebrows raised, despite the fact that her sister could not see them. She peered into a room, saw a row of dusty uniforms against a wall and a small desk, and closed the door on it. “I expect you had your reasons?”

“I did, Sister, but I do not consider them noble. When I first instructed Twilight Sparkle on King Sombra and the mission to free the Crystal Empire, I blamed his shadowy powers on our banishment of him. I did not want to believe that he had been possessed by demonic corruption...” Celestia's voice went quiet again, and Luna knew precisely why. No words occurred to her that she could use to comfort her sister. After all, she wanted to avoid the subject of demons, herself. After several long moments, Celestia spoke again. “It is cruel not to tell them what will happen if they leave the mortal world against The Shadow, and yet... they are better off not knowing. Especially Rainbow Dash. Have you managed to find out why she and Soarin are so essential to Wave Chill's plans?”

“I have not, I'm afraid. Wave Chill bleats over and over again that Soarin's death is essential, yet Rainbow Dash must live long enough 'to supply the necessary nutrients', whatever he meant by that.” Luna moved down yet another staircase at the end of the newest hallway, trying her best not to worry about Rainbow Dash or the Wonderbolts’ second-in-command.

Again, Celestia's voice fell quiet. As Luna passed by a large set of double doors, she momentarily wondered whether or not the warlock had always been in the palace. Who had occupied this location prior? She couldn't say for sure. Regardless, Gwyndolin must have been in Gymkhana for years to amass enough books to justify a library to herself.

“Alright, Sun Butt,” Luna began, staring at the library doors and wondering if what she was after could be in there. “Wanting to check up on me, or not, there's something bothering you. These awkward silences betray you. What is it?”

“I'm just anxious, Sister. I want the barrier around the city down.” Celestia's voice echoed immediately in Luna's mind.

“As do I,” Luna replied with mild surprise. “I wish to get the fillies to safety, as well as anypony or anybody else I can.”

“Yes. I am eager, Sister. So eager... I fear that demon and for your safety. I want to be by your side. When the barrier falls, I will join you.”

“No.” Luna bit her lip, feeling her temper rise. “Absolutely NOT, Celestia! Darn it, we discussed this. You are the Voidwalker's primary target. Is this why you've been so nervous?! Trying to get your sissy's permission so you can come here to risk absolutely EVERYTHING? AND FOR WHAT? PERSONAL GLORY?” Her voice echoed off the walls, raised far beyond the average yell. The dust on the floor actually swept across the beam of her horn's light.

“Better to risk myself now than the failure of the Elements! If everything goes wrong tomorrow, I will die regardless... I want to face this monster when we have a chance to defeat it, Sister.”

“Have faith in Twilight Sparkle!” Luna bellowed, stamping her hooves.

“I cannot forgo the opportunity to strike the demon down! ITS WINGS, LUNA! DO YOU REMEMBER THE WINGS OF THAT DEMON? Nearly twenty thousand moons, Sister, when we last saw that monster's wings eclipse the sun...”

Luna felt her mouth go dry. “C-Celestia, please,” she stammered. “We... we are not going there! That monster and the Voidwalker are not the same entity.”

“Our castle crumbled to dust under its shadow. Like paper, not stone and wood! Equus Votum quaked that day.”

“Tia! Stop!”

“Do you remember, Sister?” Celestia's voice sounded hollow and broken. Was she crying? “Do you remember what was lost? Her eyes? Her smile? Her voice?”

The tears were starting to sting Luna's own eyes. She grit her teeth and started on her journey yet again, moving away from the library doors and determined to locate the lab. She would do her best to ignore Celestia.

“There was once a young filly, Luna. Pure of heart, with a sincerely powerful spirit and such an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She wanted to know everything the world had to offer so she could give her own gift to every living creature on this planet! The third member of the Creator's chosen Triptych...”

“Celes, please! I will destroy the telepathic link!” Luna threatened, stamping her hooves again, blinking the wetness away from her vision.

“Artemis, Luna! Have you forgotten about Artemis? What if the Voidwalker is the creature that took her that night? We don't know for certain if K'bwa Giza was vanquished when she gave her life in the attempt to destroy it.”

“They can't be the same, Celestia... because the Voidwalker CANNOT be that strong! No matter how much power it may be hiding, if it is K'bwa Giza... we are doomed. Not even Discord could defeat it, and we needed the Elements of Harmony to overthrow him.” Luna's body shivered, but she was determined to keep her emotions in check.

“Neither of us had our current power back then... we did not have control over the sun or the moon, we were not gifted extended life by the Creator, and... we could not transform. If you could become Selene again, I could morph into—”

“Nightmare Moon,” Luna corrected her quickly.

“I'm sorry?”

“My enhanced body... is called Nightmare Moon. I cast away the holy name of Selene when I lost to the darkness of my heart...” Luna explained, distaste on her tongue. “I do not deserve the original name. Additionally... you cannot yet control your powerful form. Transforming would be a terrible risk...”

“It is a necessary risk I will take if we are to defeat the Voidwalker!”

“Funny,” Luna pointed out snappishly, “you seem to be labouring under the delusion that I'm going to step aside and allow you to step one hoof on these cursed sands.”

“You cannot prevent me from protecting you, Sister... When I arrive, I will transform into—”

“Tia!” Luna said in a low hiss, stopping dead in her tracks. “Hush.”

“Luna, why are you being like this?! Do you not trust your Sis—”

“Shut up a moment, Celes! Someone's coming...”

Celestia heeded her and Luna's mind went blank. Hoof-falls were echoing nearer and nearer to her. Taking a deep breath, Luna proceeded around the corner and into another hallway. The beam of light from her horn narrowed, cutting deeply into the thick darkness as she shot it directly in the middle of the opposing walls, focusing it straight down the centre of the corridor. After a moment, a pegasus walked into sight, illuminated by her horn's light.

“Aaah, Moonlight Sonata. What the hell are you doing down here?”

“Azure Wings, sir...” Luna greeted, bowing deeply. “I was instructed by the court sorceress before she left to supervise the search for the terrorists to retrieve some of her research notes from her personal library,” Luna lied.

Wave Chill looked at her carefully, suspiciously. “I told you I did not want you down here.”

“You object, then, sir? I was under the impression that I was to obey Gwyndolin's orders.” There was a hint of coolness in her voice that she was unable to disguise, regardless of how scared she tried to make herself look.

“Just do me a favour and use greater discretion when following that hag's orders... I am starting to suspect that witch, as you very well know.” He approached her slowly, throwing out his wings and running a hoof carefully down her face. “I am merely looking out for you, my sweet. Next time Gwyndolin's instructions clash with my own, you will be a lot better off by obeying me over that mare.” Luna gasped as her head jerked to the side, her cheek stinging from a fierce slap. “Do you understand me?”

“O-of course, my l-lord. I am so, so sorry,” Luna replied in a whimper, her insides boiling with red hot rage, while her exterior facade was meek and fragile. What she wouldn't do to strike him down where he stood with the fullness of her strength.

“Just consider this a warning, my sweet. I expect you are lost in this unusual darkness, which is no doubt a byproduct of that witch's stupid spell experiments... The library is back down the next hallway. Retrieve the notes and get out of here.” He drew her in close and sniffed her mane, his hooves pressing hard against her shoulders. “Understand?”

“Yes, my lord...”

He kissed her, seizing a hoof-full of her hair and flapping his wings. He clung to her with such gusto that her hooves left the floor. “Good,” he said, laying her back down. “Don't disappointment me again. As for today... you and that glorious little horn of yours can make it up to me later.”

“Of course...” she breathed delicately.

As he walked around her, moving in the direction of a door into another hallway, Luna felt a sharp swat against her hindquarters. She actually drew blood as she bit down hard on her lip, her heartbeat thundering in her ears.

“He's... revolting.”

“The things I've had to do to gain that beast's trust!” Luna roared savagely, once he was out of earshot. “I will do what I must to gain as much information to help Twilight and her friends as I can, but I'll be damned if it isn't... disgusting.”

Celestia was silent for another few moments before her voice echoed through Luna's mind again. “It... never gets easier, does it?”

“No,” Luna sighed, “it does not. I must play along, however. It's not exactly as though I'm afraid of him, as there's nothing he can do, boon or not, to actually match my power. It's just... killing him would probably spoil my espionage, I think!”

Celestia's voice laughed. ”Kill him, Luna? You are the one entangling him within your web!”

Luna snickered. “Of course! He calls me his 'little bedtime eclipse', then turns around and flirts with everything and everypony else in the palace walls. If I were actually in love with him, I would certainly want to kill him! Nevertheless, I am the Princess of the Night! There's only so low I'm going to allow myself to stoop, 'Tia. Now... to find this lab.”

“Sister... what if it's the same monster?” Celestia's voice asked after awhile.

Luna gave a tremendous groan. Was Celestia honestly going to go back to this, Luna wondered? How long was she supposed to keep the 'sensible' sister in check, when she herself is so often the one seeking guidance from the other? Luna was not going to stand for this much longer.

“We could stand together with the Elements of Harmony. We could... save her.”

“That's enough, Celestia!” Luna said with an awful finality, stopping outside of the entrance to a spiralled staircase. “NO MAGIC CAN REAWAKEN THE DEAD!” Once again, her voice was like a gale upon the walls.

Another pause. Luna proceeded down the staircase, twisting in a tight circle and ending at a solitary door. I understand, and accept... that she is gone forever. But... you know, don't you, Sister? You know what happens to the souls within a demon that had consumed them, when that demon is destroyed. What will become of Artemis' spirit when we cast the Voidwalker back to Hell?

Luna took a great gasp of air, trying to prevent herself from becoming lost to her emotions again. “You don't want to bring her back... you want to set her free.”

“I want bring peace to our sister's soul, Luna. She had a tremendous destiny laid out before her, long before she called upon her holy powers to drive K'bwa Giza from our homeland. It was not fair for it to be cut short, just so that fiend could feed off an alicorn. In fact... I believe it's entirely possible that this monster vanished because it had fed on an alicorn's soul. The Voidwalker may be targeting one of us because its hunger is no longer sated.”

Luna could not speak. She laid a hoof against the door, head bowed, eyes closed.

“Twilight Sparkle and her friends do not know that the Voidwalker will claim the soul of every single being who passes away under his terrible shadow, but every single life lost can be vindicated and put to rest with all of our combined efforts. We will set Artemis free. She will lead the lost souls to their salvation. That, after all, would have been her destiny.”

“Y-yes, Celes... I remember her destiny: to shepherd the dead to the Beyond. Just understand that our original purpose has changed, Celestia... please,” Luna implored, opening her eyes and pushing open the door. “The world is no longer ours to rule. The Triptych is no more. We are the Regal Sisters, we govern Equestria, we raise the sun, and we raise the moon. That is all.”

“I do understand, Luna. I do...”

“Then tell me,” Luna asked, slowly panning the beam of her horn's light across the span of Gwyndolin's laboratory, “when I lower the barrier, what will you do?”

“I am coming, Sister. We have to kill it.”

“Well, I can tell that you will not heed my warnings,” Luna sighed, approaching an ethereal model of the city of Gymkhana, with a bright, floating crystal hovering above it. “I will say, however, that you are in luck.”

“Oh? How so?”

Luna surveyed the model carefully, taking a careful look at five points around the perimeter. Smiling to herself, she understood. “Gwyndolin has most likely cast a single, powerful spell to prevent anyone from entering or leaving the city magically, not to mention inhibiting teleportation abilities within.”

“Yes, but I already know of that, Sister...”

“You do,” Luna agreed, “but now we both know why the spell has not weakened over time. There are five towers that surround Gymkhana, Celes... and each one is amplifying the spell. I would bet my life on it! There is a crystal here, Celes, and I think that warlock enchanted it with her spell, which siphoned the magic to the towers. So simple, yet so brilliant!”

“Do you believe you can interrupt the spell from there?

Luna bowed her head and pointed her horn at the crystal. Concentrating hard, she attempted to get a read on the last spell performed upon it. “No... I can't. I can't dispel it unless I understand the fundamentals behind the spell, but this rock hides its little treasure pretty well. We should brainstorm another method, hmm?”

“Indeed. Is there anything else of note in the laboratory?”

“Never told you I'm in the lab, Sun Butt...” Luna mumbled mysteriously.

“I'm not foolish, Sister,” Celestia's voice replied slyly.

“We differ on that. Anyway, I'm going to search this lab from top to bottom. Hopefully I can find some more interesting discoveries,” Luna said, turning the beam of her light upon a far door between two shelves of strange orbs. “I would like to find out how she's been scrying on Equestria, for example.”

Celestia began to respond, but a different voice forced its way into Princess Luna's mind, speaking with a sharp tongue and unbridled fury. Luna froze in the act of approaching the door, swallowing. It was not the first time Gwyndolin had contacted her telepathically.

“Moonlight Sonata, what are you playing at? I don't care for whatever lies you choose to feed your master, but I most certainly did not request research notes!” Luna exhaled deeply; at least she didn't know that she, Luna, was in her laboratory yet. “We will be having a chat later. I'd like to see you try and convince me NOT to inform Azure Wings of the truth, but there's more important matters to attend to first. Come to the Amber Cottage, it is in the Crossroads. I just paid the inn a little visit and I am taking Azure Wings there now. We've found them!”

Luna turned away from the door, a cold, emptiness spreading through her as the warlock's voice faded. “Did... you hear that, Celes?”

“I did, Luna... I did.”

Luna swore. “Contact me in five minutes. I'm going to assume my regular body and get out of here as fast as possible!”

“Be careful, Sister! You must make haste to save the Elements of Harmony and the Wonderbolts, but we don't want your powers catching Gwyndolin's attention.”

“On the contrary, Celestia... I'm going to leave an imprint a mile wide across this city! I will be okay. Five minutes is all the time I need.”

Luna focused her mind and there was a small jolt of pain through her forehead. She felt the psychic link close down. Sprinting toward the entrance to Gwyndolin's lab, she galloped through it to the spiral staircase, feeling her body transform around her. If she would need to battle Wave Chill, it would be essential to draw the warlock away first.

Intermission - Escalation

There was a knock at the door. Hastily stashing her glass in one of the drawers, Blaze jumped up. She was not very steady on her hooves, as evident by the fact that she nearly banged into the desk. It wasn't the darkness that made her balance insubordinate, however. After all, not only had she lit several candles, but electricity was cut to the grounds after 2300 hours every day, to enforce cadet discipline. Being in the dark was nothing new. No, it had everything to do with the green bottle by the legs of her chair. And, of course, the hidden wine glass now sitting on top of the plans for the new obstacle course.

Running the Wonderbolt Academy was a lot harder than she had anticipated. Still, with Captain Spitfire, Rapidfire, and the rest running dangers in Saddle Arabia, Blaze considered herself quite up to the task of picking up the slack... even if it meant multiplying her usual workload by about twelve. Late nights straining her eyes over paperwork and full bottles of sherry were quickly becoming the norm, and she had only been at it for less days than she had limbs.

Whoever was outside the office knocked again, their silhouette completely incomprehensible in the dim light. After a pause, they seemed to decide that there was no point in waiting for her to negotiate her drunken way over to the door to permit them entry. By the time Blaze had reached the rug in front of Spitfire's desk, she had to squint her eyes. The door had been flung open and whoever was there had clicked on a flashlight.

“Holy Hearths Warming Eve, yer looking like yeh were just drowned, Blaze! Were yeh drinking again?”

“Good evening to you, too, hun,” Blaze grumbled, holding a hoof up in front of her face, which was screwed up in a scowl. “You couldn't wait before barging in here and blinding me, could you?” She had opted not to answer the question.

“Yeh could've been out, lass!” Misty Fly chuckled, clicking off the light and shrugging. “When was the last time yeh slept? And I mean fer more than four hours!”

“Not since The Shadow,” Blaze replied grudgingly, blinking a few times to get the spots out of her eyes. She turned and walked back around the desk, a little unsteady. “If I'm not worried sick, I'm busy.” She sat down again, shook her head as though she were still dazed, and placed her eyes back upon the missive she had been perusing.

“Has there been no word from anypony?” Misty Fly asked, taking a seat in front of the desk and leaning forward.

Blaze shook her head, rubbing her tired eyes. “'Fraid not. I expected the Captain or Rapidfire to find the means to send a letter, either through a dragon's flame or through a vessel, but nothing. They're busy, so I'm not worr—” She stopped abruptly, shaking her head again. “Well, I am worried, like I said, but I expect they've been busy. Besides, it's only been a few days.”

“Oh, fer sure, but I do be wondering if Princess Celestia has heard anything. Can I get yer permission to fly to Canterlot at dawn?” Misty Fly requested, sounding very serious.

“You don't need my permission for anything!” Blaze informed her in surprise, looking up. “Still, I don't think you should be too bothered. I mean, they've got the wielders of the Elements of Harmony with them; I'm sure they're all fine.”

“Oh, are yeh, now?!” Misty argued, standing up. “Don't yeh be givin' me that 'I'm sure they're fine' tosh. Yeh've just told me twice that yer worried, lass!”

Blaze swallowed hard. Blinking again, she found there were tears in her eyes. Taking a moment to regain her composure, she reclaimed her voice. “Fine. You're absolutely right. No, I don't think everything is fine. I haven't thought everything was going to be okay for two weeks.” Blaze's speech was still quite steady as the golden mare leaned back in Spitfire's comfortable seat, staring at the ceiling and breathing deeply. Her wine consumption had done little to slur her words, though the room remained tipped at a queer angle.

“I'm worried about yeh, sweetheart. Since makin' First Officer, I don't think I've seen one of yer trademark smiles. Not once,” she sighed, running a butter-coloured hoof through her blue-streaked mane. “We don't even talk no more. I miss it... I miss my marefriend.”

“I'm sorry, Misty.” Blaze squinted hard, feeling a single tear run down her left cheek. She wiped it away quickly, not ready to accept submission to her rapidly-roused emotions; she'll drink less sherry in the future. “There's just so much going on. Sometimes I feel as though I've been too judgemental on Spitfire whenever she got into one of her moods. This is tough.” Blaze leaned forward across the desk, taking one of Misty Fly's hooves into her own. “I am sorry. I mean it.”

“It's alright, Blaze. I understand.” Misty Fly gave her a warm smile, wiping her own eyes. “Just grin a little more, won't yeh?”

Blaze gave a shaky laugh. “Only reason I smiled recently was when Spitfire promoted me. I got... phew, so overwhelmed that Spit put so much faith in me, I suppose. I would have thought that Rapidfire would be staying behind and running the place, not me.” Blaze puffed her cheeks out and exhaled. “Maybe... maybe Spitfire thought my feelings would get in the way over in Gymkhana.”

Misty Fly moved around to the desk and stood beside her. Bending low, she wrapped her hooves around Blaze's neck and gave her a swift hug, bringing her lips to the golden-orange mare's forehead. “The Captain don't think like that. It was a strategic move, certainly! Rapidfire's one of the best we have for on-the-ground work. I've been feeling a lot more confident about their mission, knowing that he's with 'em. He'd never be letting anything happen to 'em. And Rainbow Dash, she will keep Soarin safe, yeh know it.” Blaze managed to smile. “The... history between you and Wave Chill has nothing' to do with Spitfire's decision.”

“I hope not...” Blaze sighed. “Can't say I don't want to get my hooves on him, though. I've crushed my emotions for that stallion, even before the betrayal.” Blaze paused briefly. “So... how come you wanted to go to Canterlot?”

“Well, as I've told yeh, I expect it'll be Princess Celestia who'll be having the answers. I'd put me bits on it!” Misty Fly said confidently, moving away from her partner and strolling over to a window overlooking the campus grounds. “And... uh, nevermind, lass.” Just as suddenly as it had came, the confident air about her had vanished. There was something else bothering her.

Blaze cocked an eyebrow, but didn't press the subject. “Yeah, you go ahead, if you want. I'm gonna start brainstorming an airshow tomorrow, I think. Spitfire would want the Wonderbolts to operate as normally as possible, and we've still got High Winds, Surprise, and Silver Lining. We could put on a performance. What do you think?” Blaze pressed on, focusing on Misty Fly's outline with difficulty.

Misty Fly laughed. “I can't see yeh selling many tickets with that line-up. No offense to Surprise and the rest of 'em, but none of us have the draw of Spitfire, Soarin, or Fleetfoot.” Blaze could tell that she was still distracted by something.

“Could be a charity event. Just a little show here in Cloudsdale, or maybe Ponyville. Admission prices could be whatever fans want to donate and we'll pick some cause to give the money too. I'll sort out some details tomorrow, and when we—”

“Blaze...” Misty Fly turned away from the window, giving her a very serious look. “I don't wanna poo-poo your ideas, mind, but maybe a show isn't a good use of our resources.”

Blaze felt taken aback. Leaning back in her seat, she folder her hooves behind her head. “What do you mean, love? Do you have a better idea? I'm open to suggestions.”

“Yer damn right I have a suggestion!” Misty Fly closed her eyes, steeling herself. “I says we send the cadets home. We should be getting the hell over to Saddle Arabia. We'll fly there ourselves. Yer not the only one worried. Everypony is. Spitfire, Fire Steak, Rapidfire... they all need us. It was bloody idiocy to divide the Wonderbolts!”

Blaze stared down at her own hooves. The response came to her without a conscious thought.

“Shoot, Misty... I agree. I agree!” She stood up, picked up the bottle of sherry, corked it, and tossed into the drawer. “Let's talk to Celestia in the morning. Maybe she has a way to get us over there faster than wings.”

Misty Fly walked over to the office door, smiling back at Blaze. “Get a good sleep, lass. I'll see yeh in the morning.”

Blaze nodded, the unease lifting from her chest with each passing second. “I'll turn in straight away, then. And, heh... no more sherry.”

“A wise decision,” the butter yellow mare chuckled, preparing to leave the office. “I'll spread the word.”

“Know what would be nice? A walk through a snowy Whitetail Woods,” Sweetie Belle sighed dreamily, eyes drifting uninterestedly from stall to stall as they moved through the market.

“Mm hmm!” Apple Bloom agreed with a fervent nod. “Or... oh! The streets of Canterlot over Hearth's Warming Eve break!”

This time, Scootaloo joined in the happy sighing. “Aaah, that would be awesome! Or… or skating across the Ponyville pond after school!” she added, thinking longingly of the cool breeze as the wind washed across the frozen surface.

“That is quite enough, you three!” Rarity grumbled. “It is not that warm this evening!”

“Speak for yourself!” Sweetie snapped back. “We're dying over here!”

“Y'all wanted to leave the inn,” Applejack reminded them, “so don't ya whimper'n whine about it now.”

Scootaloo groaned. It was true; she wanted to get out and explore Gymkhana herself, but neither she nor her friends had estimated how hot this particular evening was. As the revelry of the Festival of Summer Flame celebrations wound to a new peak, an additional bonfire erupted at the end of the row of merchants, a steely-faced satyr female prodding at the base with a long bough. It was surrounded by a green, druidic magical haze.

They all stopped by a stall occupied by a hyper stallion selling fireworks. He kept shouting at the shoppers, announcing things like 'today only, make a BANG with the sizzle sticks, half price!' and 'I AM EXPLODING WITH EXCITEMENT, I'M DOWN TO MY LAST SEVEN MORTARMIRRS!'.

“Wonder what a firework cutie mark would look like?” Scoot mused aloud, looking at the colourfully wrapped tubes with their red tips and small fuses.

“Like a... firework?” Apple Bloom teased with a grin. She looked back at them thoughtfully, however. “How would we do it, though? Just launch 'em?” she asked, scratching her chin.

“We could work at the Grand Galloping Gala?” Sweetie suggested, frowning at the display. “That would be sorta neat, I suppose…”

Scootaloo frowned, too. “There's gotta be more places for a fireworks pony than the Gala…”

“Applejack!” Apple Bloom hissed so suddenly, the other two jumped. There was a note of fear in her voice. “Are t-those rabbits... dead?”

Scootaloo followed her gaze to the next stall, where a variety of skinned animals were on display. An anubis purchased one of the rabbits, stashing it in her bag.

“N-no, hun!” Applejack answered quickly. “They're jes' sleepin', y'see... upside down'n... 'n inside out…” Applejack trailed off awkwardly.

Scootaloo could distinctly hear Rarity whisper 'Element of Honesty, hmm, Applejack?', which was answered by a furious glare from the orange earth pony.

“Carnivores, oy…” Sweetie sighed, shaking her head as she gazed after the anubis. “It's not fair that animals have to die to feed others!”

“Sweetie, hush,” Rarity hissed, looking uneasily at the horrified look on Bloom's face.

Deciding that this subject was in dire need of a change, Scootaloo decided to voice a worry that had crept upon her every five minutes or so. After all, this talk of slaughtered animals was making her insides freeze. Unfortunately, the change of subject would prove no better once she had started.

“So, um… what'll happen if all of you don't have your Elements together when the time comes?” She tried to make this sound like a throwaway question of little importance.

Applejack's smile was a little too understanding. Scootaloo might make a habit of showing a tough face around school or her best friends, but she often worried herself sick about things, unable to stop herself dwelling on situations or confrontations she had seen or heard. The mare seemed to have added two and two about her present fears, as well.

“Don'tcha fret over it none, Scoots!” she said bracingly. “Everythin'll be jes' fine, jes' ya wait'n see. Why,” Applejack continued, gesturing to a disguised Pinkie Pie as she galloped her way toward them, the anubis Outcast Fenuku on her back, “here's Pinkie. Alls we gotta do is get yer Ma, Twilight, and Fluttershy from the inn and we're all set, ain't we?”

“GIRLS!” Pinkie Pie cried as she got into view. “Bad, bad!”

“What's the matter?” Rarity asked sharply, eyes widening.

Fenuku slipped from her haunches, his body shaking. He immediately made gestures toward the northern wall, away from the crowds of the market. “Quickly, we've gotta get out of earshot!”

Scootaloo and her friends accompanied Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie and Fenuku over to perimeter. She could see Grape Blossom catch sight of them and nudge one of the griffon twins.

“The Tempered Feather found them!” the anubis announced the moment they had privacy.

“Wh-what?!” Scootaloo stammered, feeling pain shoot through her jaw as she opened it wide. “F-found who?!”

Pinkie bit her lip, looking terrified. “I went to pass by the inn and there were guards everywhere! Rainbow Dash and Spitfire were in the air! I wanted to help, but... but…”

“I had to beg her to get out of there!” Fenuku breathed, shaking his head. “From all I've read about the Elements of Harmony, you need all six together!”

“Then let's go!” Applejack proclaimed.

Scootaloo's world seemed to shift. It was as though she had sustained a blow to the head. Sounds were muffled, just like they would be if she were swimming. Head pounding, she sank to the ground on shaking limbs. Sweetie Belle dropped down beside her, placing a comforting hoof to her back.

“Scootaloo?”

It took awhile for the unicorn's words to reach her brain. A vein around her right eyelid was twitching as her heart rate accelerated. No matter how brave she wanted to act, as her breath caught in her chest, all she could think about was the comforting embrace of her protector. Of Rainbow Dash. She always made the bad feelings go away.

As the tears started rolling down her cheeks, words penetrated her overwrought head.

“Tarnation! Who the hell are ya? How didja find us?!”

“Some of those belts the Steel Talons gave Spitfire and that pink pegasus, Rainbow Dish, or whatever, were bugged. Our commander, Major Hawkeye, wanted them followed.”

“You mean…”

Scootaloo, in her misery and turmoil, looked up, wanting to understand the significance of these words. Looking forward, she saw Applejack and Rarity looking up the wall. Raising her head further, there was a griffon with metallic gauntlets and wings standing on top of the wall. At least, that's what she thought he was; his figure was only visible for a brief moment before it faded from view.

“We've been watching you all. Azure Wings and Gwyndolin are at that inn. To go there now is suicide! Gather up those Gymkhanan kids you've been walking around with and get to the Station, where the alchemists dwell. Hawkeye will be waiting for you.”

“You ready to go, Misty?” Blaze asked, peering within the dormitory after rapping her hoof on the doorframe.

“Aye, just about.” she confirmed with a nod, slamming the doors of her wardrobe. “Leaving my suit here. None of yeh are taking yer suits, eh?”

“Nope,” Blaze said, shrugging. “If we need their magic to help our bodies reach Saddle Arabia, then we're not strong enough to help, anyway! We're also incognito this way. My genius scares me sometimes! So, did you sleep well, hun?”

“Well enough, fer sure, but I woulda preferred... company,” Misty Fly sighed, tipping the golden yellow mare a wink. “I woulda invited yeh up, lass, but I wanted yeh to get a good sleep.”

Blaze grinned. “Well, I did sleep pretty great.” She entered the room and brushed her hoof across Misty Fly's forehead, gently wiping away strands of mane. “But... I wouldn't have said 'no' to you. Maybe once this is all over with, we could double date with Soarin and Rainbow Dash. I'll make it up to you, Misty...” Blaze leaned in, closing her eyes, expecting to feel the warm lips of her partner.

“I ain't going no wheres with the pair of them gallivanting around like teenagers, mind,” Misty Fly said with a laugh, pressing a hoof to Blaze's muzzle. Throwing a water bottle and a pouch of bits into her saddle bag, she continued. “Honestly, I'd be happy just having yeh with me. So, have yeh spoken to the rest of the team?”

“Mm hmm,” Blaze confirmed, feeling a definite sense of anticlimax. She recovered quickly, however. “Everypony is waiting on you, 'lassie'! Silver Lining didn't seem pleased about the idea, but he made no objections. Just put your stuff in the Administration lobby when you're all set.”

“Lass”, the other mare corrected. “I'll be coming along shortly, just packing me toiletries. Now, shoo!”

Grinning, Blaze turned to leave. Before she had gone more than two or three paces, however, Misty Fly pulled her close. Throwing her down like a dancer, the blue-maned Wonderbolt locked her lips with Blaze, causing the latter's wings to stiffen and then flap lightly.

“I love yeh, hun... so I would be appreciating it if yeh didn't get us killed over in Gymkhana, mind!”

“I'll find it in my heart to consider not leading us into any real danger. Otherwise, walk in the park!” Blaze giggled, feeling herself going very red. “I love you, too, Misty! See you in the Hall!”

Feeling slightly punch-drunk, Blaze swept from the room and proceeded down the wood-panelled hallway. Five minutes later, she approached the large square Conference Hall. Pushing the double doors open, she spread her wings and enjoyed a quick lap across the glossy floor, eventually coming to rest at the top of the room. Landing in Spitfire's usual spot, she turned and waited.

A few short minutes passed and the first pair of trainees walked in. Breaking off their conversation once they reached Blaze, both the pink filly and the blue colt said 'good morning, ma'am' before moving to stand at attention on their hind legs, side by side to form the first group.

“Stand easy, you two,” Blaze instructed.

They briefly gave one another a puzzled look before dropping to all fours. The next four cadets to enter, upon seeing their peers standing relaxed, imitated them. The security staff were next to arrive, taking their positions against the western wall. Then, the doors flew open with an incredible bang and a bright streak of sunshine yellow burst into the hall, zooming up and beyond Blaze. It rose in a spiral before shooting to the floor. Surprise landed lightly, gave a bounce, and stood at attention.

“MOOORNIIING!” she shouted cheerfully, eyes reduced to slits as she was beaming all over.

“Morning, ma'am!” The cadets responded, a few of them grinning.

Blaze glanced back at her, trying not to roll her eyes. Always the same, every morning; Surprise would enter the Hall with the gentleness of a heart attack and Spitfire would glare at her. Only this time, Blaze was giving the exasperated looks. Returning her eyes to the front, she watched more of the recruits arriving, followed by some faculty staff members. High Winds was the next Wonderbolt to arrive, flying over the heads of the assembled recruits and landing on Surprise's left.

“You sure you want to proceed with this course, Blaze?” High Winds whispered from behind her.

Blaze glanced back and nodded. “I'm sure, High.”

Surprise giggled. “That sounded funny!” After a moment, she bounced again.

Blaze sighed. “C'mon Surprise, act your rank!” Blaze scolded in a low voice. “Why are you bouncing?”

“I have to peeeee,” she hissed back, bursting with excitement and flapping her wings.

“You're allowed to leave, you know...”

“That would be immature,” Surprise said, frowning. “I'm a military mare.”

Blaze looked forward yet again, sighing. Within four minutes, Silver Lining and Misty Fly had arrived. Taking their places in the Wonderbolt lineup, Blaze turned her head around once more.

“What in blazes did you pack, Misty?” she asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“I told yeh what I had to pack. I took a fly 'round the grounds, don't yeh know. It's not 0800 hours yet.”

“You're right,” Blaze conceded after a pause. “Sorry for being nosey.”

After another few minutes, Blaze performed a headcount of the chattering cadets. Everyone seemed accounted for. Taking a moment to steel herself, she cleared her throat. The talking died down at once.

“Attention!” she bellowed out in a clear, carrying voice. With a loud snap and a bang, every cadet stood on their hind legs and pinned their forehooves to their sides. “At ease, and stand easy,” Blaze continued. “I just wanted to ensure I had your undivided attention...”

Blaze started to pace. She walked left, to the end of the last group of cadets, and turned right to move to the opposite end. As she passed her fellow teammates, she studied their faces. Silver Lining was looking serious, but at the same time, distracted. Who knew what was moving through his mind? Misty Fly smiled at her kindly and Blaze gave her own trademark smirk in response. There was concern in those eyes, however. Surprise looked her usual self; she was buoyant, brimming with elation and joy. High Winds was inscrutable, staring directly ahead and not shifting her gaze as Blaze walked by.

“Well,” Blaze spoke again, casting her eyes over the sea of recruits. “Probably should have spoken before I took a walk. Half of you are probably thinking longingly of whatever the mess hall will be serving up for lunch.” There was a smattering of lighthearted snickering. “Bet you'll all be really impressed with my next decision, too...” She cleared her throat again, looking up at the back wall, studying the giant mural of the Wonderbolt insignia. “A few days as Captain Spitfire's replacement... and we're already closing down the Academy.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd, some of the cadets looking shocked. Judging by the rustle of the many cadet uniforms, others had to be throwing confused looks to one another, sure they had misunderstood. Blaze turned slowly to face them all again, bowing her head.

“The remaining Wonderbolts will be leaving for Saddle Arabia at once, to lend support to Captain Spitfire, First Officer Soarin, Lieutenant-Major Rapidfire, and the others.” Blaze saw fear in many of the eyes now staring at her and an unpleasant realization struck her. “I... I understand that some of you attend the academy every few weeks, some monthly, others yearly... and a smaller number of you, still, attend the academy full-time for the benefit of having someplace to call home. This decision was made hastily but we believe it's the best thing to do right now. And...” Blaze trailed off. She had no idea, absolutely no clue, what to say next. Her mind worked furiously, trying to think of a solution for the recruits she was about to bar from a warm place to sleep at night.

“First Officer, if I may speak?” Silver Lining's voice cut sharply through the whispers filling the room.

“Absolutely,” Blaze replied at once, moving to take his place beside her partner.

Silver Lining tossed his white mane, studying the faces closely. “I would like to inform those that do not know that my mansion is always open. You can get details from Whiplash and Manerick, whom I've already informed of the situation. The academy will be open until 1600 hours, giving those less fortunate ample time to gather what they need.”

Blaze exhaled gratefully. Misty tapped her shoulder and gave her another wink.

“Saved yer flank, did he?” she whispered, chuckling.

“That he did,” Blaze agreed. “Mind you, nopony will save me from Spitfire when we all turn up!”

Silver Lining continued, mentioning a number of requests for potential visitors to his home and playfully asking the cadets not to host a party, lest they annoy the butler.

“I do believe that's everything,” he concluded after a few minutes, looking to Blaze. “Anything else, ma'am?”

Blaze strolled forward, clearing her throat noisily. “Nope. Well, apart from you lot wishing us luck! The Wonderbolts, as I say, will depart immediately. The academy, as Flight Lieutenant Silver Lining explained, will remain open for several hours. Enjoy your chance to catch up on some sleep. The Wonderbolts in full should be back and ready to go on Monday! WE'LL BE DOING AN INTENSIVE PHYSICAL EVALUATION COURSE AT THAT TIME IN CELEBRATION OF THE VICTORY WE'RE GOING TO SCORE!” Several cadets groaned. Blaze laughed out loud; she had so far conducted herself a lot less formally than the no-nonsense Spitfire. “Take care of yourselves and rest well.” She turned and looked at her fellow teammates. “Gymkhana awaits.”

Scootaloo threw her head against the wall, giving it a few restless taps, puffing out her cheeks and groaning; it had not been a very pleasant night, with nightmares and panic attacks. Tears and terrors, no matter what she set her mind to.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle never left her side through that long night. Rarity or Applejack kept returning to the Hideout to check on them every couple of hours. Rarity always looked anxious and never spoke much and didn't even seem bothered by having to be in a mucky old sewer, which was totally weird. Applejack tried to comfort them whenever she stopped by, but she couldn't make much progress.

Between the griffons talking to the ponies and overhearing what the Outcasts were telling each other whenever one of them ventured from the safety of the Hideout, the Crusaders had pieced together one horrifying fact: There was a great ring of darkness surrounding the city from all sides, miles across the desert. Even the light seemed unable to penetrate it as the night wore on, leading to an eerie sight when the sun shone down upon it that morning. It was this that lead to Major Hawkeye choosing to aid Rainbow Dash and her friends.

“Do you think anypony knows anything new?” Sweetie asked her friends after a considerable stretch of silence.

“I dunno…” Scootaloo mumbled, rubbing the back of her head where it was sore from the wall. “I try not to think about it…”

Apple Bloom looked at her with great concern, wrapping her hooves around Scoot's chest and giving her an unnecessarily tight hug.

“I think they're gonna storm the palace. That's what I heard that Applejack 'n' Hawkeye sayin',” Bloom explained. “Now that Fleetfeet's back—”

“Fleetfoot,” Scootaloo corrected her, trying to allow her spirits to rise. They didn't seem to be going anywhere.

“—those Lunar Republic ponies'n anubi'n things she brought with her are gonna help fight!”

“I don't like fighting…”

“Cheer up, Scoots!” Sweetie Belle said bracingly, getting to her hooves. “Rarity told me that the Steel Talons told her that one of their contacts told them that somepony who was around the inn told her that they took everypony who was at the Amber Cottage prisoner. That means they're still alive and I think they're gonna be rescued!”

Scootaloo stared blankly at her a moment, trying to piece what she had just said together.

“Basically,” Sweetie concluded, swishing her curly tail, “things aren't over yet. You gotta stop thinking like Rainbow Dash is dead. She's tough, Scoots! You normally don't shut up about how tough she is, am I right?”

Scootaloo smiled in spite of herself. “That's, uh... true, I guess…” Her aspect dropped just as quickly as it had rekindled. “B-but Applejack was talking like somepony was d-dead! Wh-what if it was Rainbow Dash?!”

“AJ promised us she'd tell us straight away if anypony we loved got hurt, Scootaloo… She promised she wouldn't keep sommat that important from us!” Apple Bloom said confidently. “They're still alive'n I betcha they're fightin'!”

“I don't like fighting,” Scootaloo repeated, a little firmly this time.

“We know, Scoots…” Sweetie groaned in slight exasperation, “but you've gotta think a little less about yourself right now!” Scootaloo flinched, her stomach squirming uncomfortably. “These are our friends! If they don't fight to get free from wherever they are, they might actually die!”

Scootaloo closed her eyes, trying to stem some renewed tears. All of this talk of death was making her feel horrible. She didn't want to think about any of it. Sure, she felt grateful that her best friends in the wide world were trying to cheer her up, but didn't they realize she would be a lot happier if they just shut up about it? Her lip trembled and she bit down on it, trying to master herself. Don't they care about me?

“Pssst!”

Scootaloo opened her eyes, running a hoof across her face and snout. Her own snot made a chill run down her spine. Looking around, she saw the griffon twins gesturing them over to their own spot on the floor of this dingy old boiler room.

“Alastor had an idea, girls…” Aidos informed them as they approached. “Ppppssst! Marius! C'mere!”

The eleven year old satyr, standing sentinel by the door, looked around at Aidos' voice and walked over. Kneeling beside them, he took a cautious glance over at Neighshyte, Anima, and the other two horse foals, Nishaaj and Hoofza.

“What is it, birdbrains?” Marius asked, though it was in a friendly jesting sort of way.

“I've been thinking…” Alastor cleared his throat, jerking his beak toward Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. “The Crusaders are sisters or whatever of the mares with those Harmony things. The stakes are higher for them than us right now. I'm tired of standing around doing nothing! We… we couldn't stop the darkness when it took our homes and family away, but these girls still got theirs!”

Aidos nodded fervently. “We don't want anyone to have to suffer like the Outcasts have.”

“Fair enough,” Marius said bracingly, raising an eyebrow. “What exactly are we going to do about it?”

“I've had an idea!” Alastor said breathlessly. He got to his pawed feet, flexing his wings excitedly and snapped a claw. “We're gonna find Fenuku, since his bloated brain will help us… and all six of us, Fenuku included” he continued, jerking his claw at the Cutie Mark Crusaders, his brother, and himself, “are gonna go talk to the alchemists!”

“Are you flippin' crazy?” Marius demanded in alarm, looking over to make sure the younger horses weren't listening in. “No. Without Numane or Dameer, I'm in charge, and I'm not letting you lot get yourselves hurt! Fenuku asked me to keep an eye on all of you, and that includes you three fillies!”

“Thought you were in charge, huh?” Sweetie Belle asked coolly.

Marius gave a snarl. “I am! Fenuku's younger than me, he—”

“He's just smarter than you,” Alastor supplied, grinning. Aidos gave him a wink. “Listen, Marius, I know you want to keep us safe, but it'll be a lot easier for you to just keep an eye out on Anima and her little possé, yes?”

“And let you all march to your dooms, huh? I know exactly what plan you're concocting, Alastor!”

“Good,” the griffon replied simply, turning in the direction of the solitary door to their shelter. “Then you know it's a good one. I only need Fenuku to fine tune it, because… you know, he's smart,” Alastor concluded, placing a fine emphasis on the last word. “C'mon, girls!”

“Wait just a damn second!” Marius commanded as Scootaloo got to her hooves, not really caring what she did or where she went right now. “I haven't given my permission for anything!”

“Marius, if we can help these girls out so that those Harmony mares actually beat Azure Wings, Gwyndolin, and the darkness…" Aidos paused, shaking his head in exasperation. "Why are you trying to stop us?” he added defensively.

“We're going to see the alchemists,” Alastor said with an air of finality.

“Fine,” Marius hissed, incensed. “If you run into Applejack, Rarity, or Fenuku, they're just gonna order you to march back here and I'm going to get flippin' yelled at!”

“We'll risk it,” Aidos said.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at one another. They, it seemed, like Scootaloo, were trying to figure out exactly what was happening. Looking to the orange pegasus, Bloom cocked an eyebrow. Scootaloo shrugged and nodded. Anything to keep her mind off what might be happening to Rainbow Dash.

Through the sewers, up the ramp, and into the Station they moved. They located Fenuku as soon as they caught sight of the alchemists' market, but there was quite a change. There was no red glow coming from the teleportation circles on the raised ledges on either end of the cavernous room. The stalls and carpets had been cleared from the centre of the Station. On the cold stone floor, a large white circle, sixty feet across, had been drawn there. The alchemists seemed to be dripping an eerily green and glowing potion from their flasks over every inch of it.

“What're you guys doing up here?” Fenuku asked wearily, running over quickly as they all peered over the ramp, down which they had been hiding.

“I'll get to that in a bit,” Alastor said, mouth gaping. “What's going on?”

“This ain't your alchemist plan?” Apple Bloom demanded, sounding apprehensive.

“No,” Alastor spoke quickly, shaking his head. “Dunno what this is!”

“A… a lot's going on. That griffon mercenary group, the Steel Talons, ordered the Station cut off from the rest of Gymkhana. Hawkeye's basically taken charge down here. They destroyed the teleporters.” He looked back at the group surrounding the circle. “Come closer, but try and stay out of sight. If Applejack or Rarity find you lot,” he continued, looking hard at the Crusaders, “you'll be skinned alive!”

“I think it's worth the risk,” Sweetie Belle said darkly, eyes still wide as she tried to catch another sight of whatever was taking place in the middle. “Is that magic? I can feel my horn… it's tingling!”

“It's alchemy,” Fenuku informed them as they inched closer, staying close to one of the walls bordering the ramp into the sewer. “You know… science and magic. Anyway, we'll move through the stalls. Your sisters and Pinkie Pie are in front of the circle, girls.”

“What's going on?” Apple Bloom asked. “What's that circle for?”

“It's a teleportation arcanum, like the ones connecting all the districts of the city here. You can tell by the glyphs and symbols they drew on it. You'll see it once we get a little closer…”

Scootaloo kept her head down and limbs bent, walking low to the floor. For once, her mind was oddly clear of her worries. There was so much happening, so many voices and so many things, that her brain was working too hard just to take it all in, let alone dwell on anything else. Moving between the stalls and legs of the horses, anubi, and satyr around them, they got within a few yards to the edge of the drawing. It was glowing a bright white and Scootaloo could now see the various glyphs and runic markings Fenuku had described.

Standing within the circle, fixed in the gaze of every creature assembled around them, stood Major Hawkeye and Fleetfoot with a few ponies Scootaloo didn't recognize. Hawkeye was whispering something to the blue-furred Wonderbolt, who nodded. Fleetfoot leapt straight into the sky, her wings beating in such a fast, yet controlled manner, that they didn't appear to be moving. At the pinnacle of her impressive leap, she began to beat them softly to keep herself hovered.

“Citizens of Gymkhana… horses, ponies, satyr, anubi, griffons, and all those that dwell, breath and work in this community, hear me!” Fleetfoot roared out in a carrying voice. Scootaloo perked her ears to listen. Judging by the total silence of her friends and the Outcasts, she wasn't alone. As she continued, Fleetfoot dropped some of her normal manner of vernacular. “On this day, Gymkhana changes forever. In less than twelve ticks of the hour hand, a great and terrible evil will lurch forward and devour everything you have worked hard for and love. Some of you have seen proof positive of the immensity of the Voidwalker's power with your own eyes. The Tempered Feather, Gymkhana's new military branding, places this blame on the Wonderbolts of Equestria.” Fleetfoot paused, eyes closed and breathing deeply. In a flash, she zoomed around in the air, her bright white tail streak extending and criss-crossing all over the arcanum below, before coming to rest in mid-air again. “I am one of the Wonderbolts. Some of you probably witnessed Azure Wings' attempt to execute me and my fellow teammates yesterday evening. I tell you this because you must see the truth.”

