Somewhere in Equestria
A pink alicorn foal, barely old enough to be called a filly bounced along as fast as her little legs could carry her. Despite her erratic pace she barely kept up with her much older sister, Chaotic Sunset. A white tufty mane stuck out from this mare's grey head. A black mane covered her ears as she flittered joyfully along. Her blue wings, one alicorn and one bat wing shot out to steady herself as she leapt over a log that her sister teleported through. Her left lion's paw grappled a fallen tree trunk that collapsed inward. Her three hooves landed hard on the soft ground and she daintily shook her left forepaw to dislodge the decaying bark.
The pair quickly reached a cliff that overlooked a small settlement below and the older alicorn turned to her companion. "Ok sis, jump on."
The foal teleported with a flash onto her sister's shoulder and gurgled affirmative.
With a smirk, the older alicorn pumped her wings and the pair spiralled into the skies then dived with a gigantic woosh down into the town below. The pair laughed as they dodged houses, ponies and the occasional cart. All of a sudden the duo found themselves faced with a wall. The babe cried out in alarm while her sister morphed into a glob, almost like Mr. Smooze and splattered harmlessly against the wall. The young foal found herself safe in the large glob as it slid slowly down and became a giant puddle on the ground.
The pink alicorn splashed around happily for a few moments till her sister reformed and she found herself wrapped up in a powerful set of wings. The foal chuckled happily then lit her horn. The pair vanished in a flash of light.
With a cry of shock, Chaotic Sunset appeared, her sister still held protectively in her wings. "Wha- Don't do that!"
The itty bitty alicorn in her care giggled softly. "Uh... if you make us appear on the other side of Equestria again, mom and dad will kill me!"
More happy little filly noises were the only reply. The older sibling sighed. "At least you only took us home. I guess..."
A strange flicker passed through the world and suddenly the tiny alicorn found herself in the hold of a flickering creature that grew to become a towering monster, twice as large as a horse. "Hello, sister."
The evil tone sent a wash of panic through the mare's body and her now fully formed pink wings shot out. She tumbled to the dark ground and lay there, frozen in terror. Pink eyes flickered up and met with mismatched glowing irises. She tried to fly yet remained fixed to the ground in front of the dark mostly alicorn creature before her. Behind the mare, a small town burned and ponies with red glowing eyes walked slowly out of the flames. "Be warned, for I have discovered changelings wish to dispose of thee. Say where you are. Your big sister is coming for you..." The dark alicorn demanded then began to laugh maniacally.
Shining Armor was jolted awake as something tightly ensnared his barrel. Pain lanced through his right foreleg as something sharp poked into his flesh. He lifted a hoof to repel the dawnlight attacker and faltered as his eyes focused on the pink pointy thing and the mare tied to his chest. Cadance! His fillyfriend wimpered loudly as she nuzzled into his upper chest, her horn once again sharply poked his foreleg. The pain faded from all relevance as realization set in like a blast of lightning. Cadance was in trouble and he had to help!
As Cadance softly cried out in the still morning air Shining Armor began to gently shake her. "Cadance, honey... wake up... Please!"
The young officer forcefully nuzzled the pretty pink head up and began to caress her softly as he continued to softly plead; "please wake up... it's only a bad dream... Cadance!"
With an almighty shudder, the young princess broke from the realm of sleep. She whimpered, tears broke from her clenched shut eyes while her whole body shook in fear.
Shining Armor's own eyes watered from an accidental smack from a rather solid pink horn.
The young mare began to cry softly as her coltfriend held her. "Th-th-thank goodness you're here... I a terrible dream..."
"Shhh- it's okay Cadance... I'm here. You're safe."
One of the guards shot his officer a warning look. Shining ignored it. He had to help Cadance.
