CHAPTER 8: ASHES IN THE FLAMES - PART 2

The duplicate Rainbow Dash continued to smile as she raised a brow at the three ponies whom still eyed her with interest. However it was she who was most intrigued, as she soon smirked, followed by a soft chuckle. "Whoa whoa whoa! So you guys almost banished her!? That's pretty awesome! She's always on guard, how'd you manage to get close enough to her? Although I have to wonder, if you could've banished her, why not just get rid of her entirely? You could've saved us a lot of trouble Princesses!" She shrugged with a sigh, "Oh well! I want her for myself anyway! Skippy and I go waaaay way back. In some ways, it's also because of her I made Lieutenant." Rainbow gave a nostalgic smile as she just glanced up towards the ceiling of the room. "Aaaaah Skippy, is it coming to the time we finally let this all end?"

Princess Celestia immediately slammed both hooves atop the table. "Because that is not how we work in this world Lieutenant Dash! We don't simply exterminate ponies. Is that how I work in your world!? Is that what this Twilight expects of me!?" She huffed, irritated.

Lieutenant Dash cocked her head back with another chuckle. "Of course you silly princess! She expects you to go all out. She's killed plenty of ours already, I'm surprised she hesitated with you all." Lieutenant Dash leaned forward as she raised a brow at Princess Celestia. "Listen Princesses, it's obvious in this world, you're not prepared to do what has to be done to protect all that you hold dear. Skippy is dangerous, she's a terrorist, and she's pretty darn strong. Every second you let her recover, is another second closer to your ends. You're playing with time here, LITERALLY." She burst into laughter for a moment before sighing, "I mean! What were you trying to accomplish by banishing her anyway? She would've found a way out eventually. You're all really underestimating Skippy here. It's surprising!"

Princess Luna glared at the opposing dash for another moment before frowning. "Underestimating? I assure you we are doing nothing of the sort. She has already tried to lay claim to my life once, but despite this, she shows hesitation now to kill. We will do the same. Time and again have we let villains endanger Equestria by allowing them to linger about in some form. We have grown weary of the repetition. But even so, this Twilight, of your world, there is more to her than meets the eye. We only wished to house her for the time being, to keep her somewhere we know we'd be able to find her. Once we found a more able means of securing her, then we would release her for questioning."

Princess Celestia sighed heavily with a guilty expression. "Perhaps diplomacy would've been the wisest route."

Princess Luna glanced at her. "We already attempted talking with her Sister, she would have none of it. She gives us little chance to make way with idle conversation. You and I both know we took the most secure route for the dire circumstances. We did what we had-"

Princess Celestia glanced at Luna. "Yet she still escaped."

Luna fell silent for a moment as she bit her lower lip in annoyance. "Tch!"

Princess Celestia looked ahead. "I wish to help her. To show her that our world is not as hopeless as hers was. That our world, it's different. She only needs to listen. But that is why I need you double Dash, you know of her, her mind, her tactics, what her philosophy is. Despite obviously being on the side of the supposed enemy, you can help us as an old ally of ours in your world. You still fall under my leadership yes? I do not know who this Twilight holds grudges against, or who she could be after next. Who knows if she's not out there plotting to attack another of my subjects with possibly deadly consequences? Her magic is beyond impressive. Not even together could my sister and I manage to keep up with her, not even Rainbow Dash. We HAVE to track her down and find her, what would you suggest we-"

"Pffft..." Lieutenant Dash snickered as she then burst into laughter. "Baaaaaahahahahahahahaha!"

Rainbow Dash glared at her younger more cocky self as she just grid her teeth. This kid's such a brat....

Princess Celestia however held much patient, as did Luna for the time being. Princess Celestia commented, "Is something funny?"