“It is time the heart of Gymkhana, its populace, to listen to reason,” Hawkeye called out, rising up to join Fleetfoot herself. “The Wonderbolts were not behind the attack on the Mesa District. Those who have supported the resistance lead by the New Lunar Republic in this city already know this! There are accounts that they witnessed the Wonderbolts come under attack by both the darkness and the military. Some of you won't believe us, but the fact is you have no choice right now! Join the Republic, my Steel Talons, and the Wonderbolts as we take the fight to the Palace of Kings!”

“The Wonderbolts are here to attempt to save this city by protecting those who can usurp this evil. I speak the truth, Gymkhanites! The darkness closes in upon this city with each passing second, and only way to success is if we pave the way for Princess Celestia's champions to defeat this evil.” Fleetfoot smacked a hoof into her other, zipping around again, trying to rally up the crowd. “We must rid the city of its corrupt officials and the might of Azure Wings' army! We will storm the armoury in the Dynasty District and march west upon the palace. Help us fight to liberate Gymkhana before The Shadow can consume everything you hold dear. How much longer will you stand by as your loved ones are sacrificed to Azure Wings' gallows? How…” Fleetfoot paused for a moment, steeling herself. “How many more friends must be murdered? You must be freed. Gymkhana must be freed! We only have until seven before all is lost!”

“We will act swiftly and we will act successfully! Alchemists,” Hawkeye roared, “activate the Teleportation Annex! We will summon the Republic members still waiting in Corral Bay, we will proceed through the old tunnels connecting the sewer to Dynasty, and we will save this city. Join us... or stay out of our way.”

Over the din of the crowd, Scootaloo caught Alastor's voice. “This is awesome, but we can still play our part! C'mon, girls! Fenuku, do you know where that alchemist, Old Padfoot, is? I have a plan!”

“It all boils down to this, Surprise,” Silver Lining groaned, starting to sound exasperated now. “Either we're going to be needed over there… or we're not. There's no inbetween.”

The ground far below was awakening as the day stretched on. The five pegasi flew on, their bright and colourful tail streaks splitting the clouds. The rolling hills of the countryside painted a green and yellow path that cut through the farmland surrounding the tiny Ponyville far below, leading to the forests that surrounded the base of the mountain.

“I mean…” he went on, glancing back and forth over the landscape, “if they needed us at all, then the Elements of Harmony have failed. I'm still not sure why the Captain and the rest even had to go, if they are all relying on those Elements.”

Blaze glared back at him. “Are you dead serious, Silver?! You saw The Shadow! Whatever help the Element Bearers can get is enormously valuable. I'm scared for our teammates, too, but the Wonderbolts are there to protect those mares. And we're going to help them.”

“If we need to help, then the Elements probably won't be enough!” He argued, speeding up to draw neck and neck with her.

“Nonsense,” Misty Fly chided in, drifting over to them as Surprise rocketed ahead, flipping over and over. “Besides, protecting those girls is the most important thing for us to do!”

“Yes, we protect the innocent and those who need it, but what about our own? I thought the enemy was after the Wonderbolts, not the Bearers! And another thing… why are you both acting like those jewels are the infallible keys to beating this darkness?”

Blaze frowned, looking between Misty Fly and Silver Lining. “I don't understand it either, Silver, but… but I thought that those jewels were infallible! Think about it. Nightmare Moon, Discord, Queen Chrysalis…”

“You're forgetting that the Elements did not defeat the changelings, Blaze,” he reminded her, the effort of calming down seeming to take all of his energy; his flight slowed. “It was the pair getting married. Gah, makes me wish that the Wonderbolts had a proper chance to battle Chrysalis…”

“Aye,” Misty agreed grudgingly, nodding as she decelerated as well. “It was only Soarin and Spitfire who attended the wedding, and they were so busy protecting the guests that they had no chance to be battling the Queen. Apparently, the Elements didn't take care of her, either.”

“Yes, I know that, Blaze groaned, “but just because Rainbow Dash and her friends couldn't do anything doesn't mean that the Elements are useless!”

“Nopony called them useless!” Surprise spoke up, startling Blaze as she flew up from below. “They were saying that the stones may not be the ultimate weapon!”

Blaze shook her head, but made no further argument. She refused to allow their words to impact her overwrought brain; the Elements of Harmony, those famous, ancient relics, will be the solution, she thought. They had to be. Pushing it all from her mind, she instead focused keenly upon the many towers of Canterlot in the distance.

“Alright, guys! Speed up and climb!” she commanded.

Beating her wings furiously as she shot up higher and higher, her orange streak trailing behind her, Blaze began her approach. Hearing her teammates following, she rose even higher, flying level with and then beyond the seat of the Regal Sisters. Shouting 'begin our descent!', she twisted into a dive, her body roaring through the air as she closed the distance to the entrance of the castle.

“Halt!” a white royal guardsmen called, moving forward to greet the pegasus as she landed, her companions touching down all around her. “State your business, but know that none may enter.”

“Uh…” Blaze mumbled, cocking an eyebrow. “I'm Blaze, acting Captain of the Wonderbolts… and we need to enter. It's urgent!”

The guard stood his ground. “Wonderbolts or not, I cannot allow you access. A threat was made against Her Highness' life.”

“But—” Blaze began furiously, but Misty Fly placed a hoof to her shoulder.

Before her partner could find any words of comfort, however, a voice echoed out overhead. “Not so much my life as my soul.” Looking up, Blaze saw Princess Celestia emerge from a doorway and onto a balcony. “Forgive the soldier; I did order the castle closed. Nevertheless, do come in. There is something I must tell you. Open the gates, Static Field.”

“Yes, my liege,” he answered quickly, his horn glowing lilac as he disarmed a complicated locking mechanism. Seconds later, the gates rose into the air, and the tall double doors behind it swung inward.

Blaze lead her teammates through, feeling her recent trepidations decline with each step she took. The feeling of urgency still flooded her veins, though; she wanted action.

Through the courtyard and into the castle, they eventually came to a stop inside Celestia's throne room. With a nod to her guards, she had them leave them all in privacy. Blaze noticed upon seeing the Princess' face that Celestia was bothered by something.

“Princess Celestia, we—” Blaze tried to speak, but Celestia held up a hoof in polite refusal.

“Before I hear what you have come here for, I'm afraid that I... I have some bad news.”

Misty Fly looked between the Princess and Blaze, her mouth slightly parted. “What is going-I mean to say, what's happened, Yer Highness? Why yeh looking so dour?”

Celestia's eyes traveled across the entire group. Blaze turned around and watched the expressions on all of their faces harden. Even Surprise looked subdued.

“It is with deepest regret that I-I have to inform you... that Lieutenant-Major Rapidfire is…” Celestia took a steady breath. “He's dead.”

“No!” Misty Fly gasped suddenly, taking a step back. “What is this?!”

Blaze felt her blood run cold. Silver Lining was standing there with his mouth wide open, terror etched upon his face. High Winds' lip began to tremble. Both of them had been teammates with Rapidfire the longest. Surprise was shaking her mane back and forth, refusing to believe it.

“He was struck down in battle by Wave Chill yesterday, just before six in the evening. I am… very sorry.” Celestia bowed her head, the parting in her mane due to her long horn causing both halves to whip around her haphazardly as she went. The momentary chaos of the Princess' mane reflected how Blaze felt inside. “I am in contact with Princess Luna, and she had told me that Twilight Sparkle and her friends' safety has been compromised. Rapidfire intervened when First Officer Soarin was in mortal danger, and…” She trailed off. “I apologize for having not informed you of yesterday evening. I did not want to bring myself to increase your considerable distress, given the recent events. It was wrong of me to conceal something this important, however, and any efforts made to protect your peace of mind has been meaningless as a result.”

These words barely had an effect on Blaze. Her limbs were weak and she sunk to the floor, resting on her stomach. Something was being torn away from her, leaving her for eternity. Rapidfire? It couldn't be possible. Rapidfire… She felt her forehead rest upon the floor, scraping back and forth as she shook her head. The tears had come long before she had even realized they were there. He had been like a father to them all. How could this have happened?

“I wish we could be there for the Captain…” Surprise's voice floated through the air to Blaze's twitching ears. “They loved each other like real family…”

“They were… they were real family,” Misty Fly choked, and Blaze felt her partner drape a wing over her back. “Blood-relations had n-nothing to do with it. C'mon, up yeh get, love…”

Blaze allowed herself to be helped to her hooves, the strength in her legs practically non-existent. Her grief had disguised the thing that was draining her of all of her energy: the fact that the killer had been Wave Chill.

Using her partner for support, Blaze lifted her head and wiped an eye with one of her wings. “P-Princess Celestia, thank you for…” Deep breaths, she reminded herself, take it easy. She couldn't let herself fall to pieces. There would be time to grieve for Rapidfire, but for now, she had to focus her strength on the reason they came here. “Thank you for telling us this. Your H-Highness, please…” Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. “We've gotta get to Saddle Arabia. We came here in the hopes that you would have faster transport than wing power. They need our help… and my ex-fiancé needs to be brought to justice.”

Celestia strolled toward her throne. She leaned against it, looking to lose herself in her thoughts for a moment. Eventually, she returned her gaze to Blaze and her teammates.

“One of the benefits of sending Princess Luna to accompany the Elements of Harmony,” Celestia spoke, talking fast, “is that I can magically transport myself to her side at once. I can take ponies with me.” Blaze's spirits soared and she shared a quick and determined smile with Misty Fly. “Right now, there is a barrier around Gymkhana. It is preventing anyone from entering through teleportation, its range extends a few miles beyond the city, and it is not safe for Luna to leave the capital long enough to fly a far enough distance for me to join her.” Celestia flexed her wings, apparently involuntarily, swishing her tail. “As my sister works on a plan to disable this barrier, I have been making preparations for Canterlot's protection in my absence. A close contact with Dragonspire will prevent that nation from allowing Saddle Arabia to attack Equestria whilst I am away. Griffon Peaks doesn't have the military might to attack themselves, as the Steel Talons are an independant group. Prince Shining Armor is currently en-route from the Crystal Empire to aid in this city's defense, and once the way to the desert is open, I will take us all to the continent of Osyria and straight into Gymkhana.”

“Good,” Silver Lining said, having regained his composure. “The sooner, the better.”

“Agreed, as we only have ten hours before the Voidwalker attacks Gymkhana.”

“What?!” High Winds gasped. “The Voidwalker? Who or what is that?”

“It is The Shadow, and it… it may be a demon I have faced in my youth. It, ah, may help ease your pain of loss… if I tell you what Luna and I had lost, ourselves. We do have some time before the barrier allows us to travel there, after all. I'm going to tell you all everything.”

36 The Palace of Kings

Rainbow Dash spooned porridge into her mouth, smacking her teeth together ravenously. Once she had seen the the appalled look on her roommate's face, however, she hesitated, the spoon balanced delicately on top of her hoof. A dollop of the food fell onto her thigh.

“Good, is it?” Lightning Dust asked sarcastically, looking over from the gramophone player she had been poking at.

“I'm starved!” Rainbow shrugged, swallowing and giving a rich burp. She slurped the rest of the bowl down and threw it onto the bedside table. It hit the edge of a picture, which rattled, threatening to tip over. “Whoops,” she mumbled, reaching over to steady it while she wiped off her lap with the corner of her bedsheet.

“Who's that, anyway?” Lightning Dust asked, flying to the top bunk as the sounds of The Canterock Brothers' latest album began to fill the room.

“It's a filly from Pon-er, I mean, that's my little sister,” Dash explained, looking up at the lilac pegasus leaning over the edge of the upper mattress.

“You don't even sound convinced.” Lightning Dust smirked down at her. “You make that crap up?”

“It only just happened, y'see,” Dash said with a shrug, flopping against her sheets and massaging her belly. “I'm like a... a surgery sister.”

“You mean 'surrogate', you retard?” Lightning Dust suggested with a harsh laugh, her head disappearing from sight as she stretched out on her own bunk.

“Uh, yeah. That,” Dash answered, feeling both embarrassment and anger rising within her in equal measure; that horrible word was a bit too close to 'handicapped' for her liking. She decided against telling her roommate that she was thinking of adoption. “She means a lot to me.”

“Retards abound, here...” Lightning continued, apparently losing interest in whatever Dash had to say. “For instance, that Soarin 'Bolt was watching our drill as he walked by the courtyard behind Administration. He walked straight into a trash can! What an idiot!”

“First Officer Soarin,” Rainbow Dash corrected mulishly.

“Whatever. Speaking of the hotshots, word is it you went to talk to Spitfire this morning, before the flag race. What was that about? You tryin' to stir some crap up? Just leave the lesser cadets to me, Dash, and they won't slow us down.”

“It wasn't that. It was... uh, nothin',” Rainbow said quickly, gazing happily at the framed picture of her biggest fanfilly. “Bet Soarin was lookin' at my butt when he was watching us, though,” she added quickly, smirking to herself. “I swear, he digs me. Which is good... 'cause he's pretty hot, himself. Those hindquarters...” She sighed deeply.

“I don't think he cares for overly-obsessive fans. What use are fillies like you to a celeb like him, huh? I bet that goofy moron gets a million love letters a month,” Lightning suggested savagely, giving a little chuckle.

Rainbow Dash made a rude gesture with her hooves at the underside of Lightning Dust's mattress, fuming. There was a soft knock on the door. Rainbow's ear perked up and she waited to see if the lead pony was going to answer the door to their dorm.

“Grab that, would you?” Lightning sighed, a muffled voice telling Dash that she was face down in her pillow.

Biting her lip, Rainbow Dash pressed her wings against the bed and thrust herself into the air, ducking before she smacked her forehead against the steel supporting the upper bunk and zooming toward the door. Landing softly, she pulled it open.

“Oh, uh,” she began in a nervous mumble, looking anxiously at the uniformed Wonderbolt. “Lieutenant-Major! R-Rapidfire, sir!”

“Rainba Dash. I wanna word, newbie,” he spoke in a growl.

“Um, yes, sir,” she said quickly, running a hoof across her mouth, just in case she had any stray porridge there.

Before she knew it, she found herself sitting on her haunches inside of his office. Rapidfire crossed the room, rounded his desk, and sat down on a chair. Brushing away a stack of beige folders with a wing, he focused his bright-green eyes on the cadet before him.

“Ya went to see Cap'n Spitfiah today.” It wasn't a question, but a statement. Rainbow went a little rigid where she sat as he scrutinized her.

“Yes, sir. I did,” Rainbow answered after a few seconds' hesitation, inclining her head. Immediately afterwards, she realized that she was not standing properly at attention. Kicking off the ground with all four hooves, she stretched her body out and landed, reared on the back. Wings folded, arms glued to her sides, she stood tall before him and continued as casually as she could. “I wanted to ask her—” Rapidfire silenced her with a single look. She seized the opportunity to take a good breath.

“I knows why ya went to 'er office, Rainba Dash. And stand easy.”

Rainbow Dash relaxed, falling back to all fours. “You do? Sir?” she added, trying to sound respectful.

“'Course I do. Blaze and meself had to go ovah da sheet dat was posted in da mess hall. Spitfiah has been... preoccupied,” he explained, shooting a quick look out of the window and into the courtyard. Following his gaze, Dash could see Soarin shouting at a stallion in the distance, his fellow cadets standing in rows. Evidently, the stallion was being mouthy. “So, she has delegated da task of organizin' da teams to us. She did make some
suggestions, mind... she personally paired yaself with Lightnin' Dust.”

Rainbow bowed her head, sighing. “Yeah. I asked her about that.”

“Are ya satisfied wit' whatevah ans'ah she gave ya?” He seemed to already know what she was going to say.

Rainbow looked up at him. “N-No, sir,” she said honestly. “She made the claim that Lightning Dust pushes herself harder than I do, and—”

“She wrong?” Rapidfire asked, cutting across her swiftly. “Is it really jus' a 'claim'?”

“I...” Dash groaned. “No, sir. But, I-er... I'm sorry, I mean, I'm just...” she mumbled, struggling with herself, not really sure how to word this without sounding arrogant. “I'm just...”

“Da best?” Rapidfire suggested.

“Y-Yeah,” Dash responded, not meeting his eyes, instead gazing at his aquamarine carpet.

“Ya think da Cap'n don't know dat? Spitfiah ain't a fool.” Rapidfire stood up and walked over to a cabinet. Rainbow Dash flinched as her exhausted mind half expected him to pull a cane from it, or something like that, but instead he retrieved a blade; it did not make her relax. “A mare like Lightnin' Dust pushes 'erself to new heights. She could be truly inspirin' to other cadets, ya? She ain't jus' a pony who excels in solitude.”

“I suppose...” Dash mumbled, watching the aged stallion unsheathe the sword and strike a stance with it. It was incredible how easily he held such a thin handle with both hooves. “And, uh... not to sound disrespectful, sir, but I do try to help or coach others! I try to help out my friends. Like my friend Applejack, she's something of a riv—”

“Spitfiah is aware, Rainbah. Aware of ya talents.” Once again, she was silenced as he spoke over her. He swung the blade through the air, balanced on his back hooves. He did not look like a stallion in his senior years, but like a younger soldier training for battle. “Jus' because ya ain't got a shiny gold badge on ya chest don't mean ya futuah prospects are down da drain. I can undahstan' if ya feel the Academy means everythin' to ya, but this is jus' basic trainin'. Got it?”

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. She could accept the wisdom of his words, even if she wasn't entirely happy with it. “I d-do. Thank you, sir.”

“A'ight. Beat it!” He said this playfully. “I'll be watchin' ya progress t'morrow. Don't disappoint, an' lead by example.”

Rainbow nodded. As she turned toward the lavender wood-panelled door, she could feel a subtle shift in the positioning of the floor. It was so odd that she didn't immediately believe it. Her thoughts drifted back to her meeting with Spitfire. I just thought that Captain Spitfire would've respected my initiative and it would've been all gravy, then... she thought sadly. Another shift, this time throwing her off balance. Alright, what the hell is that?!

“Rapidfire, do y—” Her jaw dropped. As she turned back to talk to him, the very ground beneath her seemed to shift dramatically and crack, a great tremor causing a rift in the very floating earth the Wonderbolt Academy stood upon. Rapidfire stumbled and fell flat on his stomach. The sword twisted and turned, whizzing up into the air and back down again. Although she watched in slow motion, her hooves did not respond to her brain's orders to rush forward. “Rapidfire! Sir!”

It landed, point down, straight on target. A soft scream left her lips and she was finally able to charge toward him. “I'll help you! I...” She tried to pull it from his back, but the blade was hot to the touch and she was unable to move it without roasting her hooves or wings to a crisp. Dropping to her knees, she lifted the ebony pegasus' chin, watching his blanching face critically. “Rapidfire! Oh, Celestia... help!” Dash twisted around, screaming toward the distant ponies in the courtyard. “SOMEPONY HELP!”

However, they had vanished. The ground was shaking; splitting in two. The sun in the sky had disappeared. She was outside. The buildings of the Wonderbolt Academy grounds were becoming eclipsed by the darkness. It crept around corners, a dense fog of impenetrable darkness. There was no where to run. The darkness was above her, preventing flight. She twisted on the spot, eyes raking for a place to hide, but there was nothing. A bleak, depressing emptiness stretched for miles, as the shadows threatened to consumed her.

A single circle of bright sky appeared overhead. Rainbow reared onto her hind legs, staring into the heavens. Could it possibly be the salvation from the dark that she needed? Larger and larger the hole grew until a cloudy sky broke through and stretched endlessly, like a deep sea of white and grey, from horizon to horizon. As her front hooves found the grass again, it didn't feel as neatly manicured as the grounds of the Wonderbolt Academy. However, the clouds in the distance were on eye-level, so she had to still be in Cloudsdale.

Blinking her eyes as a sudden ray of sunlight pierced through a gap in the overhead coverage of clouds, however, she noticed a group of ponies nearby. The flexing of the occasional wing told her that it comprised mostly of, if not entirely, pegasi. Galloping forward, she nearly tripped over low-running fences lining either edge of a cobbled path. Stone obelisks and squares dotted the landscape around her. Of course! Pausing in her canter, Rainbow Dash took a good look around. Now she recognized this place; she was in the Cloudsdale Drifts Cemetery, the floating burial grounds that drifted amongst the clouds that made up the aerial city she had been born in.

A hoof on her shoulder. Looking around, she saw a set of dull-blue legs. Scanning higher, she saw her father. Radiant Dash smiled sadly back at her, his pressure on her shoulder almost painful. She followed his gaze to the white and gold coffin sitting on a platform of magic, suspended above a neatly dug rectangular hole in the earth.

Was Rapidfire in there, she wondered vaguely? But, no, she was much too young to know such an old stallion, anyway. Supported by her father, towering above her, Rainbow's chest constricted as the truth hit her and threatened to take away the light and warmth of that afternoon. She wanted her mother to come back to them, to return from Heaven once more and climb out of that casket and make all of the sadness and the bad things go away forever. Without that beautiful mare, Rainbow Dash knew she and her daddy would be lonely. Why did Mommy have to go?

“YOU CANNOT COMPREHEND THE TAR THAT WASHES UPON THE SHORES OF YOUR FUTURE. YOUR HEART WILL BE YOUR WEAKNESS, RAINBOW DASH. THE WORLD WILL RUPTURE AND ALL CREATION WILL BLEED FORTH THEIR COMFORT AND ELATION. THE SUN WILL NOT RISE AGAIN AS THIS FINAL DAY TURNS TO NIGHT.”

Pain. Unbearable pain. Though her limbs worked with the greatest effort, it was barely enough. With difficultly, Rainbow Dash pushed herself off of the floor. The cold air assaulted her chest and stomach as they parted company with the worn stone she had been warming. Pegasus down littered the floor. Had she been shedding her feathers? After what felt like minutes, she rolled over, first on to her side, then on to her backside. Opening her eyes, she made out that she was in some dark room, the only light being a dim red glow from somewhere.

Despite the darkness, there was no mistaking the closest figure. So, she most definitely wasn't alone. The breath caught in her chest, but panic made her force it out. She had to get help for Rapidfire! She had to stop them from lowering her mother's coffin, too, or else Heavens Above would truly be gone forever. Rainbow Dash already had to say goodbye once. She wouldn't manage it a second time. Rainbow had already forgotten about the Voidwalker's terrible proclamation.

“S-Soarin...” Her voice was very hoarse, barely above a whisper, but he didn't seem to hear her. As reality caught up with her senses, however, she realized that she was not in the cemetery. Nor was she in the grounds of the Wonderbolt Academy. “What... happened? Where... where are we?” Again, no response.

Her brain felt like mud as she fought to remember details, either of the events that might have lead to her waking up on cold stone in the dark, or of the dream of Rapidfire and her mother now trickling from her mind like a stream over pebbles. Then, just as suddenly as a gust of frigid wind, the memories stabbed through her head, a burning dagger of terrible recollections. Being frozen in mid-air alongside Spitfire. She had watched Rapidfire die, powerless to do anything about it. Wave Chill had turned his attention to Soarin. However, from that point onward, things had become blurry. Luna had arrived at some point, she knew, and Gwyndolin had left for some reason. Wave Chill seemed to decide to ignore Soarin and returned to Rapidfire's corpse, whispering something like an incantation. Something about Rapidfire's soul and the name of the demon she had read about in that old book.

Leaning forward, Dash attempted to crawl over to Soarin, praying that he was still alive and there had to be another reason for his silence. Had the whole thing been a dream? She wished she could understand this.

Soarin looked over at her approach and relief poured through her. At least he's still alive! Wave Chill wanted him so badly... The swelling sensation vanished as she caught a glimpse of Soarin's face. It was puffy and swollen, with purple lacerations around his eyes. There was no sign of his goofy smile, none of his good-natured chuckling. He looked a century old.

“Soarin...” she croaked. “It wasn't a dream, was it? Is Rapidfire—”

“Dead.” Soarin's voice was as flat and lifeless as the word he had used. “Wave Chill took Spitfire. She's dead, too. At least... she must be by now.”

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes, willing herself to maintain control. He was dead; the rugged, tough old stallion was gone where she could not seek reassurances in his presence and experience. Even Captain Spitfire could be gone. Spitfire... she ached with the pain of it. They had just settled their differences, too... She tried to remember the others who had been with them. Opening her eyelids once again, she could just make out the coffee-coloured Dameer and the blood-red Numane in the corner of the room, just a short distance away. Turning her head, she caught sight of Fluttershy, lying asleep or possibly worse. Fire Streak was beside her, sitting up with his eyes closed, accompanied by his brother. Twilight Sparkle sat a distance away, closest to Lightning Streak, a glowing red ring around her horn, the light obscuring view of her Element. Rainbow caught her eye, knowing she was awake.

“Where are we, Soarin?” Dash asked, returning her gaze to his face and grimacing as she studied his features closely.

“I don't know. Could be the palace,” he replied dully. “There's no doors or windows to this room, so none of us know for sure... maybe we'll suffocate in a few hours?”

Soarin sounded tragically unconcerned. The hope that he was just displaying his old knack for saying stupid things died in Dash's chest as she watched a single tear drip from his eye. He had given up completely. Defeated.

“What about the others? Do we know what happened to Rarity or Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Grape...” Her heart squeezed rather painfully. “Scootaloo...” She pushed any horrible or frightening thoughts from her mind. Scoot was safe, she had to be safe, with her friends.

“Nopony knows, Rainbow. I'm sorry,” Twilight supplied sadly. Rainbow Dash had not heard her approach. “After Rapidfire's d-death, Wave Chill did some odd ritual to the body before Luna showed up. He ordered her to take us to 'the pit'. The warlock had vanished, but returned shortly after. It sounded like she thought she could catch the 'rogue sorceress'. So, I suppose Luna drew her away before arriving herself. Gwyndolin knocked us all out with a spell before Luna could do anything to help,” Twilight explained slowly, holding a hoof to her chest as she struggled to maintain control of herself. “I... I expect he got rather physical with you and Soarin while we were all out, but th-thankfully, I don't think he ki-killed anypony else.”

“That would explain all the pain I'm in,” Dash groaned. “Does it look bad?”

“Soarin's a hell of a lot worse,” Fire Streak spoke up, leaving Fluttershy's side. “I don't think that bastard has killed Spitfire. Not yet, anyway... Sicko probably wants to torture her first.” Fire Streak held up his front hooves, which shook. “When I get a hold of him... argh!”

“We're all upset, brother, but don't do anything stupid if he shows up,” Lightning warned, flexing his large wings. “Wave Chill is stronger and faster than any of us realized. Besides, he can somehow use magic now. Don't risk your life, please!”

“We're all going to die if he's not stopped, what's the difference?!” Fire stormed. “If he and that warlock don't get us, The Shadow will. It could be mid-day by now. That only gives us about seven hours before our little time limit is up!”

Everyone fell silent. Fluttershy whimpered softly and Fire Streak, fuming quietly, returned to her side. Rainbow made to question what the red ring around Twilight's horn was, but the unicorn forestalled the question by answering it beforehand.

“I wish I could get us out of here, but there's some sort of inhibitor around my horn. I can't cast any spells. Even then, I fear my magic would fail the same way it did back in the Amber Cottage. Gwyndolin has probably taken the measures to keep us here.”

Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Great. There's gotta be a way out of here, though!” She made to get up and start moving about the room, intending to feel along the walls for who-knew-what, but Soarin placed a hoof to her shoulder.

“There's no way out, Rainbow. We've lost.” He let out a great sigh, turning to look her straight in the face. “Gymkhana is doomed as soon as The Shadow gets loose, wherever it is... and even if we could escape, we don't have the time left to change anything.”

“Don't say that, Soar!” Dash scolded him, wanting to smack some sense into him but unable to bring herself to cause him anymore pain.

“It's the truth, Rainbow. We should have abandoned all hope ages ago. Wave Chill is... beyond saving, for a start. After Rapidfire...” He trailed off for a moment. “It's too late... I can't forgive him. I can't ever forgive him. Not with a clear conscious, anyway... My brother doesn't deserve to live, and if I have the chance, I want to be the one to end his life.” Rainbow opened her mouth again, but he shook his head and placed a hoof to it. “Please, just stop. Stop with your childish fantasies, Rainbow! I appreciate your kind and hopeful words, I do, but it's time we faced facts.” Soarin buried his face in his hooves. “He murdered Rapidfire! He's killed countless Gymkhanites if he's the pony who brought The Shadow here... and he's tried to kill you.”

Rainbow refused to accept this. She placed a hoof to the red lightning bolt still wrapped around her neck. “We have the Elements of Harmony, Soarin!”

“You need all six together, don't you? I thought that was a requirement. With Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie outside these walls, and the other three of you in here, your treasures are useless,” Soarin explained, his voice graver still.

“So, you've just given up, then?!” Dash yelled, leaping to her hooves. “I've admired you for so long, Soarin, for everything you and the Wonderbolts stood for. Even moreso as I got to know you and understood how strong your own morals and values were. No matter what STUPID crap you said, I never gave up on you!And now you're just gonna quit playing because you're losing? Are you freakin' kiddin' me?! Have all of you given up?” she asked the room at large.

“Honestly, Rainbow Dash, what can we do?” Fluttershy squeaked from the floor, sounding cold and indifferent. “Soarin's right. We've lost.”

“That's BULL!” Dash roared, stamping her hooves. “There's gotta be a way! We didn't come half-way across the damn world just to lose now!”

No one answered her. Rainbow Dash wordlessly appealed to Twilight, but not even she seemed able to muster any arguments to rally up the rest. Lightning Streak moved closer and gestured for Rainbow Dash to follow him, beyond the dim light cast by Twilight's inhibitor and out of earshot of anyone else. Dejected and frustrated, Rainbow followed.

“Listen, Dash... you have to admit, things are grim,” he said in a clear voice.

“We can't be beaten so easily like this... we've never lost! Never...” Rainbow moaned, stamping the floor with her hoof. “Why is Soarin being so pig-headed?”

“Wave Chill is his brother,” Lightning said simply, laying down on his stomach with his legs folded beneath him. “How would you respond if your own brother had committed such atrocities? Wave Chill is a murderer! He would've killed Soarin, too, but for some reason he opted not to. It also doesn't help that Wave Chill was always so... gentle. Once upon a time, he was actually even going to be a father, believe it or not.”

Rainbow gingerly sat down beside him, her aching body still painful. “Oof... uh, he was going to be a father?”

“Wave Chill used to be romantically involved with Blaze. You can probably guess by now that the Wonderbolts are fairly lax about teammates going out with one another. Long story short, Blaze ended up with foal, but suffered a miscarriage when she didn't lay off her training and take better care of herself...” Lightning sighed.

Rainbow rested her head against her hooves. With every second that passed by, it felt like her comfortably bright world got darker and darker. “Soarin never mentioned that Wave Chill almost had a kid. Although... we never really talked about his brother much before now.”

Rainbow's ears drooped. It suddenly occurred to her that she and Soarin never did talk a lot about anything but whatever they were focused on. Some private evenings alone were all very well, but all of their discussions seemed to be hinged upon three subjects: first it was all about their training for the airshow, but with occasional encouraging words from Soarin related to Scootaloo's anxiety struggles. After that, this mission in Saddle Arabia had eclipsed everything.

Here they were, imprisoned and perhaps facing the fight of their lives against Soarin's twin brother, the warlock, and the terrible evil that was backing them up. And the only things that connected her with that stallion in such a troubled period were common interests. She couldn't explain, even to herself, why this hit her so powerfully just now. Rainbow Dash was always fantasizing about a life together with him, but she didn't really know all that much about Soarin. She knew nothing about his parents, Rainbow didn't know where his mansion was, who his friends were outside of the Wonderbolt Academy. And, really, did he know all that much about her?

“The loss of the kid could've been what unhinged Wave Chill, for all we know,” Lightning pressed on, pulling Dash swiftly from her revery. “Wave was over the moon about the idea of having a family with her, but Blaze put her duties first. Their relationship fell apart afterwards, and Soarin was there for him during the whole ordeal. He's got to be feeling so betrayed...” Lightning sighed again and Rainbow heard him readjusting his position on the floor. “Think about it: those brothers have helped each other through so much, and for things to turn out like they have is nothing short of a tragedy. I'm surprised Soarin's held on for even this long. You'll be very lucky that he has any affection left to give you, Dash, because this has probably broken his heart for good.”

Rainbow bit her lip, slapping her hooves against her face in the darkness. Did Soarin ever have genuine affection for her, she wondered miserably, or was this all just short-term attraction? Was he even capable of opening his heart to her now? How much more distress would she need to endure before things started making sense again?

As these questions crossed her mind, guilt tore at her heart. How could she be so selfish? The Wonderbolts had lost a long term member. He had died in front of their eyes. Slain by one of their number, by Soarin's only brother. And yet here she lay, concerned about her love life.

We've gotta get out of here. We've gotta fix this. I need to find Scootaloo... get her home. Home... all this crap will make sense when I'm home! Where the hell is Luna?!

She made her way back to the group at large, away from Lightning Streak, sitting back down beside Soarin. She couldn't prevent herself dwelling on her confused feelings and painful doubts.

Suddenly, a flash of dark blue illuminated the room, causing everyone to gasp in surprise. Fluttershy's wings began to flap like mad as she fluttered away several feet. A smile spread quickly across Rainbow Dash's face and she smacked Soarin on the shoulder, pointing.

“Right on cue! Luna!”

Princess Luna struggled on shaking fetlocks, collapsing to the floor. Dash reached her first and helped Luna get back to her hooves. It was only then that she realized that the Princess was not alone. Just behind her, blinking with a baffled expression on her face, was a very battered Spitfire. The alicorn straightened up, swinging her light blue mane from her eyes. Dash noticed that she was still in her unicorn form, the wings hidden from sight. Twilight quickly joined them, the rest of the captives making their way over. Numane and Dameer were gazing, transfixed. Lightning Streak moved to Spitfire's side, helping her up.

“What... the...?” Spitfire moaned, shaking her head. “Lightning!” She blinked, looking around quickly. “Oh, thank Celestia!”

“I h-had,” Luna gasped, taking a deep breath, “to warp you here at a distance... while teleporting in myself. The magic takes its toll, especially in this... this weaker form... Spitfire, are you... hurt?”

“N-no,” Spitfire said, gazing around the room as Luna's horn glowed brightly. “Well... yes, I am. I-uh... I'm not physically hurt. Not much... Wave Chill... he was already content with my suffering.”

“Captain,” Soarin breathed, “thank the heavens you're alright!”

“You showed up just in time, Luna!” Rainbow said, grinning broadly. “Even bringing Spitfire. Everypony had lost hope...”

“Luna... as in, Princess Luna?!” Dameer croaked, finally coming over with Numane.

“Yep,” Dash confirmed, still grinning. Their luck was bound to go back up with Luna with them again. “That's Princess Luna. Disguised, of course, bringing with her the luck we need!”

“Luna,” Spitfire said quickly, holding a shaking hoof to her eyes as she turned away from Soarin. “I need to know... now. Did you get his b-body?” The atmosphere, which had been so suddenly charged, became bleak and depressing once again. “I want to give him a... a proper burial. Please... tell me you got his body. It was his... it was Dad's wish to be laid to rest beside his sister, and I'll be damned if this place is going to stop me fulfilling that desire.”

Luna closed her eyes for a brief moment, giving a small nod. “I've already hidden it. I convinced a pair of guards to retrieve it under the pretence that Gwyndolin would use it for her research. I had a feeling Wave Chill might try and desecrate Rapidfire's corpse, so I made sure he would never have the chance.”

Spitfire wiped her eyes, taking a deep breath. “Thank you.”

“Are you going to be alright, Spit?” Dash asked, extending a comforting hoof.

“I'll manage,” Spitfire said with a soft smile. “I've already spent the night crying... my grief feels different now.” She spat on the floor. “I want my vengeance!”

Twilight was looking between the party around Spitfire and the Princess of the Night, who was still shaking with exhaustion.

“I thought you had to keep your powers in check, Luna?” she asked, looking disconcerted.

“Gwyndolin has managed to block any teleportation that does not involve a direct line of sight to the destination. It requires great amount of energy to circumvent. A power surge that is noticeable. In other words, she is now aware of my presence. The game, as they say, is up! It was the same yesterday evening; I used my powers to create a vicious lightning storm in the Dynasty District. It drew Gwyndolin away. So, she's bound to know I'm here.”

“Oh, no... oooh, no, no, no...” Fluttershy whimpered, falling slowly back to the floor and covering her face with her hooves. “Please say it isn't so!”

“Can you be certain, Luna?” Twilight asked, the concern and worry increasing all over her face as Fire Streak laid down next to Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash could hear him whispering words of comfort to her. While she felt he was being awfully forward with his recent affections for the shy pegasus, Rainbow thought that her friend could nevertheless use the comfort. “Is she absolutely aware of you now?” Twilight continued, dragging Rainbow's mind back to the conversation.

“If she has not sensed my power yet, she surely will when I drag you all to safety.” Luna stood tall, blinking several times before exhaling deeply, coming together. “Now, the most important thing presently is for us to craft a plan to disable the towers surrounding the city. This will break the magical transportation seal over Gymkhana, and I will be able to send citizens to safety.”

“Captain...” Soarin continued to moan with relief, repeating the word over and over. He had finally ambled his way over. His gait looked painful and he seemed to be taking no interest in the discussion taking place. With great difficulty, he threw his hooves around her. “I can't believe it... you're alive! You're alive, Spit... I was sure, so fully convinced he had claimed your life, too! You're alive!”

“Yes, Soarin; we've established that,” she agreed smartly, accepting his embrace. “I am alive.”

Soarin detached himself and looked enquiringly at the Princess. “Thank you, Luna.” He was starting to sound his usual self. “What's been happening with the others?”

“Yeah, is everypony alright?” Dash added quickly, turning her attention back to Luna and trying not to feel too ashamed of herself; she had a short fit of jealousy when the two Wonderbolts embraced.

“Your friends... everypony is safe. Everypony”, she assured them. Rainbow Dash could have laughed out loud. “Fleetfoot has returned with the New Lunar Republic and joined forces with the Steel Talons. There is to be a siege on the palace. However, I have a job for you all...the towers I just mentioned.”

“Your Majesty, is there anything we can do?” Numane asked, gesturing between himself and Dameer. “And, more importantly, how is Grape Blossom?”

“Grape Blossom and her friends have returned to their sewer sanctuary, for the time being. Pinkie Pie is looking after them. I think it is best if the pair of you join them as soon as possible. Once the barrier around the city is disabled, I'm sending you all to Canterlot. This is not your battle.”

“Like hell it isn't!” Dameer swore, his temper rising. Even against the Princess, the horse reared, hooves kicking the air. Meanwhile, Numane showed similar signs of agitation, both colts glaring Luna down. “The darkness took our homes and our families, how DARE you suggest this isn't our fight?”

“You misunderstood me,” Luna said calmly. “The siege and the Elements of Harmony's planned attack on those behind these calamities are nothing you or your friends have the power to influence. You are better off safely out of the action. Worry not, your losses will be avenged.”

“Princess Luna's right, you two,” Rainbow Dash cut in quickly. “No offense, but Grape needs her boyfriend and Neighshyte needs his big brother more than anything right now. Once the barrier's down, you'll be shipped to Canterlot, where it's safe... whether ya want to or not!” she finished with a wink.

Dameer stared at them for several seconds. Finally, he spoke again. “As much as I wish to help... fine. I am very worried about Neighsh, Numane. We should try to get back. And you can see Grape, then...” Dameer sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

The red horse nodded, tossing his mane. “Yeah, you're right... But if we get the chance, we'll take out some guards along the way, eh?”

Dameer smirked and nodded. “Yup.”

“Well, if we've gotta destroy the towers, then let's get out of here!” Fire Steak jumped to his hooves, helping Fluttershy up. “We can continue to enjoy this cozy catch up another time.”

“Right.” Luna's horn began to glow brightly. “Gather around me, everypony. While the seal on teleportation is active, my magic can only take us so far. I'll teleport us to the gallery above this cell. We can make our way through the palace until we can locate a window. From there, we take to the air.”

Rainbow Dash and the rest of the cell occupants moved in close to the alicorn. A zap from the horn shattered the glowing red ring on Twilight's own horn before another pulse blinded Rainbow's eyes with a bright white light.

After a moment of nauseating compression, her eyes adjusted to their new location: a long, dim, and extravagantly decorated hallway. Spans of fabric hung from the ceiling and draped across the walls above tapestries and murals. But there was something wrong. Rainbow's eyes locked onto a torch burning in its bracket.

“Why... why is the light so dim?” she asked, flying above it to examine whether or not the light was low from all directions.

“Why, indeed,” Luna repeated darkly. “Gwyndolin is up to something. Your cell happened to be near the path to her library and laboratory, which is bathed in a shroud of darkness, like deep black cloak light can't penetrate properly. I ventured there myself yesterday evening while I was speaking to Princess Celestia... I should mention that we are in contact telepathically. This was all before I was alerted to the events taking place at the Amber Cottage.”

“What's going on back home?” Spitfire asked, eyes narrowed to try and see as far into the shadows as she could manage.

“Let's just say that Celestia has a few visitors who may be joining us if we can manage in disabling the barrier,” Luna said evasively.

Rainbow was on the verge of asking who the visitors were when Soarin asked a different question. “This enhanced darkness... Princess Luna, do you be-believe it has... anything to do with—” Soarin stopped abruptly as he fell sideways, stumbling into the wall.

“Soar!” Rainbow Dash gave a cry of anguish and flew over to him, landing roughly and lifting his head.

“S-sorry...” he croaked. “I'm exhausted...”

“Luna, do you have a healing spell? Wave Chill roughed him up... bad!” Rainbow kept his head elevated as she shouted to the Princess.

Luna nodded and bowed her head in his direction. “I do, Rainbow Dash. However, you should try and keep your voice down, we don't want to be found that easily.”

A pomegranate coloured swirl of what appeared to be solid wind washed in a spiral from her horn and struck Soarin squarely in the back. He let out a groan of pain as a few cuts on his neck and face mended themselves before Rainbow's eyes. Some of the bruising left his countenance and he opened his eyes wide.

“That's the best I am able to do right now. I admit... I am not very proficient in restoration magic. Such things are better left to potions, medicine, and doctors. Ponies who spent a thousand years on the moon in a bad mood aren't the best healers,” she concluded with a wink.

“Feeling better?” Dash asked Soarin, helping his abnormally warm body up again.

“Y-yeah,” Soarin replied, arching his back and then straightening it out again. There was a loud pop. “Celestia, that spell makes me feel like the room's boiling!”

“Healing spells have a thermogenic effect, you see,” Luna explained, angling her horn low again to try and flood the distant intercepting hallway with light. “We must get moving. Even this moment, Gwyndolin could be rushing to meet us.”

Before anything could happen, however, a lone horse guard strolled into it from a connecting corridor and stopped dead in his tracks, eyes squinting against the beam of Luna's light. Jaw falling open, he stood and stared, mesmerized, at the group for a moment.

“Good afternoon,” Luna said casually, shooting a dark blue beam from her horn. The moment it hit him, the guard's eyelids drooped, his head bowed, and he fell over, fast asleep. “And good night.”

“Slick.” Rainbow Dash grinned appreciatively, nudging Soarin's flank with her head to get him walking.

Fluttershy whimpered, staring at the sleeping horse. “This isn't going well at all...”

“And... what part of our little va-cay is going right?” Rainbow asked. “I mean, I hope you're not expecting this to be fun, Flutters. There's only so many times a pony's life is threatened before they stop having a good time.” She looked to the Wonderbolt Captain. “Right, Spitfire?”

“You've got a point, there,” she conceded. “I think you and me are on par for receiving death threats. Maybe Soarin, too.”

They rounded the next corner cautiously. Lightning Streak and Numane peered around the corner carefully before declaring the coast as clear. Rainbow stayed near by Soarin, who still looked a little weak. Luna stayed in the centre of the group, keeping her light shining brightly through the thick veil of the darkness.

“Is this darkness related to the Voidwalker, Luna?” Soarin asked again. “There has to be a reason the warlock has the place caked in black.”

“I'd agree with you, but it could very well be just another experiment of Gwyndolin's. After all, the barrier around the city was her doing, as my reconnaissance has revealed,” Luna explained as they continued down the next hallway, as finely dressed as the last, though just as dark.

“So, this barrier, Luna...” Twilight began, curiosity in her voice. “You've explained that it's preventing teleportation in and out of Gymkhana. You also said it's the reason teleportation within Gymkhana is so difficult, right?”

Luna nodded. “Indeed. I've had to use so much power to reach your cell, not to mention retrieve Spitfire, because warping that does not use a direct line of sight is very difficult,” she explained again. “The towers are enhancing the barrier, so if we can deal with them, then it should fall.”

“Still holdin' up, Soarin?” Rainbow Dash asked in a low voice, walking a little closer to him.

“I'm fine, Rainbow. Luna's spell has at least given me strength, and I'm trying not to think about... everything.”

“Just keep faith that everything's going to be alright!” Dash encouraged him, lifting her left forehoof and bumping his shoulder.

“How can you even still say that?” he asked wearily. “Rapidfire is dead.”

Dash breathed deeply. “I know, Soarin... but we're still alive. We can still win!” They began to climb a twisting staircase to an upper level, moving slowly as to prevent their echoing hoof clopping from raising every security pony in the palace. The next floor was much brighter than the previous, the darkness lifting as they distanced themselves from the rough direction of Gwydolin's lab. “We just need to get out of here and deal with those towers. We'll meet up with Applejack and the rest and we'll use our Elements, and... it'll be over. Just like that, I promise.”

“I don't think—” Soarin stopped dead, his eyes widening. “—it'll be that easy...”

Rainbow looked ahead and groaned. Lightning Streak and Numane were already kneeling low, ready to spring forward and attack with their hooves. Spitfire had flown into the air, ready to strike. Luna moved forward, standing in between the group and the four pegasi guards blocking access to a large set of doors at the end of the hallway.

“M-Moonlight Sonata?! I... y-you can't do this! You can't take the prisoners away from here!” One of the guards said in a cowering voice.

“Right,” Luna said briskly, tapping her hooves together. “We'll make this quick: remove yourselves from here and go home. That way, you're not in danger. Speak to no one.”