After a lull, the young princess of love continued softly; "It was scary... I- in my dream... It felt... like my big sister was angry. At first, she was playing with me when I was a filly. I saw things... Beautiful fields that look nothing like any part of Equestria I have ever seen. She took me flying and pulled off some fun... crazy magic. But suddenly she changed. She was really mean and had some ponies following her like zombies. This ... creature... looked at me and ...and called me sister. She said something strange. Why would I dream of her? I don't even have a big sister?" The pretty, light pink alicorn shuddered as she huddled up to her coltfriend.
"Well, unless there is something Celestia isn't telling you, it sounds like your imagination is doing crazy things because... because you're so tired and stressed?" Shining Armor offered softly as he continued to caress his tearful mare. "None of this makes any sense to me either."
The colt began to hum softly as he rocked back and forth. Cadance hugged her coltfriend back, her breaths deep and unbalanced.
"Sir. I think we should prepare to move as soon as we can." Sky Slash spoke up as softly as he could. The dirty white pegasus scratched at his light blue mane as it stuck out of his helmet in a ragged mess.
"Alright." It was at this point the young officer noted it was barely past dawn and there was fresh dew at the mouth of the small cave.
Sky Slash whispered back: "I can go take a look now, see if any creatures nearby heard you two."
"Do it," Shining nodded in affirmation.
The white pegasus saluted and took off, careful not to disturb the layer of moisture on the mouth of the cave.
"Shining?" Cadance softly murmured.
"Yes, honey?" Despite how discoloured her coat was from all the mud and rain, the young stallion could not help but feel his breath taken away as he gazed at the beautiful alicorn in his care.
"Might I be able to write auntie a quick letter? I think I should ask her and Luna about my dream."
Shining nodded, "okay, you-"
A thud startled Shining Armor into silence as the pegasus landed roughly and rolled into the cave with a pained grunt. "Changelings! Get down everypony!" The whispered command from the guard caused everypony to dive for what little cover they could.
With a wince, Sky Slash hauled himself over to his commander, "sir... I think I saw six ponies not far off, one of them flickered and I saw a changeling. I don't think I was spotted."
A tense silence fell upon the small group.
"Should we move?"
Shining Armor contemplated the question. He turned to Sky Slash. "Are you sure they didn't see you."
"I- hard to say, sir."
The white unicorn felt his pretty pink fillyfriend huddle up a little closer to him for support. He found himself wishing, and not for the first time that they were home in Canterlot, safe. "Everypony at the ready. If they come looking for us, we take them out quickly. If five minutes pass without trouble, I want us to head for the nearest train stop or station. We're going back to Canterlot."
The other soldiers nodded in affirmative and readied their weapons.
Time ticked slowly, painfully by as the ponies waited, ready.
Cadance startled and rose slightly as she recalled some of the words the alicorn who claimed to be her sister had uttered. How did that pony know there were changelings nearby? The fur on the back of her neck bristled. Something creepy was going on. If that evil-looking mare wanted to keep her safe from the changelings, what horror did the bug-like creatures have in store for her?
And come to think of it, what did that half alicorn want from her after all?
Canterlot Royal Library
Twilight stifled a yawn as she strode purposefully into the quiet palace library. Rows of books sat on pristine shelves, ready and waiting to share the knowledge they held within to any who came searching. One such seeker of knowledge sat on a cushion in the open central section of the room with three books suspended in the dark blue glow of her magic. The middle book was open, its pages turned as the alicorn read at great speed. Dark crystal eyes flicked down page after page of content while tendrils of magic worked the pages to keep up.
Twilight froze at the sight of the starry mane that floated effortlessly above the mare's shoulders. It contrasted rather stunningly with the rest of the silver and golden sunny design of the room.
Luna is here already?
The central book shut with a light poof. "Greetings Twilight."
"G-good morning Princess."
The matron of the night eyed the unicorn who currently looked more like a stunned bunny than a mare. "Luna, please."
"Err- Right." Twilight hovered, uncertain about to approach this particular pony. "So... What... brought you here this early in the morning?"
Luna smiled lightly, "tis a princess not allowed to enjoy a good book while she awaits the presence of her-" she visibly caught herself, then continued slower, "of thyself."