Rainbow Dash backed up a little, moving to where Fluttershy was shaking so violently that here chattering teeth could be heard quite clearly. She attempted to reassure her, but another guard spoke up. It didn't help that this one had a sense of humour.

“Now, now, we can't do that, can we? We're on duty, aren't we?” He moved forward, in front of his cowering cohorts. “Besides, I'd rather face you than the rebels I hear are storming the streets right now! I suppose that was your doing, huh?”

“Why, yes, I thought that much myself,” came a voice from the stairs behind the prisoners.

Rainbow Dash wheeled around. Just behind Dameer, who was near the back of their group with Fire Streak, a figure emerged up the staircase. Long, black hair flowing over her cloak, the terrifying silhouette of the warlock stood there, partially obscured by the green light flowing from her horn.

Rainbow Dash swore, shaking her head. Twilight gasped, her raspberry glow of magic surrounding her own horn.

“It's the warlock!”

“I must be losing my touch,” Gwyndolin said, placing a hoof in front of her face and completely ignoring Twilight Sparkle. “I had intended to warp in front of you, following the traces of magic you are leaking, Miss Sonata. I must've just missed you downstairs.”

Luna hit the guards with similar sleeping spells that she had used earlier, turning her full attention to the warlock. “Get moving, all of you!” she commanded, though her eyes remained fixed upon the sorceress. “Through those doors is a larger room. The second hallway on the left will lead to an arboretum upstairs. You can get outside from there!”

“I'm so sorry,” Gwyndolin sighed theatrically, narrowing her eyes and expelling a burst of magic. As Rainbow seized Fluttershy by the hoof to drag her onward, her entire body froze, just like when the warlock had immobilized her the previous evening. “Your little friends aren't going anywhere.”

Luna countered the spell with a shot of blue light, flooding the hallway. Able to move again, Dash started down the hallway, following Soarin and Spitfire, still dragging Fluttershy along. The pale-gold pegasus seemed to be frozen, not by magic, but by fear. Twilight, meanwhile, had not left Luna's side.

“Come on, Fluttershy!” Fire Streak said, trying to rouse her. He ducked low and literally scooped her onto his back. “Let's get out of here!”

“Dameer!” Numane shouted back, already at the doors with the two leading Wonderbolts. “Hurry!”

“I'm coming!” he bellowed, overtaking Rainbow as he sprinted forward.

“Dashie?!” Soarin croaked, looking back as well. “Fluttershy, Fire Streak, come on!”

“Hold your horses!” Rainbow yelled, spreading her wings and taking to the air as her heart beat so furiously, she could feel a vein in her throat throb. “TWILIGHT, COME ON!”

“It seems I have underestimated your arrogance,” Gwyndolin spoke in a dangerous voice. As Rainbow Dash looked back, she saw the warlock wave her hoof in their direction. A swirl of emerald magic surrounded it for a moment. “What other secrets are you hiding, Moonlight Sonata? Are you the rogue unicorn I've been chasing all over the city? Using your powers to lure me away so you can enchant Azure Wings with your sultry ways, is it?”

“The doors... dammit, she sealed the doors!” Numane cursed, banging his hooves against them.

Luna laughed. “I must admit, that theory is hilarious! There's a lot you don't understand about me. You may be powerful for a Court Sorceress, but I am concealing all of my energy! The game you and Azure Wings, or rather, Wave Chill, have been playing with this city is about to come to its conclusion.”

“You are quite right,” Gwyndolin agreed, emerald magic vanishing from her hoof. “Our time in Gymkhana is coming to an end. The Voidwalker will arrive in mere hours and will shake this city off the face of the planet like a flea!”

“Twilight Sparkle!” Luna had only just noticed she was still there. “Go with your friends and get that door open! I will be fine.”

“Much like I have, thus far, underestimated you, words like that make it quite clear that you, Sonata, underestimate me!”

“Twilight, run!”

At last, Twilight Sparkle heeded her. She turned and started down the hallway, galloping toward Rainbow Dash. Gwyndolin smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her eyes, and bowed her head.

“You will not escape me again, you inadequate magician,” she said disdainfully, firing a spell.

“Twilight!” Dash cried over the bangs that echoed from behind her as Soarin and Dameer launched themselves at the sealed door, desperate to breach to the room beyond and to safety.

However, Luna sprang to action. Leaping aside, she blocked the path of the sinister green beam of magic, absorbing the brunt of it into her own chest. Grunting a little, she staggered for a moment, but straightened up, tossing her mane; completely unharmed.

“Try to unseal the door, Luna will hold her off!” Rainbow Dash implored the purple unicorn as Twilight reached the end of the hallway. “Don't scare us like that! What the hell were you thinking, trying to stand up to somepony that powerful?!”

“So, it is true, then… this is not some foolhardy ploy to gain the trust of the prisoners. Your betrayal is absolutely genuine,” Gwyndolin decided, shaking her head.“Is this how you want events to play out? You will give your lives for these wretches, I presume?” Almost bashfully, Gwyndolin's hoof hovered before her mouth yet again. “How brazen!”

“Do you not realize precisely who I am?” Luna asked, standing confidently before her.

“A fool,” Gwyndolin answered immediately. “And soon, a cadaver. It was unwise to challenge me.”

Another vicious spell lurched forward from the warlock's horn. Luna intercepted it with a spell of her own. The hallway lit up as both beams of magic collided; Gwyndolin's green, Luna's blue. Cyan sparks flew in every direction as both mares fought to keep their spell alive. However, it was clear by immediate contrast that the Princess' magic was the lesser of the two.

The point where the spells had crashed together was sliding inexorably toward Luna's horn as the warlock's strength began to dominate. Seemingly unable to overpower it, the Princess of the Night threw caution to the wind. She transformed.

Rearing onto her hind legs and without breaking the beam of conjoined magical power, a separate flash of white from her horn caused a sphere to temporarily conceal her body. As it faded, her blue coat had darkened and her mane was elongated and swirling, dotted with stairs like the night sky. With a cry, her wings burst forth from her back, spread wide and domineering.

“DO YOU NOT REALIZE WHO YOU BATTLE?” Luna screamed, her power surging with her usual form. The connecting point of the two spells stopped inches from her face and began to move back toward the warlock.

“You are… Princess Luna…” Gwyndolin whispered, eyebrows forming one severe line. “We… shall see about that!”

Luna's spell burned through the air, pushing back Gwyndolin's as it went. Ignoring Twilight Sparkle's efforts to break the magical lock upon the door, Rainbow Dash watched in awe as Luna's incredible magical prowess was closing in on victory. Luna took a step forward, suppressing the glow of Gwyndolin's magic as the combined spells reached the tip of the warlock's horn.

The seconds ticked by. “Come on, Luna!” Rainbow cheered, stamping her hooves. “Finish her off and let's blow this place! Ya got her against the ropes!”

Fire Streak and Spitfire were beside her, both staring as well. Fluttershy, Lightning Streak, Soarin, and the two Gymkahanites were hammering against the door, trying fruitlessly to assist Twilight in breaking through.

“Tell them, Princess Luna...” Gwyndolin mocked, holding her head high so that the cyan glow covered her face. She took a step forward, and Luna, shaking, moved back a pace. “Tell them the truth. Tell them that you cannot overpower me! TELL THEM, PRINCESS LUNA, THAT I WOULD BE A FOOL TO RISK EVERYTHING ON A DUEL WITH ANOTHER MAGI! TELL THEM, PRINCESS LUNA, THAT I ONLY DUEL WHEN MY SUCCESS IS A FOREGONE CERTAINITY!” Gwyndolin was furious; incensed. The red light of her initial spell swelled, threatening to completely engulf Luna's attempt to counter her. “In another lifetime, perhaps, things could have been different... you, an alicorn, the Princess of the Night, a damned demigod amongst us mortals... and me, the most powerful being alive! We could have had a glorious rivalry, respectful of one another's abilities!”

“This is a nightmare,” Rainbow said in a hollow voice, looking down at her hoof. It was impossible that their one great hope, their salvation in Princess Luna, would fail so easily. “I'm still sleeping.” She punched herself hard in the stomach, feeling the breath leave her body and the strength leave her other three limbs. She hit the floor with a hard smack, her wings splayed around her. “It's a d-dream! A nightmare from the Voidwalker, like before! It's not real! Soarin, tell me it's not real!”

“Dashie, what are you doing?!” he gasped, racing to her side. “Help us break through the door... hurry!”

“YOU, PRINCESS LUNA, ARE NOT PREPARED… FOR ME!” Gwyndolin bellowed, a terrible malediction, rearing onto her hind legs and then flattening back down, launching her spell forward.

“G-get down! GET. DOWN. NOW!” Luna's royal voice echoed off the walls as she threw herself sideways, unable to keep the warlock's magic at bay for a second longer.

Burning through the air, Gwyndolin's magic, along with whatever remained of Luna's counter spell, collided with the sealed door. The deep red burst of light was blinding. The sounds of vaporizing wood and stone, a wicked, scorching hiss, filled Rainbow's ears. The force of the explosion had sent shock waves crashing over her back like waves of the sea. Shavings of wood flew through the air like party streamers as she opened her eyes. Craning her head, she saw that there were no signs of debris, even though the spell had obliterated the door, a section of the ceiling above, and most of the left wall. Everything had been broken down to pebbles, or else completely annihilated.

“Wh-what... what awful po-power!” Twilight moaned in a croaky voice, filled with the sorrow Rainbow had associated with tears. “If that hit anypony... they're gone!”

“We're fine!” Spitfire hissed from several feet away. “I can see everypony...”

Looking back down the hallway, Dash saw Gwyndolin standing with a hoof against her eyes. The shock waves had sent all the dust her way. Princess Luna, crumpled against the edge of the wall, slowly got to her feet. Her entire body shook. With a cry of rage, she leapt forward, wings spread, head bent low. Whether she was intending to pierce the warlock with her horn, Rainbow Dash didn't know. As Gwyndolin noticed her, Luna's horn glowed a bright purple. Dash recognized the spell.

As she reached the warlock, Luna cast it. Both herself and Gwyndolin were encased in the light for a moment, before everything down the corridor went dark again. Luna had teleported both of them away.

Coughing, Rainbow Dash made it to her hooves, feeling her fetlocks quaking. She shook her mane like a wet dog, bending her limbs and arching her back. Everything seemed to be in order, she noted. Her recent nightmares crossed her mind and she immediately checked to make sure her wings weren't broken, even though the lack of pain should have been a dead giveaway. Rainbow flapped them several times, exhaling in relief.

“Is... is everypony alright?” Twilight Sparkle asked, gingerly rising from the floor.

“Y-yeah... a bit winded, but otherwise, I'm okay, at least,” Dash moaned. She rubbed her croup, the furs all ruffled from the explosion. “Well, this escalated quickly, didn't it?

“You could say that!” Spitfire spat, checking her wings herself. “No more Luna. And she didn't even tell us how we're going to take care of those towers! We're once again going into this blind.” She looked up at the hole blasted in the ceiling. “You think we're better off climbing, or going to that arboretum that she directed us to? I can't even remember where the hell she said it was.”

“I don't know, Captain,” Lightning Streak said with a shrug. “I remember her directions, and we don't know our way if we go upstairs from here.”

Rainbow Dash flew up to the hole, peering into the upper corridor. It was much brighter, as the darkness did not extend this far. Aside from two knocked out horse guards, the coast was clear.

“We can try upstairs,” Dash suggested. “We'll fly up Twilight, Dameer, and Numane...” She focused on the downed guards. “Phew, that spell did a number! Couple blokes nappin' it off up here.” She glanced down at the four guards on the floor below, knocked out by Luna's spell. “Big pajama party around here, anyway...”

Soarin frowned up at her. “Not the best time for jokes, you know...”

Dash shrugged, though she felt annoyed at being chided like a foal. “Nothing wrong with trying to brighten up the mood, y'know! Any bleaker and we may as well kill ourselves now.”

Twilight looked from the vaporized door and the hole that Dash had investigated. “I think... I think we're better off climbing,” she decided hastily. “We'll find an alternative exit. The damage down here is bound to attract Wave Chill. Besides, the higher we go, the more likely we are to find some windows, right?”

“I'd rather meet him, to be honest... I owe him,” Spitfire snarled, but agreed anyway as she rose into the air.

“Right.” Rainbow swooped low and scooped Twilight around the chest. “Let's fly.”

Beneath her, Lightning Streak and Fire Streak picked up Dameer and Numane and lifted them to Rainbow's level. The three pegasi lead the way through the blasted ceiling, Spitfire, Fluttershy, and Soarin bringing up the rear.

Now that she could examine the upper hallway properly, Rainbow Dash deposited Twilight on the tangerine rug that ran the length. The end was singed where it had covered the section that endured the spell fallout. The walls were painted a midnight blue, to compliment the carpet. Several vases of exotic plants dotted the right wall from the hole in niches every few yards, though there were no windows to be seen.

Spitfire flew over to one of the two doors lining the left wall and tried it. She peered into it for a moment before closing the door and trying the next one. As she withdrew her head, she spoke up again.

“This is one friggin' weird palace. One room looked like some sort've classroom, and the other is just... odd. Inside, there's clear tubes of glowing liquid leading through the walls and ceiling, and nothing else. It's like some steam pump, but... not.”

Twilight moved over to the second door and looked in herself. “Glowing fluids... hmm,” she mused for a moment, scratching her chin. “Almost looks like one of Zecora's potions.”

“Zecora's potions?” Rainbow looked over her shoulder, seeing three wide tubes. The middle ran floor to ceiling, the left from back wall to ceiling, and the right from back wall to ceiling. She didn't see the connection to potions, however. “I don't think Zecora's here, Twilight.”

“You don't say,” she sighed, frowning and rolling her eyes. “It could be related to alchemy. One of the books I was reading yesterday was about the palace history and architecture. For example, there aren't any staircases in the central chamber, but lifts! Parts of the floor, platforms, that move magically, using alchemical properties. No doubt these potions could supply the energy necessary alter the air currents, transmuting them into a stronger force. That is... if the lifts use air currents at all; the book was not very clear on—”

“Fascinating,” Rainbow said darkly, her stomach squirming uncomfortably. “So, let's get back to working on getting out of here, eh? I don't like just standing here, it's making me nervous. We've got a window to find and, y'know, towers to reach, or maybe friends to find!”

“Right, right, I'm sorry,” Twilight apologized, closing the door to the tubed room.

“What's the central chamber?” Dameer asked, pulling his head out of the classroom-like room.

“It's the main hall of the palace, as far as I am aware. Several floors, leading up to the throne room. The Ruling Council should have a nice view of the entire hall, but the structure sounds more beneficial to pegasi than Saddrabian horses,” Twilight explained as they finally made their way to the opposite end of the hallway from the blasted hole.

One spiral staircase later and they found themselves before what appeared to be the antechamber to a guard barracks. Armour and weapons adorned open-air wardrobes that could be seen just through the doorway, in a small locker room. Numane approached a spear on a weapon rack.

“Although I don't hear anyone inside the guard room, we should arm ourselves!” For a kid, Dash thought, he certainly had the right idea. As he looked around, she approached and took hold of a scabbard, with a strap to tie it about her waist.

“Awesome,” she noted with a casual smirk, adjusting it. She felt strengthened, nigh invincible. “A weapon! Let's see Wave Chill kill me now...” She pulled out the blade, but was disappointed to see a tiny knife, compared to a large and impressive brand. “A dagger? Seriously...?”

“This place is actually pretty deserted... We might actually get out unspotted,” Numane continued, examining the spear. He took it and flung it around his back, securing it with a similar strap. “God, I hope Grape is alright...”

“Yeah...” Dameer agreed fervently. “I'm sure they're okay with Pinkie Pie! Bet she and Neighsh are having a laugh with Marius. Grape's probably rolling her eyes and yelling at them for waking Appleberry with their skylarking!” Numane grinned his appreciation for his friend's attempts to encourage him. “We're finally getting lucky! There's no guards, so our path to freedom is clear! We're almost out of this mess.”

Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy didn't take a weapon, but both Soarin and Spitfire took spears. The two Streaks got swords, though Rainbow Dash never bothered to try another scabbard. As they turned away from the locker room, a worry crossed her mind.

Where were all the guards? Why, she wondered, was it so easy to waltz through this place? Sure, they had encountered resistance, but she had expected much more. A lot more. After all, whenever they had walked through the streets of Gymkhana, a small procession of patrolling ponies and horses were a constant sight out of the corners of her eyes. More than likely, since Wave Chill took over and rechristened the military as the 'Tempered Feather', the number of guards and soldiers had increased.

So, where are they? This place is like a ghost town. What Rainbow Dash didn't realize was that she would be getting her answer sooner than later. From the guard barracks, they traversed another series of corridors before finally reaching a section of the building that offered access to a window: the central chamber of the Palace of Kings.

They emerged onto a walkway. Behind them lay the previous corridor, while ahead, Rainbow Dash watched a beige, tiled platform descending away from the bridge she stood on. It was connected to the wall by an eerily glowing cloud. Rainbow Dash barely had a chance to marvel at the sheer size of the room they reached before she heard voices.

Peering over the edge of the walkway, Dash's view showed her that she and her friends were standing five stories above the ground floor. Looking up, she saw another four or five more, some floors just consisting of a few, railed off walkways, others being single bridges extending across the span, connecting corridors. The ceiling was shrouded in darkness, and Rainbow Dash knew there had to be more floors above the central chamber. After all, the palace towered over the city.

She continued to marvel at the complexity of the architecture, astounded beyond belief. Two floors below, the throne she had dreamt about before stood empty, on a raised platform enclosed by three walls, unceilinged, and connected to another platform by a walkway. The throne had a perfect view of the lower levels and suggested that Gymkhana had a solitary monarch, despite the Ruling Council having multiple members. Two or three automated platforms continued to rise and fall from their respective heights, and by following their progress, Dash was able to easily work out a path to the ground.

One thing she had not failed to notice, however, was that they certainly were not alone. There were groups of soldiers everywhere. On the platforms, pacing in rows, standing against the eastern wall, and leaving through a towering set of heavy wooden doors that, she guessed, lead outside.

“We're surrounded...” Fluttershy groaned, her eyes raking above them to see if there were any guards who could spot the group.

“We can see them; they can't see us,” Rainbow assured her. “We've just gotta be careful... anypony got ideas?”

“Look!” Twilight said in a low, excited rush. Looking around, Rainbow Dash saw her gesturing an upper level. “I can see the sky! There's some on the platform above!”

“That's going to be a problem...” Soarin pointed out, nodding toward the lift that was returning to the bridge before dropping again. “That elevator doesn't go up. We probably have to backtrack and find another path into the chamber, if we want to get to the higher levels...” He shook his head. “Always something.”

“We could... fly,” Fire Streak suggested uneasily. “We would need to be fast, to make sure no one looking up can spot—” He fell silent immediately as a bright flash from below threw shadows all over the room.

Gwyndolin had appeared in front of the doors leading into the city. Immediately motioning for some guards to approach her, she started to shout words that were incomprehensible at this distance; she looked livid. Rainbow Dash felt her stomach plummet.

“Where the hell's Luna?! Did the warlock beat her?” she asked in a panicked whisper.

“How should we know?” Spitfire demanded, her eyes raking the chamber. “She doesn't look happy, so maybe Luna gave her the slip? All the better, since it's a distraction. Let's fly to the windows!”

Now that it was time to make their escape, Rainbow Dash was oddly calm. Nodding, she turned to look at the two horses. “Looks like we won't be needing those weapons after all, but we'll need to be fast! I'm going to carry you two and Twilight across myself, because I'm the fastest.”

“That's a terrible idea!” Spitfire snapped. “We can fly just as well with luggage, thank you very much, and taking multiple trips is just stupid! We should only cross over the chamber once, unless you want to give these assholes multiple chances to spot you?”

“Fine, it was just a suggestion!” Dash groaned, taking another cautious glance toward the bottom floor. Gwyndolin seemed to be issuing orders to the different groups of soldiers. “Dameer and Numane, you should ride Lightning and Fire Streak, since it'll be easier to wrap around their necks and shoulders, rather than be carried.”

“That's a good idea, Rainbow Dash,” Lightning Streak agreed, bending low.

“You guys cross first,” Soarin said quickly as Twilight Sparkle climbed onto Rainbow's back. “Go with them, Fluttershy! If any of you are spotted, me and Spitfire will swoop down and get their attention!”

“Why don't you just volunteer us for death?!” Spitfire snarled, whacking him in the back of the head with her hoof. However, she smirked. “Well, that would've been my own suggestion, anyway.”

Determined, Rainbow took a steadying breath and flung her wings wide, feeling the weight of Twilight pressing against them. Thankful for her weight training, she jumped and flapped rapidly, beating her wings against the air so fast that she rocketed over the void and ascended to the higher platform. As soon as she drew level with the next floor, she could see the windows properly. There were five of them, each six feet tall, with a glass door on a metal hinge built into the centre one. Outside, she could see a terrace overlooking the ruins of the Mesa District.

She touched down and Twilight slid off her back. As Fire Streak and Lightning Streak landed on either side of her, Rainbow turned, watching anxiously as Fluttershy flew up. She had both front hooves covering her eyes, but managed to touch down safely. Numane and Dameer dismounted, Numane panting slightly.

“I'll be honest...” he croaked, looking toward the terrace, “I never thought I'd see Gymkhana again...”

“None of ya shoulda gave up!” Rainbow Dash laughed as Soarin and Spitfire joined them. “Like I said, me and my friends didn't travel across the ocean just to lose that easily!”

“Doesn't look like the guards saw us!” Spitfire said, exhaling a little. “A smooth escape. Well, the 'Bolts are professionals.”

She approached the window, placing her hoof on the door. Rainbow looked beyond her, out over the Mesa District. Just beyond, she could see one of the five towers, set along the perimeter wall. Well, she thought, they may not have gotten the details from Luna, but there had to be a simple way to disable the towers and dispel the barrier.

Maybe Twilight could try a spell? She usually had a spell for any situation. Although, perhaps they needed a more physical solution? If alchemy could be used to create explosives, they had the option of blowing up the towers. The only drawback, Dash reasoned, would be the fact that they would attract attention.

“Dashie!”

Soarin's voice had cut through her internal monologuing, tearing her away from her brainstorm. Had she actually been paying attention to her surroundings, she would have been able to react. With a sharp pain, the air left her lungs. The whole world flipped as the ceiling became the floor. Unable to grip the platform, she rolled over and over again, coming to rest on the very edge of it. Her tail flopped over the side, dangling toward the lowest level, six or seven stories down.

“Lightning Streak, Fire Streak, take them!” Soarin's voice sounded distant.

“Carry Twilight Sparkle, Fire!” Lightning rang out. “I can carry the horses!”

“No! Go with them, Fluttershy! Soarin, be careful!” That was Spitfire, Rainbow Dash was sure of it.

Oh, why did her head hurt so badly? What happened? She was dazed, exhausted from pain and hunger, and trying to draw breath. She had sustained a terrible blow to the chest and head, as though she had been smacked by an uppercut with a truncheon. Gingerly, she made it to her hooves. Very slowly, she raised her head. Soarin skidded to a halt beside her. Grabbing her by the arm, he pulled her roughly away from the edge. It was all very well, she mused stupidly; she was in no condition to fly right now.

She closed her eyes tight, shook her head, and opened them again. Rainbow Dash had to focus. Her eyes moved from Soarin, who was looking back at her anxiously, standing sentinel in front of her. They found Spitfire, standing by the open door, teeth grit as she stared across the platform at something. Twilight, carried by Fire Streak, Numane and Dameer, both dangling either one of Lightning Streak's front hooves, and Fluttershy were all fading into the distance beyond the window.

“What's the matter? Why aren't you escaping? The window's open, Captain!”

Dash found him at last. Reflexes razor sharp again, she dived out from behind Soarin's protection and a hoof flew to the dagger in its scabbard, still miraculously strapped to her torso. Of course, she thought: while they were yards from freedom, it would all crumble to dust.

Spitfire's chest was heaving as she glared knives back at him. Rainbow looked back at Soarin, who was frozen, just like the fiery maned pegasus. Neither of the two remaining Wonderbolts seemed to be able to take their eyes off the traitor. As the light of the sun shined suddenly through a gap in a distant cloud, two curved blades glowed with gleaming orange light. They were clasped in either of the steely blue pony's hooves as he reared onto his hind legs, crossing his weapons across his chest. The one on the left bore a stain of crimson. With a rush of dread, Rainbow recognized it as the weapon that had claimed Rapidfire's life.

“Why so glum, you two?” Wave Chill asked, giving a sharp, high laugh as he looked from his brother to his former Captain. “What? Let me guess... he was only one day away from retirement!”

“You b-bastard!” Spitfire roared, angry tears spilling from her eyes as her hooves wrapped around her spear. “He was like a father to me... HE WAS LIKE A FATHER TO ALL OF US!”

“And now he's dead.” Wave Chill spoke with no remorse. “Not exactly a stallion I'd look up to. I give you this one opportunity, Spitfire, to leave now, while you still have the chance. Chasing you down will be fun sport! You might even have the great honour of dying at my hooves, your soul forfeit into the belly of the Voidwalker.”

With a cry of rage, Spitfire charged forward, leaping from the ground and flicking her wings wide. Spear couched under the embrace of her limbs like a jouster's lance, she was moving in for a direct strike. At the same moment, Soarin leapt into the air as well. He had ignored Rainbow's shout of warning, completely consumed in his fury against his brother. He circled around, aiming to attack Wave Chill from behind with his own spear. Swearing loudly and with no option other than leaving them both to die, Rainbow Dash flew forward, armed with nothing but that sad, pathetic little dagger held limply in a curled hoof.

Wave Chill wore a broad grin across his face as the three pegasi closed in.

37 Brothers No More

In the uppermost section of the palace's central chamber, Rainbow Dash tore through the air, speeding toward that hateful pegasus. She watched as Spitfire stretched out her body, spear readied for a forward thrust. Soarin's form curved gracefully, rounding to Wave Chill's right. Rainbow herself aimed to assault from his left. Wave Chill's expression did not change; he wore the same, cocky grin, as though there was nothing for him to fear. He rose into the air with measured beats of his wings, looking perfectly at his ease. Rainbow adjusted her height, seeing the other two ascend with her as they closed ranks.

As Spitfire and Soarin came within attacking distance, he dropped, falling back to the platform below. The two other Wonderbolts seemed to expect this feint, however; his change in elevation failed to throw them off. They dropped once again, Rainbow following. As Wave Chill landed, reared on his hind legs, Spitfire attacked. He parried her blow, catching the spear betwixt his sabres. With an upward motion, he thrust it away from his body, leaping up at the same time. He avoided Soarin's lowered spear thrust.

Rainbow had to stop herself just in time. If she took the opportunity to attack with her knife, which felt like nothing more than a simple shaving razor at that moment, it wouldn't have been any help. With their attempts thwarted, Spitfire and Soarin were unbalanced, leaving Wave Chill free to counter whatever Rainbow Dash dared to throw.

He had not lost his grin.

“D-Dash!” Soarin stuttered, darting backwards with a flutter of wings as Wave Chill bucked in his direction. “G-go! Run!”

“No way in hell am I leaving you, Soarin!”

Her heart was racing. The dawning realization of just how useless she was and would prove to be had closed in. After all, the Wonderbolts had combat experience; she didn't know her way around a real battle. Rainbow Dash may have had a few hoof fights in her youth and once beat up Scootaloo's birth mother in Manehattan, but beyond that, she was but a child in a street fight.

Rainbow gasped, rocketing straight up as Wave Chill turned his sights on her and pounced. The slash of cold metal caught her in the right knee. Flesh splitting painfully, she grit her teeth and swore as warm blood flowed down her fetlocks and off her hoof.

Soarin lunged forward, swinging the spear across his body, but Wave Chill looked back and wrapped his back legs around it. Twisting in midair with a flap of his wings, he pulled it from Soarin's grip. Tucking his legs to his chest, he snapped it by dropping his forehooves. Spitfire glared him down, unable to find an opening.

“Are you all so stupid?!” he demanded, rising up on a level with Rainbow Dash, his front hooves starting to glow with green magic. “You never stood a chance! None of you stood a chance!” Both of his swords began to vibrate as the magic flooded them. “You're all going to die, just like him!”

He moved so fast, she couldn't react. Both swords, which were crackling with magic, stabbed forward. The icy steel plunged through Rainbow's chest and she let out a howl of pain. It was over. Just like that, it had to be. She was going to fall over and die. However, when he pulled the swords out of her, the blades were clean, save for Rapidfire's dried blood. Rainbow Dash stared, unable to grasp what was happening.

“Wonderful, isn't it?” He laughed derisively, lost in ecstasy at her expression. “I've just enchanted them not to leave true wounds behind. Trust me, Rainbow Dash... you'll be perfectly fine...” There was a sickening hunger in his growl. He slashed one of the swords across her body, causing her to scream in pain. “All of the painful agony of a wound, none of the physical harm!” Another slice to her, this one down her face. He followed it up with a stab to her forehoof.

He was right. Though it had felt like she had been gutted like a fish, Rainbow's hooves scrabbled at her body and found no blood or wounds to speak of. She continued to gawk at him, the pain mounting inside. Completely horrified at the extent of his power. Completely paralyzed with fear.

He could evade or parry everything they threw at him. He could attack them without mercy or even torture them without the immediate threat of death. The steely-blue pegasus seemed invincible and held their lives in his hooves.

Spitfire soared upward, her spear couched. With a maniacal spurt of laughter, Wave Chill spiraled down, avoiding her attack. With a grunt, he checked his shoulder into her stomach. Leaving both of his swords floating in a green aura, he snatched her weapon, broke it like Soarin’s, and smashed his hoof into her stomach.

Groaning with pain, Spitfire fluttered back, coughing. Her teeth were bared in a vicious snarl as she got a death glare at her former ally. Soarin ascended to her side, checking mutely whether she was alright.

“So, what next?” Wave Chill asked casually, examining the bloodied sabre minutely. “What was it... Soarin, Spitfire, Rainbow Dash? How long did it take? A minute, two tops? That's all it took! You're all disarmed. Except for... ha!” He smirked at the tiny dagger still curled in Rainbow's hoof. “I've faced tougher challenges handling a toothache than crushing your pathetic resistance this day! You're children! I'M FIGHTING CHILDREN! And you're supposed to be five minutes older than me, Soarin.” He shook his head, as though disappointed. “How very disheartening.”

Rainbow Dash was starting to really panic now. Wave was smirking broadly, his eyes moving from each of them, lingering for a second longer on his brother. Neither Spitfire nor Soarin were speaking a word. Rainbow could only imagine that they were going through the same harrowing dread.

A shout met her ears. Their enemy's head jerked around and he looked below, to a lower platform of the central chamber. Looking as well, Rainbow Dash could make out a small procession of soldiers who were working their way up toward them. The skirmish with Soarin's brother had not gone unnoticed. As they vanished out of sight into a hallway, Wave Chill turned his attention back to his opponents.

“Huh. So, we're about to have company, I see. However, I'm in no mood to share my toys right now.” He thrust his swords into their scabbards and flew off, hovering above a bridge connecting their platform to the wall.

The purple tendrils of dark magic began to flow from his eyes. Holding his front hooves close together, a small orb of what looked like purple plasma formed there. It grew larger and larger until it touched either hoof, being absorbed into him. Extending the forehooves forward, he expelled it like a flamethrower. Upon contact with the magic, the marble and stone melted like ice.

“A-any ideas?” Rainbow Dash asked in a low hiss, watching the smoke rising from the bridge. She hadn't quite recovered from the shock of the slashes.

“I don't know! How the bloody hell are we even to fight him, let alone kill him?! I've got a feeling he's only been humouring us, he has to have more power hidden away to be so calm! Who knows how powerful that boon he keeps mentioning from the Voidwalker is!” Spitfire growled. “We need a plan, or else we're dead!” she added, her face screwed up.

Soarin shook his head slowly from side to side, like an elephant trying to shake off mosquitoes. Rainbow, herself, could feel the cogs in her head moving slower than usual, unable to keep her eyes off their enemy.

“Right, here's what we'll do,” Spitfire resumed, her eyes narrowing so much that her eyebrow formed a single line. “We've got to rush him, give him everything we've got! Overpower the bastard, that's what we'll do. We've got to, or we're just going to die.”

Wave Chill dropped down, landing all four hooves on the bridge, before lifting off again. His momentary weight was enough to cause it to collapse. As the debris fell to the lower levels of the central chamber, Rainbow Dash suddenly remembered the warlock. Her eyes darted back and forth, but Gwyndolin was not present. Perhaps she had left before the fight had even broken out? Aside from the group of soldiers whose progress Wave Chill had faltered, there wasn't a soul down there. Where had they gone? Where's the warlock? she wondered.

Almost as though he had read her mind, Wave Chill rose back to where they all still hovered. “Funny, I'm surprised that arrogant witch hasn't stepped in.” He looked down the chamber. “Ah, she's gone. I expect she's off with your little friend again! Yes,” he went on, in response to Rainbow's surprised look, “I already know about Princess Luna masquerading as Moonlight Sonata.” He spat, the saliva travelling the full distance down to the ground floor. “That conniving slut. But, no matter...” He again looked between them all. “To business.”

Wave Chill had dropped back down to the platform by the large windows Rainbow's friends and the other Wonderbolts had escaped through earlier. She couldn't stop glowering at him, angling her wings and rushing down as well. Soarin was panting, the effort of even looking at his brother apparently costing him the lion's share of his stamina. Spitfire gave a sharp, false laugh, landing too.

“What friggin' business do we have with you, Wave? Aside from ripping your head off your neck, of course.”

“We have five hours... Spitfiah,” he said mockingly, causing her to snarl with rage. “Oh, the look on your face!”

“You son of a bitch!” she screamed. “You backstabbing, worthless piece of crap! How dare you?! HOW DARE YOU?!”

She fluttered forward, hooves outstretched, completely lost in her grief and furious thirst for vengeance. Wave Chill simply stepped sideways as she leapt, almost lazily. He snatched her from the air, twisting her front hooves behind her back and seizing them with his wings. With his left hoof pressed against the top of her head, he wrapped his right forehoof around her throat.

“Don't move,” he said warningly, as Rainbow made to spring forward with Soarin. “You've seen my strength. I'll snap her neck. Hell, I'll probably do it anyways, but let's have a chat first.”

Spitfire struggled against his grip, unable to speak properly, just choking and spluttering. Soarin's limbs shook as he stood silently; he hadn't said a single word since he told Rainbow to run. His countenance was equal parts fear, fury, and confusion.

“Careful, Captain. Nopony wants you dead yet.” Wave looked to Soarin. “It's clear you're too stupid to speak right now, so I'll direct my attention to your little whore.”

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes, gripping the dagger tightly in her hoof. There was not a soul alive that she hated more than him at that moment. How could she have ever respected him as a Wonderbolt? How could Soarin or Spitfire ever dream of having friendship and love for such a devil? she marvelled in amazement. And Blaze! How could Blaze have ever fallen in love with him? The very fact that those pegasi almost had a foal together sickened her, because no child deserved a father like that.

“What exactly did you intend to accomplish by accompanying the Wonderbolts here with your little gang of friends? I mean, come now... you all must be here, in Gymkhana. Gwyndolin saw you bound for Baltimare back in Equestria, so we know that you, at least, boarded the Herodotus with Twilight Sparkle and that wimpy yellow pegasus. Her research has also showed that you and your five cohorts are the chosen champions of Princess Celestia, but so far as I know, none of you have extraordinary powers! Twilight Sparkle is a magical prodigy, but she couldn't even match my warlock!”

Rainbow Dash took a quick glance down at the red lightning bolt Element of Loyalty still resting against her chest. Wave Chill hadn't noticed, distracted with Spitfire's writhing. He looked back to Rainbow Dash.

“The funny thing is,” he continued, “your presence here with Soarin is rather beneficial to me. Regardless of whatever warnings the Voidwalker gave you, you ventured here to the desert. That's good, you know? I was very lucky to have you here. That's just how fate smiled upon me. I needed you and my idiotic brother for a certain purpose. It was essential that you both lived until I could take full advantage of the unique things that you can offer me!”

“What the hell are you talking about?!” Rainbow demanded, gritting her teeth. “What's so special about us? Why me and Soarin?!”

“However, despite my glee, I'm afraid that your position was usurped by what happened at the Amber Cottage,” he continued, ignoring her. “I think you overlooked the past tense just now. I'll explain: when I took that fool Rapidfire's life, Spitfire's grief had given me the very thing I wanted from you two. It was really a 'two for one' deal, as the Voidwalker also got to enjoy the feast that was the old stallion's soul. Fret not, my friends! I'll still get what I wanted initially from you two, but it just won't be as important as before.

“Now, where was I before Spitfire decided to act the hero? Ah, yes. We have five hours before the Voidwalker arrives in Gymkhana at long last! For the first time in forever, His darkness will eclipse the sun and shroud the land in cold emptiness! Since before antiquity, this world has had to endure without his demonic embrace... but no more. He will consume all creation and His followers will gain powers beyond comprehension!”

Finally, Soarin found his voice. “Wh-what,” he croaked, his light green eyes narrowed suspiciously, “are you talking about, Wave? The Voidwalker was here two weeks ago. We fled from it!”

He guffawed loudly, throwing Spitfire roughly to the floor as he sank to his knees, roaring with laughter. “That's right! That's right! You don't know! Ha!” He sprang back to his hooves, grinning maliciously. “Watch carefully. Be amazed! This is the greatest power granted to me by the Voidwalker.”

Once more, the tendrils flowed from his eyes. A white outline formed around his body as he took a few paces back. Wave Chill leapt into the air, his very being fading to a lavender colour before becoming translucent. He grew darker, and darker, the shimmering white outline fading to nothing. Then he burst. Wave Chill's body exploded in a dark cloud of smoky mist, growing dimmer all the time.

Rainbow Dash let out a scream. He was straight out of a nightmare; a cloud of darkness, just like Sombra had been. She moved to Soarin's side and clutched him for dear life, unable to look into the void, wanting to break down and cry as the fear suddenly overwhelmed her. Her body quaked and she was unable to control the shaking.

“The Shadow!” Soarin gasped, eyes wide.

“The Shadow,” Wave's voice spoke from the mist, sounding unearthly, “was never the Voidwalker. None of you have ever met the Voidwalker outside of the nightmares He has been plaguing you with. I prayed and worshipped Him for so long until I could finally reach Him. He granted me His boon, giving me such unique powers! I AM THE SHADOW! I destroyed the Mesa District myself, using the very strength given to me by the demon I praise! He is coming and this world will be eternally enshrouded by His aura! I speak with Him always and I know what the future holds!”

The mist swept across the platform, causing the edge to crumble to dust as it moved. It rose into the air like a pillar of smoke, twisting and rolling and drifting to the hallway that had once been joined to the platform by the bridge Wave Chill had destroyed. The guards from below had arrived, looking with disbelief at the darkness as it consumed them. Their muffled screams wound the fear within Rainbow Dash to a higher pitch.

The darkness converged in the centre of the chamber, growing larger and larger. The smouldering bridge, the glow of the moving platforms around the place, even the light of the torches, all grew dim until they were sparkles shining in the darkness. Walls, platforms, bridges, and everything else was obliterated by the expanding shroud.

Spitfire was still on the floor, gasping for breath due to her near-strangulation. Soarin seemed to realize she needed help at the same time that Rainbow managed to pull herself together. They both raced toward the downed pegasus. Seizing either of her front hooves, they dragged her away from the edge of the partially collapsed platform. If there was ever a time to escape the palace through the windows, it was now.

But something within Rainbow Dash was demanding she remain. She stood rooted, watching the terrorizing shadow drift around the room, destroying all it touched. Her insides were filling with an ugly, angry hatred. Grape Blossom, Numane, Dameer and Neighshyte... Marius, Fenuku, those three youngsters, the griffins, all of them... he's to blame. They lost their families, their homes, their... everything, because of him. It was his fault! IT WAS HIS FAULT!

The darkness rose and circled about the perimeter of the chamber, stopping beside the great windows. It pooled into a single spot, the physical body of Wave Chill reforming. Their path to freedom was blocked.

“Do you see the truth now?” he asked, looking down at his own hooves, awed at his own power.

“Of course we see it!” Rainbow stormed, throwing the useless dagger away from her in rage. “The truth of exactly what kind of jackass you are! I'm gonna tell you a story, Wave Chill! There's a filly named Grape Blossom in this city. She's twelve. She's also a single mother of a b-beautiful colt named Appleberry...” Rainbow Dash's voice cracked as the sorrowful emotion ripped through her. She punched her hooves together, shaking again. “Grape had already been through hell and back because of the deranged stallion who attacked her, but she had the support of her family! And then you took everything away from her! All she has left are her friends: a whole band of children you orphaned that day! Why?! Why the hell would you do such a thing to this city and everyone in it?!”

“I really don't have to tell you a damn thing.” Wave Chill's hoof began to glow again. “Nothing!”

He punched the floor. Dark magic spread out from the point he touched, cracking the tiles and stone as it went. The platform's floor fell away. There was nothing left standing in the entire chamber, save for the floors above them leading to ceiling. Wrapping himself in his wings, Wave Chill's whole body contracted, balling up as though shielding something. The fur on the back of her neck stood up as Rainbow quickly turned her attention on the well-being of Soarin and Spitfire before looking back at their opponent.

Suddenly, he stretched out his body and released an explosive blast of energy. Rainbow twisted in midair, attempting to shield herself with both wings. A cracking noise echoed through the air around her and she screamed. Her right wing, overlapping the left, had taken the brunt of the explosion and paid the price. It was broken. The rest of her hadn't endured the massive pulse from the blast very well, either. Exhausted and blinded with pain, she felt herself falling. With just one working wing, she couldn't remain aloft. The entire world flew upward as she heard her name being shouted, faint and distant. Before she reached the bottom, Rainbow Dash blacked out.

Aching all over, she came to on the cold floor on the lowest level. Gingerly raising herself onto her hooves, she ducked in time to avoid Spitfire's form, which must had been thrown. Rainbow tried to use her wings to steady herself, but the pain made her retch. With a smack, she collapsed to the floor again, one bleary eye surveying the scene.

“Leave them alone and answer me!” Soarin growled dangerously through a mouthful of blood. He, too, was on the ground, amongst the rubble. What had she missed? “Explain yourself, dammit! I saw you fleeing from The Shadow, like the rest of us! If you're The Shadow, then how could you be chased?! Tell me everything!”

Words Rapidfire had told them a million years ago came back to Rainbow Dash, as sharp as her groggy mind would allow.

“Dere was always a dark cloud on da horizon as we flew home. Wave Chill disappeared when we flew low through da mount'ins. Nopony saw 'im vanish.”

“D-Dash...” Spitfire moaned weakly, crawling her way over, “a-are you alright?”

“I don't know!” Rainbow replied quietly, twisting her head toward Spitfire. “What happened?”

“Like I told Rainbow Dash, I don't have to tell you lot anything. Least of all, an idiot like you!” Wave Chill shouted back at him furiously.

“That's because you're hiding something! You're lying! There isn't a Voidwalker, is there?!” Soarin demanded, trying to get to his hooves but crumbling back into a heap. “Unless it was Gwyndolin the whole time!”

“He released a... wicked burst of energy!” Spitfire explained, breathing heavily. “Me and Soarin got far enough beforehand, but you w-weren't so... so lucky, huh? Soarin tried to chase you d-down as you fell, but the bastard knocked him out of the air just as fast. Thankfully, Soarin's got Wave Chill distracted, so I'm able to check on you.”

“My wing's busted, for a start, and I can't barely move! You don't sound so peachy, yourself,” Rainbow remarked, crawling her way to the wall and trying to prop herself against it. “You must've hit the wall pretty hard.”

“I'm winded, but I ain't beaten yet!”

Both of them turned their attention back to the stallions. Wave Chill had seized Soarin mane and pulled him standing. With a crack, he smashed his hoof into Soarin's jaw. The cauliflower-blue pegasus crashed into the ground a short distance away and rolled, limbs and wings a tangled, writhing mess. He came to rest on his back, diaphragm heaving.

“Don't you dare give that witch credit for the Voidwalker's greatness, or my own!” Wave Chill spat dangerously, stamping a hoof. “You're already going to die here, why make it more painful for yourself by PISSING ME OFF?”

Rainbow roared indignantly. What she wouldn't give to launch herself at him right now and break his face! But she still couldn't move well. On top of that, sharp pains in her chest suggested fractured ribs, making it very difficult to draw in breath.

“Bah. Fine. Why the hell not? If it'll prevent you from saying anything else stupid, I'll enlighten you a little before I cut your throat.”

Wave Chill took a step back, turning his head as he did so. Convinced that Rainbow Dash and Spitfire weren't about to jump him, he strolled over to a chunk of stone and leaned casually against it, before picking up a smaller piece and throwing it over at Soarin. With a tormented grunt, Soarin rolled over after it crashed into his chest.

“Well, you should know that thousands and thousands of years ago, the Voidwalker was banished from this dimension. Many legends have sprung up about Him and His supposed return to the mortal world, but they are lies. Only I know the reality!” Wave Chill said passionately, smacking his own chest with his hoof. “The fool, King Sombra, had known it as well. He had worshipped the Voidwalker as I have, and had gained the very boon I presently posses. Those learned in demonic lore claim that the Voidwalker had been trapped with Sombra when the Crystal Empire vanished, but this was a lie. It's all lies, Soarin! All of it.

“He travels here. The Voidwalker. The only escape from the dimension he had been banished to is through the edges of the cosmos. He's had a long journey, but I have helped Him, as had that fool Sombra before me. The more souls He is offered, the stronger He grows; the more I feed Him, the faster He moves! The more Gwyndolin's dark rituals can allow Him to infect the nightmares of weaker ponies, the greater His evil grows. The Voidwalker is coming and time and space will not delay Him anymore. In fact, Gwydolin is aiding His travels with a summoning array in her laboratory.” Wave Chill shook his head. “You can't comprehend what's in store for this world.”

What he was saying was absurd; it couldn't be real. His words, his very beliefs, they had to be lies themselves, Rainbow thought miserably. Even if she couldn't exactly comprehend those words, even if it never made sense, it still filled her with cold dread. To learn that The Shadow had merely been a byproduct of the Voidwalker's power all along, rather than the demon itself, all manifested through Soarin's brother... it was terrible for her to behold. How much darker was the reality going to grow before it all burst? Would she be able to protect Scootaloo from all of this? Assuming, of course, she survived this fight...