"Nothing wrong. I just didn't take you for a morning pony."
"A good pot of coffee goes a long way," Luna shot the rather attractive mare in front of her a wiry grin.
At last, a smile broke out across the purple muzzle, "you've discovered the wonders of coffee too?" Twilight relaxed somewhat as she, at last, took another few steps toward the darker mare.
"Yes." Silence fell upon the duo as Twilight stood awkwardly, a few steps away from the princess of the night.
After a few moments of silence, the young mage piped up once more, "I don't think I've seen any pony read faster than me before. It looked quite impressive. You were reading, right?"
"Correct," a smile tugged at the dark princess's muzzle. "It sounds to me as though somepony could make a most wonderful reading partner too."
Twilight glanced away at the rows of nearby books as though for inspiration. "Look... about the dream last night..."
Hope flickered across Luna's eyes as she met the younger mare's gaze.
"I think we should tell Celestia."
Three thuds rang out through the quiet library. Twilight rushed to check the books and sighed with relief when she saw that they were all still ok from their brief skydive. "Luna? How could you do that to those books!?"
The panicked alicorn replied in a voice more akin to a mouse than a princess; "please do not tell my sister. At least, not yet."
"Why not?"
Luna suddenly found something on the floor to be of great interest. Silence took hold.
A purple tail swished impatiently.
Dark blue wings flicked as though trying to dispel uncertainty.
Twilight sighed. She sat down beside the older mare and wrapped the closest dark blue forehoof with her own. That got attention fast. "She can help us."
The dark alicorn turned her nose up at the declaration. "We do not need our sister's judgment."
"She won't judge you."
Luna side eyed the beautiful unicorn who held her hoof. "How canst thou be so sure?"
"Because-" Twilight's voice failed her as she realized it was hope, not certainty that gave her the boldness to claim that Celestia would not judge her own sister. "Well, I mean... I hope."
Luna turned her attention from her treasured mare to the tomes in front.
Twilight thought for a few moments. With a careful look around to ensure they were alone, the young unicorn slowly returned her gaze to the hard-headed alicorn before her. Time dragged on into awkwardness till the young mare tentatively spoke up: "Look... if I went on a date with you, would you agree to talk to your sister? We can even speak to Celestia together, you don't need to do this alone."
Shock radiated from Luna as her head snapped up to meet the keen gaze of the scholar who held her hoof. The fact that such an offer had been made, slowly sank in like a boulder into the world's slowest quicksand. Luna fluffed her wings then lowered her gaze to the books in front of her. The matron of the night sighed, "art thou sure? We do not wish to court thee simply because of a bargain."
"Yeah, but... even though I'm pretty sure I'm more interested in stallions... or something... I could give you a go. Wait, did that come out wrong? I mean, like date uh- it would be nice to try and do you if you agree to talk to your sister about both things." Twilight cringed as she realized what she said was probably still wrong. "I- I mean-"
"But... The nightmare." Luna cut her crush off. Her wings twitched with eagerness and something inside blossomed with desire causing her cheeks to heat up. "As much as we- I might like to court thee, we art sure Celestia has no magic that will help us, beyond sending us to the moon once more."
Twilight cringed, "about that... I know I haven't had much time to think about it, and none whatsoever to research, but I think I can help. If the nightmare is part of you, maybe you just need more time with friends, like me to help."
Silence fell as Twilight lent in closer, eager and hopeful that her offer was being seriously considered.
"I might like that, very much." Luna nodded thoughtfully. "Surely it cannot be that simple?"
Twilight settled back a bit as she regarded the lunar princess. "Well... I still think you should tell Celestia. You never know."
"If you would give... us... courting... a go?" Luna replied slowly.
Twilight took a deep breath and thought carefully for a few moments. At last, she levelled her best serious gaze up at the hopeful alicorn. "Yes. A date. Not like... as a couple or anything. I still need to how I feel about this and right now, my tummy feels as though it's going to war with my head and my brain is all a confusing mess as though I've lost all my notes on the most important test ever. Oh, and I think we should do some research before we bring the nightmare thing to her. Although... I've just realized something on my way here."
"And that might be?"
Twilight glanced around. The librarian at the far side of the room was carefully avoiding the pair and there were no other ponies about. After a careful breath, Twilight lent in close and spoke softly: "This artifact. Did it disappear the day you left me in the hospital to see Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash?"
"Correct."
"Then we really need to tell Celestia about this now. It's probably already too late to catch whoever stole it!"
Luna's muzzle fell in shame, "but Cele will kill me if she realizes that we art directly involved in the loss of one of the talismans."
Twilight wriggled closer till their bodies came into contact. "No pony's killing you, Luna. Besides, they will have to go through me to do it."
Midnight wings ruffled and pleasant surprise shot across the alicorn's face. "Truly? We had attempted to mean figuratively. Or is my grasp on modern language worse than we had thought?"
Twilight cracked a grin, "it's fine. I guess I just take things literally sometimes."
A sly, pleased grin slid across the midnight mare's muzzle. "Oh. We shalt keep that in mind."
"Good." Twilight stood slowly, "I think we should first of all check on Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy and then see Celestia. After we see Celestia, I would like to study again."
"But you only just arrived here."
"I know. But I also really want to see how my friends are doing."
Luna stood slowly, "would thou mind if I do this as we walk?" A dark blue wing fell across Twilight's withers.
The studious unicorn eyed the wing then the dark alicorn attached to it before she responded: "Only if we tell her everything."
Fear clashed against excitement within Luna. Her heart demanded that she sweep the cute unicorn up and carry her off, ready to do anything she asked just for a real chance to win her heart. Her brain reminded her of the consequences of talking to Celestia. The two really had not been on the best of terms of late, beyond their meetings over the troubled times and Twilight's progress. And what if Twilight turned her down after one date?
No. That must not happen.
Twilight would never do that to her, could she?
Yes, she will.
Luna felt her coat bristle. Just accept her offering, it's the only way you will ever have a chance. The darker corner of her mind, the nightmare called to her. Luna shook her darker self off and was met with the concerned gaze of her crush. 'How long have I been in mine own mind?'
"We- I agree to thy terms."
"Alright then." Twilight picked up the books and was quick to shelve them before she set off. "Let's go."
Canterlot Royal Hospital, Canterlot
Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.
A yellow hoof reached out to turn the alarm clock off. A gentle swipe found nothing. A groggy pegasus rolled over with a grunt and swiped for her alarm clock again.
Still nothing.
A bleary eye cracked open. Why did the world feel so strange...? Why was everything so fuzzy and grey?
The pegasus slowly blinked a few more times and the darkness shifted. Dark? It was still night time?
As clouds continued to slowly evaporate from her mind, Fluttershy realized the room was actually white. It almost looked like a hospital somewhere.
She tried to lift her right forehoof to rise from the bed and realized something was attached to her limb. It was a-
An IV drip?
Fluttershy blinked a few times at the strange thing in her foreleg.
Pain shot through her body and she eeped!
"Oww..."
For the first time, Fluttershy's gaze fell to the rest of her body and she realized her barrel was wrapped in bandages. A phantasmic claw swung at her in the darkness. With a scream she fell off the bed and onto the hard floor.
Griffons!
Griffons everywhere!
Big, mean, nasty griffons!
Fluttershy lay prone, her body on fire as everything erupted with pain. She could feel every spot the griffons had hurt her. A hoof tenderly fell upon her covered upper chest and she sighed as she felt solid flesh under the covering. The animal caretaker lay upon the cold floor panting as the pain receded and her magically healed wounds slowly calmed. The smaller scratches and several bruises all stung like fresh wounds.
"Mrs. Fluttershy?"
Light exploded throughout the room. The downed pegasus squealed and covered her eyes with her right foreleg while her retinas continued to burn. The sparkling and whiteness gradually lessened but the foreleg remained, shielding her face.