It all made her think of the lessons her very spiritual father taught her in her youth: teaching her that 'only ponies who do good in their lives and be good ponies themselves can go to Heaven, where Mommy's waiting to meet us again.' The bad ones, the evil-doers with dark hearts and darker deeds to their names went somewhere else when they finally left the mortal coil. Hell, Tartarus, Hades, the Abyss... It didn't matter to her if these were all the same place or just different, twisted realms of existence.

All that mattered was the fear eating her from the inside out. All that mattered was that the demon and its power were real.

Wave Chill began to walk toward the fallen pony, sedately and casually. Inhaling deeply, Rainbow Dash wanted to rush to Soarin's aid, but she retched as the agonizing pain peaked once more and fell back, cursing herself. Her heart beat that funeral tattoo against her fractured ribs as Soarin's attacker drew nearer to him. Wave pulled both blades out again, using his wings to balance himself as he reared on his hinds.

In that moment, her own fears stopped mattering. She had to get there and save him! With one forehoof against the floor, she held against the wall with the other. She pushed against her knees, tracing her haunches up the wall, falling forward onto her forehooves and rising. Every muscle cried in protest and her chest roared with agony, but she fought it. Standing properly, she took another deep, torturous breath, fixing her eyes upon Wave Chill.

However, he hesitated six feet from Soarin, staring down at his brother. Soarin let out a piteous wail, shaking his head, unable to keep his emotions in check any longer. He had begun to cry.

“N-no...” he moaned, shaking his head back and forth, “That's enough. I've h-heard enough! What... what happened to you?” He buried his face in his hooves. “Why, Wave? Why? Demon worshipping, wiping out part of a city of innocent creatures, I... I don't know how you went so wrong! Were you always so lost?! Look what you've done! What's was the point?” he shouted, punching his left hoof to the ground. “WHAT WAS THE CELESTIA-DAMNED POINT?!”

“Oh, for once, just shut up!” Wave roared in exasperation. “You’re making me want to beat you to death.”

“NO!” Soarin bellowed. “Enough is enough!” He moved back into a standing position. “This can't go on! It has to stop! I'll stop you myself...”

Wave Chill sighed. With a sharp click, he sheathed the swords again and returned to all fours. He closed the distance between them with a quick gallop.

Spitfire, however got to him first. Intercepting his charge, she tackled him to the floor and wrapped her hooves around his chest. Wave Chill reared like a restrained lion, trying to shake her off. Rainbow Dash took her chance. Rushing forward through the searing fire in torso, she smashed her left hoof into his jaw. And then the right. Back and forth, she pummelled Wave Chill's face, hearing the dull thuds, seeing the expressions of shock and agony on him. A blow to his teeth left a deep cut. The blood from his mouth mixed with Rainbow's own.

“Kill him, Dash!” Spitfire barked. “KILL HIM!”

Wave Chill roared. The dark magic returned to his eyes. Rainbow Dash was beyond caring what she did next. After all, they had all come to Saddle Arabia to end this. If she had to physically kill Wave Chill herself, what did it matter? The misery he was causing Soarin justified it, she thought. And not just Soarin, either. Grape Blossom's parents, Appleberry's grandparents... She aimed the next punch between those glowing eyes, but it didn't seem to affect him anymore as the strength from the boon continued to mount. With a grunt, he threw off Spitfire, who landed on her hooves, panting. Unfortunately, she was not at a safe distance. Wave's back hooves caught her, both of them, directly in the face. Before the blood could spill from her Spitfire's snout, he slammed a hoof into Rainbow's stomach.

She hunched over. Wave Chill's other hoof connected to the left side of her head. A confused, chaotic explosion of colours, a horrible jolt of pain, darkness, and the feeling of soaring backward. Once again, she was out cold, but came to almost at once.

Rainbow's skull felt like it had been split wide open, but the surge of adrenaline brought her back to her hooves as she gasped for cramping breaths. Wave Chill's attention was back on Spitfire, who was rallying for another take down, the blood gushing from a broken snout over her chest and forehooves. Soarin leapt upon him. His physical strength did what neither Rainbow nor Spitfire could not; as Wave Chill swayed where he stood, Soarin shifted his weight to the side and pulled him down.

“Brooother!” Wings pinning Wave Chill's limbs, Soarin tore the sword scabbards from his brother's waist and threw them aside. “No more!” he shouted, pulling back his right hoof and punching Wave hard in the jaw. “YOU—” Another blow. “—WON'T—” He switched hooves. “—HURT THEM AGAIN!”

“Argh!”

Wave Chill headbutted Soarin as the latter leaned forward, panting. Soarin recoiled and, unsteady atop his brother, was thrown off as Wave's wings thrust against the floor. As he rose into the air, Wave Chill's cold green eyes darted around, landing upon Spitfire behind him and then over on Rainbow Dash. Before Spitfire could make another move, he stretched out his forehooves, pointing one to each of the mares.

“If that's how you want to play, Soarin, so be it,” he spoke in a dangerous whisper that nevertheless carried to everyone in the room.

A flash of green light emanated from him. Rainbow's body jerked roughly as she was flung into the air, sailing toward the wall. She found herself pinned to it, spreadeagled. At once, tight bands of thin green energy formed about her throat, chest, and stomach. Her forehooves remained free, but try as she might, there was no breaking the bands. Rainbow Dash was glued to the wall. As Rainbow saw Spitfire enduring the same fate on against the far wall, the bands suddenly tightened, constricting painfully against her windpipe.

“That'll keep the bitches out of the way, won't it?” Wave Chill asked Soarin, grinning. He lifted his forehooves higher and Rainbow Dash found herself scaling up the wall, the rough stone ripping feathers from her wings. “Just a bit higher... there we go.”

“Let them go!” Soarin demanded, standing up and facing his brother with hatred in his eyes.

“They're going to watch me stamp the life out of you first.”

With the same speed he had murdered Rapidfire with, Wave Chill ducked low and came up to hit Soarin with a vicious uppercut. Soarin's hooves actually left the ground. Jumping straight up, Wave twisted and planted a buck into his brother's chest. Both Rainbow Dash and Spitfire screeched his name in fear as he crashed into the ground several feet away. Thankfully, he still had his wits about him to roll out of the way as Wave Chill accelerated forward, hoof outstretched.

“Oh, no you don't, brother!” Wave hissed, flying back into the air and gathering dark magic between his hooves. “You're done.”

He absorbed them into his forehooves, launching a wave of plasma like before. As it was only slightly larger than a bedsheet, however, Soarin had managed to dodge it. Leaping aside and skidding a little, he completely avoided the blast radius. As it collided with the floor, the wave decimated the stone and sent about splashes of magic like a pool of lava, revealing a basement corridor below. Swearing, Wave Chill conjured yet another, this time leaving it as an orb and throwing it. Despite his fatigue and injures, Soarin still avoided it, blood and spittle falling from his mouth as he did so.

“Come on, Soarin...” Rainbow hissed quietly, still struggling to break those bands of magic nearly choking her throat and body.

“WE AREN'T A PAIR OF TEN YEARS OLDS PLAYING DODGEBALL ANYMORE, YOU ASSHOLE!” Wave screamed furiously, forming another ball and wheeling around, eyes set upon Rainbow Dash herself. “Look, I'll show you! Your little girlfriend won't dodge!”

“No!” Soarin yelled, flinging his wings out and leaping into the air.

Holding both front hooves together, he swung them like an axe handle into Wave Chill's head. The plasma ball dissipated and Wave immediately went on the defensive, flying backwards and trying to block Soarin's blows. He dropped, seizing Soarin's left forehoof with his own. Snapping his wings closed, Wave Chill tried to drag Soarin down and smash him into the floor like a throw, but Soarin laughed mirthlessly.

“You've been a Wonderbolt just as long as I have,” he choked, coughing up blood again. “You know how powerful my wings are.”

“That may be so,” Wave Chill chuckled, letting go and dropping to the floor, where he glared up at Soarin, “but look at yourself: you're awfully weakened. You're spitting up a hell of a lot of blood.”

Soarin dropped, too, landing a few feet from him, clutching his chest. “And I’ve noticed that you've gotten a heck of a lot slower since we started fighting,” he shot at him.

Rainbow Dash didn't miss the look of shock momentarily cross Wave Chill's features. Soarin was right, too; Wave Chill was not as fast nor as strong as he had been when she, Spitfire, and Soarin faced him three-to-one. Was it possible his reckless showing of the Voidwalker's gifted power was taking away from a limited pool? Or maybe, she reasoned, he was just starting to lose steam after being beaten up for so long. He must've had his teeth knocked down his freakin' throat as much as he's done to me...

“So what?” Wave Chill asked, shrugging and grinning. “I never pretended I was omnipotent! That means having unlimited power, you idiot,” he added, in response to Soarin's look of confusion. “No doubt you were thinking of a similar word that stallions face, being a simpleton.”

Soarin ignored this jab. “So, how much power do you have left?”

“Why do you ask, Soarin?” Wave Chill raised his eyebrows. “Not determined to kill me, are you?”

Soarin looked taken aback. In fact, he took a few steps back. “I-I'm going to—” But he stopped short, throwing his hooves in front of his face. There was a very pregnant pause. “Yes. I'm going to kill you. I-I have to!” he cried, shaking his head back and forth, stumbling a little. “I have to kill you! You don't deserve to LIVE!” Soarin shouted the last word as loud as he could.

“Surely, I haven't done that much to warrant such a sentence?” Wave Chill mused slightly with a sigh, shaking his head.

“After everything you've done and all those you've h-hurt...” Soarin couldn’t keep his composure any longer and began to sob again. “I have to stop you... Rapidfire, Wave Chill! The dead in this city! E-everything!”

“Ah well. You'll never manage it; this little chat has given me the time I needed to rest. Goodbye, Soarin.”

Rainbow Dash gave a yell of warning at the same time Spitfire had, but it was no good. The fight was over. Wave Chill surged forward, leaping and throwing out his wings. He crashed heavily into Soarin and both of them soared through the air, slamming against a fall wall. Soarin had his back to it, crumbled against the floor. His hooves were wrapped around Wave Chill's own, trying to pry them off his throat. He was being strangled.

“Don't you see, you worthless moron?!” Wave snarled through clenched teeth, digging his back hooves against the floor as though trying to crush Soarin's trachea. “I've always had you! I just had to pick my favourite time to murder you.”

Rainbow fought as hard as she could, writhing against the wall and pulling with all her might at the green magical bands, but nothing she did worked. Soarin's hooves were shaking, but he was unable to throw off his brother. He started to thrash, trying to get to a standing position, but it was worthless. He pounded against Wave's forehooves, pushed against the floor, ran his hooves along it as though hoping to find a hole to slip into.

“There's a lot I never did tell you, you know,” Wave Chill murmured with an almost loving caress in his voice as Soarin's face turned purple. “Just seeing the look of surprise on your face would've made it all worth it. Too bad, I suppose. Go to sleep, Soarin. It’s over. Sleep.” Wave Chill raised his head high and began to chant, his words sounding almost like song. Like a lullaby. “Your soul is pledged to the immortal depths. K’bwa Giza, be strengthened! Know not the restful peace of the great beyond, Soarin, but remain eternally enshrouded in His cold embrace. Your spirit siphons into that which is—”

The song had ended. Wave Chill fell quiet. With a flash, the bands around her body vanished and Rainbow Dash hit the floor with a slap. Having no idea how she managed it, she immediately stood up and started to gallop, fighting against all of the pain within her. Please, Soarin, don't be dead! PLEASE! Don’t let him take you!

Soarin wasn't dead. He looked, however, anguished as Wave Chill's hooves left his throat. With Spitfire closely behind her, Rainbow Dash reached the wall. They both of them looked down at the scene in front of them. Soarin gasped for the breath of life, not taking his eyes off his brother, who was the one shaking now.

Soarin's frantically searching hooves had found something that had proved to be his one and only hope. The small dagger Rainbow had thrown from herself in her rage was protruding from Wave Chill's stomach, held in place by Soarin's curled hoof. Whispering a faint apology, Soarin slashed it to the right, tearing a horrible wound. The floor was scarlet. Wave Chill stumbled backwards, landing flat on his back. The bloody dagger fell from Soarin's grasp as his grief spilled over him.

“I'm sorry... I'm sorry...”

Rainbow Dash watched him fall blankly. Was it over, just like that? Ears perking, she heard Soarin sobbing anew.

“You had no choice,” she said once, falling beside him and pulling his face into her chest. “S-Soarin... you had to...” It really happened, she told herself. He had to die, because he had been attempting to give Soarin’s soul to the Voidwalker, she knew it. “You had to… oh Celestia, Soarin!”

“I d-didn't want to!” he wailed like a frightened child, clinging to her tightly. “I didn't... want to… Wave, brother, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

Spitfire stood aside from them, staring with a cold emptiness at Wave Chill as the blood spread over the floor, watching his surprised, angry face blanching. Several long seconds passed. They simply looked at each other quietly, as though sizing one another up. Finally, Spitfire broke the silence.

“Is this what you wanted, Wave?” Spitfire bent low on her fetlocks beside him. Her voice sounded as though she had a slight head cold, though the broken nose had stopped bleeding. “We've all been family since we were teenagers. I loved you like a brother, did you know that? Was it worth it?”

“G-get a-way from m-me... you... you st-stupid b-bitch!”

“You're dying,” Spitfire said ruthlessly, shaking her head. She picked up the discarded dagger, the blood still dripping off of it. “Rapidfire would've died for you. He was practically a second father to you, as he was to all of us. He was the closest thing to a father I’ve ever known! But you cut him down gleefully… and threw his soul to your twisted master. Nopony was going to die for you after that.” She raised the knife. “Tell me, you coward: Was it worth it?!” she repeated with a roar. “TELL ME, YOU PIG!”

“Spit!” Rainbow yelled, and Spitfire hesitated. “It's over!”

“I'm not even going to get to avenge Dad, is that it?” she demanded, jerking around to stare at Rainbow Dash, hoof still raised. “Wave Chill won't be dead for another minute or two, but I can friggin' fix that. It would be a hell of a lot kinder to put the bastard out of his misery!”

“Would Rapidfire have wanted this?” she asked quietly, stroking Soarin's mane as he continued to sob into her.

Spitfire let out a crow of laughter. “Duh! Rapidfire would've loved it.” She turned her attention back to Wave Chill. “Dad would've loved seeing this backstabbing asshole get what's coming to him, because it's precisely what Rapidfire would've done if it had been any of us to die. Including you, Wave Chill...”

“Heh... heh...” Wave Chill closed his eyes, that same grin returning to his face.

“What's so funny?”

“Ev-everything,” he moaned, still beaming from ear to ear. “I was r-right when I called you stupid. You act as though we're done here.” His dull green eyes flew open. “We're not d-done yet.”

Rainbow gasped. Wave Chill had rolled over, pushing himself to his hooves. The blood cascaded from his wound. He sighed wearily, covering the gash in his stomach with his right hoof as he straightened up.

“Congra—” He coughed horribly. “Congratulations, Soarin... you've managed to completely... completely p-piss me off!”

“How?!” Spitfire snapped, dropping the dagger and backing into the wall.

“I've gotta throw it all aside now... I can't believe this!”

“What?”

“I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!” Wave Chill raged, a swirl of green magic flooding from his eyes and engulfing him like a tornado of flame. “YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING!

Rainbow Dash's eyes were wide. She felt Soarin pull away from her so he could watch, appalled. Wave Chill was completely blocked by the green flames and yelling his head off, completely incensed. How could this all be? What the hell was he talking about? And those green flames... they were so horribly familiar.

Almost like...

“No!” she croaked, jumping up. “We've gotta get away from him!”

“Wh-what?” Spitfire stuttered, completely lost.

“He's a changeling!”

“WHAT?” both Wonderbolts shouted.

“Huh. Well, very good, Rainbow Dash,” a terrible, vastly different voice shouted.

It had a hollow, almost waspish attribute to it, like vibrating strings of an instrument. The cloak of fire fell and an odd creature stood there, panting, with blood collected at his legs, though the stomach wound had vanished. He was tall and with long, brittle looking legs, with gaps and holes as though pieces had been carved away completely. A curved, jagged horn, red like King Sombra's had been, sat upon his forehead. He had deep cyan eyes, completely opaque. Otherwise, he resembled a changeling as Rainbow Dash had remembered: a coat like an insect's dark carapace, a dark gray, webbed mane and tail, and, of course, the arctic blue, insect-like wings. He was much bigger than a simple drone.

“Son of a bitch...” he groaned theatrically, gritting his fangs.

“H-how?” Soarin bleated feebly, mouth agape in disbelief. “It's impossible...”

The changeling spat on the ground. “I assure you, it isn't.” His eyes darted around the room, landing on the grand double doors leading into the Palace of King's courtyard. He looked anxious.

“Who are you?” Rainbow Dash pressed him, her breath catching in her chest as she struggled to remain calm. “And where is Chrysalis? What the hell are you doing here and what are your motives?!”

“I told you before,” he said indignantly, ignoring her last two questions, “I'm in charge, here! My name is Imago, the Regent Lord of the Swarm, and I am acting independently of the Alpha Hive. My queen is sitting comfortably at home, a failure and a disgrace! Unwilling to show her pathetic face! Once the Voidwalker arrives... we will rise to greatness with myself at the helm!”

He buzzed his wings nervously, his horn glowing briefly purple before another orb of plasma formed in his hooves. Twisting, he threw it toward the doors, which were engulfed in the burst of burning magic.

“But... you knew me...” Soarin clutched his head with his hooves. “W-were you always Wave Chill? How did you know everything?! HOW IS ANY OF THIS POSSIBLE?! WHERE IS MY BROTHER?”

Imago gave a laugh. “Dead. You killed him, remember? Minutes ago. The Voidwalker's boon had gifted me with such wondrous powers that I was able to link my own body and soul with those I had copied. I shared everything with Wave Chill. In exchange for his appearance and memories, your worthless brother quite graciously took the burden of all wounds to my body. You stabbed him. All I had to do was shed the disguise and now he's been gutted like a fish. Well done, hero.”

“You’ve got to be lying!” Spitfire appealed, flapping her wings apprehensively. “Wave was innocent… he can’t be dead!”

“No! No, no, no!” Soarin leapt up, charging at the changeling. “NO, NO, IT'S NOT TRUE!”

Imago fired a blast from his horn. Soarin was knocked aside. Rainbow Dash ran forward, but the changeling took flight, roaring with laughter.

“By the way, I lied when I joked I’d have you as a concubine, Rainbow Dash! I wouldn’t touch a filthy pegasus like you! Now, I have the rest of my plans to take care of, now that my cover is blown. Farewell, maggots!” With that, he flew off, rushing toward the demolished doors. He was fleeing.

“Wait!” Spitfire snarled dangerously, running to the middle of the room and retrieving one of Imago's discarded swords. She slid it out of its scabbard; it was the one that had slain Rapidfire. “He’s not getting away from me!”

“No, no, no...” Soarin wailed weakly, smashing his hooves into the floor.

“That cowardly bastard!”

“Spitfire...”

“Rainbow Dash,” she said, spreading her wings and lifting into the air, “stay with Soarin. I'm going after that murderous insect and I'm going to kill him before he gets a chance to do whatever the hell he just flew off to do! I mean, there's gotta be a reason he didn't just transform into somepony else.”

“You're gonna need help, Spitfire!” Rainbow groaned, trying her hardest to grind the gears in her head back into motion. So much had happened in such a short period of time and she was still a bit disoriented from passing out so many times. “We've gotta... stop and plan!”

“You’ve got a broken wing, you can’t chase him! And… listen,” Spitfire implored Rainbow earnestly as Soarin continued to wail miserably, “he probably kept Wave Chill close... so, chances are, he's still here in the palace. Look after Soarin, and—” Spitfire came up short, closing her eyes tightly and struggling to keep her composure. Rainbow Dash remembered her words about loving Wave Chill like a brother. “And find him... or his body, if we can’t still s-save him. Please… for Soarin. Besides, he... Wave Chill deserves a proper burial, like Dad.”

Without another word, Spitfire took off after Imago, leaving a burning, furious tail streak in her wake. Rainbow Dash sank to her knees beside Soarin, staring blankly after her. Like so many times before, her supersaturated brain was struggling to take it all in.

9 The Therapist

“Alright, Scootaloo. Let's move on, shall we?” the therapist was saying. “I'm going to tell you another story. I want you to tell me how it makes you feel.”

Scootaloo was sitting down on a small wooden chair, one arm dangling over the back of it, her mouth curved downward in a frown. Across from her sat the unicorn doctor. Scoot seemed very fidgety, running her hoof over the table and unable to keep her legs still. She glanced over to the long mirror on the wall, and then back into the therapist's eyes.

“If you really wanna know how I feel...” she said, tapping her hoof on the table between them, almost knocking over the microphone. “All these questions, getting a checkup, and this microphone... that mirror? It makes me feel weird. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I don't want to be here, I wanna go home.”

The therapist offered her a juice box. “I know this is a weird experience for you. But we're here to help you, Scootaloo. When this is all over, I believe you are going to feel a lot better. Do you want to hear the story?”

Scoot sighed. She looked at the mirror for a moment. Doing so seemed to strengthen her resolve somewhat and she sat up a little straighter. “Alright... I guess so.”

On the other side of the mirror, Rainbow Dash sat staring into the room. She was tapping her own hoof on the table she and her friends sat down at, squirming with unease. She could hear the voices of Scootaloo and the doctor coming from the speaker on the wall.

“I wish she'd be a little more cooperative with him. She's clearly not buying it!” Dash spoke, placing a hoof to the side of her face and shaking it.

“They're making progress. That's something, isn't it? Therapy is a lot better than medicine, Rainbow Dash. That's something to keep in mind; Scootaloo doesn't need to take anything,” Twilight Sparkle said, wrapping her hooves around Dash and giving her a hug. “I know this is all hard.”

“No, Twilight! You don't know. How could you know?” Dash snapped, waving the purple unicorn away.

“Dash...” Applejack said, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “She's only tryin' to help.”

“I know, Applejack! I...” She trailed off, huffing. After about twenty seconds, she bowed her head. “Sorry. I'm just on edge right now.”

Twilight smiled at her. “I understand.”

Twilight levitated a folder off the table, her horn glowing the colour of a raspberry. It floated a few inches into the air and fell open, causing the papers inside to spread neatly over the table. Twilight picked up one of the sheets, her eyes scanning it.

“These are the behaviour reports from the orphanage, right?” Twilight asked.

Rainbow Dash nodded. “I would have loved for them to give those to me when I adopted her. We could have caught this earlier. The fools should have noticed the pattern, they should have noticed that she was having anxiety attacks! They did NOTHING to help her!”

Dash grumbled herself into silence, fuming. Twilight was reading through the reports, every now and then consulting a book she had brought with her.

“I'm sorry I never noticed anythin', Dash. I had no idea she was sufferin'.” Applejack spoke suddenly, as though she was unable to keep it inside her any longer.

“It's not your fault, AJ. I didn't even notice anything until Scoot had that mood swing Wednesday night... It was so sudden, like flipping on a light switch. The doctor said it's harder to notice when she's around ponies she's either comfortable with or trust. So when she's, like, with the Crusaders or me, it'll be hard for symptoms to manifest.”

“I jes' hope the therapy works,” Applejack said. “If he's able to get Scootaloo to understand how and why these fits of anxiety are happenin' to her, then maybe she can avoid them or calm herself when they happen.”

“Exactly!” Twilight said, still reading. “It says here that behavioural therapy has cured a score of different types of anxiety disorders. So even if you don't know precisely which one Scootaloo has yet, simply being in therapy will do wonders for her. Every minute that she's in here brings her closely to getting better, possibly forever.”

Dash felt the unease lift a little from her shoulders at these words. She nodded quietly. As silence fell between them, the three of them listened to the exchange going on between the filly and the doctor.

“What would you have done differently, Scootaloo?” he asked, having just finished the story. “You said you felt like you wished somepony would have stopped them from arguing, even though it did nothing to harm their friendship.”

“I dunno...” Scoot sighed, leaning back in her chair so the front legs left the floor. “I mean, if I was there with them, I would have tried to calm Cinnamon Swirls down before she got mad with Sugarsweet.”

“Can you tell me why?” the therapist asked, sitting relaxed with his hooves together. “Do you understand why?”

“Well... I know they were still gonna be friends, but I don't like watching ponies fight. Or hearing about it... I feel scared when it happens. I don't think anyone should fight. I don't like... I just don't like it. I wanna stop it when I see it at school, but it's usually none of my business,” Scootaloo mumbled, glancing all around the room as her left ear twitched a little.

He leaned in close, extending a hoof to her. “Sometimes ponies got to confront their problems. And sometimes that involves an argument. Nopony is perfect, but this story shows us that Cinnamon Swirls and Sugarsweet were better friends once they settled their differences and understood what being friends meant to each other. It hurts your feelings, seeing others fight, is that right?”

Scootaloo nodded, putting her head down as she closed her eyes, a few tears squeezing out from under her eyelids.

“What's wrong?” the therapist asked, patting her shoulder softly.

“I don't understand w-what's wrong with me!” Scootaloo sobbed, starting to shake again. “I'm s-sorry... I'll stop-p... c-crying...”

“You're allowed to cry if it helps you feel better. That's what everypony wants, for you to feel better. There is nothing wrong with you, please understand that. You're a clever and kind little pegasus. I can tell just by talking to you. The problem is the fact that you let things stir your emotions that shouldn't. Things you cannot control and do not affect you personally.

It is perfectly fine to be concerned with bad things and to want to help. That is normal. You are normal. But you can't allow yourself to get nervous. You're not going to help if you can't control your own breathing, or how fast your heart is beating. That's just hurting you. Try and talk things out with your classmates if you absolutely must, but if you cannot, trust that those you know or the ponies it's happening to will be able to solve their problems.

You must be brave and strong in your heart and in your mind when you can't help but to feel nervous. It will always pass, won't it?” He finished, pausing to take a sip of coffee. “Remember: There is nothing wrong with you, you are quite normal. Extraordinary in your own special way, but there's nothing abnormal about you. Now... Scootaloo? Is there a special somepony you look up to?”

Scootaloo had cried silently throughout the doctor's reassurances, slowly and slowly regaining some control over herself. At his last question, she nodded at once, wiping her nose.

“Who is it?” he asked, smiling kindly at her.

“Rainbow Dash...” Scootaloo said, looking over at the mirror.

Dash was smiling quietly, very touched. She kept looking into the room and into Scootaloo's gaze, though the filly couldn't see her. She felt Twilight's hoof on her arm, feeling grateful she had her friends by her side. Dash continued to focus on the pale purple eyes, her own cerise coloured ones quivering.

Back on the other side of the mirror, the therapist followed Scoot's gaze, locked on to her reflection. “Do you think your mother is brave?” he asked, his eyes shifting from the mirror and back to Scootaloo.

Scootaloo glanced back at him in turn and nodded again. “Very brave.”

“Do you think she is strong?” He continued.

“Very strong!” Scootaloo said, a smile inching onto her face, flapping her small wings.

“Scootaloo, I want you to think of Rainbow Dash next time you start to feel nervous in school. The next time you start to feel sad and worried, and you don't understand why, think of how you want to be brave and strong, just like she is. You want to be brave and strong, right?”

“Mm hmm...” Scootaloo said, kicking her hooves a little under the table.

“Would you believe me if I told you that you already were?” he asked, standing up and smiling down at her.

“No way...” Scoot said, shaking her head.

“I think you are very brave and you have a very strong heart. Think of your mom when you feel one of these moments creeping up on you. Moments where you feel anxious or worried. Think of how you feel about her and let the thoughts of her remind you of how strong you are when she isn't there to do it herself. I believe you'll feel a lot better. Do you know why?” He asked, extending his hoof to her.

“I'll feel better because... Uh... I'll know I'm brave and strong, just like her!” Scootaloo answered, standing up and shaking hooves with him.

“You already knew the answer to that! I believe you are going to be just fine, Scootaloo. I think you know what to do from now on. I want to see you again in a month's time, alright? We'll see how well you've been doing.”

Ten minutes later, they all walked out of the office, once Dash had arranged an appointment in four weeks time. Rainbow Dash knelt down by Scoot and kissed her cheek. Scootaloo tried to push her away, pretending to be embarrassed. As much as she said she hated sappy stuff, Dash knew Scootaloo was quite fine with being hugged and kissed until she threw up sunshine and flowers.

“You did so well in there! Makin' me proud, Scoots!" Rainbow beamed at her. "Are you gonna have fun with Twilight and Spike today?” the older blue pegasus asked, ruffling Scootaloo's mane.

“Uh huh!” the little orange pegasus replied, before asking a question herself. “How long are you gonna be gone?”

“At least until dinner time. I'm sorry, but Dashie's gotta... dash! Soarin's been waiting on me all morning. He's had to practice with his brother, Wave Chill. He's a dork! Actually, they're both dorks! They're not cool like me 'n' you, Scoot!”

Scootaloo giggled and took the hoof Twilight offered her. “Nopony's as cool as us!”

“You know it! Knock it!” Dash said, extending a hoof out, which Scootaloo bumped. She then addressed Twilight and Applejack. “Thanks for coming with me today. I really appreciate it, I do.”

“We're always there for you, P. F. F.!” Twilight smiled at her. “Pony friends forever!”

“Exactly. What're friends for?” Applejack said, winking at her. “Good luck with your practice!”

“Thanks. See ya, guys! Love ya, Scoot!” Dash said, lifting into the air.

Dash rose up, away from the three of them. She watched as they all began to walk down the street, her attention focused on the pegasus. Dash caught her turning around and looking up into the sky.

'She's going to be okay. ' Rainbow Dash believed it as the words crossed the forefront of her brain.

Within half an hour, she Dash made her approach to Cloudsdale. She was sweating in the heat of the first really hot day of the summer. Despite the wind rushing by, the warmth of the sun could not be blocked. She flapped her wings hard, watching the other ponies passing her by. Judging by the traffic as buildings around her slowly evacuated, it must be close to lunchtime. It was alright for Scootaloo, who had the rest of the day off from school! However, Dash had a hard day's training ahead of her, sweating in this heat.

The runway of the Wonderbolts Academy passed below her. Her eyes locked on the gymnasium. She toyed with the idea that she could see both Soarin and Wave Chill in practice, but it was really impossible to tell. Through the blurry heat haze and the sharp angle to the windows, she could not get a good look inside. A sparkling, shimmering glare beat her in the eyes for a moment. Dash spotted the outdoor pool adjacent to the gym, surrounding by a marble floor. It was on a separate piece of floating earth, leaving a gap between the building and the pool which lead to the clouds, which Dash liked to use as a means of quickly leaving Cloudsdale.

“Yep...” Rainbow said, watching the light ripple on the surface of the water. “It's happenin'.”

Splash! She went into a nosedive, cutting a twisting path through the air and diving into the cool waters. Five, ten, fifteen feet she descended, the water caressing her warm fur. What a feeling, as the rays penetrated the surface, leaving the bottom of the pool quite clear and visible. Dash pretended to trot along the bottom, bubbles trickling out of the corners of her mouth and nostrils. She swished her arms in front of her, using her wings to help propel her quickly to the far end. Reaching the edge of the pool, she swished her tail and swam upwards, feeling the heavy squeeze as her head broke the surface of the water and lost all buoyancy.

Dash drew in great lung-fulls of air, twisting around and propelling herself across the surface of the water to the western wall. Rolling over, she allowed herself to drift along on her back, using her momentum to keep her in motion. Her eyes were closed, allowing the hot beams of sun and the cool breeze and touch of the water to come together over her face and chest. It was an extremely comfortable feeling.

“Enjoying ourselves, are we?” a chuckling voice asked overhead.

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and swore as the image of the sun burned into them momentarily. She gave a bump against the stone floor and flipped over again, treading the water.

“Argh!” Dash held a hoof over her right eye, which was paining her. “Soarin!”

“Hey! That wasn't my fault! Why did you open your eyes and look directly into the sun? You might have noticed... today's a scorcher!” he laughed loudly, standing casually on the flat stone that ran around the entire pool.

“Yeah, no kidding...” Rainbow groaned, blinking the spots out of her vision. “I figured you'd still be in practice with Chill, so I came in here to cool off.”

“I figured that much out!” Soarin said, sitting down along the pool's edge and watching Dash's multi-coloured hair and mane swirl around in the water, making it appear that she was lost amongst a mixture brightly coloured paint. “I haven't even got a chance to start. He was ill today, so it was pointless to do anything without a partner. I've just been doing some paperwork all morning! Spitfire is out on a flight exercise, plotting a new course for next year's Academy syllabus.”

“Uh... huh,” Rainbow said, her eyes finally returning to normal. She placed her hooves along the marble floor beside him. “Well, if you haven't done anything either, we're gonna have to double time it today! We've only had Wednesday! Even then, it took us a couple hours to actually get started, after you finished going over your silly one million-step training program! I spent all of yesterday looking around for a doctor for Scootaloo to see, AND you were busy with the campus inspection in the afternoon and evening! It's noon of the third day, and it feels like we've got nothing done.” Dash made to pull herself out of the pool.

“We'll still have plenty of time for me to go over everything! Eleven days total is quite a lot of time to prepare, so we're allowed to slack for a few.” Soarin grinned, holding out his arm to prevent her climbing out. He began to unbutton his uniform shirt, getting to his hooves as he done so. “We've got eight days left and I'll shift my schedule around if you want to work on our moves for the full eight. But right now, swimming is a great idea, and I can technically teach you the next move while you're in the water. Buck up, there, I'm coming in!”

Act 2 - Desert Storm

... It is within the fibres that make up our still-beating hearts.
Magical in structure but physical in the soul.
Breaking down the walls
That line makes that what which ponies are.
It is love in nature,
But not without;
T'is strength and the fire that burns
Within breast.

We find solace in ideals of the companionship
Wrought by the tools of the spirit.
The purest form of existence within.

We face down adversity and meet the ghosts
Of our own demise.

Strength of mind,
Bravest of golden heartstrings,
We will take back our world.

-Silver Dew, Crystal Empire, year 845 of the 2nd Era.

[Transcriber's note: Translated as per the request of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza (Or Cadance, as she is informally known!), present day ruler of the Crystal Empire. The authenticity of this piece has been debated heavily by modern day scholars as it was rumoured that the apostle Silver Dew wrote this on the battlefield. She did not survive the rebellion's skirmish against King Sombra. The transcript itself was found beneath the Royal Library's catacombs. How did it get there? Curious indeed! The past can truly hold deep mysteries. It is most fascinating!

-Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville, year 855 of the 3rd Era.]

35 Zugzwang

The thick, dark smoke was still masking the action taking place at the gallows. After the heart-stopping sound of the trapdoor swinging open ripped through the square like a gunshot, half a dozen griffons, including Major Hawkeye herself, took to the air once more. In an instant, they were flying into the confusing din of dark clouds and wood. The noise of their razor sharp wing covers cleaving the air like butter was like a guillotine. Wave Chill’s confused swearing mixed with Rapidfire’s own startled curses. The sounds of the yelling soldiers and Hawkeye barking out orders were all anyone could hear. Not one sound of a jerked or stiffening rope could reach Rainbow Dash’s ears.

Finally, one by one, four pegasi were born from the smoke and Rainbow’s heart leapt. A bright orange streak lead the pack as Spitfire flew to freedom. The bright white of Fleetfoot was next to leave the danger zone. The red of Fire Streak trailed behind the white. Finally, Lightning Streak’s golden yellow tail trail left Wave Chill and his entourage in the dust. The Steel Talons circled around the escapees, throwing the severed ropes they had diced into a hundred pieces to the ground.

Rainbow Dash didn’t even have to think about it. She looked sideways at Soarin for the briefest of moments. As their eyes met, she tried to communicate her intentions wordlessly to him. Whether or not he would understand, Rainbow Dash never stuck around to find out. Above them, more griffons were throwing smoke bombs in attempt to mask the escape path of the Wonderbolts. Flinging her wings wide, she leapt into the air and rocketed straight up. Before the exploding bombs and their expanding clouds could blind her, she was already free of the smoke’s radius.

She had to catch up with them. They had to make contact, if not with the Talons, then at least with the Wonderbolts. Wave Chill was the only soul in the square, apart from herself, that could match the speed of the escaping ponies. With luck, by the time the smoke had faded completely, each and every one of them will have safely vanished from the Jewel District.

Rainbow rose ten, forty, a hundred feet, her disguised form leaving a long blue trail. Determination to catch up to Spitfire and the others flooded her. Following the fading colours of the tails, she turned west and beat her wings vigorously against the air.

Gymkhana flashed below her as she continued to accelerate, fixing her gaze upon the escaping fliers she was slowly, but surely, closing the distance with. They continued to fly west, well into the Crossroads. As she inched closer and closer, two griffons detached from the pack and slowed. One was large and burgundy-coloured, while the other looked small, speedy, and with snow-white fur to match his head. Rainbow Dash saw their steel claws flash in the dying light and she swore, rolling over in the air to avoid a slash as she blew past them. Getting diced like a tomato was not necessarily conducive to her present plans of letting the Wonderbolts know that she and her friends were safely in the city with Soarin and Rapidfire.

“I’M ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS, YA BUNCHA KNOBS!” she snarled at them as she shot by, diving low to avoid another slash as the smaller of the two sped up to catch her.

“HOW IS THAT PEGASUS KEEPING UP WITH US? KNOCK THAT PINK WITCH OUT OF THE AIR, YOU CUBS!” Major Hawkeye barked the order back to the two griffons still on Rainbow’s tail.

Rainbow wasn’t the least bit scared. Even though there were two of them, the griffons trying to attack her couldn’t even come close to maintaining a speed to match her own. She dipped low, flying down toward the rooftops in an attempt to slow them both down. She rolled over in the air again, falling into an alleyway and forcing the larger one to stay above her. Using her well-practiced agility, Rainbow Dash’s constant changes of direction as she weaved around buildings and over low stone walls ensured that the smaller pursuer wouldn’t be able to catch her.

One final turn lead her to a dead-end. Twisting around in the air, she rocketed back above the rooftops again. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the larger griffon spot her and resume the chase. Accelerating high into the sky again, she fixed her gaze back upon the Wonderbolts’ bright colours, which were moving into the next district. She rose and fell, moving this way and that, circling the winded griffon pair easily and avoiding their every attempt to harm her. Even out in the open, as long as she kept shooting looks at both of them, doing her very best to estimate precisely where they would be at any given moment, she couldn’t be touched.

“SPITFIRE!” Rainbow roared ahead, panting with the effort now. She had to be no less than fifty feet behind the group. “TELL THAT STUPID BIRDBRAIN THAT I’M FRIENDLY! I’M RAINB-Gah!”

Rainbow had to flatten out her wings to slow down in order to allow the pair’s most recent attempt to slash her to fail. She had gotten so distracted in calling out to Spitfire that she hadn’t even noticed the smaller of the pair coming up from below her.

“G, take care of her,” Hawkeye commanded one of the griffons alongside her. “Falchion, Ruby! Leave it to her!”

“Right, I got this,” the griffon beside her replied, flattening out her own wings vertically to slow down.

Hawkeye, her cohorts, Rainbow’s pursuers, and the Wonderbolts themselves pulled ahead and left Rainbow to contend with this new challenger. She had a very light orange-amber coat, although her white head matched the other members of her team. Her claws and wings were, of course, covered in metal.

The griffon shot forward, both claws outstretched, and Rainbow twisted around to fly low. Effortlessly, her pursuer echoed her movements and revolved around to face her without losing momentum. Rainbow could feel the sharp claws wrap around her neck from behind. Slight tickles told her that parts of her mane had been cut away thanks to the metallic gauntlets and were falling to earth. Very quickly, Rainbow aimed a buck into the griffon’s abdomen.

The claws left her throat. Instead, they went for her wings. Dash let out a shriek of pain as numerous feathers were yanked from her skin. Luckily, her attacker had not managed to scratch up the wings themselves. Dash shot forward with all of her might, speeding toward the ground, and looped under an archway. Immediately, she soared upward and, turning upside down, flew back over the arch again. She could see the griffon sailing beneath her. Dash continued this loop and ended up behind her new opponent.

The griffon swooped around a tall lamp post, her metallic wings clattering the burning brazier at the peak, and turned to face Rainbow Dash again. The two women stared one another down.

“Alright, pony...” the griffon growled menacingly. “I’ll give ya the chance to run away. If ya refuse... I’ll have no choice but to break your wings!”

“Wings?!” Rainbow was kinda starting to grow tired of the threats to her life and limb. She felt the anger boil up in her stomach like a ferocious bile. “I’LL BREAK YOUR FACE! Rainbow screamed, glaring into the fierce orange eyes of the griffon as it tore towards her. “YOU DIRTY, FILTHY, FU— wait... Gilda?”

“Huh?” The griffon stopped in midair, claw paused in mid-slash. “How d-did you know my n-name?!” she demanded.

Rainbow took a deep breath and managed to smile. “How do I know your name? How do I?” she laughed. “Junior Speedsters are our lives, sky-bound soars and daring dives...”

Gilda’s beak fell open. “J-junior Speedsters, it’s our quest, to someday be the very best...” She held a shaky claw to her forehead. “Dash?! But... how? You’ve gotta be joking me, I mean, you’re pink!”

“Why does everypony only see the pink?” Dash sighed. “I’ve got blue hair! I’m disguised, G, but hoooly crap! What are the odds that I’d see you in the middle of Hell, of all places?”

“Well, the fact that Gymkhana IS Hell is a good enough reason all on it’s own, but when the heck did you join the Wonderbolts?” Gilda demanded, looking mildly impressed.

“Not in yet. I’m just working with them,” Dash explained, still grinning. Despite the fact that she had last seen the griffon storming out of Sugarcube Corner at the end of their friendship, she was nevertheless quite pleased to see her old ’bestie’. “Are the Steel Talons in ’the Order’, or whatever they call it?”

“Yeah, but not many know. Even those in the Order themselves,” Gilda said, flying up to land on top of a rooftop. Rainbow Dash joined her, looking around cautiously to make sure they hadn’t been spotted by anyone. “Like, that former Wonderbolt didn’t seem to recognize the Steel Talons, did he? But... what the hell, Dash? What exactly is happening? Why did that ’Bolt go rogue? What are you actually doing in the city?”

“That’s a good snot-load of questions right there, but lemme ask ya one in turn: where is Hawkeye taking the rest of the Wonderbolts?” Dash asked, frowning.

“We’ve got a pretty good hideout in the city. More of a roost, really. I expect our commander is taking them on a route all over the city before heading there, in case they end up being followed.”

Rainbow turned to stare at the menacing outline of the towering palace at the centre of the city. “You all got away thanks to those smoke bombs. Hawkeye shoulda took them straight to your hideout. How could they possibly be followed? I mean, c’mon, that’s stupid.”

“Gwyndolin,” Gilda said simply. “She’s been doing her best to keep tabs on our activities here in the last month. I wouldn’t be surprised if she already has pegasus guards following the rest of them right now. Better to leave an impression all over the city and throw them off the trail, since we don’t know how she’s been tracking us. Thankfully, we’re always cloaked when we leave or arrive at the roost, so they’ll never find us. We can’t stay cloaked forever, though... that’s the thing.”

“That’s all pretty awesome and all, but I’m confused: didn’t this all start like ten or eleven days ago?” If Wave Chill really was in charge, then how could things have been strange in the city before the Wonderbolts even arrived in the first place, Dash wondered? “What exactly has been going on?”

“We’ve both got a million questions, so let’s go to the roost and wait for the team and the Wonderbolts. We’ll get it all out in the open and I trust ya enough to take ya there, Dash. But, uh... listen, back in Ponyville...”

“Don’t apologize for what happened between us, G... Rain under the clouds, dude. There’s kinda bigger, y’know, fish to fry right now than our stupid teenage feud,” Dash reassured her, smiling as she stood up. “I’m... happy to see ya, by the way.”

“Hey, uh... Pinkie Pie isn’t here, is she?” Gilda asked, standing up herself.

“Pinkie Pie has a tendency to be freakin’ everywhere,” Dash explained lightly. “So, duh.”

“Ha, figures. Well, as fun as it is to stand here in the open after I just helped interrupt the execution of accused terrorists, c’mere; I’ll cloak us so we can travel invisibly,” Gilda offered, extending one of her metal claws.

“Neat!” Rainbow said appreciatively, marching forward without fear.

Gilda took a glance at her wing. “Sorry about that, by the way.”

“It’s cool.” Rainbow shrugged. “You didn’t do any real damage, so we’re ace... oh, Celestia, I haven’t used the word ’ace’ since I was, like, fifteen! I talk like an idiot around you, G.”

“You talk like an idiot anyway,” Gilda chuckled, grinning. She took a firm hold of Rainbow’s hoof and ran a claw against the runed belt around her waist. At once, Gilda’s body, not to mention her own, faded from Rainbow’s vision.

“I gotta hold on to ya like a foalsitter, or else it’ll fade. Not against being flown along like a child, are ya, sweetheart? You want ice cream?” Gilda snickered.

“Lead on, Mama!” Dash laughed.

Rainbow felt a tug as the metal gauntlets tightened against her hoof. The claws interlocked around the diameter, allowing the griffon to grip her safely. Flapping her wings hard, she allowed herself to be lead blindly, unable to see her old friend, but nevertheless able to make a rough estimate of where to fly.

Gilda lead her above and out of the district. Flying higher and higher, they approached the palace. A slight feeling of apprehension crept over her briefly, but it was extinguished just as fast when Gilda continued to climb in altitude. As they soared over the palace grounds, Rainbow glanced down at the Gymkhanan seat of power properly for the first time.

From a bird’s eye perspective, the palace outline was shaped like the prongs of a trident. A large, grand staircase lead up to what had to be the main entrance on the centre ’fork.’ At the foot of the stairs, a large, elegant fountain stood, with a walkway beyond that which lead down into the Jewel District, not far from the chaotic movement of the crowd still in the square with the gallows. Craning her neck, she looked back to study the facade of the building proper. The main gates stood several stories high and open, with ivy growing in delicate patterns over the walls on either side. Stone paths lead all around the building, winding between fenced gardens or alongside white gazebos.

She could catch no more details as Gilda accelerated toward one of the towers along the great perimeter wall. As they drew nearer, it looked fairly worn down and disused. Despite this, the tip of it glowed like a bright beacon. Gilda paused just outside of a grated window. Rainbow Dash felt the griffon’s grip on her break and her own body reappeared before her eyes. Immediately, she glanced down to ensure that no one was watching, heart nearly stopping. The hum of the glowing pinnacle was making her fur stand on end. Or, perhaps, she reasoned with herself as she relaxed, that was just the magic in the air.

“Warn me when... when you’re gonna let go, G! Almost gave me a heart attack,” Dash gasped after a moment, rolling her eyes. “Was... worried we’d be spotted.”

“I checked our surroundings before I did, don’t sweat it, Dash. I needed my claws free to wrench this open, anyway. We’re using this tower as a hideout,” Gilda explained, apparently clinging to the grate and giving a grunt as she pulled it free. “The grating over this window is busted, so we can remove it. Thankfully, it’s easy enough to put back into place.”

“I saw the five towers as we flew over the city when we first arrived. What are they used for, exactly?” Rainbow asked curiously as Gilda reappeared in front of her.

“Uh... defensive magical conduits, or something,” Gilda said, carefully pushing the removed grating through the window before she clambered inside the tower herself. “I don’t really understand it.” She stood aside for Rainbow Dash.

Squeezing herself in carefully, Rainbow stumbled a little on her hooves as she landed haphazardly. Once she was standing properly, she spoke up again.

“Magical conduit, huh? What the hell’s with this place? Between conduits and alchemy, I’ll never freakin’ understand it...” Rainbow sighed. She took a moment to glance around the interior, which resembled a small storage room in a shop. There were lots of wooden boxes, dusty and with tattered, fading labels. Oddly enough, there was also an assortment of rusty iron instruments and old weapons such as spears and loop-handled sabres.

“Yeah.” Gilda nodded. “I know my cloaking device uses alchemy and invisibility magic, but I dunno exactly how it works. I need to use my steel gauntlets to activate it... something to do with minerals. Or something. It’s all ’voodoo’ to me!” Gilda glanced around the room herself, her yellow eyes trailing to the ceiling. “Wanna know what’s strange about these towers, though? They haven’t been used for years, according to the commander. They were fired up the night before yesterday.”

“Really...?” Rainbow’s eyes widened somewhat. “That feels kinda-sorta important.”

“Kinda-sorta like when the Wonderbolts got caught?”

“They got caught yesterday, though,” Rainbow informed her, standing up on her hind legs and leaning against the circular wall of the room. “Still, with everything the way it is in this stupid city right now, it feels important. Wave Chill only just took over, after all.”

“I’d say there’s a billion significant things happening due to that asshole assuming control of the military and, by extension, the Ruling Council.”

“The Gymkhanan leaders are definitely under his control, then?” Dash asked in amazement, running a hoof ruefully through her mane.

“Well, they’re under somepony’s control. They aren’t in their right minds, they can’t be. That’s just what makes it all strange, though... this has been going on for months. Y’know, a slow, gradual coup. However, Azure Wings only appeared last week, like ya said! Gwyndolin’s been here forever, though. Yet... she seems to serve him. It’s awfully queer, Dash.”

“Like a three-bit coin,” Dash agreed, putting her hooves behind her head. “You gonna tell me what exactly is happening, then?”

“I think,” Gilda began, smirking towards the window and gesturing with a single claw, “that you’ll have your questions answered for ya.” Rainbow Dash could hear the voices of others floating in through it. “We’ve gotta have a chat with the Wonderbolts, after all. I can’t see Hawkeye shooin’ ya away once she realizes you’re on the same side as us.”

“Huh. The grate is already off. Gilda probably killed her quickly, I expect,” a male voice spoke. Rainbow threw Gilda a wink. “Shame. I wish I could’ve watched it all go down.”

“We don’t need a trail of bodies, dude. If you and Falchion were able to fight her off, G wouldn’t have needed to come to the rescue,” another added. “All the same, I can’t see her killin’ for the fun of it. We’re griffons, not some bloodthirsty anubi savages.”

“For the love of... shut it, you lot!”

“Yes, commander. Ma’am.”

“Yes, commander... Hawkeye, ma’am.”

Unlike Spitfire, it was clear that Hawkeye enjoyed their subordination, even in private. This was evident by her satisfied huff. Rainbow Dash watched as the griffons began to spill through the narrow window, a few of them uncloaking once they got inside, others having done so beforehand. Falchion and Ruby, the two who had chased her, dropped in just before Hawkeye herself, who was leading the Wonderbolts. The Steel Talons who had entered prior were standing quiet, staring dumbfounded at Rainbow Dash, who gave them a cheery wave. The moment Hawkeye’s eyes fell upon her, she held up her hooves defensively.

“Now... slow down, there, Captain Birdbath! Hear me out...” Rainbow explained hastily. “I’m with them.” She jabbed a hoof at Spitfire.

“Who the hell are you?” Spitfire demanded, looking weary. “I don’t know any pink pegasus.”

Rainbow Dash groaned. “That’s all anyone sees. The pink...” she mumbled, but Fleetfoot spoke up before she could continue.

“I believe that I can speculate that the present situation has painted a very clear, and quite frankly, obvious answer to her identity, Captain,” the white-haired mare explained quickly. “There are precious few pegasi we encounter on a day-to-day basis, let alone in previously unventured territory such as Saddle Arabia, who could match the technique or velocity of our own members. Logic dictates that there is, perhaps, a special trait about this particular mare, whom followed us efficiently with little-to-no effort. I’m comfortable enough to make the hypothesis, through my own deductions, that—”

“HOLY MOTHBALLS. GET ON WITH IT!” one of the griffons cried in exasperation.

“Uh. My hypothesis is that the pink pegasus is, in fact, Rainbow Dash, Captain. Disguised, as planned,” Fleetfoot finished lamely, rubbing the back of her mane with a hoof.

“Uh. What she said,” Dash confirmed with a nod, falling back against the wall again with her hooves once more behind her head. “Her hippopotamus makes me Rainbow Dash, which I totes am!”

Spitfire’s eyes widened. “Rainbow Dash! Excellent, you all made it here safely, then? How’s Soarin and Rapidfire?”

“Rapidfire’s here?!” the larger of the pair who had chased Rainbow earlier asked in an excited voice. “Oh, wow. We used to play cards, I miss the miserable old bastard!”

“Shut it, Ruby!” Hawkeye snapped, glaring in his direction.

“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash answered Spitfire. “We’re all safe, but... Rapidfire’s... uh...” Rainbow really didn’t want to be the one to inform Spitfire that her father-figure was brutally injured by the pony whom Spitfire had so often claimed she wanted to kill lately.

“What about Dad?” Spitfire asked quickly, narrowing her eyes.

“He’s fine, Spitfire, he’s just a bit, uh... roughed up. He had an encounter with Wave Chill earlier today. Apparently, he smashed Wave Chill through a window! So, that’s awesome,” she explained, still doing her best to skirt the injury.

“Is that so?” Spitfire asked, impressed. “Well, I expected no less from him! Glad he didn’t finish Wave off, though. I’d quite like that privilege myself.”

“A-anyways,” Rainbow continued, “I should better introduce myself to the rest of ya... I’m Rainbow Dash, wielder of the Element of Loyalty and faithful champion of Princess Celestia!”

“You’re a champion of Celestia? Cripes, how bad did she beat you, Gilda?” a high-pitched female Steel Talon member asked, smirking at her. “We all thought you had her dead, at the very least!”

“Oh, it was close,” Gilda laughed, winking at Rainbow. “However, I felt bad once she started crying like a baby and let her live.”

“Translation, for those who need it: me and Gilda used to be best friends back in flight camp. I recognized her, and... yeah!” Dash said, shrugging.

“Well, fair enough,” Hawkeye hissed testily. “Now that that’s all settled: Gilda, I don’t appreciate you bringing a stranger to our roost. What if you were mistaken? You could have brought down the whole operation, if you hauled in one of Gwyndolin’s lot. I expect more tactful decisions in the future, G.”

“I apologize, ma’am. I’ll be more careful in the future,” Gilda said meekly, giving Hawkeye a bow while swishing one of her wings across her body.

“I should say so, Gilda,” Hawkeye growled, turning her attention back to Rainbow Dash.

“You believe Gwyndolin is behind everything, then?” Dash asked her, moving away from the wall.

“We cannot be certain, but she was active in the city before that Wonderbolt went AWOL. Anyways, discussing Gwyndolin or having a cozy catch-up is not why we brought the Wonderbolts here.” Hawkeye cleared her throat and glanced in the direction of Spitfire, licking her beak softly. She took a breath and locked her eyes upon the fiery mare’s own. “First and foremost, this whole thing is on your hooves, Spitfire.”

“I’m sorry, WHAT?” Spitfire snapped, taking a step forward. “Do you actually believe the terrorism crap, Hawkeye?”

Hawkeye stood her ground. “Hardly, Spitfire; I’m not a fool. However, this is on you for failing to control your former teammate. He is as responsible for the state of the city as Gwyndolin, especially as she seems to follow his own orders. You bear, as Wonderbolt Captain, responsibility for him. You allowed him to go rogue.”

“Excuse me?!”

“If you were half the Captain Rapidfire would have been, you would’ve seen the danger signs before he had the chance to betray you.” The Steel Talons commander’s voice was an icy mist. “Perhaps you should have had your cadets whipped after drunken excursions a little more often? Maybe then you might’ve had some measure of control of the fate of your team!”

“How dare you!” Spitfire snarled. “You have no idea what you’re talking about! THERE WERE NO SIGNS! Hell, we thought he had been taken prisoner. Who the hell do you think you are, placing the blame on me?”

Hawkeye’s eyes had become slits. “Who do I think I am? I’m the one who orchestrated your rescue, you ungrateful whelp,” Hawkeye hissed dangerously. “You remember your execution? You know, when your little colleague SPOKE TO A CROWD OF HUNDREDS ABOUT THE WONDERBOLTS’ RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ORDER?! You realize this compromises not only us, but the safety of Equestria as well? Our enemies here are aware that the Wonderbolts are the best ’special forces’ Equestria has to offer. What if they target Canterlot next?”

“WE HAD A PLAN!” Spitfire bellowed back, stamping her hooves. “WE WEREN’T IN ANY REAL DANGER, YOU WEREN’T EVEN NECESSARY!”

Rainbow jerked an eyebrow at this point in their peaceful little exchange. ’They weren’t in danger? Then why was Fleetfoot looking so scared?’ she thought to herself, confused.

“You weren’t in danger, huh? Then why the hell were the four of you within a foot each of those ropes snapping your necks? Don’t give me your fairy tales, Spitfire.”

“One of Wave Chill’s advisers was there and took the steps to ensure our safety, even if it meant revealing herself as a spy!” Spitfire explained, trying to calm down. “She had already cast the charm that would prevent us from falling the full length of the drop! I repeat, we weren’t in any danger.”

“Wait... we w-weren’t?” Fire Streak asked, astonished. “You kept that quiet, Captain...”

“Remember when she spoke to me privately? We agreed that it would be convincing if some of you looked like you actually believed you were going to die.” Spitfire looked somewhat guilty. “Sorry to betray your trust like that, ’Bolts...”

“Even if you didn’t need a rescue from the noose, you were still surrounded by his forces. What’s more, you were still foolish enough to return to the city after whatever the hell you were involved with in the Mesa District!” Hawkeye accused. “Rather than staying away and keeping your muzzles clean, you lead yourself and your teammates back into contested territory to be captured in the first place.”

“Which we did to save innocent lives!” Spitfire retorted. “He attacked a zeppelin, we led him away. What would you have done? Escaped subtly and left innocent lives to the fury of Gwyndolin’s fire magic?”

“Perhaps not! Nevertheless, you were caught, Spitfire. A Wonderbolt still betrayed the Order. Most were unaware of the fact that the Wonderbolts were even a military, let alone affiliated with Celestia, let alone affiliated with the Order! Our leaders anticipated such a development when Azure Wings appeared on the scene, Spitfire... and that brings me to the point of all of this.”

“Get on with it, then!”

“When we were stationed in Gymkhana weeks ago, I deemed it prudent to establish and sustain contact with headquarters. Once it became obvious that one of your crew had gone rogue, they gave me clear details on what would happen if Wave Chill sold the Order out. They would have sent an envoy to Cloudsdale, but since I’ve got you here...”

“Details, huh? Well, yeah, I am here!” Spitfire growled dangerously. “Continue, Hawkeye!”

“Spitfire... you are relieved of your position as Captain, as your team no longer exists.” Hawkeye turned away from her, shaking her head. “The Wonderbolts are disbanded.”

Rainbow Dash looked quickly from Gilda to Spitfire, feeling her jaw drop. Gilda was looking distinctly awkward, but unsurprised; it was clear to Dash that that the griffon must’ve known about this outcome prior.

’The Wonderbolts... disbanded?’ she thought in a panic. Not only did this news affect the future of Soarin, whom she cared for greatly, but her own prospects for joining them as well. On top of that, she was growing rather fond of both Rapidfire and Spitfire, especially the latter now that their ill will toward one another had subsided. She was friendly with all of their members and immensely enjoyed her time at the academy. ’Disbanded...’

Spitfire opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out until several long seconds had passed. “Wh-... what?!”

Rainbow Dash looked around to see the expressions on the faces of the rest of the gathered ponies and griffons. A few Steel Talons looked uneasy. Falchion and Ruby both looked as though this was not news to them. Gilda continued to give Dash a pained expression, almost apologetic in a way. Fire Streak looked furious, his brother, dejected. Fleetfoot stood silently by Spitfire, wordlessly supporting her.

“With the truth about the Wonderbolts now in the open, continued existence will further compromise the Order. You might be contracted by Celestia, but the Order has control over everything to do with your team, and... it’s over, Spitfire. We’ll give you tools to get someplace safe to lay low for a few days. From there, leave the city and leave your mess to us.” Hawkeye motioned for one of the Steel Talons to walk forward. “I’m sorry, Spitfire.”

“You... don’t understand. Do you even know what the Voidwalker is capable of? We have to stay here, we have experience fighting it. Rainbow Dash and her friends have weapons that could possibly defeat it, not to mention Wave Chill and Gwyndolin!” Spitfire protested, breathing deeply and pacing around. She seemed to be choosing her words carefully. “If this spells doom for the Wonderbolts... dammit, so be it! But know this, Hawkeye: you’re not going to shoo us away like obedient little foals sent to bed! WE CAME HERE ON A MISSION, AND CELESTIA BE DAMNED, WE’LL FINISH IT! WE AREN’T GOING ANYWHERE!”

“Stop with the theatrics, Spitfire. I don’t know much about the Voidwalker; we were reporting back to headquarters when the attack happened. However, the Steel Talons’ abilities are great; we don’t fear it. Get out of the city. Sparks will provide you with some rune-marked belts to cloak your way to safety. Mind you, they are not permanent spells and will wear off quickly.”

“I told you... you can’t just send us away!” Spitfire reminded her, beginning to shake with indignation again.

“What choice do you have, exactly?” Hawkeye asked, reaching out for a bag one of the Talons was handing her. “We’ll spare you a few belts. Take these daggers, too; the alchemy can only be activated by touching a mineral, such as iron. A steel dagger will suffice. Just brush the flat side over the runes to activate it. It’ll last for a half an hour before the magic must recharge itself, which takes about seven hours.”

Spitfire did not immediately take one of the belts Hawkeye held out to her.

“Stop the drama, Spitfire. Take these and get your friends to safety.” She softened a little. “This may not be the end of the world, maybe the Order will allow the Wonderbolts to be re-branded under a different name. You don’t have to stick around, but tell Rapidfire we will be in touch with him.”

Spitfire narrowed her eyes again and snatched the belts from the griffon’s claws. “Fine. Here.” She stood on her hind legs and separated one from the hoof-full. Fleetfoot moved forward and took one without comment. Dash herself took one as well.

“What is our plan now, Spitfire?” Lightning Streak asked, reaching out for another.

“I intend for the whole lot of you to act as though nothing has changed. You might not agree with my methods, Hawkeye,” Spitfire spat, reaching out for the handle of a dagger the griffon was now offering, “but this whole mess isn’t over yet. If the Order wants Rapidfire to lead us, so be it. But the Wonderbolts aren’t going anywhere, either as a symbol or physically. We’re not leaving the city until this is over. What’s another two days?”

“Two days?” Hawkeye asked, cocking an eyebrow. “What’s so special about Monday?”

“Maybe you and your Talons should investigate our enemy a little more closely next time.” Spitfire turned to face Rainbow once everyone had wrapped a belt around their midriff and held a dagger in one of their hooves. “Is there a safe place for us, Dash?”

“Yeah, we’ve got a little base of operations in the Crossroads,” Dash answered quickly.

“Wait just a moment, Spitfire...” Hawkeye began, but Spitfire forestalled her.

“We’ve nothing more to say to each other, Hawkeye. You and your Talons do as you see fit, but the Voidwalker attacks the day after tomorrow. If you want to try and fight it yourselves, be my guest.” Spitfire approached the window. “You’re going to get killed, though. Every last one of you. Fleetfoot, Streaks... Let’s go.”

“Yes, Captain,” Fire Streak said, giving her a brief salute with his dagger-hoof. “Uh, whoops.” He did it with the other.

“I’m not your Captain anymore, according to the powers that be,” Spitfire replied bitterly, tapping the flat-side of the dagger against the markings on her belt. Her body vanished.

“I heard what Hawkeye said, ma’am,” Fire boomed in a defiant voice, throwing a reproachful look toward the griffons before swiping his own dagger across the runes on his belt.

“Indeed. One does not simply disband the freakin’ Wonderbolts!” Lightning agreed, following suit.

“It wasn’t my decision, but you better believe I’m enforcing it, after the mess you all left Mesa in,” Hawkeye growled.

Although she could no longer see Spitfire, Rainbow knew the fiery mare was longing to throw back another furious diatribe. However, the former Captain remained silent and waiting. Rainbow took a moment to wrap the belt around her back and belly.

“I’ll lead you all back to our little safe zone,” she told the Wonderbolts, staring at the places they had all vanished, now that Fleetfoot had disappeared as well. Turning her head, her eyes fell upon Gilda. “Until next time, G...”

Gilda nodded awkwardly and Rainbow tapped the blade across her runic belt. At once, her body vanished from her vision. “I’ll fly slow so you guys can hear me.”

“Yeah. Lead on, Dash,” Spitfire said simply.

“Spitfire...” Hawkeye spoke slowly, turning to face her own team. “Tell Rapidfire... I’m sorry. I don’t hide my disagreement with you, but Rapidfire earned my respect twenty years ago.”

Spitfire huffed in agreement. Rainbow moved over to the window and carefully stepped up on it, squeezing herself out and giving a quick flap of her wings once she was in the open air again. Holding the handle of the little dagger was awkward with her hoof, but she wanted to have her mouth free to direct the Wonderbolts.

“Lemme know when you guys are outside...” she said clearly, beating her wings to stay airborne.

A few moments later and Spitfire spoke up. “I think we’re all out now. These cloaking things are going to get really annoying, really fast.”

“You know what...” Rainbow saw a silver dagger reappear as it fell away from the field of the cloaking magic. “I ain’t holdin’ on to this crap.”

“Just slip it into the belt you’re wearing, Fire Streak,” Spitfire suggested.

“Oh...”

“It doesn’t matter, the belts deactivate in a half-hour, so no real point in holding on to the daggers, I suppose. I’m holding on to mine, however. Now... it’s going to be next to impossible to stay together with all of us invisible, so let’s link together.”

“What if we need to use ’em again, though? The belts, I mean. We should hold on to the daggers, right?” Fire Streak’s voice asked.

“You just threw yours away!” Lightning reminded him.

“Then we find something metal,” Spitfire answered quickly, before the brothers could get into an argument. “The rest of ya hold on to your knives. Celestia, we’re wasting time here.” Dash slipped her own dagger into her belt. “Now... speak up, Dash; I want to know exactly where you are. I’m going to grab one of your back hooves.”

“Uh. ’Kay... Uh... so, basically, you’re gonna act like the Wonderbolts haven’t been taken out, Spit?” Rainbow enquired, asking the question mainly as an excuse to keep talking long enough for Spitfire to pinpoint her exact location. She felt the mare’s hooves grip her own.

“Those are my exact intentions,” Spitfire confirmed.

“Keep your voices down...” Lightning urged them. “What if the Talons hear us?”

“There’s not a thing they’re gonna do to stop us, Lightning,” Fire growled confidently.

“Damn straight,” Spitfire said, giving a little laugh. “I think we’re all linked, Dash. Fly on.”

“I believe ’dire straits’ is a more pertinent term for our present situation...” Fleetfoot mumbled uneasily. “The most desirable outcome of that encounter with the Steel Talons would have seen the entirety of our two groups joining forces to battle against a common enemy.”

“Sometimes stubborn is annoying,” one of the Streaks spoke sagely. As Rainbow was focusing on trying to remember which part of the city was the Crossroads, she wasn’t paying too much attention.

As little as she wanted to, she decided to lead them back over the square in the Jewel District and retrace the steps she and her friends had walked earlier to get to the execution. Although flying anywhere near where Wave Chill or Gwyndolin could possibly be would be stupid, it was still unlikely to her that they would expect the Wonderbolts to return to the scene of their escape.

“Let’s fly to the West,” she said aloud, flapping her wings with a little more force and pushing forward. “We’ll go back over the square where the gallows are. Soarin, Rapidfire, and my friends are probably back in the Crossroads by now. Or... well, they probably will be by the time we get there.”

“Where exactly in the Crossroads are we flying?” Spitfire asked.

“The Amber Cottage, run by some satyr bloke named Amadeus,” Dash explained, eyes focused on the outline of the gallows in the distance. The large, open square was quite visible from this height. “He’s part of the New Lunar Republic, they’re working with Princess Luna.”

“The Princess mentioned them, yeah,” Spitfire informed her. “She didn’t sound too trustworthy of them, though. That’s to be expected, I guess... that cult is pretty much famous for being insane.”

“There exists the extremists in every organization, ma’am,” Fleetfoot added. “The New Lunar Republic has gained infamy due to various outrageous acts of crime or terror done in the name of Nightmare Moon. However, the vast majority of followers worship the Princess of the Night peacefully.”

“Fleetfoot, I couldn’t care less about the rest of them! I’m concerned with the group here in the city that Luna is kind of uneasy about working with.”

“You remind me of Applejack, y’know,” Dash laughed, increasing her altitude as they drew nearer to the square, her wings beating restlessly against the dry desert air.

“The farm pony?”

“Yeah. She’s pretty much totally against the Republic. No idea why, she won’t explain properly. Something to do with her dad.”

“They attacked some farms years ago. Could that be why?” Lightning asked.

“No idea, but that makes sense.” She fell silent for a moment. “Spitfire, what’s going to happen to the Wonderbolts? Like... if you’ve been disbanded, what does that mean for the cadets and the academy back in Equestria?”

“Not a damn thing, as far as I’m concerned. We’ll continue to operate as we are... somehow.” Spitfire still sounded very bitter.

“What exactly is the Order, if you don’t mind my askin’?” Rainbow Dash asked as they entered the square.

There was still a sizable crowd clustered around the gallows. The Steel Talons that had remained behind had disappeared, as had Wave Chill and his entourage. All except for the warlock. Rainbow recognized the brown cloak and white fur, even at this height and level of light, as the sun continued to fall over the horizon. There were around half a dozen soldiers beside her, perhaps receiving instructions. A dozen more were moving amongst the crowd, trying to disperse them. Rainbow remembered the curfew.

“Well, as I don’t give a crap about the Order right now, I’ve got no problems with telling you. The Order is basically a world-wide collection of military units. Like the Wonderbolts, like the Steel Talons, like the Hierophants of Dragonspire, or the Red Horizon from Equus Votum, who actually founded the Order.”

“Vote ’em, what, now?” Rainbow Dash asked, confused.

Spitfire sighed. “Fleetfoot. Lecture.”

“Lecture?” Fleetfoot repeated.

“Lecture,” Spitfire confirmed.

Dash groaned, shaking her head as Fleetfoot cleared her throat significantly. “Here we go...” she lamented.

“Equus Votum is speculated by modern scholars of the magical arts to be the birthplace, or originating source, of all magic in existence. Once a lush forest situated far away on a distant island beyond the Eastern Continent we are presently situated upon, nestled in the boundaries of the discovered and plotted world. The area surrounding Equus Votum is now called the Borderlands, a desolate wasteland.” Rainbow was dragging a hoof down her face, feeling it tug at her lips. “The first alicorn was born there thousands and thousands of years ago. In fact, it is widely believed that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both came from Equus Votum. Celestia has refused to confirm it, citing that she ’enjoys the rush of knowledge and pursuit of education about the ancient world too much to spill the beans and not allow somepony to discover the truth for themselves’.” Fleetfoot elucidated in a rush.

“You sound like Twilight,” Dash spluttered in amazement, raising her voice to prevent Fleetfoot from continuing. “SO THE RED HORIZON ARE FROM THERE, ALRIGHT, COOL, THANKS FOR THE EXPOSITION THAT I DIDN’T ASK FOR, MOVING ON, CONTINUE, SPITFIRE. YEP!”

“So, the Order is tasked with protecting the world by utilizing the military forces from each nation. Most of them masquerade as aerobatic performers, like the ’Bolts. We keep our operations on the down-low, but a lot do know that we work with Princess Celestia. The Order, however, technically owns us. That would be why Hawkeye thinks she can just disband us because that’s what headquarters would have done. We’re gonna finish our mission here and then deal with that crap!”

“Alright, I think I get it... Moving on, did Luna mention any plan while she was talking to you, Spitfire? We’ve kinda been walking around blind since we got here,” Dash confessed, glancing down at the dividing wall between the Jewel and Crossroads Districts as they flew over it.

“Well, our time is limited, so Luna wants to mobilize the Republic against Wave Chill now,” Spitfire said. “If we had more time, we could try a more subtle approach, but the Princess thinks that a more direct course of action is needed. Basically... you and your pals are going to use your Elements. Meanwhile, the rest of us are going to fight Wave Chill and Gwyndolin’s military forces directly. It’ll be like a holiday,” Spitfire finished sarcastically.

“Well, I feel stupid now. I tried to get a group of kids in the city to join us. Y’know, spy on officials, that sort of thing, but we hardly have any time left. Well, at least we can keep them safe.”

“Children, Rainbow Dash?” Fleetfoot questioned.

“Victims from the Mesa District.”

“I see.”

“Well, then...” Spitfire said blankly. “I never stopped to think about what The Shadow’s carnage had done to the lives of the locals.”

“Same here. This’ll be over soon, I hope.” Rainbow sighed as they approached the winding path leading around the palace grounds. “Maybe we can help the kids out when all is said and done... They’re living in the sewers.”

“I just pray those Elements of yours work, although I’m looking forward to fighting some of Wave’s guards! They were none too gentle handling us today!” Spitfire growled.

“Amadeus said there’s horses in the city that can fight too. Gymkhanites against the new regime! So, with some luck, you’ll have a militia by your side!” Rainbow Dash told her, now leading them along the upper walkway through the Crossroads, beyond the winding incline.

“Luna claims that Gwyndolin is beyond powerful, so watch your step against her when the time comes. If you ask me, she’s the brains behind the duo,” Spitfire admitted. “I’d like to save all my hate for Wave Chill, but she’s dangerous.”

“Gwyndolin isn’t the only strong douchebag... Wave Chill’s powerful, too. He almost killed me before Rapidfire stepped in,” Dash mumbled uneasily. “And yet... I still think there’s some good left in him. Or, maybe he’s bewitched, or something... even though he says he’s the one in charge. At any rate, he’s got something he’s calling the Voidwalker’s own boon. He’s super strong, fast as lightning, and... kind of a dick. But, I guess ya already knew that, eh?”

“Yeah, we know he’s juiced up on something. We were captured, after all,” Lightning Streak reminded Dash.

“Why do you even give him the benefit of the doubt, Dash? You barely know him,” Fire Streak asked from the back, something like annoyance in his voice.

“He’s Soarin’s brother,” she replied simply. “I don’t wanna see Soarin suffer. If this can have a happy ending and we all go home without some lovely mental scarring, I’ll be happy as a bee in earwax,” Dash said, shrugging her shoulders before remembering that no one could see her.

“That does not make logical sense, Rainbow Dash,” Fleetfoot pointed out. “I expect you were trying to weave a simile out of ’beeswax,’ but used it incorrectly.”

“Don’t care! Anyways, let’s follow the path until it drops down to the lower level. The Amber Cottage isn’t far from there.” Rainbow decreased her altitude slightly, still pulling the Wonderbolts along behind her. “And... Lightning Streak? That thing he’s ’juiced up’ on is that ’boon’ I just mentioned. Voidwalker must be giving him powers, basically. That’s why he’s so... y’know, powerful.”

“Well... we have powerful friends, too!” Spitfire laughed. “I forgot to mention... I expect Luna will visit tonight. She mentioned getting in touch with her informant for a good, long talk. That’s the Amadeus guy, ain’t it?” Spitfire asked.

“Huh. If she shows up, that’ll be a miracle,” Dash responded in absolute dejection. “We’ve been waiting forever.”

“Have faith in the Princess, Dash. We can’t really lose with Luna,” Spitfire reassured her.

“I... guess you’re right. I mean... eh, Wave Chill can’t even get an execution right with us around, can he?” Rainbow Dash spoke, feeling slightly warmer.

“Yep. Even though you and your friends did nothing, eh?” Spitfire reminded her slyly, although Dash could practically hear the playful grin on her face.

“Whatever!” Rainbow started to smile as well, flying lower and lower until they were cruising down the stairs back to the main stretch of road leading up from the gates to the city. “Almost home! I bet ya can’t wait to get in Rapidfire’s face and tear into ’em for his ’insubordination’ back on the Herodotus, huh? Not listening to his Captain, and all!”

“I betcha she cries in his arms,” Fire Streak guffawed.

“Hardly,” Spitfire retorted with distinction. “It’ll be good to see him and Soarin again, though. Luna having a plan or not, I can’t say I wasn’t a little apprehensive back there. You know... on the gallows. I was afraid I’d never get to see Dad again.”

“Or... Soarin?” Dash prompted her, a little irked.

“Or Soarin,” Spitfire croaked in a defeated voice.

“Are you ever going to forgive him?” Dash demanded.

“Stop asking me that, Dash. Pissing me off will make it harder for you to get your wish.”

Down the road they flew, hanging left and heading down the street intersected by another at the far end, Dash’s eyes focused upon the Amber Cottage. Once they were low enough to the ground, she decreased her speed and hovered until Spitfire let go of her. Hooves clip-clopping on the hard, cobbled street, Dash trotted toward the door, pausing to look around. There was a lone patrol walking away from them. Feeling safe enough to do so, she removed her dagger, slid it across the cloaking belt, and saw her body reappear.

“Well, this was an eventful evening, eh?” she said loftily, hoof on the door handle, anxious to step inside.

“You could say that.” Spitfire reappeared and shrugged. “Think they’re back by now?”

“Let’s find out!” Dash moaned, almost bursting with happiness. She threw open the heavy wooden door.

As the bell above the entrance jingled, she stepped inside the brightly-coloured room. The ponies gathered around the main desk looked over, stopping in mid-conversation, which seemed to be about Rapidfire’s eye again. Rainbow Dash caught the words ’alchemists’ and ’impossible’ from Amadeus. Twilight had removed their disguises.

Upon seeing her enter, Soarin gave a start and hurried over. Behind him, Rainbow could see all of them present, as though anxiously awaiting her return. The Crusaders and Grape Blossom remained by the desk, Scootaloo’s wings buzzing excitedly as she fought restraint. Rainbow completely ignored Soarin’s approach as she locked eyes with her filly. She had not noticed that Pinkie Pie was the only one not there.

“Scoots!” Dash cried out, dropping low to the floor. “C’mere, I’m beat out and I want a hug!”

“That’s a stupid excuse to wanna hug me!” Scootaloo challenged, but she bounded forward as fast as her legs could carry her and jumped into the mare’s chest. Dash let out an ’Oof!’ as they collided.

“Dashie!” Soarin choked. “Thank Celestia, I was worr—” He let out a gasp, eyes widening. “Spitfire!”

“Hold your applause,” Spitfire said with a grin, stepping into the room proper, “there’s no need to completely lose it.”

“Spitfiah...” Rapidfire breathed. “At last...” The ebony pegasus moved forward and Spitfire met him halfway. “So foolish...”

“You know we had to lead them away, Rapid,” Spitfire sighed, appearing to steel herself as she studied his face, eyes locked upon the terrible gash traced along the left side of his head.

“Yes, I undastan’ dat, Spitfiah, but... bah.” He shook his head. “Dammit.”

“Hey, it wasn’t my intention to worry you, but it was pretty much an on the spot decision. What choice did we have?” She moved closer to him. He rose to his hind legs, as did Spitfire herself, and they embraced. She was still staring at his injury. “I’m sorry, Dad. You know I had to confront them. It would have been shameful not to.”

“Da risk shoulda never been on yas.” He looked to Fleetfoot, Fire Streak, and Lightning Streak, who had all entered quietly behind Spitfire and Dash. “Shoulda never been on any of yas. Let da old stallion take da risks, not da effin’ Captain. Not you, Spitfiah.”

Rainbow Dash was clutching Scootaloo tight to her chest during this exchange, feeling the filly bursting with joy to see her. Scoot must have been seriously worried about her. Everyone arriving back without ’Sis’ couldn’t have been an easy thing to digest, Dash realized. Despite this, Scootaloo seemed very calm in her absence, making Rainbow Dash inexpressibly proud of her. At least, calm is what Scootaloo whispering ’you’re so stupid, you’re stupid, stupid, stupid, so stupid, you’re stupid, stupid, stupid’ repeatedly into her ear told her, anyway. Dash grinned; Scoots was definitely her usual self tonight.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry!” Dash apologized profusely, nuzzling Scootaloo’s forehead with her face. “Are you mad because I ran off and everypony came back without me?”

“Ya big, stupid, blueish-pink dummy...” Scootaloo mumbled furiously, although her ’anger’ was betrayed by her bright smile. “Yes, I’m mad at you!”

“Love you, Scoots...” Dash beamed, kissing her cheek.

“Yeah, I know,” Scootaloo spat.

“You’re officially as important a member of our team as I am, Rapidfire,” Spitfire continued after a moment, sighing deeply. “In fact, moreso now. The Order intended to shut us down if Wave Chill compromised them. I believe they’ll probably rally to make you the Captain of the next team, assuming they allow us to reform.”

Rapidfire swore. “Da Order operates in purest secrecy. Dat’s why da Talons don’t openly affiliate wid ’em... ’cause dey ain’t subtle. But when dat sonuvabitch ran ’is mouth... I expected summat like dat to happen... have we ’onestly been shut down, Spitfiah?”

“You know what? It’s not a big deal. We’ll deal with that roadblock when we get back to Cloudsdale, Rapidfire. The point is... we’re safe. The team is safe. They failed to take us out, just like last time! Hawkeye can disband us all she damn well pleases, it’s not gonna change a thing. I don’t care about that!” Spitfire narrowed her eyes and took a deep breath, glaring a hole into the carpet. “What I care about right now is killing that backstabbing psychopath.” Her eyes returned to Rapidfire’s face and she slowly raised a hoof, tracing it along his left cheek. “For what he did to your face.”

“Don’t put yaself in danga again, just because of me,” Rapidfire growled sternly.

“If I get my chance, I’m taking it, Rapidfire. Soarin’s brother or not, he’s mine! Soarin can’t lay much of a claim to his head right now.”

“Can we possibly navigate away from the blood lust, please? There are fillies present,” Rarity sighed in exasperation. “I quite understand you all want a piece of the villain of our present little story, but let’s act civilized, hm?”

“Fine. Sorry,” Spitfire spoke quickly, eyes switching between the Crusaders grouped around Grape and Rainbow Dash with Scootaloo.

“I dunno, Rarity...” Sweetie said evasively, gazing imploringly at her big sister. “I kinda wanted to know where that was going.”

“Yer crazy,” Apple Bloom mumbled matter-of-factly, rolling her eyes.

“Rainbow,” Twilight began, swiftly bringing the conversation back to a progressive ground, “did the Steel Talons mention if they found out anything we might not have known?”

“Well, like Spitfire said, they seemed more concerned with telling off the Wonderbolts more than anything.” Rainbow Dash let go of Scootaloo, ruffling the filly’s mane as she stood up. “However, the coup for control over the city has gone on for months, or something. Wave Chill joining them and ’assuming control’,” she sketched quotes in the air with each hoof, “was only recent. Mark my words, Wave’s gonna be innocent when this is all over! It’s all Gwyndolin, it’s all that stupid warlock.”

“We’d all like to believe dat,” Rapidfire said with a note of longing in his voice, “but we’ve gotta accept da fact dat he may be beyond savin’.”

Dash shrugged. “So, where do we go from here?”

“Might I suggest a course of action?”

Rainbow whipped around to face the door at the sound of the voice, her heart leaping in her chest. ’About time,’ she thought with great satisfaction.

’Moonlight Sonata’ crossed the threshold of the doorway into the main hall of the inn. Amadeus rounded the desk and sunk into a bow. Once the rest had noticed her, they bowed as well. Scootaloo’s wings buzzed excitedly. Despite never having seen Luna in this form, the true identity of the unicorn was not missed by her.

“Princess Luna!” Dash whistled, head bowed. “Finally! You’re here!”

Near the desk, Grape Blossom let out a loud gasp. “P-Princess Luna? The Princess Luna?!”

“Indeed, child. There will be no formalities,” Luna instructed the rest of them. “This is neither the time nor the place for it. We have much to discuss. However, my time is short, and we cannot do it in the open. All of you, please, straighten—”

Luna seemed to notice Scootaloo. Narrowing her eyes, she focused on Sweetie Belle next, and then Apple Bloom. Their smiles faltered somewhat. The rest of the gathered ponies did straighten up as Luna requested. Only Amadeus remained bowed, whispering what sounded like a twisted lullaby to himself. It was soft and airy, but the words were dark and menacing. Applejack let out a low growl and Dash looked over at her, seeing Apple Bloom gazing up at her sister with worry. At Luna’s glance, Applejack stopped and immediately tapped her stetson to hide her eyes, looking embarrassed. To spare the earth pony from further attention, Twilight hurried forward to remove Rainbow’s disguise.

“Amadeus?” Luna voice rang out sharply, turning from Applejack to the satyr. “Enough.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Praise the Eternal Night.” The satyr stood up straight, folding his arms over his chest. “Do you require a private location?”

“Yes, momentarily...” Luna said, turning back to the Crusaders with a very stern expression on her face. “I had forgotten that you three had come here with your relations. I realized the truth through your dreams, Scootaloo, and informed Celestia of the whereabouts of you and your friends.”

Scootaloo’s face fell and her eyes went with them, dropping to the floor. Rainbow Dash waited to see if she was going to speak, and was pleased when she did. “I’m s-sorry, Princess Luna.”

“We’re sorry, too...” Apple Bloom said quickly.

“Yeah, we are...” Sweetie emphasized earnestly.

“We didn’t think there would be any trouble and didn’t mean to... to make anypony worry! Especially not... Princess Celestia.”

“They’ve been spoken to, Luna,” Rainbow said, placing a hoof on her adoptive daughter’s shoulder. Scootaloo had been shaking a little, but managed to calm down at her touch. “They’ll be paying your sister a visit once we get home, as well.”

“Very well. As long as they are aware of the dangers, and are thus cautious, I shall linger on the subject no longer.” The three fillies bowed solemnly. “Amadeus,” Luna continued, “could you lead these ponies to your sewer connection?”

“Sewer connection?” Fluttershy asked softly, looking confused.

“Uh... am I going?” Grape spoke up, blushing somewhat when all eyes fell upon her. “Like, do you want me to go, too? Is this connection far? I don’t want to leave Appleberry, so...” Grape trailed off.

“Through the kitchen to the back room of the inn is a staircase leading into my storage cellar. There is a false wall down here. Beyond it leads to a series of passageways leading down into the sewers,” Amadeus explained. “The room just before the passageways used to be an armoury, so it is quite large.”

“An armoury and a secret connection to the sewers?” Twilight questioned, amazed. “Quite the attributes for an inn!”

“The Amber Cottage is very old,” Amadeus continued. “Years ago, when it was ran by my grandfather, it was the base for a large rebellion to overthrow the dictator of the city at the time. The room and passageways were built then, but are still safe to use.”

“If you ask me, they sound like they could be very useful to us, depending on how the rest of our time in the city plays out,” Soarin said, grinning. “Pretty handy!”

“Right, just ignore the kid...” Grape groaned, shaking her head.

Amadeus smiled at her. “As I said, it’s just below the inn, so it’s not far at all. And you are working with Twilight Sparkle and her friends, are you not? Of course you may come.”

“I wouldn’t say... workin’ with them, exactly...” Grape ran a hoof along her silvery, flowing mane.

Luna was eyeing her closely. “What is your name, child?”

“Me? Oh, uh...” She was blushing timidly, very neurotic at being addressed directly by royalty. “I’m G-Grape Blossom, Your Highness...”

Luna shifted her gaze to the pony’s flank. “Are you an author?”

“No, ma’am,” Grape said quickly, glancing down at her cutie mark briefly herself before returning her eyes to the Princess. “I used to be in study to be a reporter. You know, journalism.”

It was the first time Rainbow Dash had actually noticed the cutie mark herself. Grape Blossom’s mark was that of a scroll with a quill resting upon it. Grape must have realized her destiny at a pretty young age, to already be in study for her future career early enough for her pregnancy to set up a roadblock.

“Used to be?” Luna questioned further, peering at her intently.

“Why is Luna being... rude?” Scootaloo whispered confidentially to Rainbow Dash. “That’s not like her. Luna’s really nice... she never even yelled at us!”

“She’s gotta make sure she can trust her,” Dash whispered back. “She hasn’t met Grape yet, remember?”

“Yes, Princess,” Grape answered, sounding slightly more confident as her nerves appeared to fade over time. “I had a foal.”

Luna’s eyes widened somewhat. Not enough to be immediately noticeable, but as Dash had taken that moment to study the Princess’ face, she spotted it at once.

“I have a son, Appleberry,” Grape went on, blushing again. “He’s sleeping in one of the rooms through that door.” She pointed to the door on the left.

“I see,” Luna said, not unkindly. “I will not question you further, Grape Blossom. You may listen in; I trust you. However, if you’d rather remain with your child, I will not force you.”

“If it’s not long, since you said your time is short, I’ll tag,” Grape consented. “Me and my friends are survivors from the Mesa District, so it would be cool if one of us knew what the heck was going on in this city.”

“You saw The Shadow?” Fire Streak enquired quickly, breaking off a whispered conversation he was having with his brother. “That thing was freakin’ terrifying.

Grape didn’t respond. It didn’t take a genius to realize she wasn’t keen on talking about it further, Rainbow Dash thought. Luna, meanwhile, nodded to the satyr for him to lead the group to the old armoury. Amadeus approached the kitchen door and opened it, beckoning them all onward. Rainbow saw Luna pause to look with concern at Rapidfire’s injury as he moved toward the door himself, following Spitfire. The rest of the Wonderbolts followed behind him, all except for Soarin.

“I guess you and your friends get to hear important information, trainee!” Soarin smiled down at Scootaloo, who was watching Luna move into the kitchen of the inn.

“Yeah...” Scootaloo moaned uncertainly, glancing up at Dash. “You don’t mind me being there, do you, Sis?”

“Yeah, I kinda mind!” Dash said with a huff. “But it’s not like it’s gonna be easy to stop any of ya from finding out, so I’m tappin’ out.” She fell into step behind Applejack and Rarity as the rest of their party moved into the kitchen. “Speaking of important info... where’s Pinkie Pie? It’s quiet as the grave in here.”

“She went back to the Hideout, Rainbow Dash,” Grape told her, walking behind her, pausing to gaze enraptured at Luna as she stood aside from everyone to go first.

“Aaah... well, hopefully she has some luck in persuading Dameer and the rest of ’em to get their butts out of the freakin’ garbage. I kinda miss Neighshyte, he was just so darn polite. You woulda liked him, Scoots; he’s really hyper, just like you! He’s a horse, too, so that’s cool. Heeey... bet he’d make a nice boyfriend!”

“Eeewww!” Scootaloo gagged. “I don’t want a boyfriend!”

“Colts are disgusting,” Sweetie Belle said from ahead of them, tossing her mane much like her sister, giving it a gentle pat.

“I know, right?” Scoot agreed, rolling her eyes.

The Amber Cottage’s kitchen was quite spacious for such a small building. Two long, wooden-topped islands occupied the centre of the room, with pots and pans hanging from hooks from the ceiling. Each had a different stove built into it, with a sink installed at the front of the one on the left. As Amadeus did all the cooking for inn guests, it was clear from a glance that it was a one-man job. Some unwashed dishes were in a far basin, piled up dangerously high. One side of the kitchen contained carts for wheeling meals to the different rooms, while the other had an array of shelves containing jars of spices, cans of food, and bags of flour. The far right corner had a single door, which they were all moving towards.

“What did you think of Hawkeye, Dashie?” Soarin asked unexpectedly. “I only met her once or twice when she was inspecting the academy for the Order.”

“Why do you even care, Soar? She freakin’ disbanded you guys!” Dash asked in surprise.

“Spitfire wants to operate like normal, so that’s how I’m treating it,” he answered with a grin.

Dash sighed. “For somepony... well, somegriffin, who is so big on keeping their affiliation with anything besides their own work a secret, Hawkeye sure likes sticking her beak into the other groups’ business,” Dash said eventually.

“The Steel Talons were always high up in the whole thing. They’re just, you know, incognito most of the time, since they’re such a well-known mercenary group. It’s easy to disguise their true intentions,” Soarin explained casually.

“I thought Griffon Peaks allied itself with Saddle Arabia? Their scene at the execution was hardly incognito, bro,” Dash pointed out, shrugging. “Hawkeye confronted Wave Chill and Gwyndolin directly.”

“The Talons aren’t affiliated with Griffon Peaks’ ruling body. Remember, they’re mercenaries by nature, a flight team by hobby, but they’re secretly with the Order,” Soarin went on as the pair of them passed through the far door.

The next room was very small, practically just built for the staircase that lead down into Amadeus’ storage cellar. Descending quickly, all ponies gathered around the satyr as he unlocked the door to the cellar. With a click, the door swung open, and he stood back.