"Here, let me help you up."
The light yellow pegasus felt herself being lifted up with magic till her hooves touched cold hard tiles. "T-thank you... uh, can you please turn the light off?"
"Oh, why yes, of course. Although it is almost eight-thirty in the morning." The nurse unicorn lit her horn and closed the blinds once more. The room returned to its darkened state. "I'm so very glad to see you up, but please try and be more careful. Your body needs time to let the magic set."
"I'm sorry." Fluttershy opened her eyes and spotted the nurse in the darkness. "I- I think I might be okay now, you can let a little bit of light in..."
"Okay." The unicorn's horn lit once again and blinds adjusted slightly and the brilliance of Celestia's morning burst into the room.
Fluttershy closed her eyes, shocked by how sensitive she was to something as minor as sunlight. After a few tender moments of light against her closed eyelids, she cracked her peepers open once more.
The buttery yellow pegasus slowly surveyed the rest of the room. A gasp escaped as she spotted the bed next to her own.
"Rainbow Dash!"
Fluttershy fumbled over to her fillyfriend's bedside, her movements dulled thanks to lying on a bed for what felt like weeks.
"Oh, Rainbow Dash... What have they done to you?"
"Careful!"
Despite the nurses warning, Fluttershy nuzzled up against her mare with vigour. "Rainbow...wake up…" Fluttershy's plea escaped her lips, badly audible.
"Rainbow...wake up..."
"Five more minutes…." mumbled the speedster to herself, unwilling to open her eyes.
But it was for naught, since Rainbow Dash woke up moments later. Her eyes fluttered open. For a brief moment, she was taken off guard when she saw where she was. Where was she? It took a moment to register, but she felt her body relax. It was only Fluttershy's cottage. Their cottage. Their home. Their bedroom.
Next to her in bed, Fluttershy beamed happily with a bright smile. "Hello, my love..."
With a delighted chuckle, Dash leaned over and kissed the beautiful pegasus on the nose. "Morning, sunshine."
Fluttershy giggled before wriggling out of bed. She headed over to her dresser to brush her mane in front of the mirror. Rainbow sat up in bed, watching with admiring eyes. Little sweet moments like this in the morning were always such heartwarming gold. The cyan pegasus extracted herself out of bed as well and trotted over to join her love. She patiently watched as the shy pegasus continued to brush her mane.
An idea sparked in the champion speedster's mind. She took the brush from Fluttershy, motioned for her to sit, then continued the job of brushing her mane. Of course, she added a little Rainbow Dash flare to the mix as she worked... but that was all part of the fun. Fluttershy giggled and leaned back against her. The sweet action quickly escalated into snuggles between the two despite the efforts to get the pretty pink mane brushed.
Afterward, Fluttershy carefully picked up a piece of jewellery from the dresser and placed it around Rainbow's neck. A pendant on a strong but loose-fitting chain. Rainbow grinned, doing the same by taking a similar piece and placing it around Fluttershy's neck. Pendants of each other's cutie marks; with Fluttershy wearing the pendant of the powerful rainbow lightning bolt striking from a cloud while Rainbow wore the pendant of the three pink butterflies.
Both mares shared a nuzzle. The warm fuzzies erupted around them. The lovers shared a sweet kiss, pouring their love for each other into the simple, enjoyable action. With smiles on their faces, they turned to gaze at a framed photograph sitting on the dresser. A wedding photo.
"Mom! Mommy! Yay!" A yellow coated, rainbow maned filly barrelled around the corner. She collided with her parents in a ball of rainbow and sunny yellow at their hooves.
"Good morning, Spectra." Fluttershy helped her filly up and into a family hug.
"You're acting just like me there squirt. Just try not to crash into everything next time." Dash giggled as her daughter nuzzled her.
"Mommy's right… slow down before you hurt yourself, sweetie," Fluttershy gently chided.