“I should return upstairs. There are still two occupants in the inn besides all of you, but I’m sure tonight is their last night, so I’ll shut the inn down officially once they leave,” Amadeus said to Luna. “The false wall is in the middle of the far wall. It can be pushed in and slid sideways.”

“Thank you. We will be able to speak freely down here, for now. Once the Amber Cottage is empty, it will be a perfect spot for our forces to gather,” Luna noted, giving Amadeus a nod as he left them.

They proceeded into the cellar, which was much colder than the rest of the inn, even considering the lateness of the day. There were sacks and crates everywhere, the smell of vegetables filling Rainbow’s nostrils. Luna’s horn illuminated their path, as there were no sources of light down there. Upon reaching the far end of the room, Rapidfire placed both hooves against the wall. With a grunt, he pushed it forward a few inches. Dragging his hooves right and then left, he found out which direction to move it in. Very slowly, it slid to the left, revealing a metal track on the floor, to hold it in place.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders: Secret Base Infiltrators?” Apple Bloom suggested in a low voice to the others.

“But the secret base is empty!” Sweetie Belle pointed out, squinting through the darkness.

“Sounds lame, anyways!” Scootaloo coughed.

Beyond the wall, the floor sloped downward some twenty feet or so in a very narrow hallway until reaching the entrance to what was once the armoury. It was a large room, although the ceiling was low. Luna’s horn glowed brightly as she peered around, stepping aside to allow the group to file in past her.

The Crusaders remained close to their sisters in this new, unknown location. The light of Luna’s horn slowly panned across the room, revealing strange objects, not unlike the tower the Steel Talons had been using as a roost. Rusty weapon racks along one wall and more crates stacked by another. Rainbow Dash was starting to get tired of seeing crates.

“Princess, shine ya horn on da floor, ’ere...” Rapidfire requested, dropping low to the stone ground.

Luna did as he requested and Rainbow squinted at the patch illuminated by the light. It was an alchemy symbol, identical to the transporters leading to and from the Station. Rapidfire hesitated before sliding his hoof across it. Nothing happened.

“Try this, Rapidfire,” Spitfire suggested, holding out the silver dagger.

Rapidfire took it from her and tapped the tip against the symbol. A bright red glow emanated from it for a brief moment. Within seconds, the glow broke free of the runic circle and spread in lines across the floor, travelling to the four corners of the room. Each one spiralled up a metal staff set in indentations on the floor, coming to rest within a spun glass orb sitting on top. Each orb began to glow red, flooding the room with light. Strangely enough, the light seemed identical to sunlight; it was not red.

’I’m... not even going to ask anypony to explain how this stuff works,’ Rainbow decided, frowning.

Luna approached the centre of the room and let out a short breath, turning on the spot to smile at her companions. “It is time to throw off this disguise. I will need to keep my powers in check, however. I have chosen this weaker form to make such precautions easier to maintain. However, my true body will be required for me to help you all right now.”

In an instant, a small burst of magic exploded from her horn, spreading over her body like a bubble. Her figure became pearly white as a powerful brightness covered her. Upon fading, her fur had changed to its usual darker blue, her mane and tail had extended, shimmering with magic and flowing. With a grunt, she allowed two wings to burst from her sides and extend.

“That... looked painful,” Twilight gulped.

Grape’s jaw was hanging low, her eyes bulging. “W-what?! She transformed!”

“Yep!” Rainbow said, nodding. “She’s got a third body, too, and it’s awesome.”

“Nightmare Moon is hardly ’awesome,’ Dash...” Applejack mumbled delicately.

“Whatever,” Rainbow shrugged, approaching the Princess. “If Luna keeps her mind when she’s in her Nightmare Moon body, I bet you she’s a lot stronger... probably strong enough to beat Gwyndolin’s magic!”

“I would not be so sure, Rainbow Dash,” Luna said, looking seriously at her. “I have not yet witnessed the fullest extent of that warlock’s powers.”

“Well, I just... uh. Huh. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting that. But, uh, just in case things do go wrong...” Dash steeled herself, trying to clear her head of the various potential outcomes to their mission if Luna’s magic was no match for Gwyndolin’s. “Listen... Princess Luna... I never got a chance to properly thank you for sending me after Scootaloo that night. You, I mean... you put EVERYTHING in motion! I’m just...”

“I understand, Rainbow Dash, and please, do not worry about the future. We must focus on the present,” Luna said, attempting to reassure her. She looked over at Scootaloo and winked. “To me, though, I merely helped along events that seemed destined to already happen.” Her voice was gentle.

“Just... thanks! So, now that that’s out of the way, can you send the girls back to Canterlot soon?” She had a sudden inspiration as she twisted her head towards Grape Blossom, who was standing next to Rarity. “And... you should send—”

“I’m... sorry. I cannot.”

“Grape... to... wait, what? What do you mean, Luna?” Dash asked, her jaw dropping.

“The warlock has suspected my power within this city for some time. Gwyndolin’s been able to slowly and methodically zero in on me, so to speak. She’s getting better at it. I have not yet been detected in my attempts to infiltrate their new regime and gain their trust, but she is aware that a great power beyond herself is within Gymkhana. Unfortunately, she had taken steps against me,” Luna said, bowing her head sadly. “If I use powerful spells, I’m certain she would detect me; she has become obsessed with finding ’the rogue sorceress.’ That is why I must remain in my weakest form for as long as possible. It prevents me from casting spells equal to an alicorn’s power.”

“I... uh... alright,” Dash spoke slowly, doing her best to understand what Luna was saying, although her temper was slowly starting to rise. “And this affects your warping spell? Isn’t it worth the risk?!”

“Beyond the necessity of keeping my powers in check, there is another problem. The warlock has used a sort of spell that has created an invisible barrier around this city that is preventing me from leaving this place by magical means. I cannot access my lunar sanctuary, nor can I bring anypony with me,” Luna finished to total silence. “Unlike normal barrier spells, it is not weakening over time. It’s being enchanted by something, strengthened through unknown means. Even if I could freely use my magic, I have no spells to disable something so powerful.”

“But...” Rainbow said eventually, eyes snapping to Scootaloo, “the t-time limit... the V-Voidwalker!”

“I am doing my best to locate the source of the protective barrier’s uncharacteristically potent peculiarities, but... for the time being, I am limited to speaking with my sister using telepathy. That is the extent of my influence on anything outside of these city walls. I am sorry. If fate should conspire to make the Voidwalker’s summoning unavoidable, then I will do everything, everything in my power to ensure their safety. Even if it means my life. You have my word.” She looked to Applejack and Rarity. “All of you.”

“So we’re supposed to just sit here and wait with the kids while the whole city goes down?” Rainbow demanded furiously, feeling her left eye twitching.

“Calm down, Rainbow... please,” Twilight begged her, placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “We’ve been dealt a poor hand with this, I understand, but exploding at Princess Luna isn’t going to help anypony!”

“Yeah. The hand sucks!” Dash sighed, shaking her head and placing a hoof to her eyes. “Princess, I’m... sorry. I’ve had a bit of a long day.”

“Whoa, that there’s quite the understatement,” Applejack whistled.

“Wave Chill fought you, didn’t he, Rainbow Dash?” Luna asked quietly.

“Yep,” Dash confirmed, jerking her head over at Rapidfire. “That’s when Gramps over there got slashed.”

Rapidfire smirked. “I keep tellin’ ya, it’s nothin’. He hurt my pride. Dat’s it.”

“You were both very fortunate to get away from him. He’s got frightening powers right now,” Luna sighed, shaking her head.

“Is dat boon he says he got from Da Shadow real, Luna? Is dat where ’is strength comes from?”

Luna bowed her flowing mane, furrowing her eyes. “Indeed. This part of the conversation makes for an adequate transition to the subject of our adversaries. I should warn you, Spitfire,” Luna continued, turning her head towards the fiery-maned mare, “that Wave Chill wants to personally see to your end.”

“He’ll have a hard time pulling it off,” Spitfire spat, eyes narrowed.

Applejack leaned against the wall, an arm draped around Apple Bloom. “Well then, Princess, what are we gonna be facin’ here?”

Luna walked back and forth for a few moments. Eventually her pacing lead her to the middle of the room and she laid on the ground. Lowering her horn, she tapped it against the cold stone and runic symbols, much like the ones when she had shown them all the holographic Wave Chill back in Canterlot, formed there. Moments later, a miniature Crystal Empire materialized within it, translucent and shimmering. Luna got to her hooves again, giving her wings a brief, restless flap.

“Over a millennium ago, there existed many, many great evils in our young world. Discord had been banished to his prison of stone through the Elements of Harmony, but other sources threatened to spread enmity throughout the land. I, myself, was losing the fight against the darkness of my heart.”

Rainbow Dash had a vivid mental image of Luna’s third form, the menacing figure of Nightmare Moon, as she had seen her during the brief period of extensive night a few years back. As though it had read Rainbow’s mind, Luna’s magic had caused a glowing figure of Nightmare Moon to stalk the countryside beyond the empire for a moment before vanishing. During this time, Scootaloo had made her way over to Rainbow’s side and sat on the floor, eyes fixed on the Empire. Dropping to the floor herself, she took one of Scoot’s hooves in her own. Out of the corner of her eye, Dash could see Grape leaning low, gazing enraptured at the display.

“If only Fenuku could see this...” she mumbled softly, causing another image to surface in Dash’s mind, this time of the blue eyed anubis preteen she had met that morning. “He loooves history.”

“Before Princess Mi Amore Cadenza brought the crystal ponies their salvation, the ascension of the unicorn, King Sombra, had ended a long line of benevolent leaders. The darkness of his heart and his cruel, evil intentions for the dominance and torture of his kinsmen attracted a terrible force to the kingdom.”

The bright diorama of the crystal empire suddenly became enclosed in a swirling cloud of darkness. Though it made her feel like a coward, Dash averted her eyes. She knew that if they failed, she was bound to see those swirling masses of blackness regardless. Near the entrance to the room, Rapidfire swore softly.

“That’s it, Dashie...” Soarin shuddered, leaning low. “That’s The Shadow. That’s what attacked Mesa, and us.”

“The way it moves... that’s pretty... scary,” Scootaloo whimpered in a small voice.

“I don’t like it either...” Rainbow whispered softly, giving the hoof she was clutching tightly a small squeeze. “You’re so brave right now, Scoots... I can’t even look at it!”

“Yeah, brave... sure...” She didn’t sound very convinced.

“This terrible shadow... they called it the Voidwalker, even in ancient times. It is rumoured to be... a demon,” Luna spoke in a voice barely above a whisper.

“A DEMON?” Fluttershy screamed, causing everyone to jump and her voice to crack. “Like... f-from... f-from... the beyond?”

“That... that is what the legends say. It was attracted to the darkness of that wretched unicorn, Sombra, as it is precisely the force that feeds and fortifies its power.” Luna paused briefly. There was a flash of light, and a model of Sombra appeared. “It is the negative emotions within a being’s heart that strengthens the Voidwalker. It feeds on it, much like how the changelings feed upon love. It will feed until the victim has been driven mad by their hatred and anger.”

“King Sombra enslaved the crystal ponies and made their daily lives an eternal struggle...” Twilight spoke softly, eyes unblinkingly fixed on Sombra, who was engulfed by the shadows.

“Correct, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna continued as the figure was consumed, emerging from the dark, swirling clouds of shadow with his eyes glowing that terrible lavender. “His cruelty fed the Voidwalker, who I believe gave him his boon, in turn.”

“That’s what Wave Chill believes,” Rainbow added, leaning closer to study the shadow figure’s face.

“Luckily for the world, with the boon in place, the Voidwalker’s own essence was diminished. Our research shows that it cannot give its boon of power to more than one soul at a time, nor can it possess somepony or interact with the world physically while it’s active. When Celestia and I banished Sombra to the frozen North, he put a curse on the Crystal Empire, not only binding his soul to it, but causing it to vanish into thin air. Without access to Sombra in the physical world, the Voidwalker was practically powerless. It could not touch anything in this dimension. Instead, it spread its touch through nightmares and madness!”

“So, when the crystal ponies reappeared...” Applejack hissed, rubbing her forehead, “the Voidwalker got its freedom?”

“Yes. It could extract its boon at any time and become a physical manifestation once again. However, its patience has proven to be very great, as this demon allowed Sombra’s power to continue to grow. When the curse he cast had worn off and his banishment became complete, he appeared in the frozen North, this time with the Crystal Empire in tow. When the Crystal Heart, powered by the willpower of the crystal ponies and spearheaded by Cadance’s endless love, destroyed Sombra’s corrupting crystals and annihilated his body... the Voidwalker’s boon was released, allowing that foul creature to regain full strength. It is what we face now, only a new pony has the boon: Wave Chill.”

The glowing figure of Sombra vanished to be replaced with Wave Chill, his eyes glowing with the same corruption, the very same sign of dark magic that Sombra wielded against the crystal ponies. Twilight was studying it closely, shivering. Rainbow could see Wave Chill’s spectral face reflected in her violet eyes.

“Gosh, I remember using dark magic to access Sombra’s version of the Crystal Palace, but... I feel disgusted now. I never entirely fathomed the evils of it...” She shivered again. “I know it was a necessity, Princess, but I... I sunk to their level!”

“Using the dark arts out of, as you say, necessity, is a very different thing than embracing them. Twilight Sparkle, you are not the same as the Voidwalker or King Sombra. Never believe that you are,” Luna said delicately.

“Excuse me, if I, um, may...” Fluttershy asked, desiring to speak once more.

“Of course, Fluttershy,” Luna said, acknowledging her with a kind nod.

“We know that the Elements of Harmony can attack the darkness in somepony’s heart and that they... destroy e-evil. The Voidwalker sounds t-terrifying to actually face, but... we can beat it with the Elements, right? The Voidwalker is a d-demon, so that must mean it’s filled with e-evil...”

“That’s what I believe, as well,” Luna agreed. “I’m certain that the Voidwalker will get the same treatment as the darkness that once fuelled my rage as Nightmare Moon: eradication!”

“It’ll be sent straigh’ back to Hell!” Rapidfire said with a menacing growl, smiling in a satisfied manner. “What a fate.”

“So, how do we know all of this, Princess? How do we know how The Shadow operates? Him?” Spitfire asked sharply, jerking her head at the figure of her former teammate.

“Partly. Wave Chill unwittingly provided certain details on the Voidwalker. The rest, Celestia and I have discerned together. You see, she believes the Voidwalker may have been an influence upon one of her former students. Infesting her nightmares like a plague, corrupting her through her own thirst for power and forbidden magics.”

“A former student?” Twilight enquired, tearing away from the figure of Wave Chill and quirking an eyebrow at the Princess.

“Indeed. This girl learned all she could about the Voidwalker before she fled Equestria to serve her own selfish needs. She transcribed all of her findings into a journal. Unfortunately, she imbibed it with several magical seals. The words have to be... unscrambled or translated, so to speak. It is not yet in a form or language we recognize. Celestia is working it out, little by little.”

“Forgive me, Luna, but why is it necessary to learn its history with Sombra?” Applejack asked politely, bowing.

“I think it’s not only fascinating, but important to know where our enemies come from!” Twilight cheered brightly, throwing a hoof into the air. “The more we know about an opponent, the more likely we are at finding their weakness! We may find out Wave Chill’s if we can truly understand how the Voidwalker may be corrupting him, if it is.”

“I already know Wave Chill’s weakness,” Spitfire said darkly, staring down at the silver dagger Hawkeye had given her. “The throat.”

“Moving on,” Rarity spoke hastily, nervously glancing at Sweetie Belle, who was staring at the knife, “you said you have a course of action to suggest? What will be our actual plan, going forward, my dear Princess Luna?”

“Very well, Rarity. With the Voidwalker’s return dawning on us, it is essential to prepare ourselves for a battle against the forces of Azure Wings and Gwyndolin. I wish to gather the New Lunar Republic from Corral Bay so they can join forces with their members in the city, as well as our sympathizers. We must avoid bloodshed, but not to be prepared would be foolish. As for Wave Chill and the Voidwalker... we must use what has been proven before as an effective weapon against the darkness...”

A smile slowly crept across Rainbow’s face. She knew exactly where Luna was going with this. She gave Scootaloo’s hoof another squeeze, punched Soarin in the shoulder, and winked at him. Stepping away from both of them, Rainbow Dash rose to her hind legs, puffing out her chest.

“... the combined power of the Elements of Harmony,” Luna finished, her eyes becoming opaque as her horn glowed a golden colour.

“Yes, yes, yeees... Dash hissed, beaming.

Flash. Flash. Flash. Flash. Flash. Flash. With six bright flashes, each one fading before the next, five necklaces and one tall tiara appeared. As promised, Luna had brought their Elements safely with her. The other bearers of the Elements rose to their back legs, much like Rainbow Dash. One by one, their respective Elements flew forward, one each to Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and the tiara to Twilight.

“AAAWWW YEAH!” Rainbow cheered as she watched the crimson lightning bolt fly through the air toward her. A warmth spread through her body as the golden amulet extended around her neck, placing the stone bolt over her chest.

“Wow...” Grape said meekly, staring at Dash and her friends. “I can... feel them.”

“Sis, you look so coooool,” Scootaloo whispered in a hollow rush, mouth agape.

“That’s... ha! That’s nothin’!” Dash laughed. “Watch this, it’s a trick I learned last time...”

Closing her eyes, Rainbow began to focus her mind. She cleared it of all her worry, all unpleasant and uneasy thoughts, desperate to put herself in a mindset beyond the current reality facing them as the time limit ticked nearer. This was essential. Her thoughts drifted to her friends, the greatest source of her strength. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle; her five best friends. She could remember first meeting Applejack when she and her oldest friend, Fluttershy, went on that field trip to Sweet Apple Acres to study the Zap Apple Harvest, the only time she had ever seen Applejack’s parents. This brief, ill-tempered encounter during Rainbow’s troubled foalhood was laughed about years later, once they had become friends. Applejack... the most sincere pony she had ever met. Hardworking and honest, she was the pony Dash was the closest to, their friendship a gift she would give her life for twenty times over.

Her body was trembling. Her back was straight; vertical. Chin pointing to the heavens, Rainbow Dash drew in great gulps of breath through her nostrils. Both hooves were curling inward, balling into fists, more and more tremors rippling through her. She opened her eyes again slowly, vision razor-sharp, although she knew that it wouldn’t appear that way to an outsider. Her eyes were pulsating; glowing opaque. Two brilliantly scarlet orbs. Soarin was gawking at her in amazement, eyes quivering.

Inside her mind, her retrospection of her friends was moving through each one, now landing on Pinkie Pie. Their friendship came shortly after she moved to Ponyville. What a wonderful girl she was. Heck, they all were. No matter how upset she was, a visit to Sugarcube Corner could always brighten up her day and bring a smile to her face, a laugh to her throat. Twilight eventually arrived and they were finally complete. Six girls, six best friends, together always, no matter what hardships the world threw at them, their destinies long intertwined, even before most of them had met. Twilight’s leadership, counselling, and her inability to give up on what was most important to her, their friendship, is what Rainbow admired in the unicorn the most.

Rainbow would do anything for them. How often had her friends helped her in the past? Their bond together was so strong, so truly honest. The Element on her chest was vibrating. The truest nature of Rainbow Dash, her authenticity and love, her desire to help them, no matter what. It was her loyalty to the ponies she wanted to grow old with that was powering the stone on her chest. It was exploding in her heart.

Her hooves left the ground, though her wings were still. The Element of Loyalty itself was vibrating, fit to burst. She was floating, a strange and warming energy coursing through her body, filling her with determination.

“This is so legit,” she breathed, beaming. “If Pinkie Pie was here, they’d start reacting, all of them. Heck, they might anyways if I tried hard enough! Cool, huh? Let’s just grab Pinkie, haul ass to the palace, AND END THIS, RIGHT NOW!”

“Rainbow...” Twilight sighed. “The timeless, of unknown origin, unlimited power sourced, ancient relics of the purest harmony of existence are not toys!”

“Hehehe... sorry,” Dash giggled humbly. She relaxed her mind and body, the Element’s reaction dying down. With a clatter, her hooves hit the floor.

“Besides, we can’t just tear off to the palace without planning, sister,” Rarity said, tossing her mane. “We must do this properly.”

“Killjoys!” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine, ya all win. Y’all.” She winked at Applejack, who slapped a hoof to her own face. The Element’s power had blossomed Rainbow Dash’s mood to new vistas.

“How do ya plan to call forth da Republic from Corral Bay?” Rapidfire asked, his scowl explaining all too plainly that he wanted things to start moving again.

“I must use a messenger, as I cannot leave this city by magic anymore and an extended absence on my part will not go unnoticed by our enemies. Unfortunately... Bottle Rocket and his accomplice have fled the city after he was nearly discovered as an infiltrator, so an easy means of travel across the desert is no longer available to us,” Luna detailed, shaking her head in dismay.

“I will go,” Fleetfoot spoke up. At once Spitfire looked over at her, concern etched on her face. “Using one of Hawkeye’s cloaking devices, I can slip surreptitiously out of Gymkhana and take flight west. Even if by some unlucky chance I am pursued, the odds that one of our pegasus adversaries could apprehend me is astronomically miniscule.”

“But... you were captured,” Fluttershy pointed out, face falling.

“Fleetfoot was only caught because she slowed herself down so she could stay with the rest of us during Wave Chill’s little chase,” Lightning Streak said with a shrug. “I doubt even Wave Chill with his new powers could catch her once she really gets going.”

Luna looked at the white haired pegasus carefully. “Alright. Fleetfoot, within the lowest district of Corral Bay is a shop dedicated to selling shells and other trinkets from the ocean to tourists. Enquire about ’Moon Stones’ to the proprietor and he will tell you everything you need to know. With luck, you can be back by tomorrow evening with the eighty members in tow.”

“Eighty?!” Applejack gasped, shaking her head. “That’s a mighty big number of those... those... erm, members. Mighty big for a small village.”

“The New Lunar Republic’s operations in Corral Bay are underground, you see,” Luna explained. “Literally. There’s a large group of ponies hiding beneath the earth who sing praise to Nightmare Moon. They have proven to be loyal to me, no matter what my form, Applejack. You can trust them.” Applejack nodded softly, still looking uneasy. “Fleetfoot, please get some rest and food and set out as soon as you feel you’ll have the strength to make it across the sands.”

“I need only some food and I will leave immediately,” Fleetfoot said confidently.

“Fleet...” Spitfire spoke up, sighing heavily. “Please... be careful. Sleep first, or something. We can’t lose you.”

“I will be fine, Spitfire, I promise,” Fleetfoot assured her, flexing her wings. “It has been a great many years since I had an excellent opportunity to legitimately challenge my expertise with flight. I shall cross the desert in minutes.”

“Be careful, Fleetfoot!” Rainbow cheered, trotting over to her. “I want a race with you sometime and I can’t rub my victory in your face if you bite it.”

“You’ll never be rewarded the pleasure regardless, Rainbow Dash.” Fleetfoot grinned. “Good luck, friends!”

She turned and ran from the room. Spitfire watched her go, her concern still evident.

“Princess...” Rapidfire began, approaching her. “Do ya know what da Voidwalka is afta? I mean... why Equestria? Why da ’Bolts?”

“I do not know all of its intentions, nor do I believe Wave Chill or Gwyndolin do, but... the Wonderbolts are being marked for elimination, both to weaken Equestria’s military power and lower the morale of the population in order for this demon to feed on their negative emotions. Once it is powerful enough... it will go after Canterlot.”

“Why’s it interested in Canterlot, then?” Spitfire asked, eyebrow raised.

Luna took a few moments before she answered.

“It wants the soul of a naturally-birthed alicorn.”

Shouting. Screaming. Debris floating freely through the air. Again, she was falling through that strange, tall area. The broken walkway above her, chaos all around her, Rainbow Dash could not escape due to her broken wing.

Again, as expected, Wave Chill’s face zoomed by as she fell. The unknown unicorn beside him bore Gwyndolin’s appearance. Cascading down, down, almost into nothingness as the dark basement far below the throne room approached. Just like before. She knew how this would all play out. Dreaming! She was obviously dreaming! How could she wake herself up?

Falling. Falling. With her stomach in her throat, it was hard to clear her head. The impact from the ground knocked the air from her lungs and she rolled over, gasping for breath.

“THE DARKNESS WILL CONSUME YOU, RAINBOW DASH. YOU DID NOT HEED ME. DEATH AND PAIN SHALL BE YOUR REWARD. THE VOIDWALKER MAKES THIS VOW.

Well, this felt different.

“Show yourself!” Rainbow screamed, eyes screwed up against both the darkness and the pain in her wing joint.

“THE HOUR OF TWILIT VOID APPROACHES.” It was the Voidwalker. It had to be. Is this horrifying thing stalking her in her dreams, now? “AN ENDLESS, SWIRLING CURTAIN OF TERROR WILL ECLIPSE THE WORLD AND ALL WILL DROWN IN DESPAIR. SOULS OF THE FALLEN WILL FILL MY BREAST AND ALL IS DARKNESS.”

“LIKE HELL!” she bellowed back furiously, desperate to get to her hooves. “WHAT ARE YOU?”

“ALL WILL DROWN.”

”NO! YOURE LYING! YOURE FULL OF IT! Scootaloo...” Dash whipped around, looking all over for the small figure she knew was down here.

“THEY WILL DIE. ALL YOU LOVE IS DEATH AND DECAY.”

“Leave me alone, you psychotic monster! Scootaloo! SCOOTS!” she screamed so loud that her throat hurt.

“IT IS OVER. FOREVER.”

“No... argh!” Rainbow struggled against the forces holding her back, but it was fruitless. “Let me... go... I’ve gotta s-save her...”

She opened her eyes. It was dark. This did not surprise her. Of course it was dark! There was no light at the bottom of this pit. She knew this dream well. Sure, the Voidwalker was new, but if she crawled across the floor, she’d find her...

Something was weird. Something wasn’t right. She tried to move and felt the graciously warm fetlocks across her chest, contrasting with the cold Element. As realization broke over her, she exhaled. Rainbow Dash was safe in bed. She was with Soarin, not facing Wave Chill and Gwyndolin. That meant that Scootaloo was safe in bed too. Dash sighed, whacking a hoof against her forehead.

’Well done, Rainbow Dash. You’re falling apart again,’ she thought ruefully. ’You used to pretty much bleed arrogance and swagger, and it was freaking awesome. Now a silly nightmare has your effin’ eyes wet...’ It was the third time she had this dream. It introduced her to Gwyndolin before she even met the mare. Were they truly prophetic? A cold feeling of dread filled her tummy. What did that mean for Scoot? More importantly, ’Why the hell am I having these?!’

Quietly, slowly, and very carefully, she slipped out of Soarin’s embrace, his hooves getting caught on the Element of Loyalty. Once her torso was out from under his hooves, she sat down on the edge of the bed, burying her face in her own. Rainbow wanted to go home. Just to be in her own bed right now would be a gift straight out of the brightest light, but she would not abandon those who needed her. Twisting around, she looked upon his face, illuminated by a solitary candle on the bedside table. There was nothing stopping her from sliding back under his touch and cuddling deeply into his chest. The smell of his fur, the warmth of his body, his soft, gentle breathing... The prospect was so, so comforting. But, no. If she didn’t go see her filly, she’d go crazy. Rainbow had to be sure.

Giving her wings a powerful flap, she lifted off the bed and hovered above him, wings humming softly. Leaning over Soarin’s face, she placed a slow, deliberate kiss on his lips. Though fast asleep, he responded in kind, lips puffed out and searching for her as she pulled away.

“I’ll be back...” she whispered softly, stroking a hoof gently across his face.

Fluttering over to the door, Rainbow Dash dropped to the floor and twisted open the door. The silence of the night pressed on her eardrums like a veil. It was so quiet, not a sound from the city penetrated the peace of the inn. Strolling down the hallway, she made for the door to the lobby. It was only as she moved that she realized that the hallway itself was unfamiliar. This had to be the hallway opposite the rooms they had been in previously, she thought. Amadeus said the other inn guests were leaving, so the Wonderbolts must’ve claimed this side.

Confused thoughts were pounding at her mind as she attempted to piece together the rapidly fading events of the dream, attempting to separate them from her memories of the evening which was surely only hours ago, judging by the stillness of the air.

Princess Luna had left shortly after Fleetfoot did. Was Luna in her dream? Rainbow Dash didn’t think so. That definitely happened, she told herself. They were all a little disappointed in the lack of a concrete plan. So much was riding on reinforcements from the New Lunar Republic. Why couldn’t they just take these Elements and storm the palace? It can’t be that heavily guarded. Rainbow idly touched the Element affixed to her chest. If there was nothing stronger than these ’ancient relics,’ then what was stopping them?

“Wait, waaait...” Rainbow mumbled, stopping dead in her tracks. “We did storm the palace! But... OH! That was the dream! That’s how ya got there, Rainbow Dash... I think...” Shrugging, Rainbow moved to the door into the lobby and proceeded through it.

As she expected, it was empty. Fixing her gaze on the opposite door, she narrowed them through the gloom. Trying to remember precisely which of the four rooms beyond she and Scoot had slept in the night they arrived, she crossed the carpet quickly and placed a hoof on the door handle. Scootaloo was probably mad at her. What if Scoots wanted Dash to fall asleep with her? She could remember talking to Soarin, but things must’ve got a little heated for her to end up wrapped so tightly in his embrace. Rainbow Dash shook her head; it was all still such a mess.

Soarin had been upset. Leaning against the wall beside the door, she shut her eyes and tried to remember. Soarin was so pained by everything Wave Chill had done to them that he was struggling to hide it. So, she went to talk with him, curled up together, giving him sweet assurances, but it was still so difficult to remember. Had she been drinking again, or maybe the fogginess of her brain was due to the Voidwalker’s intrusion? A trickle of horror went down her spine. Was it really the Voidwalker in her dream, or was it just her own mind’s invention?

She breathed on her hoof and sniffed it. With no traces of alcohol to be smelled, Dash confirmed that she definitely hadn’t been drinking. She could taste something familiar, however. The heat rose in her face once she realized that it was the bland taste of Soarin’s tongue.

“Celestia...” she mumbled to herself. They must’ve been making out pretty savagely for the taste to linger this song. Shrugging, she opened the door and proceeded down the familiar hallway.

Looking inside the first door, her eyes fell upon Twilight Sparkle in one bed and Fluttershy sleeping in the other. Wrong door, she told herself. Turning around, she closed the door quietly and proceeded across the hallway to the left side to try that first room. Within, there was an unmade bed and and an empty cot. Thinking that Amadeus had dug that dusty old crib out from who-knows-where for Grape’s use, she grew concerned. Where were Grape Blossom and Appleberry? It was the middle of the night, after all.

She moved on to the next room. Empty. Crossing the hallway once again, she paused outside of the second door on the right side, twisted the handle, and peered inside. There was Rarity, curled up with Sweetie Belle in her arms, a sweet smile on her face as she slept. Raising her head, Rainbow saw Applejack and Apple Bloom sleeping in the furthest bed. Dread filling her stomach, her eyes locked on to the final bed, with Scootaloo sleeping all alone. How could she do that to her?

“Scoots... I’m so sorry...” Dash fluttered into the room, not wanting to walk and risk squeaking a floorboard. “Dashie fell asleep because she’s a flippin’ idiot,” she whispered softly, kissing the filly on the cheek. “I didn’t mean to abandon ya like that... I’m sorry, Scoots...”

Placing a hoof against Scootaloo’s chest, she tried to wordlessly let the sleeping filly know that she was there with her. Scootaloo gave a little mumble, wiping an eye and scowling somewhat, causing Dash to giggle. She’d never stop being adorable in her eyes. Scootaloo draped a hoof over her’s and slept on, a trickle of spit at the corner of her mouth.

“Oh, Scoots... there’s just no contest between you and Soarin! I’ll be back in a bit, baby, and I’ll cuddle up with ya until the morning. Dashie promises... aaand you’re sleeping, so you probably can’t even hear me...”

“But you won’t shut up...” Scoot mumbled softly. “Seriously, if you just... I ’unno, crazy head.”

“Uh... doesn’t matter. Mom’ll be right back. Gotta find out where Grape snuck off to.”

Smiling down at Scoot for another moment, Dash backtracked out of the room, buzzing her wings until she landed softly outside of the room. Closing the door with a click, she returned to the lobby. It was then that the light coming from the inn’s kitchen caught her eye. Squinting over, she saw Grape Blossom standing up at one of the sinks.

“That was easy!” Dash beamed to herself, trotting toward the open door. “Hey, kiddo,” Dash started, giving a small knock on the door frame as she entered. “Whatcha doin’ up? Appleberry?”

“Yep,” Grape responded quickly. She stepped aside and Dash saw that the sink was filled with water, Appleberry sitting up and peering at his mother, perhaps trying to work out why she wasn’t paying attention to him. “Just giving Appleberry a bath. What are you doing up? Oh... you’ve still got your Harmony thing on?”

“Freakin’ dreams, that’s all. Wanted to go check on Scoots, y’know, while I was up! As for this...” She tapped her chest. “We all decided after the meeting with Luna to keep them on at all times, ’cause ya never know! So...” She approached them, smiling down at the unicorn foal. “Didn’t he have a bath yesterday?”

“Yeah...” she sighed, fishing out a small sponge from the depths of the sink and running it across her baby’s forehead. Appleberry screwed up his face and started to splash in protest.

“Is everything... uh, y’know, alright?” Rainbow Dash asked in concern. “I should probably ask if Amadeus knows if you’re bathing a foal in his sink, too!”

“This is his hoof-washing sink, it’s cool!” Grape rolled her eyes. “As long as we’re playing ’twenty questions,’ yeah, it’s all cool, it’s nothing... Appleberry was just ill again, you know...” Grape laid the sponge back in the water while her child glared at her reproachfully. “Just... the u-usual.”

Dash wasn’t fooled. “Something’s bothering ya, Grape,” she pressed.

“Just... j-ust throwing up, a fever, diarrhea, coughing, the usual!” She leaned against one of the counters, covering her face. “He c-couldnt breathe, e-earlier. He was c-choking and c-coughing and, and...”

Grape wasn’t able to hide the fact that she had started to cry. Shield her face though she might, she was unable to disguise her quiet sobs. Wordlessly, Rainbow Dash reached out a comforting hoof to her. Grape did not push it away, so the pegasus took the initiative and pulled her into an embrace, wrapping her wings around the teenager. Before she knew it, the purple and silver filly had broken down completely, shaking with misery and letting out heaving sobs.

“Grape... Grape,” Rainbow whispered softly to her. “Calm down, kiddo! Appleberry’s fine, hun!”

“I didn’t know what t-to do!” she wailed, causing Appleberry to stare at her in confusion and fear. “I’m j-just a kid, Rainbow Dash! I don’t know what t-to do!”

Rainbow was a at a loss for words, simply holding the distressed girl in her arms. Appleberry was now taking the time to gaze in astonishment at Rainbow’s mane colour, mouth slightly open. Rainbow gave it a small flick and he giggled joyously.

“I ain’t no expert at the whole parent thing, Grape... I screw it up constantly, lemme tell ya. It isn’t easy for anypony.” These words of comfort weren’t working as well as she intended, so she went on hurriedly. “I understand that it can be scary sometimes... I mean, a week after I adopted Scoots, she got sick and I panicked like she was terminally ill! Appleberry’s just got a bad little bug, or somethin’. He’s fine right now, c’mon! You know that. He’s over there laughing at my hair!”

Grape pulled away from her, looking embarrassed as she wiped off her face with a paper towel. “S-sorry about that, um... yeah. I’ve been keeping... keeping that in for awhile. I’ve always had to be the strong one for all the other kids, keep it all in even when I could hear them crying for their parents at night. I mean, me and Dameer were the oldest, so we had to be the strongest. But there’s only s-so much I can hold in.” Grape fell silent for a moment, staring at the floor while Appleberry splashed around in the sink. “Rainbow Dash, I’m so scared... I may be Appleberry’s mother, but I’m just a clueless kid! I mean... I got all the help I needed from Mom. And... she’s gone, now. They’re all gone.”

“I’m sorry, Grape... we’re gonna destroy that thing! Consider that a promise: we’re gonna destroy the Voidwalker. For now, though, you ain’t alone anymore. We’re going to find a doctor in the morning, remember? Everything’ll be biscuits and gravy.”

Grape grinned. “That was... sinfully corny, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Just call me ’Dash’, like a few times before. Or, I dunno, ’Dashie’.”

“What am I? That Soarin guy?” Grape laughed. “’Dashie’ sounds like a lovey-dovey pet name.”

“Hey, I’m ’Dashie’ to Scoots, too! Personally, I love it. It’s just how I refer to myself when I’m talking to her. I use ’Dashie’ instead of ’Mommy’ for... just some reasons, that’s all. It’s no different than a sister being called ’Sissy’. Seriously, why does everypony find that weird... you ain’t the first.”

Grape shrugged. “I’ll call ya ’Dash’, anyways. That’s cooler.”

“Yeah...” Dash trailed off for a moment. “Listen, kiddo... uh, well, while we’re on the subject, would you rather that or ’Grape’?”

“Either’s fine...”

“Anyways, when I said we were here for ya, I meant it, and—”

“I know that,” Grape said with a bemused expression, carrying a towel over to Appleberry. “We’ve just went over that! God, you’re like Numane.”

“Don’t interrupt me, ya brat!” Dash smirked. “As for Numane... why don’t you and the rest of the outcasts come back with us to Ponyville?”

Grape looked surprised. “Huh? I... I dunno, Dash.”

“Come on!” Dash sighed in exasperation. “Look what happened to you in this hellhole of a city? I mean, I...” She stopped suddenly, inwardly cursing herself. “Ugh, sorry, didn’t mean to bring that up.”

Grape had stiffened at the mention of it. “It’s cool, Dash... It’s not like it’s something that haunts me. No, seriously!” For Dash didn’t look convinced. “I’m not trying to be brave or anything, it’s just... you don’t know all the details.” She wrapped Appleberry in his towel, holding him over the basin as the water dripped from his hooves and bright red tail. “Besides, what went down in Mesa nearly two weeks ago was a lot worse than being a victim to a schizophrenic predator...”

“I’m sorry I even brought it up,” Dash sighed. “I didn’t mean to spring that crap on ya, I just... ugh, again! I’m an idiot.” Rainbow turned from the filly, a sickness flooding her stomach.

“It’s fine!” Grape said earnestly, sitting up on the counter and holding the foal close to her, who was fighting. “Don’t fuss, Appleberry! Mommy’s gotta dry you! No, you gotta sit your butt still. No, ’Berry... that’s better.”

“I’m still sorry.” Dash jumped up on the other counter, sitting across from her. “Would you consider moving to Ponyville, though? It’s a better life, I swear!”

“A better life? Please, Dash! My life is just peachy here in Gymkhana. What would I need a better life for?” Dash winced at the forced toughness in her voice.

“Seriously, this place is no place to raise a baby. Ponyville got a buncha programs in place for single moms, like me! Even though I don’t get to use them, since I ’make too much’” Dash sketched the quotations with her hooves. “That’s what I got for working two jobs, but... yeah. You can probably get a job, Twilight can tutor ya, she can train Appleberry to use crazy magic... It’ll be great!”

“It does sound tempting, but I was born here, Dash. My baby boy was born here...” She kissed the foal on his forehead as he cuddled into her chest, his eyes closed. “My whole family line has foundations here. Even if...” She shivered. “Even if me and handsome here are the only two left...” There were tears in her eyes again. “A-at least it’s not like I need to stay in the city so Appleberry can see his father, or anything...” She traced a hoof along her son’s horn.

Rainbow sat there watching for nearly a full minute. She knew it was very rare for a foal to not take on the race of its parent. The only other example of an earth pony giving birth to a unicorn that she could think of was Mrs. Cake, and that wasn’t just a unicorn being born to earth ponies; that was a unicorn and a pegasus. She smirked briefly, remembering the scandal their birth caused, as no one believed they were Mr. Cake’s children.

“I... I take it he’s, uh, locked up, huh? Appleberry’s father?” Dash asked eventually, straightening her face again. She had lost a silent debate with herself to keep her mouth shut.

Grape stiffened. “N-no. He’s dead. Gymkhanan law is pretty strict about that sort of thing. Truth be told, Dash... I kind of felt a little bit sorry for him.”

“What?” Dash asked sharply, sure she had misheard.

“He wasn’t right in the head. It was my own fault for even being out that night. My parents always warned me that the Mesa District was dangerous after dark, but I snuck against their wishes to visit Numane, since I wanted him to help me out with an essay...” She sighed heavily, holding Appleberry a little closer to her chest, looking Dash straight in the face. “It was... terrifying.” Grape Blossom shook her head. “H-he was a homeless unicorn, no money, always muttering to himself, I don’t think he could control his actions. If I had any authority, I would have tried to stop his sentence and get him help, but... it’s old news, now.”

Rainbow Dash was just staring at her in amazement. It was incredible how she could even pity her attacker like that. For a youngster to have such compassion for somepony who had harmed her made Rainbow so humbled. There was definitely a lot more to Grape Blossom than she thought.

“Sorry to have to dig up all those old memories, Grape,” Rainbow apologized, slipping off the counter. “I’m kinda nosey like that, I don’t mean to... anyways, I should head back to bed. Think over the Ponyville thing, though. Maybe you can persuade your friends to do the same.” She smiled. “All we have back home are ponies, a mule, a zebra, and a couple of donkeys! Some horses, griffins, and anubi would really spice up the place.”

“I will,” Grape agreed, looking a little happier. “Thanks, you know... for listening. It felt good to talk about, you know. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Yep, no prob! We’ll get Appleberry to a doctor and, I dunno, maybe you guys can watch us kill the Voidwalker on Monday. It’ll be awesome.” Dash winked. “This nightmare will be over soon. Goodnight.”

The door shut with a click. Rainbow watched as Soarin strolled over to the bed and sat down beside her, the bed springs creaking quietly. Rainbow placed one of her hooves on his left arm, feeling cold sweat. It had taken her at least a solid hour to persuade him to go talk to her, yet even in private, he was being difficult.

“Soarin, talk to me. C’mon, dude... please,” she implored him, biting her wing nervously as she scratched her chin with it.

Soarin parted his lips, teetering on the verge of speech. “I... I don’t know, Dashie. I don’t know.”

Always that response. “Don’t know what?” she pressed him, shuffling closer to him and wrapping both of her front hooves the limb.

“I haven’t been sleeping well.”

“Well, that’s not surprising, y’know, with everything goin’ on. How are you feeling besides?” Rainbow asked, blowing a few stray strands of crimson-coloured hair from her eyes.

“Sick as a mule,” he mumbled, shaking his head. “I thought I’d be elated with Spitfire’s rescue, and don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled they’re all still alive, but...”

He got up abruptly, pacing the room, looking suddenly very agitated. Rainbow did not open her mouth; she simply watched him walking back and forth. He reached the far wall and slammed his back hooves against it in a rapid buck, making an old oil painting hung up rattle as it bounced against the wallpaper.

“HE TRIED TO KILL YOU! He mutilated Rapidfire! He gave the command for Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and two of his best buddies on the team to be hung. I don’t know, Dashie! He’s my b-brother...” Soarin stopped in the middle of the room, hanging his head. “I-I love him. Thirty years..." Soarin kicked up dust from the floor, flapping his wings furiously. “How could this all happen? I failed as a brother if he could turn out this way without me realizing, and I’m afraid that... that...”

“What are you afraid of, Soar?” she begged him, fluttering over. She had made no attempt to stop him as he raged, not really knowing what to say. “Calm down, man, before you work yourself up.”

“Rainbow... Dashie, I’m afraid that I’m eventually going to have to make a decision between someone I care about and my own flesh and blood. If he goes after you, Spitfire, or, hell, ANYPONY... I can’t hesitate! Dashie, I... I...” His lip was trembling, angry tears splashing down his face. “I’m g-going to k-kill him in the end, I know it! I have to s-stop him THERE’S TOO MUCH AT STAKE!” Soarin was breathing rapidly, a hoof pressed to his face. “If he wakes the Voidwalker, or does whatever the hell will summon it, a-and we all die... Dashie, that thing will sweep across Equestria like a plague!”

“SOARIN, PLEASE!” she pleaded with him, raising her voice just as loud as he had just had his.

Soarin didn’t respond as he resumed his pacing. As he turned to buck the wall again, she pulled him into her chest, using her wings to lift from the floor. He was heavy, but Rainbow Dash held on to him with all her might. Soarin did not attempt to fight her, even though he could have easily overpowered her.

“Calm down!” Dash cried in exasperation. “You’re scaring me...”

It took a few minutes for the stallion to regain control of his breathing. Limbs quaking with fatigue, Dash lowered him back to the floor. Mumbling an apology for seizing him like a child, she stroked his wild, dark blue mane gently.

“I know everything, and I do mean everything, sucks. There’s a butt-load at stake, and it’s your brother we’re talking about, and if we lose, that demon’ll go after Celestia, but... we’ve gotta keep our heads, man!” She stroked his cheek. “You’re strong, Soar. You can keep it together.”

“Everything has broken down, Dashie. My entire life,” Soarin croaked. “The Wonderbolts could be finished, I’m g-gonna l-lose my baby brother, I... I... I can’t do this.”

He stumbled to the bed and sat down. Moving to sit beside him again, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, resuming the gentle stroking of his mane. Her heart was aching, seeing him in such pain.

“A few weeks ago,” he began, “everything was so simple. Wave Chill was himself, the team was in good spirits, and Spitfire hated me beyond all reason.” She smiled and gave a small giggle, glad that he was at least able to make a small stab at humour. “Once the airshow was over, I knew I just had to get through a week in this Celestia-damned place before I got my reward for a successful show: a solid month off. I-I wanted to date you, Dashie... I would start off slow, work up my courage and win you over by any means necessary!”

“Ya didn’t need to win me over at all, Soarin... you knew I liked you, you stupid goof!” Rainbow Dash smiled warmly at him, kissing his cheek again.

“I meant... earning your affection, Dashie. I didn’t ever dare to dream that the day of the airshow would end the way it did. That night we shared... was incredible. It was like all my wishes came true! I really, really like you, Rainbow Dash.” She could feel herself blushing as he continued, giving him a soft little punch in the shoulder. “If I could get to see you again once the Wonderbolts got back from this desert, everything was going to be... perfect,” he sighed with an exhale of breath. “Now, I doubt my life will ever be back in order. I don’t think I’d be a good boyfriend like this. I will never earn your affection if... if I have to get blood on my hooves.”