"Awww, come on! But Scootaloo taught me a cool trick!" Spectra pouted.
"You bet I did!" Scootaloo entered the parents' bedroom as well, a broad grin upon her muzzle.
Dash chuckled, she looked from her adopted daughter/sister to their own filly, "Really now? Would you care to share it with the class later after I get back from work?"
"Yes!" Spectra nuzzled her parents before wriggling away. "C'mon, Scoots! Time for school!"
"Not until after we eat!" The orange pegasus reminded her.
"Well," Fluttershy smiled at her family before she headed to the stairs, "Then I suppose that means duty calls. Let's get you all some breakfast."
An excited Spectra chased after the motherly mare, full of hearty giggles and wearing a cheeky grin. Scootaloo watched after them, turning back to Rainbow Dash. "Any cool tours with the Wonderbolts coming up, Rainbow Dash?"
Rainbow paused, for some reason, she could not remember anything about her next tour with the Wonderbolts. In fact, a lot of things, though present in her life and mind, seemed to be a strange mystery she couldn't piece together. But it was probably nothing, anyway, just overthinking everything. The question at hoof regarded her lifelong idols, the Wonderbolts. The cyan pegasus still kept a poster of her group on the center wall of the bedroom.
"Nah. Nothing I can think of. Just weather jobs for now for me." Dash smiled. "I've got a family now, and I'm not about to leave my friends or my family hanging! Besides, I've had my run going out far and wide. There should be something coming up close to home soon… I'll need to check."
"Okay!"
As the pair of youngsters vanished down the stairs, Dash turned back to her lover and shared another quick nuzzle.
Next thing Dash knew, breakfast was over and her girls were trotting out the door off to school.
Rainbow Dash moved to the door next, with her own saddlebags as she prepared to depart for another day of weather duties.
"Have a good day, my love," Fluttershy cooed sweetly, offering a nuzzle.
Grinning, Dash swept Fluttershy into an intimate embrace and gave her a long, loving kiss. Fluttershy squeaked in surprise, but was quickly kissing her back vigorously. They parted, looking to each other with flushed, half-lidded smiles, remaining close to one another.
"Come home for lunch, Dashie," Fluttershy whispered in a sultry tone.
A suggestive smirk overcame Dash's features as she licked her wife's lips, "You read my mind, Flutters. Think... you might want to throw a little bit of that cute lingerie you have?"
"Hee, of course." The shy pony didn't even try to hide the blush that now completely covered her muzzle.
They kissed once more, nuzzling each other warmly.
"Love you, Fluttershy." Dash smiled as she headed outside onto the path. "So much."
"And I love you too, Rainbow," Fluttershy beamed, blushing. "I'll see you later."
Elated, the cyan pegasus headed out and flew off into the waiting sky. However, in doing so, she felt a very strange feeling. It was warm and loving as if enveloping her completely in a strangely familiar way. It almost felt as she was carrying her loved one with her and somehow Fluttershy was still snuggling her. She could feel Fluttershy's care, her love, her soul, yet she knew that the pretty yellow mare was at home waiting for her triumphant return.
After a quick glance around, Rainbow Dash shrugged the odd feeling off. It must be nothing.
The bold mare quickly completed her weather duties for the day, the strange presence helped her all the way. Cloud by cloud disappeared under precise, well practiced assaults. Her clear speed was amazing. Today was truly a great day to be a pegasus! She fell into practising for the next performance with the Wonderbolts. Next thing Dash knew, it was time for lunch.
"Time for lunch! Oh boy, I wonder what Fluttershy's got in store!" She wondered as she flew along. "I wonder if she'll let me try that stallion potion again... heh..."
"Hush now, quiet now, it's time to lay your sleepy head..."
Rainbow Dash almost fell out of the sky in surprise, ears perking. "Fluttershy?" She looked around, up and down, and behind her. But there was no sign of Fluttershy or anypony for that matter.