He closed his eyes. Wordlessly, Rainbow pulled his hoof into hers again. Soarin moved his head toward her shoulder, but she nudged his chin with her muzzle so that his face turned towards her own. A deep breath filled her lungs. And then she was kissing him. Her hooves moved to wrap themselves around his neck as the soft warmth of his lips spread to her own. Once again, she was lost in that endless expanse of peaceful oblivion, and there was nothing. No evils to fight, no terrible crimes against the harmony of the world to right, no one to bother them. Just herself and Soarin, lost in a sea of no cares.

Tugging against his neck, she fell backwards on the bed, allowing him to drop down beside her. Their lips did not part; their kiss held together like an iron maiden. Wrapping her wings around both of their bodies, Dash met his own attempting to do the same. Lips parting, she flicked her tongue across his lips, demanding entry. He opened his mouth and pressed his tongue against the underside of her own.

“Soarin... you do have me won over. You’ve earned my affections the moment you were kind to Scoots, sweetheart...” Rainbow whispered in his ear as they pulled apart some time later, staring into each other’s eyes. “Once this is all over, we’ll have our chance. I promise you...” She beamed at him, completely lost in his eyes. “How’s this: you get me and Scoots some ringside seats to the next wrestling event in Canterlot, and you’ll never lose your chance with the great Rainbow Dash! Pull some strings, Mr Wonderbolt...”

He returned the smile, beaming in a most genuine way. “I’ll see what I can do, shall I?”

Her heart hit her throat like a rocket as the bed vanished beneath her, Soarin’s face fading from view. Again, she was falling away from that throne room, the Voidwalker screeching into her ears.

“YOU WILL LOSE EVERYTHING TO THE DARKNESS. I WILL HUNT YOU. I WILL DROWN YOU. I WILL CONSUME YOUR WORLD.”

“NO!” Rainbow screamed. “NOT AGAIN!”

She flung out her wings to catch herself, trying to ascend back to the upper level. A sharp pain tore through her as she remembered her broken wing. Rainbow Dash spiralled down, down to the ground... and landed softly on the bed again, eyes flying open.

Thirty seconds passed. Thirty seconds with her blood thundering in her ears, eyes fixed on the wall, breathing in the smell of Scootaloo’s mane. During this time, she recalled what Luna had told them during their meeting.

”It spread its touch through nightmares and madness!”

Her molars would have been ground into a fine paste had they been anything weaker than teeth.

“So...” she whispered into the darkness. “You’ve taken a personal interest in me, haven’t you, demon? You’re tormenting me through my dreams...” There was no response, not that she expected one.

Rainbow Dash stroked a hoof slowly across Scootaloo’s forehead, thinking. Was it possible that Soarin and Scootaloo were being stalked in their dreams as well? After all, they had been there with her when that horrible monster prevented them from warping to Luna’s prism. She closed her eyes, trying to remember the dream.

The dream had been identical to her actual time with Soarin. Her brain had recreated it so perfectly that she wouldn’t have been able to say she was in a dream, even if she was conscious of the fact she had been asleep. However, the Voidwalker and falling had played out a little differently. Was it entirely possible that it was just a regular nightmare, free of that demon’s touch? She couldn’t make up her mind.

“If you can hear me... leave them alone. Soarin and Scootaloo. You can do whatever you want to my head. After all, it doesn’t matter, since we’re going to destroy you,” she hissed, kissing the back of Scootaloo’s head.

Resolving to question Twilight about these strange dreams in the morning, she allowed the thoughts swirling about her mind to become still and silent. As the seconds trickled by like water over pebbles, she began to drift off again, the slow, rhythmic breathing of the filly lying beside her in the safety of her hooves being unable to penetrate her exhausted brain.

SLAM!

Rainbow Dash’s eyes shot open again. In an instant, she scrambled out of bed, hit the floor with a hard bump, swore ferociously, and leapt to her hooves. Immediately, she had set her thoughts to emotionally charge the Element of Harmony still on her chest, which began to vibrate.

“Oops... I’m sorry, my dear!”

“Holy CIDER, Rarity!” Dash groaned, putting a shaking hoof over her chest as the quaking amulet became still. “You almost gave me a heart attack!”

Rarity was leaning with her back against the closed door, two front hooves massaging her temples. “There’s seven of them, Rainbow. SEVEN.”

Rubbing her side where she had hit the floor, Rainbow Dash sat down on the edge of the bed. “Seven of what?” she asked irritably. “Seven ways I’m gonna beat ya senseless when I get out of the hospital due to this heart attack?”

“Oh, no! So much worse than that!” Rarity wailed in a hollow voice. “We have met our match...” she continued darkly.

Dash, deciding to pay her absolutely no attention what-so-ever, checked around the room. The only one who had been sleeping when Rarity stormed in loud enough to wake the dead had been herself. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo had already gotten up and left, it seemed. A small flicker of disappointment gurgled in her stomach; she had been looking forward to seeing Scootaloo’s reaction when the filly woke up next to her.

“I just HAD to get away for a few minutes, I crave this respite!” Rarity continued, breathing deeply.

“Alright, alright,” Dash moaned, admitting defeat. “What the hell are ya talkin’ about, Rarity?”

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders, Rainbow Dash!”

“What about them?”

“They have met...” She paused for dramatic effect. “THE OUTCASTS.”

“They’re here?!” Dash gasped, jumping off the bed again. “You kept that quiet!”

“No!” Rarity said, holding up a hoof. “It’s not safe to go out there!”

“What are you... waaaiiit...” A smirk formed across her face. “Seven of them, you say?” Thinking back to the scene in the Hideout, Rainbow could remember seeing three horse foals in addition to Neighshyte as she and Pinkie had prepared to leave. “Uh oh!”

“Indeed. There’s four horses: two fillies, two colts,” Rarity said quickly, her countenance slipping. “The colts are alarmingly hyper. The fillies are your standard levels of hyper. They are all very, very loud!”

“And they’ve met the Crusaders?” Dash asked, grinning. “And the inn isn’t on fire yet? I’ve gotta check this out, I won’t believe it otherwise!”

“N-not yet!” Rarity stammered, before relaxing. “I kind of wanted a word...”

“Uh. ’Kay...” Rainbow shrugged, plopping back down on the edge of the bed. “Shoot.”

“I would’ve mentioned this to you last night, darling, but you retired to bed with Soarin a little too early to be exactly auspicious. And, before you confuse that with ’suspicious’, as you are wont to do... it was suspicious, too!” She shot her a beady look.

“He needed company last night!” Dash said defensively, the memories coming back to her easier now that she had had a good night’s sleep. Once she realized Rarity had insulted her, she made a rude gesture with both of her hooves. Rarity looked scandalized. “Anyways, he was upset! You know, Wave Chill and stuff. I was a perfect lady, by the way!” She grinned.

Rarity gave a snort to suggest her disbelief. “Anyway, to business: Sweetie Belle told me something about Scootaloo last night.”

The grin vanished from Rainbow’s face. “Oh... uh, what did she say?”

“She was telling me that Scootaloo was acting strangely yesterday morning, while you and Pinkie were out exploring this urban jungle.”

“Strangely in what way?” Rainbow asked cautiously, fearing the answer.

“’Acting scared.’” Rarity replied sadly, her ears drooping.

Rainbow stared at her knees, her vision swaying. “I-I was afraid this awful place would get to her! She’s been so... I dunno, I don’t wanna say ’normal’, because that’s just gonna suggest there’s something wrong with her.”

“I understand, hun,” Rarity said sweetly. “The poor child has been through a lot in the last few months, hasn’t she? Constant ups and downs, much like yourself! What I find especially curious, though, is the fact that she was her usual self last night. Even throughout Luna’s dire explanation of that horrible demon, she maintained composure. When you were beaten up by that cur, Wave Chill, she was shaken, but kept her head.”

“I know...” Dash agreed, nodding fervently. “It’s freakin’ weird. I mean, when she has her anxiety spells, they just get so bad so fast. Yet, sometimes, she goes through the scariest stuff without batting an eye, and all I can do is clap her on the back, y’know.”

“I’ve... had a theory concerning her anxiety, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity began uneasily. “And, please; don’t take offense, dear.”

“Uh...” Dash sat up straighter, staring into those deep blue eyes, feeling a little anxious herself. “What do you mean? Why would I get offended?”

“Because...” Rarity hesitated. “It’s about you.”

“A-are you saying I’m the reason she gets anxious?!” Dash gasped, half incredulous, half terrified.

“No, no, no!” Rarity breathed quickly. “You misunderstand me. You see, when—”

“SPIT IT OUT, THEN!”

“Rainbow, please... As I was saying, when she has her episodes where she can’t control her emotions or her fear, how do you react?” she asked delicately.

“What are you tryin’ to suggest, huh? That I freakin’ hit her when she panics, or something?!” Her rage was starting to spill over.

Rarity jumped away from the door, looking pained. “No, Rainbow. Please, calm down! Allow me the opportunity to explain, but first, I need to know how you react.”

“Fine," Rainbow snarled through clenched teeth, her right eye twitching. “When Scoots starts to get anxious and panic, I get scared. I do everything I can to calm her down! I hug her, I try to soothe her, I just... I try to calm her down, alright? I make sure she knows I care about her and love her. I say it’s all gonna be fine, and... I do whatever I need to do. It kills me seeing her so scared!”

“Alright...” Rarity sighed carefully, looking frightened. “My theory... was that there’s a chance that she’s afraid of the... concept of having a mother again.”

“Uh... yeah...” Dash said, taken aback. This was not what she expected Rarity’s theory to be. “That’s why I figure she always tries to stop herself from calling me ’Mom’,” she sighed, doing her best to calm down. “Now, what does that have to do with her attacks?”

“I noticed it the night we arrived and perhaps a little that day back in the barn. You remember? When we were testing your disguise?”

“Yeah...”

“When you fall into the motherly mannerisms, and that includes being strict, as well as comforting, it’s possible that she gets confused. This could serve to strengthen the severity of her attacks. I don’t doubt for a second the love she has for you, but it might benefit her if you showed her the big sister she always wanted when she can’t control her emotions. At least... until she is ready to call you ’Mom’,” Rarity finished, attempting to give her a comforting smile, but she still looked apprehensive.

Rainbow Dash nodded slowly, feeling a little sick. What else was going to go wrong lately? Is it really possible that pouring her love into Scootaloo when she thought she needed it the most was damaging to their relationship, or at least to Scootaloo’s mental well being? Unsurprised to find her eyes a little wet, Rainbow could feel the fear that she was a hinderance to the filly she loved so much threatening to overcome her.

“You should talk to her today, sweetheart. Try and see how she’s been coping with everything that’s been going on. It may serve to keep her mood elevated,” Rarity suggested in a gentle tone. “Just be yourself.”

“Yeah...” Rainbow nodded. “I will. After all, might not even get the chance tomorrow... might not get a the chance to do anything.”

“Don’t think about that demon right now,” Rarity suggested, approaching the door and opening it. “Now, Grape Blossom is waiting for you. You two are going to find a doctor, right?”

“Yup,” Dash replied, slipping off the bed and onto her hooves. “Just gonna grab my money.”

Bending low, she reached for her saddlebag under the bed and extracted her money bag. Hanging it around her neck so that it rested against her fur, just above the Element of Loyalty, she bounded to the door.

Once in the hallway, Rainbow followed the white mare to the lobby entrance. Throwing the wooden door open with her magic, Rarity steeled herself to march through it, sighing. Coming to a canter, Rainbow Dash caught up.

“Uh... you okay?” she hissed to Rarity, lowering her voice when she heard speaking voices flowing in from the lobby.

“I’m foalsitting,” Rarity responded in a whisper, looking over her shoulder.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Rainbow replied with a grin. “So, where is everypony?”

Before Rarity could give her a response, Rainbow Dash found herself accosted by a trio of horses. They were foals, with a colt who looked to be about Neighshyte’s age, a filly who was quite small, and another who looked a lot older.

“Whoa, it’s the one with the crazy mane!” the golden colt gasped. “This is Rainbow Dash, Neighsh?! She looks awesome!”

“Yup! That’s her! Hi, Rainbow Dash!” Neighshyte cheered, beaming.

He was sitting at the one of the tables with Grape Blossom. Rainbow could see the blood red Numane beside them, eyes narrowing as she waved at Neighshyte. Despite her best efforts, the horse still didn’t quite trust her, apparently.

“I’m Nishaaj!” the colt continued, bringing her attention back to somewhere near the floor.

“Move it, Nish! I wanna say ’hi’, too!” the larger of the two fillies said, shoving him aside. She had dark brown fur. “My name is Anima,” she continued, smiling and bowing.

’At least Anima’s name is easy to remember,’ Dash thought to herself. ’Nishaaj’s... not so much. Oh boy.’ She bent low to talk to the second filly, who was standing a little a few feet away from them. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“My name is... um, Hoofza,” the third replied in a soft voice, giving a small bow. “I’m five years old!”

“Oh, wow!” Dash said brightly, smiling broadly at the child. “That’s impressive!”

“Thanks!” she replied, ecstatic. She turned to yell in the direction of the table. “You were right, Neighshyte, she’s so nice!”

Smiling sweetly at her for a moment, Dash straightened up again and moved over to the table where Neighshyte, Grape, and Numane were sitting. Rounding it to the empty chair closest to Amadeus’ desk, she sat down.

“You’ve got a fan!” Grape chuckled, playing with Appleberry’s mane as she watched Rainbow lean back on her chair.

“I’ve got a million fans,” Rainbow said, tossing her hair and smirking. “Where’s Amadeus? He usually just hangs out behind that desk, like he lives there, or something! It’s actually kinda weird not to see him here,” she continued in a more serious tone.

“Well, he ’closed’ the inn, remember? He doesn’t need to remain behind a rickety old desk, waiting for guests to arrive. As we speak, he’s off with Dameer and the others. They’re tracking the new captain of the city guard, who replaced Wave Chill when he took over the military,” Rarity answered for her.

“Oh! So, my idea is working!” Rainbow laughed. “Awesome!”

“The Republic are going to attempt to capture him until everything blows over. Luna stopped by before the children arrived; she believes he is bewitched. What is more, she gave Amadeus a list of officials for when the Republic arrive in the city. I, for one, think it is a brilliant proposal: stalk and capture our enemy’s supporters until those in command can be dealt with.”

“Well, at least things are moving along, Rare,” Dash said with a satisfied exhale, watching Neighshyte trot over to his friends. “Where’s Scoot, Sweetie, and Bloom?”

“The girls are in one of the rooms with the Wonderbolts. Everypony is here except for Rapidfire, who’s patrolling the Crossroads, and Fleetfoot. She hasn’t made it back yet, although that should not be cause for alarm; rounding up the bulk of the New Lunar Republic must take time.”

“’Everypony’ as in the Wonderbolts?” Dash asked, seeking clarification.

“Yes,” Rarity replied, nodding. “Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack are investigating the Jewel District more carefully. Pinkie is with Amadeus and the other outcasts.”

“Final question: We know anything new?” Rainbow asked, placing both hooves against the table as she prepared to get up.

“Erm... yes, we do.” Rarity let out another sigh. “The guards are swarming the city, looking for the Wonderbolts. Only problem is... they’re looking for you, too. Wave really wants you dead, my dear.”

Rainbow felt a shiver of cold bite at her. “Oh... well, then. Of course he does. Why wouldn’t he?” she demanded sarcastically. “Well... screw it! I made a promise that I’d take Grape to find a doctor, so I’m doing it anyway. Are there any of those cloaks around, you know, that Soarin and Rapidfire were wearin’?”

Rarity looked like she wanted to argue against Rainbow Dash going, but seemed to accept that the rainbow-coloured mare was far-too stubborn to be stopped. “Rapidfire has one of them. The other is behind the desk... if only Twilight thought to disguise you while you slept!”

“Well, she didn’t, so I’m-a gonna have to take my chances. Don’t look at me like that, Rare... I’ll be careful!” She pushed herself away from the table and stretched.

“Uh... Numane wants to come with us, Dash. Is that cool?” Grape asked, breaking off the whispered conversation the pair of them had been having.

“Oh. Uh...” She looked over at him and their eyes met. “Alright.”

The door on the right side of the room creaked open and Rainbow twisted around to face in. The three fillies walked in, followed closely by Soarin and Spitfire. Scootaloo gave a great gasp once she saw Rainbow and dashed over. Soarin smiled warmly and made his way over as well. Neighshyte, Anima, Nishaaj, and Hoofza ran by them all, heading for Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Scootaloo stopped just short of throwing herself at the blue pegasus and put on an angry face. Soarin stood just behind her, looking into Rainbow’s eyes with a curious expression.

“Where were you?” they both asked in unison.

“Uh... heh,” Dash couldn’t help but grin. “About that...”

“You never came in with me...” Scootaloo mumbled, frowning.

“And she disappeared on me!” Soarin added, although it was only now that Rainbow Dash realized he wasn’t actually mad; he was playing along with Scoot.

“I had to babysit Soarin! I came in when you were asleep, Scoots!” Dash said defensively, throwing up her hooves in an exaggerated shrug.

“Don’t matter!” Scootaloo bellowed. “You told me yesterday morning that you’d be there with me, so...” The filly’s face was suddenly crafty. Dash realized that she wasn’t serious, either. “There’s only one way to make it up to me...”

“Is that so?” Dash laughed. “Well, c’mon, let’s hear it, squirt!”

“Well...” Scootaloo’s eyes travelled to rest for a moment on Grape Blossom. Over by the door, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were nodding vigorously.

“Oooh, no!” Dash said quickly, cottoning on. “We’re off to find Grape a doctor for Appleberry, but you’re not comin’!”

“WHY NOT?!” Scootaloo demanded furiously. “We’ve been stuck inside the inn since we got here! No crusading, no exploring..."

“Yeah, being stuck someplace safe must suck, eh?” Dash asked, rolling her eyes. She remembered what Rarity had mentioned to her and an idea formed in her mind. “How’s about this, Scoots: we’ll have a talk when I get back and maybe you’ll get a chance to do some crusading. Maybe.” Scootaloo’s eyes widened. Whatever she had expected Rainbow to say, it wasn’t that. “But right now, it’s too dangerous without me being disguised. I ain’t riskin’ it, so be a good little filly and sit here, bored out of your trees!”

Scootaloo sighed theatrically, rolling her eyes, too. “Fine! But I’m gonna hold you to that, Sis!”

“Don’t worry,” Rainbow reassured her, glancing back at Rarity. “We’ll def have a talk, kiddo. And, if I think the city is safe, and Rarity and Applejack agree, you can all go out. Promise.”

Scootaloo’s brow furrowed and she scowled at the addition of this new ’Rarity and Applejack’ stipulation, but raised no argument. “Okay.” She walked over to join the other Crusaders and the horses.

“Do me a favour, Dashie...” Soarin spoke up, sitting down at one of the tables. “Meet up with Rapidfire before you go too far away from the Amber Cottage. I won’t worry too much if he’s with you.”

“Alright. He shouldn’t be hard to find; I mean, I just gotta perk up the ol’ ear and listen real closely for the sound of distant swearing while we’re out and about,” she said confidently, causing Scootaloo to giggle over in the corner. “It’ll lead me right to him!”

Giving her wings a flap, she turned towards Grape’s table. “We ready to bounce?”

“Sure. I’m just going to grab a few things from my room and then I’ll be right out, Dash,” Grape said, standing up. “Can you watch ’Berry for me?”

Rainbow, who was actually looking at Appleberry as the purple earth pony spoke, was about to say that she would. However, before the words were out of her mouth, Numane answered. She realized that Grape had been talking to him with that last part, not her.

“Yeah, absolutely. Things will be okay after this, Grape. I love you,” he answered with a delicate tone to his voice.

Rainbow Dash paused, listening for Grape’s response. Grape had told her that Numane ’kinda digged’ her, but that response made it sound like this sounded far more developed than that.

“Love you too, Numane! Mommy be right back, Appleberry.”

Appleberry looked around as she sat him down carefully on the table. As she walked away, he stretched out a hoof for her, giving a squeak of distress, but Numane immediately started to coo him in an effort to distract him, picking up a small toy off the tabletop. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash ventured over to Amadeus’ desk. Moving behind it, she found the cloak Rarity had mentioned and slipped it on. It was heavy and smelled like wet hay. Knowing that it was going to be swelteringly hot under this, she groaned. Leaning against the desk, Dash cast an eye around the room.

Soarin had fallen into conversation with Spitfire, who had joined him at the table. She knew they wouldn’t stay in the lobby for too long, just in case the military decided to barge in, but she nevertheless didn’t like them being visible from the inn entrance. Scootaloo was giggling happily over with the other kids, all of them chatting and laughing loudly as they no doubt planned a little adventure into the city. Neighshyte caught her eye and smiled at her. Numane sat watching Appleberry, trying to persuade the baby to take the toy out of his mouth. Appleberry glared at him and tried to shuffle away.

’So...’ Dash thought to herself, ’Grape was hiding the fact that she had Numane as a boyfriend, by the looks of things. She probably trusts me a lot more since our talk last night, so she can act more naturally around him. They’re pretty young to be talking about love, though. I think he’s twelve, and... Grape’s thirteen.’

She gave a soft chuckle at the idea of challenging the authenticity of two teenagers’ ’love’ for one another, but she’d never act so cruel. Grape was reminding her of when she herself had been a young teen, dating that colt who had been in and out of juvenile detention centres, even if he did eventually smarten up for his little brother’s sake. She had been so convinced at the time that she was truly in love, but it was just young infatuation. Nothing more. Dash distracted herself with memories of her father trying to dissuade her every night to stay away from that colt.

There was something about Numane that was rubbing her the wrong way, though. He was most definitely the ’tough guy’ of their clique, but would he be an appropriate pairing with Grape, given all of their recent hardships? Dash couldn’t lie to herself; Numane seemed to her to be exactly the type of horse to harm that filly. Bad news. Just like Thunderlane.

“’But I looove him, Dad!’” Dash mumbled quietly to herself, trying not to laugh. “You don’t understand meee!”

That were exactly the words she had spoke to her father when she was fifteen. It was hard to believe it had already been eight or nine years since they dated. Had she not been so obsessive over Soarin at the time, it’s possible that competing against him during the airshow tryouts would have unnerved her. She never stopped to think of the irony of her past and present romantic interests getting progressively drunker at the club afterwards.

She dropped her face, resting her forehead on the cool surface of the desk. One eye continued to peer at Numane, the other blinded by her hair. She could talk to him, or Grape, or them, or both at the same time...

“You’re being nosey, Rainbow Dash,” she mumbled to herself. “Leave the love birds be.” A heavy sigh followed. “Even thinking about the old Thunderlane again is a big ’no-no’, ya flippin’ moron... he grew up for Rumble’s sake, and in any case, you don’t even know if Numane is bad news,” she added reasonably, smacking her head with a hoof. “Thunderlane’s a decent pony nowadays. Maybe Numane’s not so bad. He doesn’t trust you, that’s all... no big deal.”

She just didn’t want to see that poor filly go through anymore turmoil. Resolving to keep an eye on the situation from afar, rather than be an interfering knob, she lifted her head off the desk. For all she knew, Numane was a good guy at heart. Grape walked back into the lobby and Rainbow Dash moved to meet her, flattening out her mane where she had whacked herself in the head, inwardly praying no one had been looking.

“All set?”

“Yep,” Grape answered, placing a bottle of water into a saddlebag and approaching Appleberry. “Let Mommy have that.” The foal started to whine as she gently tugged the toy from his mouth, but she picked him up and nuzzled his muzzle. “Go for a ride, ’Berry?”

The baby’s aspect changed once it saw the little woollen pouch she had hung around her neck. Allowing himself to be dropped into it, he clutched the edge and looked around, resting against her chest. Grape winked at Rainbow.

“Marius knitted it for me! Pretty dang handy for actually getting around without having to walk on three legs, just so I could hold Appleberry sensibly,” Grape said loftily. “And it’s pink. Pink’s awesome.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Riiight. Well, c’mon, Numane. Let’s go.”

Sundays in Gymkhana certainly seemed to be quiet. Compared to the hustle and bustle of the streets the day before, it was a quiet atmosphere. The Festival of Summer Flame celebrations were still largely collected within the Crossroads, but as the group moved into Research Row, the district where Rainbow Dash had to be rescued from Wave Chill, the air was eerily silent.

Rapidfire kept shooting glances all around them as he walked at the front of the group with Numane, who was leading the way. They had met up with the stallion around the market stalls. The amusing fact of the matter was that Rapidfire had, indeed, been cursing under his breath when they found him. The subject of his ire had been a group of satyrs and horses dancing around another bonfire.

“Bloody loons, dancin’ in this murderin’ heat,” he had grumbled. “Dere’s guards everywhere, keep yaself covered, Rainba.”

Well, she had, by and large, done as he had instructed. The sweat making her fur stick together made her very conscious of the fact that it had been ages since she last bathed. Maybe she’d need to take care of that soon, especially if she started to smell.

The reason they were in Research Row was because, according to Numane, there was a doctor’s clinic in the area. As they walked, Rainbow Dash could see the buildings of the Mesa District in the distance, just over the low dividing wall.

“I get goosebumps whenever I see something like this...” Grape croaked, breathing deeply. “It’s so weird. Most of the buildings are still standing, but there’s... nothing left. No reason to ever go back, even if the military would let us. They’re gone...”

“I know, Grape,” Numane said softly, giving her a one-armed hug, looking kind of silly due to the fact that horses were very tall.

“How much farther, Numane?” Rainbow asked, trying to distract them from the dismal sight.

“What? Oh. We take the next left turn,” he replied distractedly. “Come on.”

Rapidfire was the first to reach the corner. The moment he peered around it, he jumped back.

“Stop,” he hissed, throwing out a hoof. “Move against dat shop. Now!”

Rainbow, Grape, and Numane immediately did as instructed, Grape looking a little frightened. Rapidfire joined them, adjusting his cloak to ensure he was adequately covered. Imitating him, Rainbow Dash made sure her vibrant colours weren’t in view. A moment later, a group of satyrs approaching from the opposite direction stopped dead in their tracks and began to applaud, joined by other horses and a few ponies moving about the district.

“Stamp your hooves,” Rapidfire growled. “Don’t make eye contact.”

Rainbow Dash had to suppress a gasp. Immediately, she started to clop her hooves against the cobbled stone, eyes bulging in her sockets out of fear. A pair of ponies rounded the corner, completely ignoring the clapping and stamping all the creatures made as they passed.

“And I want another patrol stationed in Jewel. You will deliver the orders back to the palace. Understood?” Wave Chill instructed.

“Understood, sir,” Gwyndolin replied in a faint droll, not breaking eye contact with him as they walked.

“Tell Aaqib he’s wasting his time in Mesa. The Steel Talons don’t seem stupid enough to hide the Wonderbolts there.” Wave Chill paused a moment, causing Gwyndolin’s cloak to swirl around her hooves as she imitated him. “You know what? I’m tired of that ignorant horse. Inform him that he must refine his decision making or he’ll be killed.”

“Understood,” she replied as they resumed their movement.

“Finally, I want Kaneighz to start the door to door searches. She is to set the guards searching every dwelling in Dynasty and Crossroads, Dynasty first.”

“Dynasty, sir?”

“They wouldn’t expect us to search the military heart of the city, so they could very well be hiding there. Dynasty will be searched.”

“Is that all, sir?”

“It is.”

Rainbow Dash turned her head as they walked away, the clapping and stomping dying down. With a bright flash of green, Gwyndolin teleported away, leaving Wave Chill alone. He flagged down a group of soldiers flying overhead, who descended in spirals to meet him.

“It’s like every time I turn around, I’m within spitting distance of those two...” Rainbow shuddered as Rapidfire lead them safely around the corner and out of sight.

“Well, we ’aven’t seen da last of ’em, so don’t get comfortable,” Rapidfire cautioned, glancing back at the corner.

“I’m not, trust me,” Rainbow murmured. “This is a bit too frightening to be taken casually. But... what did they say about the Crossroads? I missed it since I was trying to think what Dynasty is.”

“Dey’ll be searchin’ da Crossroads...” Rapidfire supplied, spitting on the ground. “Spitfiah ain’t stupid, she won’t be foun’ easily. None of dem won’t. As for Dynasty, dat’s da military district, between Jewel ’n’ Mesa.”

They had only taken around thirty steps each down this new street before Numane pointed out the clinic he had first seen during one of the outcasts’ many scouting trips around the city. They hurried toward the building and moved inside, Rapidfire standing just inside the doorway, staring back up the street. Numane paused beside him, but the elder pegasus pushed him further inside.

“Stay outta sight, ya dum’ass!”

“They aren’t even after me...”

Rainbow Dash stood aside as Grape Blossom approached the counter and began speaking to the receptionist, a well-dressed female anubis with very thick glasses. She watched Numane sit down at the end of a row of chairs by the big curtained window. He glowered at Rapidfire, who backed into the clinic and closed the door, standing sentinel by it.

The office was dimly lit, the only sources of light being an electric light down a hallway, one inside the receptionist’s small cubical-like area, and the sunlight streaming in through the curtain. Otherwise, the rather spacious interior was shadowed. Rainbow sat down a couple of chairs away from Numane.

Judging by the bits of the conversation she could hear between Grape and the anubis at the counter, the clinic was generally slow on Sundays, so only one doctor was available. This meant that Grape would need to wait until she was done with the only other patient in the building.

“Gotta wait, bud,” Grape cooed sweetly to Appleberry, setting him on the floor. She settled herself between Numane and Rainbow Dash, tapping a hoof on her lap and gazing around. Numane was breathing sharply through his nose.

“Well, we’re all edgy as hell,” Rainbow said conversationally. “How do you keep your composure, Rapidfire? Aren’t you worried?”

“Of course not,” Rapidfire growled in a low voice. “No point worryin’, since I’ma be killin’ Wave Chill before he has a chance to lay a hoof on Spitfiah.”

“Well, that’s three ponies who want a piece of him, now. He’s popular, ain’t he?” Dash whistled darkly.

An aged pony ambled down the hallway beside the inner-office where the anubis sat. With a nod in their direction, he moved to the desk to pay for his visit.

“Grape Blossom, you’re up,” the receptionist called out once the pony moved toward the door to the street.

“Right!” Grape said brightly. “C’mon, Appleberry! You’re gonna get all better, okay?” Appleberry let out a whine as she picked him up, hooves extended toward a stuffed dragon he had been about to start gnawing on. “Nooo, dirty, dirty!”

“Good luck!” Numane smiled weakly.

Silence filled the room as they watched Grape depart. Rainbow Dash fanned herself briefly with one of the magazines on a table in front of them, her tummy growling. She’d need to eat sometime soon. Numane was glowering in a different direction.

“Uh... Numane, I know you don’t really trust me, or... anything, but...” Rainbow Dash spoke up after a few more minutes of uncomfortable silence, “please, just hear me out.

“Why?” Numane demanded, shooting her daggers. “You just wandered into our lives out of the blue and now you’re acting like our own personal saviour. I don’t buy it.”

She frowned. “I’m not dangerous, ya know.”

“That’s not my point,” Numane groaned. “What’s it to you what happens to the outcasts? You’re not our family. We don’t need some babysitter! We can take care of ourselves.”

Rainbow gave him a serious look. “Is that so? How old are most of you?”

“Humph,” Numane grumbled, but didn’t seem to find the question so offensive that he couldn’t reasonably ignore it. “Marius, Fenuku, and myself are all twelve. Aidos and Alastor are ten... you know, the griffin twins.”

“And Grape’s thirteen, Dameer’s gotta be fifteen or sixteen, and the rest of ya are foals?” Dash asked, seeking clarification.

“Yeah, so what’s your point? I told you; we’re capable on our own.”

“You realize you aren’t an adult, Numane? Neighshyte’s big brother is the closest thing to an adult any of you have, even counting Grape,” she informed him, running a hoof through her mane in exasperation. “What would happen if any of you got seriously sick? I don’t wanna sound like a jerkass, but you haven’t really got anyone to help you if something goes wrong!”

“So, we’re supposed to just accept you with open arms? Goes back to what I said; you’re trying to shoehorn yourself in as some saviour!” Numane accused indignantly.

“I’m just offering my help, because you are kids and I can’t just leave ya all screwed. Sorry if you find this too interfering, but I know what it’s like to lose a parent at a young age, even if I didn’t lose both of mine like you probably had to suffer through...” She sighed, trailing off for a moment. “You guys shouldn’t have to deal with being abandoned in the freakin’ sewers because your homes were lost. You’ve all even given up your faith in Osiris.”

Numane didn’t answer her, he simply picked up an outdated copy of The Practical Alchemist and began perusing it. Rainbow Dash steamrolled on.

“I’m not asking you to throw yourself at my hooves, just... trust me. Please. I’m trying to help, I don’t wanna see you lot suffer more than you already have. Grape has a child, for pony’s sake! You’re her boyfriend, don’t you want her to get all the help she needs?”

She fell silent, exhaling. Numane screwed up his face in concentration. Despite the fact he was muzzle deep in the magazine, his eyes were still. Looking away from him to check on Rapidfire, Dash saw that he was still keeping watch at the door. Whether or not he had been listening, it was impossible to discern.

“Grape trusts you... I’ll try, Rainbow Dash...” Numane murmured eventually. “Help her however you can.”

“I will,” Dash promised. “I was trying to persuade her to come back with us to Equestria after me and my friends are finished in Gymkhana. You should consider that, too.” She paused a moment. “Listen, you can help Grape out, too. Help her out by making sure she and Appleberry are always safe. I’m expecting things to get messy in this city, do your best to keep her out of harm’s way, won’t you?”

“’Course I will,” he said quickly. “I love her.”

“Then make sure that you grab her and Appleberry and completely book it if anypony happens to stumble upon me and Rapidfire on the way back to the inn. Got it? Stuff’s gonna be waaay too nuts if Wave Chill sneaks up on us.”

Numane nodded and they both fell silent again. Rapidfire moved away from the door and took a seat beside Rainbow Dash. Checking to ensure that the receptionist wasn’t listening, he whispered to Rainbow.

“No sign o’ Wave Chill. We’re safe fa now.”

“I’m still unnerved about the fact we keep running into him!” she whispered back, rubbing her forehead with both hooves. “It’s like we can’t make a move here without risking ourselves getting exposed.”

“Hmm,” Rapidfire huffed. “It’s like a ’zugzwang’, Rainba.”

“A slug’s WHAT?”

“’Zugzwang’. It’s from da game of chess. Ya know how ya hafta make a move on ya turn, even if it means puttin ya pieces in danga? If ya can’t make a single ben’fical move, it’s a zugzwang,” Rapidfire explained.

“Uh... if you say so.” Rainbow shrugged.

“Y’see our situation... If we wait, da Voidwalker will be released. If we act now, we risk defeat as we’re unprepared and ain’t got no backup. Luna cannot da’rectly help us ’cause she’s riskin’ revealin’ herself. Everywhere we go in dis pig stye of a city, we run into enemies. Totally outnumbahed, totally outpowahed, ’n’ if we don’t do nothin’, we’ll be killed,” Rapidfire growled. “Zugzwang.”

“Sheesh... you’re so cheerful right now, Rapid, that I can’t look ya in the face and take ya seriously,” Dash said sarcastically, shaking her head.

“Shaddap.”

Dash smirked. Even Numane grinned a little, although he still looked nervous. He looked over to the hallway again, twisting the outdated magazine in his hooves. He gave a start when Dash placed a comforting hoof on his shoulder.

“Whoa, dude. Chill,” she suggested. “Don’t jump out of your fur. I know it seems bad, but I’m trying to joke around because I know we’ve gotta keep our spirits up. We’ll pull this off somehow.”

“I’m just a little worried about Grape, honestly,” Numane revealed. “They’ve been in there for awhile.”

“Grape’s probably getting herself checked out at the same time. Living in the sewers can’t be healthy. Oh, speak of the devil, herself!” she said as Grape walked down the hallway, Appleberry munching on his own hoof.

Numane jumped up, as did Dash, herself. Grape walked around to the counter, smiling back at them.

“Looks like he’s just got a stomach virus, that’s all,” Grape told them, looking relieved. “It’s only bad because he’s a baby. They’re gonna give me some medicine that should keep his fever down and fight the bug.”

“That’s awesome!” Dash exclaimed cheerfully, winking at Numane. “See? Nothing to worry about!”

“Yeah, I guess!” Grape nodded, putting a shaking hoof to her forehead. “Got all nerve-wracked for a minute in there, but it’s all good. Got myself looked at, too. Clean bill for me, haven’t even caught ’Berry’s bug!” She turned to see the receptionist approaching with the medicine. “How many bits have you got, Dash?”

“Loads,” she answered, tapping the money bag still around her neck. “Like seven hundred in credit slips and about seventy individual bits. I don’t see this costing a lot, medical costs back home are a joke. It’s the least I could do, Grape!”

“Let’s see,” the anubis began, looking down a receipt. “Two medical examinations, one for a foal and one for a matured pony... this antivirus medication... that’ll be five hundred and forty five bits.”

Rainbow’s eye twitched.

The trek back to the Amber Cottage was much more uneventful when compared to the journey there, as there was a conspicuous lack of an encounter with a deadly foe. Nevertheless, she was starting to grow nervous as the day wore on. The more close calls they had, the more Rainbow Dash felt like a dark shadow was creeping in on them.

Time was running out. She knew it. Would the Republic even get here before seven the next evening? Just under thirty hours was all they had. She didn’t even want to think about sleeping that night; it would feel like a complete waste of time.

All of the ponies and horses celebrating all around them, not knowing their time was short, not knowing a terrifying threat was looming overhead. They couldn’t alert the populace, because causing a panic would draw attention to themselves. On the flipside, they couldn’t just abandon every innocent being in the city. ’A zugzwang... Would the New Lunar Republic be able to guide most of the citizens out of Gymkhana?’ Rainbow asked herself.

No. There was only one true solution to this problem: They would need to defeat Wave Chill and Gwyndolin. It was the only way. Too many lives would be at risk if that horrible demon was summoned, wherever it may be now, for whatever reason it was choosing to hide.

The nagging doubts were returning. Even if they managed to somehow deal with those two ponies, the Voidwalker still existed. It was still out there somewhere, able to taunt her in her dreams.

“What if it doesn’t actually have to be summoned,” she reasoned with herself in a low mumble, feeling horrified. “What if the Voidwalker will arrive at seven tomorrow... regardless of whether or not we beat them...?”

“Dash? You alright?” Grape asked her, peering back. “You’re falling behind and mumbling to yourself.”

“Uh.” Dash gave a quick, innocent-looking grin. “Don’t mind me, just talkin’ to myself, that’s all!” She hurried forward. “Hope everypony’s back to the inn, now. They’ll be thrilled to hear that Appleberry’s gonna be alright, eh?”

“Yep, I can’t wait to tell Dameer and Neighsh!” Grape said excitedly. “They were so worried.”

Rapidfire gave a final look around before knocking on the door to the Amber Cottage. Within a minute or so, the sound of a deadbolt sliding back and a few clicks indicated that the door was being unlocked. Amadeus pulled open the door, took an uneasy glance down the street, and stood aside.

“Welcome back,” the purple satyr greeted, bowing.

“Thanks,” Rapidfire said quickly, disappearing into the lobby.

Grape Blossom and Numane followed him. Anxious to finally throw off the heavy cloak, Rainbow Dash graciously stepped inside and closed the door. As Amadeus locked it again, she watched Grape lower Appleberry out of his carrying pouch and onto the floor. Spitfire hurried over to Rapidfire and gave him a swift hug, Soarin behind her, looking very happy.

Scanning around the room, Rainbow noticed that all of her friends were back. Pinkie Pie was waving energetically at her, the Element of Laughter now resting against her chest. Applejack and Fluttershy were beside her. Twilight was at the next table, head bent low as she poured over a book. Several more were spread out in front of her. Rarity was looking exhausted, leaning heavily back in her seat, one arm draped over the back, holding a glass of water precariously in the light grip of her hoof as she drank. Spotting the plate of fruit on Rarity’s table, Dash made a beeline for it, famished.

“Spitfiah,” Rapidfire began, “da guards are startin’ searches of da city districts, lookin’ fa us ’Bolts. Somepony’s gotta keep watch. If dey come to da Amba Cottage, we’ve gotta get into dat secret basement.”

Spitfire looked worried. She opened her mouth to say something, but Amadeus forestalled her.

“Well,” he chuckled, beginning to unlock the door again, “I’ll do that, myself. I must do some painting of the exterior, anyway. That will help sell the idea that the inn is ’closed for renovations’. If I see the guards approaching, I will knock three times on the door very hard.”

“Thank you, Amadeus,” Spitfire sighed in relief. “Anything else, Rapidfire?”

“Well, da reason we know about da searches is ’cause we over’eard Wave Chill and dat warlock talkin’. Luckily, Wave’s head is so fah up his ass dat he never saw us,” he growled. “We can’t affoad anotha close call... we’ve gotta stay ’ere.”

“Agreed, then,” Soarin said, moving towards the right door. “I’ll tell Lightning Streak and Fire Streak to get out here so they’ll know when to hide.” He gave Rainbow Dash a broad smile before disappearing through it.

Numane gave a look around. “Pinkie and Amadeus are here, but where’s Dameer, Marius, and the others?”

“In the rooms through the left, dear,” Rarity sighed, rubbing her eyes.

Rainbow started tearing into some plums, the sweetness embracing her tongue, their juices quenching her thirsty throat. Numane disappeared through the left door, informing Grape that he was going to get them all to come out. Grape nodded, sitting down on the floor and watching Appleberry play with some blocks he had left there. Occasionally, she would give his hoof a light slap whenever one of the blocks got too close to his mouth. Apparently in retaliation, the foal had a burst of magic, levitating six of them towards his face at once as he caught them in a cherry-coloured aura. Grape groaned loudly and tried to snatch them out of the air, but the magical pull was stronger than she was. Giggling, Appleberry sent them up near the ceiling, his mother dangling from her hooves.

“APPLEBERRYPUTMOMMYDOWN!”

“So,” Dash said indifferently, momentarily turning away from the action. She flexed her wings, just in case she needed to make a quick catch if the earth pony fell. “Applejack, you girls see anything in Jewel?”

“Waste of time,” Applejack groaned, sweeping off her stetson. “We didn’t see nothin’ worth rememberin’. Just a buncha hoity toity Gymkhanites talkin’ about the botched execution. Kids’n Amadeus tried to keep on that military chuff, but they couldn’t follow him into the heart of the Dynasty District... I reckon it’s been closed off to the public.”

“It was definitely closed,” Pinkie bemoaned seriously. “I didn’t even get to see if they had any bakeries! I’ve been comparing the local joints to Sugarcube Corner!”

“Pinkie’s been making very, uh, tactical decisions with our time.” Applejack smirked.

“Well, that all sucks!” Dash replied brightly, smacking her face on the table. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and have the military find us instead. Our hiding is pretty much the only thing that hasn’t gone wrong yet.”

“I did find this interesting book store in Jewel, though!” Twilight said, lifting her head out of one. “I’m reading up on Gymkhanan history, which is very, very fascinating,” Twilight explained happily, clapping her hooves together with a series of loud clops. “Oh, and I’ve also picked up a published collection of research papers on various demons that have been encountered, both in dreams, and when magical rituals have gone awry. Hopefully I’ll come across something that resembles the Voidwalker.”

Rainbow Dash was about to mention her nightmares when the left-side door burst open, flooding the room with youngsters. Knowing a ’did an orphanage just explode?’ joke would have been in very poor taste, Rainbow stood up and flapped her wings. First, she brought Grape back to the floor. As the purple pony clutched her chest and glared at her child, Rainbow flew over to Dameer, who was standing beside the griffon twins, Aidos and Alastor.

“Hey, Rainbow Dash!” The coffee-coloured horse greeted as she landed beside him. “Missed you this morning.”

“Yeah, I slept in, then I took Grape to find a doctor.”

“Yeah, Numane told us. Listen,” he lowered his voice, “we’re really glad for your help. Numane might have taken awhile to come around, but the rest of us trust you. Especially after all you’ve done for Grape Blossom.”

“Don’t mention it!” Dash smiled at him. “Seriously. Because I want to forget how much that visit to the doctor cost me!”

Dameer chuckled and walked over to Grape. “How are you doing?”

“Absolutely capital,” she replied darkly, having given up on attempting to prevent Appleberry from gnawing on the edge of a cube. “Appleberry’s got some medicine I gotta give him after his next feeding. Once he’s got that, he can be a bad little boy a little easier.”

The foal gave a happy little squeak as he drooled on the block. Grape sighed, sat down beside him again, and played with his little wisp of hair. Marius the satyr moved to sit beside her with Fenuku, breaking out into whispered conversation. Rainbow felt a small thwack against her leg and glanced down, surprised to see Scootaloo; she had missed the filly when they had all ran into the room at once.

“Siiis! Stop ignoring me!” Scootaloo demanded.

“Whoops,” Rainbow said apologetically, stooping low. “Didn’t see ya, kiddo.”

“So, we gonna talk?” Scootaloo asked, reminding her of her promise.

Rainbow grinned at Scoot. “I suppose so.”

Rainbow closed the door behind the filly, who bounded toward the bed and leapt upon it, flopping onto her back. She walked over, sat down beside the orange filly, and waited. Scootaloo was staring at her out of the corner of her eye, tail flicking.

“So...” the filly started, tapping the bed impatiently. “Whatcha wanna say, Sis?”

“I’m just... uh, I wanted to see how you’ve been doin’, since we haven’t had that much time to hang out, y’know?” She stretched out a wing. “C’mere!”

“Naw,” Scoots said, kicking a hoof toward Dash. “You owe me freedom!”

“You know why we’ve been keeping you kids in here, right? I’m not trying to be mean!” She folded the wing again. “No cuddles for you, I see.”

Scootaloo frowned and sat up, tugging at one of her own wings. “Yeah, I do. Sis... I know it’s not safe, but the other kids go out on their own. Why can’t we?”

“They aren’t related to the ponies the bad guys wanna fight, are they? They don’t have anywhere safe to go, either. I’m just worried about ya, Scoots. You’re really awesome!” Rainbow smiled at her, happy to see the little grin on her face in return.

“But... nothing bad will happen to me and Sweetie and Apple Bloom... I’ll make sure,” Scootaloo pleaded earnestly.

“You can’t know that, Scoots...”

“I’ll make sure!”

“C’mon, now! You know ’I’ll make sure’ doesn’t work on me.” She tapped the filly lightly on the shoulder, paused, then pulled her in quickly, hoof placed to her head. “Hoooweveeeer... maybe we can work out a deal?”

“Nooo, Sis! Don’t you dare!” Scootaloo snarled, pressing all four hooves against Rainbow’s chest.

Rainbow laughed and started moving the hoof back and forth quickly in a vicious noogie, deaf to Scootaloo’s protests. Eventually, both hooves moved to her sides as she tickled her. Scoot gasped for air, flailing her arms and struggling with all her might.

“Lemmegolemmego!” Scootaloo wailed, trying not to laugh.

“You promise to not take any dumb risks while you’re outside... and I will!” Rainbow offered, giggling herself.

“FINEFINEFINE I PROMISE! Lemme gooo!”

Rainbow released her charge and Scootaloo scrambled away, breathing hard. “Ya... big bully!”

“Ouch! That hurts, ya meanie.”

“Big, blue dummy!”

The pair of them started to laugh, and once they had started, it was difficult to stop. Rainbow fell backwards, practically crying with mirth. She felt absolutely wonderful as her spirits soared higher than the sun. Rolling over, Rainbow Dash wrapped both her wings and her arms around the filly and pulled her close.

“I love ya, Scoots... so much,” she whispered, kissing her forehead.

“Does that mean we’re allowed to go out?”

Dash laughed again. “Not the answer I wanted to hear, but...”

“I know it wasn’t!” Scootaloo admitted brightly.

“Hush, you! Anyways, yeah, you girls can leave the Cottage. Well, if Applejack and Rarity agree. But... you gotta stay in that little secret base that’s downstairs tomorrow, alright? Me and my friends are gonna have to use our Elements of Harmony tomorrow and I can’t have you in danger,” Dash sighed. “You’re waaay too important to me, got that?”

“I got it, I got it!” Scootaloo said quickly. “I love you, too, Sis. I really do! And thanks!”

Scoot jumped off the bed, exploding with happiness, but Rainbow leaned forward and caught her tail with her teeth. The orange pegasus nearly stumbled, but managed to stay upright.

“Uh... what?” she asked, glancing back.

“Hold up, Scoots... I won’t be going with you.” The words came out bluntly and made Rainbow Dash feel somewhat ill again.

“What?” Scootaloo gasped, staring back at her. “Why?”

The decision had been crossing her mind for most of the day. The most damning attribute of the whole thing was the fact that it made Dash feel like a coward. If Scootaloo was upset by it, it would only make it all worse.

“Listen, Scoots...” Rainbow gestured Scootaloo back to her, and the filly obliged. “Wave Chill is after me as much as the Wonderbolts. I’ve already ran into him more times than I’m comfortable with. They’re all staying here... and I think I should, too.”

“But...” Scootaloo looked at the floor for a moment, trying to find the right words. “I want you to come, Sis...”

Rainbow held out her hooves and Scoot moved into them. Pulling her into a tight hug, Rainbow realized that Scootaloo had begun to cry again. She lifted her off the floor and sat her on her lap, keeping the filly pressed against her chest. If Rarity was right and it was her constant mothering that was damaging to Scoot, she would need to do this carefully.

“Hey, hey... don’t cry, kiddo!” Rainbow said softly, stroking her back. “You don’t need me to go Crusading! I’d get in the way.”

Scootaloo shook her head into Rainbow’s fur. “N-no, it’s n-not about t-that...”

“What’s the matter, then?” Rainbow asked, moving Scootaloo back a little bit so she could peer into those dull purple eyes she loved so much. “You wanted some freedom, right? You won’t even need to worry about me breathin’ down your neck, makin’ sure you behave yourself! I trust you enough that I know you won’t put yourself in danger, so I’m giving you free reign, Scoots! Isn’t that awesome?” she continued, doing her best to act as though this was the best thing in the world. “You, and Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom... and all the horses, I guess... you can all go exploring for awhile. Maybe Pinkie Pie would go too? Or, heck, Applejack and Rarity will probably tag along, but that might be boooring!”

Scootaloo wasn’t taking the bait. “But... I’m scared, Rainbow Dash...” she whispered softly, running an arm noisily across her muzzle. “I want you to be there with me so I don’t gotta worry anymore.”

“Have you been worrying about me, Scoots?” Rainbow asked softly, kissing her on the top of the head.

“Duh, you b-big idiot!” Scootaloo yelled, giving a cough as she sobbed again. “Nothin’ goes right and I don’t wanna lose you! And I keep having nightmares about that shadow thing...”

Rainbow sighed. “You and me both, Sister... Soarin too, I bet. Listen, Scoots, I’m a lot safer at the inn. Ya ain’t losin’ me here, I promise, Scootaloo,” Dash explained quietly. “I’d love to go out there with ya and watch ya destroy half the city in an effort to get your cutie marks. Honestly, I would! I’m the big blue moron who suggested trying a billion things to Apple Bloom in the first place, remember?” Her heart lightened when she heard Scootaloo give a watery chuckle. “But I’m better off where it’s safe. I’ve just taken way too many risks, squirt, you know that... I mean, ya could chill with me here, but would you rather stay with me or go out and have fun with your friends? Twilight’s bound to have me reading some of her new research books, so for Celestia’s sake, get away from the snore-fest while ya can!”

Scootaloo giggled again and Rainbow Dash waited for her to calm down. At least this wasn’t another anxiety attack, she reflected gratefully. She knew Scootaloo would be alright outside of the inn, especially if the guards were liable to come searching. If they found the Wonderbolts, all hell would break lose.

“I forget sometimes that you think I’m just as special to you as I feel you are to me, Scootaloo,” Dash whispered once the filly had stopped crying. “I won’t forget again. You should go out and play, Scoots. Dashie’ll be fine! I’ll be with Soarin and the rest. Twilight will be here and whoever else sticks around. If you be careful while you’re out exploring, I’ll feel even safer, knowing you’re okay.”

Scootaloo tilted her head to stare up at Rainbow Dash again. After a moment, she finally spoke.

“Alright... when do you want us all to come back?” the filly asked, rubbing her eyes and muzzle, perhaps to disguise the fact that she had been crying.

“Well, there’s a curfew, so... before that, I guess! I don’t think that’ll be a big deal, though, sweetheart. I mean, it’s still early, so you lot go and have fun for however long ya want and I’ll sit here and... read,” Rainbow said, pulling a super-serious face on the last word. Scootaloo laughed again.

“You sure you’ll be okay, Sis?” Scootaloo asked seriously. “This is still sorta scary...”

“We’re gonna get through this, Scoots. I promise ya. We’re fixing this tomorrow and then we’re gonna go home. Everything’s goin’ back to normal and we’ll finish that Daring Do book, alright?” Rainbow nuzzled her with her muzzle.

“Alright, Sis!” Scootaloo giggled, smirking. “Have fun readin’, ya egghead!”

Rainbow Dash yawned. Rolling over, she glanced up on the wall at the clock affixed there. The constant ticking had finally started to drive her bonkers, and she had given up on reading Twilight’s book on demons.

’Five... I expect they’ll all be back, soon,’ she thought, stretching out her limbs.

She tapped the book resting open against her chest, sighing. There was nothing in there, at least that she could find, that resembled the Voidwalker. The closest thing was what the text had referred to as a soul-consuming creature the size of a village. Apparently, its name was loosely translated to ’K’bwa Giza’, but there was no way the Voidwalker could be that big. Besides, that name made her skin crawl.

Shrugging off the idea, Rainbow Dash had instead looked through it again, keeping her eyes peeled for the word ’soul’. She knew the Voidwalker wanted an alicorn soul, but few demons tended to deal with them. Here and there she saw the word, but it was usually unrelated to the demon’s powers. Again and again, she found herself on the same article about the village-sized creature.

“This stupid ’Kwababa Geezer’!” Dash groaned, throwing the book down. “I quit.”

“Rainbow Dash?” Soarin spoke up from the far bed, rolling to face her. “You okay?”

“Twilight’s got me reading names that make me wanna pull my tongue out. I’m just sunshine and rainbows!” she snapped sarcastically, beating the back of her head against the pillow.

“Wanna swap books, then? I’m reading up on the New Lunar Republic,” Soarin offered.

“No thanks, I’m gonna get something to eat,” Rainbow decided, leaping off the bed. “See ya later, Soar!” She walked quickly over to his bed, kissed him briefly, and left the room.

Moving down the hallway, she passed by Spitfire’s room and hesitated, debating knocking. Part of her wanted to see how Spitfire was doing, but another part wanted to leave her in peace; Spitfire had been acting very moodily as time moved further and further away from their encounter with the Steel Talons. Rapidfire had done his best to keep her in good spirits, but fear of the future of the Wonderbolts was still troubling her.

Knowing Rapidfire was still in with her, she left him to it and continued into the lobby. Twilight was standing by the doorway and Fluttershy was reading one of the books the unicorn had abandoned. The rest of the room was empty. This was hardly surprising, however. After all, Rarity and Applejack wanted to venture out into the city to keep a distant watch on the Crusaders, Neighshyte, and the other three foals. Pinkie Pie had tagged along as well, at the insistence of the five-year-old Hoofza.

Grape and her friends weren’t around either. Once Appleberry had been given his medicine, they had all decided to join the swelling group going out into the city. Of all the outcasts, only Dameer and Numane were still at the Amber Cottage.

“Rainbow Dash, have you seen Amadeus?” Twilight Sparkle asked her the moment she was within earshot.

“Uh... no, why?” Rainbow replied. “He’s out working on the inn’s exterior, I thought.”

“He was, but he’s not there now!” She hesitated briefly. Making up her mind, she used her magic to disguise herself into the silver and white-maned tangerine unicorn and left through the front door. “Be right back!”

Shrugging, Rainbow fluttered over to Fluttershy. “Hey, Flutters, any word from Fleetfoot yet?”

“I’m afraid not...” Fluttershy moaned sadly. “We’re still waiting.”

“I hope we don’t need to wait too long... we’re runnin’ out of time as it is.”

The door opened again and Twilight came back inside. Her eyes were wide with worry. Rainbow didn’t fail to notice this and she flew back over to the door, landing with a soft clatter of hooves.

“Uh... is everything okay? Where’s Amadeus?” she asked, trying to peer over Twilight’s head.

“That’s the thing, Rainbow... I don’t know where Amadeus is! He said he was keeping watch for approaching guards, since they’re doing door to door searches, but... he’s not there,” she said in a panic. “And I dunno when he left!”

“Relaaax, Twi! He was painting, so he’s probably gone for more supplies,” she suggested reasonably. “We don’t even know if the inn will be searched.” She suddenly remembered something. “Though... the Wonderbolts should still be out here, anyway. Just in case. That way, they can just zip off through the kitchen to the basement...” Rainbow Dash groaned. “Dammit, ya got me all paranoid, now!”

“I hope I’m just being paranoid...” Twilight sighed, dispelling her disguise. “I need something to distract myself... where’s that book on demons Rainbow? I want to read up on a particular one that I believe matches the Voidwalker closely.”

“It’s in Soarin’s room. I’ll go grab it. We gotta keep the Wonderbolts on their guard, anyways.”

A few minutes later, Rainbow Dash had the book wrapped in a hoof as she walked three-legged back down the hallway. Soarin was behind her, yawning. He knocked on the door to the room where Fire Streak and Lightning Streak were staying while Rainbow moved to Spitfire’s. At her knock, Rapidfire appeared in the doorway.

“Hey, Rapid,” Dash said, giving him a weak smile. “Everythin’ cool? Twilight said Amadeus just went AWOL for a bit, so you guys should come out. You’ll need to be on the scene, y’know? In case you need to hide.”

Rapidfire looked swiftly over his shoulder. “Dis inn ain’t big, so it don’t matta where we are. I’ll come keep watch, den. Let Spitfiah rest in peace, please.”

She gave him a searching look, but he only replied with a stony gaze. Shrugging, Rainbow Dash nodded and returned to Twilight Sparkle, Soarin, Lightning Streak, and Fire Streak behind them.

Once in the lobby, Rapidfire moved cautiously toward the front door and peered carefully through the glass, doing his best to keep himself only partially in view. Rainbow held up the book and Twilight levitated it out of her hoof, smiling.

“Thank you, Rainbow! I’ll give that article I was talking about another look-over.”

Rainbow was about to ask what article she was talking about, but she never had the chance. Rapidfire gave a snort from the window, turning to look back at them.

“I dunno what yas two were on about. Amadeus is right there,” he said, turning back to look out again. “looks like da rest of ’em are back, too, because he’s not alo—” Rapidfire stopped mid-word, his good eye widening. “No, no, no! Dammit!”

“W-what is it?!” Rainbow Dash asked in alarm, her voice cracking.

Rapidfire moved swiftly back, swearing. “He sold us out!”

“WHAT?!” Soarin demanded, the book he was holding falling to the floor.

“The sonuvabitch sold us out!” Rapidfire gasped, flexing his wings involuntary. “He has ’alf a dozen guards with him! Twilight, use ya magic to barricade the door!”

Twilight, whose eyes had been bulging in fear, sprang into action at his command. Concentrating hard, she seized every single table and chair in the room and flung them toward the entrance, arranging them carefully into a sturdy pile. Rainbow Dash’s heart was banging in her throat, her mind completely blank. This couldn’t be possible. They had come too far for it to end like this.

“Soarin, open da false wall downstairs! Lightning, go get da Cap’n!”

Both did as instructed while Rainbow continued to stand there, paralyzed with fear. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Fire Streak trying to assist Fluttershy, who appeared to have gone into a full panic attack, gasping for breath. Twilight continued to focus on the pile of furniture, wedging each piece into place until she could move it no longer. She ran to Rainbow’s side, blinking away tears.

“We shouldn’t have let everypony leave! We need the Elements of Harmony together, or else they’re useless!” Twilight wailed. “Oh Celestia, what’re we gonna do?

Rainbow still couldn’t speak. She couldn’t think. This had to be another one of the Voidwalker’s nightmares. There was no other way.

A series of rapid knocks echoed on the door behind the barricade. Rapidfire was taking steadying breaths, glancing back at the mares. Wordlessly, he jabbed a hoof toward the kitchen, where the entrance into the basement was.

“Open up!” a gruff voice called, muffled both by the door and the pile. “You are to present the Wonderbolts and Rainbow Dash to us, or else face death!”

“RAPIDFIRE!” Soarin burst. “They’re coming up this way! We’re surrounded!”

Three armoured horse guards were advancing upon him, spears aimed at his chest. Rainbow thought she was having a heart attack; the secret passage into the sewers wasn’t safe. There was no escape. One of the guards lunged forward, his spear cutting Soarin across the cheek and Rainbow felt the fury break over her. Before she could do anything, however, Rapidfire had flown forward.

All four hooves landed on the spear as the guard went for another swing. It hit the floor with a clatter and the guard overbalanced. Flapping his wings, Rapidfire jumped high into the air and used both front hooves to pull the head of the horse forward. Rolling over in the air, he brought the back hooves down and stamped hard. With a grunt, the guard hit the floor, unconscious, his helmet rolling off. The other pair surged forward and Soarin bucked one of them in the stomach. The guard in question had just risen to his hind legs, spear held high, to block a punch thrown by Rapidfire. As Soarin’s hooves made contact, he buckled over and Soarin repeated the gesture, this time bucking him in the face.

“Good gracious...” Twilight mumbled, awestruck by the Wonderbolts’ fighting. “Two armed soldiers, downed like that!”

The left door banged open and Dameer and Numane ran out, confusion etched on their expressions. Dameer worked out the situation before Numane, and he dove upon the fallen guardsmen’s spears and threw one to Numane. The right door flew open and Lightning Streak lead Spitfire out.

“We’ve gotta get the hell out of here!” Spitfire roared over the banging of the soldiers outside of the inn as they hammered on the door and walls. “Through the passage in the basement!”

“No good, Spit!” Soarin bellowed over to her as he assisted Rapidfire in disarming the third guard. “There’s more coming that way, we’ve gotta block the door!”

Finally getting a grip, Rainbow Dash rushed over to Fluttershy, dropping low to talk to her. Fire Streak was still trying to hush and calm her, one of her hooves in his.

“Flutters, c’mon, girl! Keep it together, we’re gonna pull through this!”

“I’m s-so scared! I don’t wanna die!” Fluttershy whimpered.

“Nopony’s gonna die! C’mon, we need ya!”

Fluttershy shook her head. “I can’t help, I’m no good at fighting!”

Rainbow groaned. “You can still help us!”

“Soarin, catch!” Rapidfire said, throwing the third fallen guard’s spear to him. “I can hear ’em comin’ from downstairs!”

“Dammit!” Soarin replied, clutching the spear to his chest. “Dashie, get your friends and take them... and take them... argh!”

“There’s no where to go!” Twilight cried, pulling herself together. “I’ll have to start using my magic!”

“You two get someplace safe,” Rainbow said to the horses, jerking her head toward the hallway they had come from.

“Numane, you go,” Dameer instructed, turning to face the kitchen, the distant sound of hooves scrambling up a staircase barely audible over the hammering against the walls. “I’m older, I’m helping the Wonderbolts.”

“You honestly think I’d ditch you, you flippin’ idiot?” Numane demanded, gripping his spear tight. “Grape and the rest of them are safely out of here, so I can help you!”

“Stay back!” Rapidfire shouted, staring down four new guards as they entered the kitchen from the basement. “We just beat ya pals senseless, so back off if ya knows what’s good fa yas!”

“Spitfire and her flunkies escaped their execution. You two can join them! Turn yourselves in and it’ll be quick,” a pegasus soldier said, brandishing his sword.

“Go to hell!” Spitfire suggested, standing on her back hooves with her front hooves raised.

It was like a bomb had gone off. Rainbow let out a cry of pain as a chair smashed into her back, sending her to the floor and burning her fur. Twilight quickly conjured a shield to guard Fluttershy and Fire Streak beside her before a burning table spinning through the air could hit them or Rainbow. Dameer and Numane turned towards the doorway, looking shocked. The four guards rushed forward from the kitchen and engaged Soarin and Rapidfire. Lightning Streak and Spitfire were dodging pieces of flaming wood as it continued to fly through the air.

Rainbow scrambled back to her hooves, back aching as though she had just taken a steel pipe to the spine, and turned her eyes to the doorway. Her jaw fell.

The rest of the furniture that had barricaded the inn’s door were floating in the air, caught in a green aura. It was the warlock. It was Gwyndolin. Spitfire let out a vehement swear and charged forward, jumping into the air and flapping her wings. Without even looking towards her, Gwyndolin’s horn let out a surge of golden magic, forming a golden chain, which whipped Spitfire out of the air as easily as though she had been a fly. At the exact same moment, the warlock placed a hoof near her mouth, looking almost bashful as she sent the flaming furniture roaring across the room in the direction of Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, and Fire Streak.

Twilight redoubled her efforts on the shield and it took the weight of the attack, the reflected chairs leaving charred streaks on the floor, igniting the yellow rug. Gwyndolin’s eyes travelled to the floor, looking bored, almost empty. Her expression did not change.

“You know why we are here,” she said in a bored voice. “We have claim to the lives of the terrorists you’ve been travelling with. Azure Wings has also taken an interest in the rainbow-maned pegasus within your shield. “Give them up or we shall take them by force. We will not spare your lives in the process.”

Rainbow looked towards the kitchen, to Soarin and Rapidfire locked in combat against the guards. Dameer and Numane were trying to help them. On the right side of the room, Lightning Streak was trying to get Spitfire to her hooves; the golden chain appearing to have dazed her. There had to be a way out of this. As the seconds ticked by, she expected the rest of her friends to return and unite the powerless Elements on hers’ and Fluttershy’s chests, and on Twilight’s tiara. She expected Luna to show up and save them. She expected the New Lunar Republic to arrive and give them some backup, swarming the guards behind Gwyndolin with their numbers.

No help was coming.

“You’re wasting my valuable time,” Gwyndolin pressed on, looking at the smoking rug on the floor.

With another surge from her horn, the entire carpet was engulfed in a fierce green flame. Rainbow let out a scream, scrambling away before the flames could lick her body. Twilight attempted to use her shield to smother the flames, but the moment Gwyndolin’s flames touched the shield, it disintegrated. Twilight’s magic was useless against the warlock’s.

“I will bring Lord Azure Wings here,” Gwyndolin said to one of the soldiers behind her. “The flames should keep these criminals inside the inn, but prevent their escape regardless. They lost their right to mercy when they refused to cooperate, but the commander will wish to watch them die himself.”

“No!” Twilight roared, horn glowing raspberry as she seized the white mare with her levitation magic. “You... aren’t... getting him, Gwyndolin!”

“And what’s going to stop me? A pathetic amateur spellcaster like yourself?” Gwyndolin questioned, looking with interest at the aura she had been caught in.

“I am the protegé of the great Princess Celestia!” Twilight retaliated, a note of pride in her voice rarely heard there before. “You can’t just swat my magic away like a fl—”

In an instant, Gwyndolin not only dispelled the aura around her, but sent out a beam of magic that flattened Twilight against the far wall.

“Such arrogance... it will destroy you, child,” she said, turning away from them and surrounding her body in a green light.

In a flash, the warlock vanished. Rainbow Dash scrambled over to Twilight, Fluttershy following her, hooves pressed to her mouth. The flames were slowly spreading from the carpet to the wooden floor, inching toward the back wall.

“Twilight! Speak to me! OH CELESTIA, SPEAK TO ME!” Rainbow begged, panicking.

“I’m... fine!” Twilight gasped, rolling over on to her front. “We’ve gotta...get out of here! We’re gonna b-burn to death!”

“Twilight, use your teleportation spell!” Rainbow suggested, beckoning over Dameer once he had caught her eye.

“Rainbow, that’s it!” Twilight said in a shaky voice, getting to her hooves. “I never thought about that! We’ve gotta collect everypony together though... Gosh, I hope I have enough energy to do it!”

Dameer and Numane ran over to them, still clutching their weapons. Soarin and Rapidfire followed closely behind, having dealt with the rest of the soldiers in the kitchen. Rainbow was surprised to see absolutely no blood on any of their spears.

“Soarin, bring Spitfire and Lightning Streak over here. Quick!” Rainbow told him, placing a hoof against his face. “Twilight’s gonna get us outta here!”

Soarin nodded quickly and, skirting the fire carefully, ran over to where Spitfire was standing, supported by Lightning Streak. Fire Streak had made his way over to the group as well. Judging by the sword in his hoof, he had grabbed it from one of the unconscious guards. Soarin returned with the Captain and Lightning Streak and Twilight did a very quick headcount.

“I hope the guards outside can run in and save their friends... Alright, here goes...” she said, her face illuminated by the glow of the green fire approaching them. “I’m taking us behind the execution platform in the Jewel District, it’s not where they’ll expect us to flee...”

A purple flash obscured Rainbow’s vision as Twilight teleported them. As it faded, the sight the gallows did not greet their eyes. Instead, it was the exterior of the Amber Cottage, smoke billowing out of the open door. Rainbow never had a chance to question what had gone wrong. Instead, one fact permeated her brain: there were about two dozen guards in view. They had formed a perimeter around the area near the inn.

“W-what...” Twilight choked, falling to the ground with exhaustion.

“Gwyndolin already cast a spell to prevent you from escaping by teleportation magic!” a horse soldier on the far sidewalk said with a laugh. Next to his hooves, Amadeus was in a kneeling position with two others pointing spears at his throat. “Many thanks for bringing the criminals out into the open.”

It was over. Rainbow wanted to cry, but she knew her mind was in no fit state for any kind of emotion. They were surrounded by weapons. There were satyrs with crossbows amongst the guards as well, able to shoot them down should they attempt to take to the air. Twilight’s magic was no use to them. She fell beside Twilight, completely lost and staring in defeat at the laughing soldier.

Soarin, Rapidfire, Dameer, Numane, and Fire Streak moved to form a circle around Spitfire, Lightning Streak, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow herself. Each one had their weapons raised. All eyes were upon them. Rainbow’s vision was shaking. She wanted to yell to Soarin that she loved him, but how could she say that in the face of death? Would it be the honest truth, or only brought on because her life was about to end? How could she even fathom saying it if she had the smallest shred of doubt? He would deserve better. Instead, she found Twilight’s hoof and squeezed it, her other searching for Fluttershy’s. She would not let go of them. If she was to die, she would die with her friends. A single tear burned her skin as she thought about Scootaloo.

A bright flash of green lit the street. Gwyndolin’s cloak flapped around her hooves and she threw her black hair out of her face. Soarin’s head jerked in their direction and his eyes widened as he stared into the face of his brother.

“Hey, Soarin. Long time no see? How great to meet up with you again,” Wave Chill spoke ironically, his dull green eyes boring into Soarin’s. “Too shocked to speak? Eh, no matter. You’d probably screw up whatever you said, anyway.” Wave Chill turned to address a group of soldiers directly behind him. “Let’s put on a show for your peers. Kill the terrorists, their associates, and the brats.”

As the soldiers ran forward, Rainbow jumped up, pulling both Fluttershy and Twilight to their hooves. No, she could not die here! It can’t end this way! Before she could do a single thing, however, her body was paralyzed. She rose thirty feet into the air, unable to move a muscle, and saw Spitfire rise beside her. On the cobbled street, Gwyndolin was staring up at them, her horn glowing. Wave Chill put on a psychotic looking smile and spread his wings.

“No!” Rainbow screamed, struggling hopelessly. He was going to kill Spitfire and there was nothing she could do to stop him. “Spitfire, I can't move! I'm sorry!”

Wave Chill was flying up to meet them, removing a sabre from a scabbard as he went. Spitfire's glare was blazing like the sun. Whatever was about to happen, her eyes told the world that she was not afraid. All Rainbow Dash could do was struggle fruitlessly in an attempt to regain control of her body.

“We meet again, Spitfire.” His voice was cold and menacing. Placing the sharp edge of his blade against her throat, Wave Chill leaned forward, a revolting hunger scrawled across his features. Slowly, he dragged his tongue across her neck, a free hoof moving to her stomach. “Truth be told,” he hissed quietly into her ear, “I was jealous when you and Soarin started to date. I wanted my own round with you, Spit.” Spitfire was powerless to fight him off as he started to kiss her.

“YOU DISGUSTING PIG!” she snarled through clenched teeth, the rage in her voice almost palpable. “JUST KILL ME ALREADY! I'm not afraid of you...”

“Ha! Relax, Spit. I'm only kidding... I wouldn't touch a greasy slut like you, whatever you looked like.”

Wave flapped his wings, moving a foot back, and placed a well-aimed punch at her mouth. Spitfire roared out in pain, blood mixing with spit as she gasped for breath. Rainbow wanted to tear the face off of him, but the warlock's spell was showing no signs of weakness. Below, Rapidfire had glanced around at the sound of Spitfire's cry, but another soldier jumped in to engage him.

“I'm going to enjoy watching you bleed to death. You shouldn't worry about that just yet, though... and neither should you, Rainbow Dash. I see you shaking with indignation over there. Don't worry, I don’t want the pair of you dead just yet,” he said with a generous tone, as though presenting them with a rare treat. “You two are going to watch as I murder the third point in your little love triangle.”

“N-no...” Rainbow muttered, eyes bulging as they snapped to Soarin. “P-please...”

“Don’t you d-dare... ” Spitfire spat out a mouthful of blood, coughing.

“C'mon, I didn't hit you that hard. Just you try and stop me, though,” Wave Chill laughed. “By the way, I'm killing you next, Spitfire.”

There was no stopping him. Wave Chill turned in midair and dove. As he rocketed toward the ground below, he twirled the blade in his hoof. Those with weapons were still in heavy combat, completely unaware of the exchange that had gone on above. Rainbow’s voice caught in her throat as she watched the dark blue streak from Wave Chill’s tail fur burning through the air as he accelerated.

There was no stopping him. Purple tendrils of magic started to flow from his head, no doubt from his eyes. His speed had become too quick to possibly catch, even if she hadn’t been completely immobilized. With a mere wave of his free-hoof, Wave’s own forces, along with Numane and Dameer, were knocked aside by an invisible force. Swinging it the other way, Fire Streak and Lightning Streak went flying. Soarin and Rapidfire were left standing, still fighting, back to back. Surrounded.

There was no stopping him. Rainbow whispered a soft prayer, tears spilling from her eyes. Spitfire was speechless, bruised, and frightened. Twilight attempted to stop him with a spell, but it did nothing to his body as the former Wonderbolt came within two feet of his target. And just like that, it was over. It was all over.

A scarlet spurt of blood ripped through the air. As the sword stabbed forward, every soldier was knocked away by the same force. The sun could barely reflect off of the blade now that it was coated in crimson. If Rainbow could find her voice, she would have been screaming.

Soarin’s eyes were massive with shock. It seemed to take him an eternity to hit the ground. His cauliflower blue fur was splattered with dark blood. There was nothing anyone could have done to prevent it. Soarin's eyes simply looked in horror into his twin's.

“No... no! NO! NO!” Spitfire screamed in purest agony. “NO! CELESTIA, NO!”

“Spitfire...” Rainbow whispered, the last ounces of her hope flowing out of her through her tears.

“DAAAD!”

Rapidfire’s spear hit the ground with a dull, echoing clatter. He had shoulder-checked Soarin out of the way at the last moment, leaving himself defenseless. He stared down at Wave Chill's hoof, the sword buried to the hilt, deep into his chest. The other end was staining his feathers red as it dripped. Moving his eyes away from Soarin’s, Wave Chill stared down the aged stallion he had just impaled. He was so close that they were muzzle to muzzle.

“Wrong target... but, no matter, Rapidfire, old friend...” Wave Chill whispered softly, in a voice that nevertheless carried all the way up to the floating pegasi. They were still immobilized by Gwyndolin’s magic. “No hard feelings, but consider that repayment for putting me through a window yesterday.”

“Sp... Sp...” Rapidfire spluttered, blood pouring from his mouth as his only working eye found Spitfire's figure. “Spitfiah... I neva once… told ya... what it meant... you, as a daught—”

Wave Chill wrapped a hoof around Rapidfire's neck and pulled the blade from his chest. “We’re not doing this last word nonsense,” Wave Chill growled, his voice wrapped in an icy veil. He plunged the sword into a new wound, silencing him forever. Without another word, Wave Chill pressed his hoof hard against Rapidfire’s face and thrust him back, off of the blade.

Rapidfire fell to the ground with a terrible finality. His limbs briefly stirred and his head bled from the impact with the ground, but it was far too late for such a wound to be a danger to him. His face stared blankly into the sky above, unable to see the paralyzed mare whose life he had not only saved, but given purpose to. Spitfire’s scream of grief echoed throughout the district.

He was dead.

Author's Note

Cannot thank SolidFire enough for editing this beast.

1 The Mother She Deserves

What's Really the Most Important?

By KrishnaKarnak

Rainbow Dash was staring at the ceiling. Her expression was blank, but her mind had been racing for the better part of an hour or two. She held a hoof behind her head, supporting her pillow as she tried to get into a more comfortable position. Her tired eyes gazed upon the alarm clock on the bedside table.

“Oh, for the love of...” she groaned quietly.

It was nearly 5:00 AM. So much for getting much sleep tonight, she thought wearily. She felt a tickle on her left side and turned her head to see if the filly was awake. No, Scootaloo was still fast asleep, her hair tickling Dash's side as she breathed softly. Dash sighed, feeling her left arm gradually growing more and more numb, but she wouldn't risk moving it and waking the child up. She had held Scoot close to her when the little filly had come in a few hours previously, in great distress.

Scootaloo had yet again experienced the same recurring nightmare. Almost once a week, Scootaloo's sleep-time was disturbed by memories of the last night she had ever seen her mother. Scootaloo, who was four at the time, had gone into the Everfree Forest with the mare who had brought her into the world, whom Scootaloo had loved dearly. Scoot couldn't remember why they had gone into there, but her mother left her in a small cave and told her to stay put and wait for her to return.

Misty Skies, that was her name, Rainbow Dash remembered. Her eyes narrowed and she bit her lip, trying to prevent herself shaking with rage. She would never forgive that mare! She knew her well, the mare had been friends with Dash's mother. A lazy and worthless stallion had gotten Misty pregnant at a young age. Little Scootaloo had been the result of that one-time union. Rainbow Dash had met up with Misty Skies again, well over a year ago now. But Scootaloo didn't know. Dash told not a soul.

All Scootaloo knew was that her mother never returned to find her in the cave. Scootaloo was lost in the forest and had no way to fly above the trees to return home to Ponyville due to the fact that she was handicapped. Scootaloo's wings had never developed properly, so the young pegasus could not yet fly. While most pegasai foals experiment with flight as young as a couple of months old, Scootaloo had gone her full seven years of life never tasting the thrill of it.

Scootaloo believed her mother had died. Everyone did. Scootaloo never knew her father, who had left her mother before she was born. She had waited in that cave for two whole days, shaking and hungry, until a botanist picking herbs in the forest heard her cries and brought her to safety. She was taken to the Ponyville orphanage, where she had lived until two months prior to this sleepless night.

There was a pegasus that Scootaloo idolized: the great Rainbow Dash, the fastest pony in Equestria! Friend of the famous Twilight Sparkle, who was the protegé of Princess Celestia herself. Scoot had founded the 'Official Rainbow Dash Fan Club' amongst the foals at her school and a few other ponies in Ponyville.

Rainbow Dash glanced back down at the sleeping filly beside her, her chest swelling with memories. Rainbow Dash was the one who had adopted Scootaloo. It was only after they had gone camping that Dash fully realized precisely how much Scoot adored her. Rainbow Dash had always pitied her, knowing she could not fly, knowing she was orphaned, knowing she had no one but her best friends, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

And so, the month before last, Rainbow Dash had bought this house and brought Scootaloo home. She remembered fondly the look of supreme joy and the tears of happiness when the matron of the orphanage had led Scootaloo into the room 'to meet the mare who wanted to adopt her'. Acting as both a big sister and mother, Dash cared for and fed her. Laughed with her and preened her. Rainbow helped her with her homework, tucked her into bed whenever the filly was upset, told her stories, played with her, started wing training with her in their basement gym in the vain hope that one day Scootaloo could have sustained flight. Rainbow Dash was growing to love her.

Her thoughts drifted back to Misty Skies and her blood boiled. That mare was no more dead than Rainbow herself. Misty Skies lived in Manehattan. Dash had accompanied her friend Rarity there for a fashion show. She probably wouldn't have bothered otherwise, but she yearned to see the big city, and the rest of their friends were too busy with other affairs to go that weekend. After a successful show, the pair of them had gone to a nightclub in the evening to celebrate after a long day of sight-seeing.

Rainbow Dash was sitting at the bar, enjoying her drink and lost in the raucous atmosphere of the dance club. She kept throwing furtive glances at a stallion across the room who had been eyeing her up all evening. He was kinda cute, she deliberated, and his behaviour towards her whenever he stopped for a chat had suggested certain motives that were not necessarily unwelcome to her, but Rainbow Dash was only there for some drinks and dancing. Not tonight, she thought. It was Rarity, after all, who was flirting with the guys there.

As the night wore on, the fatigue of the day seemed to finally catch up with her. Growing tired, Rainbow decided it was time to drag Rarity back to their hotel. Throwing the room one final pan with her gaze, she had spotted someone that made her heart rocket into her throat. She sat in a corner of the club, drinking alone, but chatting it up with a stallion or two every few minutes. With long fuchsia hair in light, fluffy curls and a dark grey coat of fur wrapped in a dress of lavender silk. Misty Skies.

Dash stood up quickly on her hind legs. Despite the alcohol intake, was quite steady as she marched over. She had to walk this way to keep her head above the crowd, keeping the pony in her sight. Her mind buzzed numbly as she tried to ignore the sights and sounds around her: the song blaring over the sound system, the lingering taste of her drink on her throat, the smell as a stallion stumbled his way toward the exit, supporting a buddy on the verge of passing out. As Rainbow Dash finally reached the corner, Misty Skies looked up, a look of horror crossing her features.

“Misty?” Rainbow spluttered, sitting down at the same table as a feeling of great surprise and shock thundered through her.

“Rainbow Dash! Ish that you?” the mare responded with a gasp, her drink tumbling from her hooves and spilling across the table. “Oh no, oh no...”

“We thought... you were dead!” Dash stammered. “What in Celestia are ya doin' HERE? W-what happened?”

“Oh no, no, no... Look, I'm beggin' ya, don't you tell anypony! I left Ponyville becaushe of my debt. I had no way out, so I ran for it. Please! Don't tell a shoul! If the authoritiesh -hic- found out...” Misty wailed, hiccuping. “I moved here and shtarted afresh. I go by Dusk Feathersh now...”

Judging by the curious look on Misty's face, Rainbow had a feeling that her own expression was unreadable. “You a fool?” Dash continued, hooves shaking. “You could have gotten help! Do you have any idea what you've left behind?!”

“I wash too far in the hole! I panicked, but it's all worked out sho far.” Misty explained, wiping off her dress. Some of the spilled drink had splashed on to her without her notice. “Besides, I had nothin' left for me in Ponyville. Life ish way better here.”

An ugly fury had begun to bubble within her stomach. Blood surged through her veins with such force that it was physically painful.“That's... true, I suppose. You had nothing left for you back home.” Dash spoke calmly, standing up and leaning across the table. “Nothing at all.”

A terrible stinging pain erupted through her right hoof as it collided with the smirking, arrogant face of her old friend. The warmth of the blood as Misty's nose broke flowed freely across it. With a crash, the chair Misty Skies was sitting on had fallen over and Rainbow watched the drunken mare looking up at her, horrified and shocked, recoiling in fear.

“Nothing at all,” Dash repeating, loud enough for only Misty to hear, “except a practically crippled little pegasus who you probably left to die alone in the woods. Oh, you probably thought we'd all think she died or disappeared or whatever along with you, huh? You probably thought no one would ever know you left her for the timberwolves, did you? Don't be too disappointed that she survived, now. Enjoy your new life, you pathetic wretch.”

Rainbow Dash kicked her hard in the stomach and turned away, immediately finding Rarity amongst the startled and silent crowd who were close enough to notice the assault. Moving quickly, she dragged the unicorn from the club before the security could alert law enforcement and returned to the hotel.

They departed Manehattan early the following morning. Despite her own confusion, Rarity had never asked Rainbow precisely what had happened, never asked her why she had seemingly attacked a stranger for no reason. This made Rainbow Dash very grateful.

These memories had been racing through Dash's mind all night, keeping her up ever since Scoot had come in earlier. Around 2:00 in the morning, Dash had been prodded awake by a tearful and shaking Scootaloo, who had asked to sleep in Dash's bed with her. It was the same nightmare; Dash had known at once from the look on the filly's face.

Dash had moved over and allowed Scootaloo to come aboard, cuddling the sniffling filly until the younger pegasus had fallen asleep. Three hours later, and Dash was still wide awake and still thinking about everything.

Nobody knew who Dusk Feathers of Manehattan really was. Rainbow Dash didn't tell anyone that Misty Skies was still alive. She didn't go to the police, either. She wasn't worth it, nor did Dash have any real evidence. Scootaloo did not know that the mother she had cherished had selfishly abandoned her, had left her to either starve to death or become the timberwolves' next meal. Perhaps, Dash often debated, she was better off never knowing. But, no. When she had first adopted Scoot, Dash had decided that she would tell the child about her mother's treachery when Scoot was older. She deserved the truth. Scootaloo deserved someone who loved her. Rainbow briefly nuzzled her face against Scoot's head.

'The mother she deserves...' Dash thought, a warmth spreading through her body. 'I'll never let anything happen to her... she's been through enough.'

Scootaloo slept on as Dash picked up the remote off of the bedside table and clicked on the TV that sat on top of her wardrobe. Turning down the volume quickly as not to wake the girl, Dash flicked through the channels. She was trying to distract herself as she remembered why she wanted to adopt a filly or colt in the first place.

Scootaloo certainly wasn't the only pony who had something wrong with their body. Dash had known for years that she was almost completely infertile. As such, it was unlikely that Rainbow Dash would ever be a mother herself, so she had pushed the idea from her mind as soon as possible to avoid becoming depressed as she continued to train hard to become the best flier who ever lived. She hadn't really intended to adopt anyone until she was much older and had finally gotten herself into the Wonderbolts, the world famous aerobatic team.

Dash looked over at the poster of First Officer Soarin on her wall. She smiled at the scribble near the bottom, put there by Soarin himself. 'To Rainbow 'Sonic Rainboom' Dashie, keep being an inspiration to pegasai everywhere!'. Rainbow had drawn a little heart next to the signature. One day, perhaps. One day.

No, she had decided that she would adopt earlier than she had originally intended. When Scootaloo confessed her deepest fears and told Rainbow that she wanted the older pegasus to become something like a big sister to her, Dash had agreed. Not only that, but Rainbow Dash had taken it further. Even though Dash was still barely into her adulthood at the age of twenty two, she had made that fateful trek to the orphanage to file the paperwork she needed.

She had certainly known Scoot long enough by that point. Rainbow had saw her nearly every day, especially whenever she visited Rarity or Applejack. Both of them had a sister who were best friends with Scootaloo. The three fillies formed the 'Cutie Mark Crusaders', Ponyville's little band of trouble makers on a quest 'to find out who they are' by attempting everything under the sun to cause their Cutie Marks to appear.

Rainbow Dash turned the television off. Nothing good on, she realized with a sigh. What a surprise! Once again, she gazed intently at her new 'sister'. Scootaloo was drooling all over the sheets. Scoot really was adorable, Dash noticed fondly. Her life had felt so much fuller ever since that camping trip. She felt truly happy. Best of all, she had noticed Scootaloo seemed a lot happier, too. Dash smiled to herself, knowing how happy being together as a real family had made both of them.

She could remember telling the filly that she could call Rainbow Dash 'Mommy' if she wanted. Rainbow still wasn't one hundred percent certain if she would prefer being called that over 'Sis' or not, since it was practically impossible for her to hear that word otherwise due to her near-infertility. What was more, she often wondered if Scootaloo found it painful to accepting having a mother again. Maybe it would be best to stick to 'sisters' over 'mother and daughter'? Now and then, Scootaloo called her 'Mom', but it seemed more of an accidental slip up than anything else. Rainbow wasn't really bothered by it.

She rolled over and snuggled the filly close as the room gradually brightened due to the sky outside the curtained window growing steadily lighter. Their life together had been amazing thus far, but not everything had been enjoyable, she remembered. The Crusaders had nearly burned down their clubhouse a few weeks after Scoot was adopted, an event that easily could have cost either of those fillies their lives. Rainbow Dash had to face the prospect of disciplining Scootaloo because of this, and not three weeks later, she found herself in almost the same spot after Scootaloo had started a fight with one of the school bullies that landed her in detention. Rainbow Dash's 'sisterly guidance' was firm, but she always made sure Scootaloo understood that it was all out of love for her and these corrections were necessary because she wanted her to do better.

Eventually, Dash had to give up on the prospect of trying to sleep. Instead, she breathed deeply as she continued to set her focus on the memories they shared together, the good and the bad. She was looking forward to the days, weeks, months, and even years ahead where Scootaloo would get all of the love and guidance her real mother had never offered her. After losing herself in her recollections and thoughts for another long while, she rolled back over to the right and checked the alarm clock. 6:25 AM, it was going to go off in five minutes. Realizing that it was pointless to wait, Dash reached over and disabled the alarm early, yanked her arm out from under a still snoozing Scoot, and sat up. Shaking the feeling back into the limb, she stretched and yawned. Today was going to be a long day. An important day, though Dash didn't know it yet, but any day felt exhausting when you were tired.

“Wake up, kiddo,” Rainbow Dash said, giving Scoot a gentle prod. “Time to get up for school.”

Author's Note

I won't be including notes after the chapters, but this seems the best place to say this: There's been a lot of confusion over whether or not this story is anthro. I do not like using the term forelegs very often, so I tend to refer to the front legs as arms and the back legs as the legs. Since ponies use their front hooves often, I feel it's dumb to say, for example, 'SO AND SO PICKED IT UP WITH HER LEGS' if a pony picks something up. Ponies -can- stand for a short while on their hind legs (see Rarity's martial arts in Return to Harmony Part 2), and everyone seems to sit like Lyra now (see Sleepless in Ponyville), so arms and legs instead of forelegs/backlegs seems very reasonable.

As for RD wearing a uniform for work and dresses and stuff, this is all supported by the show itself: The mane 6 wear dresses every other major episode, Rarity enjoys pajamas on a Sunday morning, the Wonderbolts wear military-style uniforms when not wearing their signature blue/yellow flight suits, Ms. Harshwhinny wears a suit, etc.

With all that said, enjoy your ride, ladies and gents!

Act 2.5 - The Hour of Twilit Void

A bright flash of green light illuminated the entrance hall of the Palace of Kings. A high wind seemed to whip about the small, circular chamber, around and around, causing the torches in their brackets to flicker. The starlight-white unicorn landed in the centre, her dark brown cloak billowing about her hooves. Several soldiers of the Tempered Feather had backed away in a startled wave before recognizing her.

“Gwyndolin!”

“Ma’am, thank God! Thank Osiris!”

“We didn’t know what to do! Where is the Commander, ma’am?”

“Azure Wings is presently indisposed with the threats within the walls.” Gwyndolin's horn was glowing menacingly. She glared toward a massive set of double doors, closed tight and with several wooden beams drawn across it. “Good, the central chamber is sealed off. We cannot allow the rebellion entry into the palace, though they will not get past me!” She turned to face the smaller doors that opened into the courtyard, with the districts of Gymkhana beyond it.

“We must look to our defences, ma’am! The Gymkhanites gather at our gates!”

With a powerful surge of power, strong enough to push away all of the horses around her, the warlock let loose a stream of magic. It flew down the stairs and crashed into the door. Like shattered glass, it fell to the floor in pieces.

“Open the gates. The fair citizens of this city have finally grown weary of our little game of chess, it seems. So be it, their souls are forfeit,” Gwyndolin whispered in a soft hiss, rising into the air, her limbs crackling with the intensity of her magic. As she continued, her voice rose in a terrible crescendo. “Let them come… the Voidwalker hungers!”