"Weird... I swear I her singing... But what the hay is going on?! Fluttershy's at home and I'm pretty sure I'm not imagining it! Oh, whatever..."
She hummed and whistled, trying to get her mind off the strange occurrence from just moments ago. Nothing to worry about, anyway.
Something quick as lighting darted by, startling the speedster out of her lovestruck flying pattern.
"What the hay?!" Dash exclaimed, hovering like a stunned pegasus.
Another projectile rocked past her, slamming into the road below, sending shards upwards. The athletic pegasus dodged the incoming shrapnel.
"Nothing's going to bring Rainbow Dash down that easily..." She muttered as she boldly sped off.
The Wonderbolt evaded several more falling rocks, swerving out of the way with well practised ease. The strange sensation of Fluttershy never left her. It felt as though the shy pegasus was cuddled up to her tummy. It was odd, but filled her with hope.
Dash knew she would succeed in this new, bizarre challenge. A grin entered her face, nothing could stop this pegasus. Suddenly a new thought entered her head. 'Fluttershy! I hope you're alright!' The Wonderbolt put on an additional burst of speed and plowed onwards through the deadly storm. She glanced up to appraise her position and her eyes widened in fear. The biggest hunk of rock she had ever seen was headed right for her.
"Oh buc-" Dash's breath was torn from her as the flaming projectile smashed into her. 'This is it... this is the end...' She closed her eyes, small tears formed despite the otherworldly forces exerted upon her.
The blue pegasus hit the ground, her rainbow tail pinned beneath the rock. Try as she may, she couldn't move. Her mane and tail were caught and taut, and the rock was far too big and heavy for her to move, especially since she couldn't adjust herself to the right angle without pulling hard on her tail. There was no way she should have survived the fall, yet somehow, here she was… still alive.
"No! No! I have to get home to Fluttershy...! I have to help her...! Help our kids...! Uggghh, come on, tail!" Dash yelled out, trying hard to pull her tail out, but with no success. "No!"
All around, far and beyond, Dash could hear meteorites impacting with the land around. If not for the completely hopeless and terrifying situation, it would've been an amazing spectacle. Rainbow Dash could hear the screams coming from Ponyville, the air raid sirens screeched. There were even mild tremors along the ground. It was clear that this wasn't the only big rock to make an impact.
The lone pegasus trembled, tears in her eyes. There was nothing she could do to protect her family, who were likely terrified, especially Fluttershy, who was at home with the animals. Spectra and Scootaloo were safe at the schoolhouse, especially since they had each other for comfort. But it still didn't help that she was trapped and somepony could get hurt, especially her friends and family.
"Rainbow… Rainbow, my dear... It's okay...you're going to be all right..." Fluttershy's soft, sweet voice reached her ears.
"Fluttershy! Fluttershy, thank Celestia you're okay! But you shouldn't be here! It's dangerous!" Dash cried, looking around, but found no sign of her wife. "…Fluttershy? Fluttershy, where are you?"
"I'm here, my love… I'm here… and I won't leave you…" Despite the bold mares cries, Fluttershy sounded like she couldn't hear anything Dash said.
Nothing was making sense.
'How am I not dead?'
'How Can I hear Fluttershy?'
What is going on?!'
A warm comfort washed over her once more. Dash had never felt so warm and safe before. As death rained down upon the world, one pony enjoyed the safety afforded by her true love. She closed her eyes in defeat as the world around her died. Inside she could still feel Fluttershy. She held onto the feeling, made it all her mind thought of, all she existed for.
As Dash lay in the fetal position on the scorched earth, her back became warm and cozy. It felt as though she had become the little spoon to her Fluttershy. The soft touch of yellow fur against blue, pink mane merging with all the colours of the rainbow. It felt like a wing had just desended upon her heaving side, protecting her. She could hear whispers, soft as Fluttershy's quietest pleas and sadder than the tears she cried over every animal lost.
Time passed. Dash didn't know how long, but after a while, everything just stopped. Bright red eyes cracked open.
She stood in the center of Ponyville town square. Around her, ponies went about their day. She could see Applejack selling her produce to Lyra and Bon Bon. Nothing was out of place nor damaged, which was odd. What had happened? Had she just imagined Ponyville's destruction?
"Rainbow..." The soft tone of her wife drifted as if on the breeze.
"Fluttershy? Where are you!?" The solitary mare cried out, startled.
Suddenly, the sense of peace turned cold. The whole world appeared to slowly lose its colour as on the far horizon, a winged creature appeared.
The winged pony rapidly descended with otherworldly grace and soon landed in front of the part time Wonderbolt. The sight of the mare took Dash's breath away.
Before her stood an impossible creature. This ...mare? appeared to be an alicorn, but at the same time, she was not. Dash found herself staring at the captivating eyes, unnatural orbs that glowed with mischief and power. Her right eye was a bright sunny yellow while her left was deep purple. Her head was grey and matched her glowing horn: A white tufty mane stuck out, it almost covered her yellow eye like a crazy unbrushed fringe. Past her brown ears fell a light black mane which fell like darkness upon the pure white body of the strong young mare. Her blue wings, one alicorn, one batwing was tucked neatly at her sides and a sky blue tail that looked like it belonged on a draconequus waved around lightly in the non-existent breeze. In place of a left hoof, she had a lions paw. The whole left leg was a light brown that suddenly cut off as it met her perfect white coat. Her right forehoof was deep brown and like the lion's leg, it too retained its colour right up to the pristine, pure white coat. Her cutie mark was of clouds slowly moving to cover the sun, a sun that looked rather like the cutie mark upon Princess Celestia.
She was as beautiful as she was bizarre.
"Wha-" Dash began, filled with awe.
The regal alicorn cut the stunned pegasus off with a wave of her forehoof.
Although her voice was cheeky and light, the message she carried was anything but:
"If I were a filly of any sort,
I'd leave Canterlot and travel forth,
for only fools seek the griffin talismans of their Lord.
Look past the land of crystal and yak,
Where the sea meets the shore,
Rock stands sentinel evermore.
The one of magic who cannot fly,
The beast of fire who cannot roar,
He who lies deep beneath the beasts' mouth.
For there in caverns vast shall the seed of freedom be found.
Return this seed to thy home.
For there our lands' beating heart,
This seed must find its home."
The regal pony fell silent, her face lit up in a gleeful smile before she remembered the contents of the riddle she had just delivered. Her face quickly became sombre yet she retained the cheeky look in her eye.
Dash stood before the strange alicorn, unsure what to do or say. She felt as though there was no place for her to go, or to hide. She was rooted to the spot. Before this creature, in this fading world of white, all Dash could do was stare.
"Wha- who are you…?" Rainbow Dash eventually managed.
The stranger let out a giggle. "Who me?" Her horn lit up with powerful magic and she spread her wings wide. "You'll find out… or maybe not… I don't know yet. Mother will be soo angry when she sees what I've become…" The strange creature sighed.
Darkness flickered across her frame. "It looks like she's waking up now. This is not good... Find me, before I find my sister. Quickly!" With a mighty flap of her wings, the mostly-alicorn mare took off into the nothingness of the sky above.
Darkness closed in on the speedster as she raised her wings in a panicked attempt to flee. Rainbow Dash felt the warm presence of her lover return like a nice blanket on a cold winters night. Suddenly things were not so bad.
"Fluttershy…" smiled Rainbow Dash, thankful that she wasn't quite so alone anymore.
Author's Note:
It's good to be back into this. Kinda coincides with New Zealand going into full lock down.
So, now I have more time to write. Location film work is out for who knows how long.
There was a riddle in the original story and I wanted to keep a riddle in this too. This one is rather different, but still delivered to Rainbow Dash.
It helps that I have a much clearer direction of where I'm going than I did when I first wrote Dash's dream sequence in 2012 and I hope that shows.
The pieces are moving into place and soon all hell is going to break loose.