Lieutenant Dash had to take a moment to recover as she just continued to laugh, attempting to catch her breath before giving them a casual wava. "Ahahaha, I-I'm sorry, I just, I just don't get how you all managed to last this long! You must've gotten REALLY lucky! I mean, seriously, it almost sounds as if I'm listening to a bunch of rookies deal with her for the first time as well. Well, I guess I mean, you are all rookies but, hey, I expected a little more from the princesses. If you guys had your act together, you could've ended this whole mess and we all could've been on our way. But hey, you're a little nicer than Princess Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon, that ain't bad." She smiled, almost pleased with the idea. "That ain't bad at all." She paused, still with that cocky demeanor. "I'll tell you what, how about I just deal with her for you guys?"

Princess Celestia raised a brow, almost disgusted by the way the younger mare worded it. "Deal with her?"

Lieutenant Dash sighed as she closed her eyes. "Okay okay, hold on. Fine, caaaatch her. I mean, it's obvious you all need help. And I am probably the one most capable of providing it! Listen, back in my world, Skippy and I fought all the time!" She leaned forward again with a playful chuckle, "I'm the only one who can match her speed ya know. Did ya think Princess Solar Flare didn't see my potential?"

Rainbow Dash rose in that moment as she appeared skeptical. "You know, there's something I never got about you..."

Lieutenant Dash raised a brow at Rainbow with a curious smile and half closed eyes. "Oh? And what's that double me?"

Rainbow continued. "You say these things like, you and Twilight go way way back. That you guys have fought all the time? If that's true then how come she had no idea who I was when we first met? She didn't even question it! That seems awfully fishy!"

Princess Luna and Princess Celestia then peered over at their guest with interest, also wanting to know the reasoning behind this.

Lieutenant Dash was silent for a moment before closing her eyes and smiling further. "Well, let's just say Skippy has always been one to get me in quite the anxious mood. She's faster than the eye can see and always means business." She then looked to each of them with an intense glare as she stated firmly, "Well, so do I." She frowned a bit, glancing to her lower left. "When I first became a alicorn, I wanted to find some way to be the fastest there was, faster than Skippy could ever be. I found it, b-but, I...um, I look a bit different while doing it."

Rainbow raised a brow, "Different, different how?"

Lieutenant Dash sighed as her eyes saddened. "Don't feel like talkin about it."

Rainbow continued persistently, "Well fine then. But still, that doesn't explain why she's still a problem for you guys. If you're able to catch her then why is she around? Why haven't you caught her yet? Seems awfully contradictory to your story."

Lieutenant Dash continued. "As I said, you guys are underestimating her an awful lot. You do know how powerful Skippy is don't you? Give her even a second of breathing room, and she has you right where she wants you." She lowered her head, "You all got awfully close though. But that's only because she was vulnerable, open with you guys. She's never like that with us, we couldn't ever hope to put her in chains like that. Where I'm from, I've caught Skippy sometimes, but, she always manages to get away from me. From my grip." Her brows furrowed, as she was actively getting highly upset from even thinking about it. "It just isn't fair! She's mine! She's just a big cheater is all!"

Princesss Celestia now leaned forward again. "But you said you'd catch her for us. If you couldn't subdue her in your own world, how can we expect you to subdue her in ours? You're thinking awfully highly of yourself Lieutenant Dash, perhaps your confidence is misplaced."

Lieutenant Dash frowned with a flick of her hoof. "There's a big difference here Princess," she paused, "She's recovering."

All three of their eyes widened.

Lieutenant Dash smiled. "That's why we need to hurry. Not only does she not expect me to be here, but she's also recovering still. Let me go to the last place where she was, and I'll help ya guys track her down! Together we can finally put an end to Skippy's madn-"

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

They all paused due to the knocking on the door.

Celestia commented absently, "You may enter."

And soon creaking the door open would be a Celestial Guard. "My Highnesses, I'm sorry for the disruption in your, uuh, meeting." He eyed both Rainbow Dashes with a slight sense of heavy confusion. Siblings maybe? He shook his head and continued, keeping his eyes locked onto Princess Celestia. "It seems we have two notable visitors who wish to see you." He paused, "Mrs. Twilight Velvet, and Night Light."

Princess Celestia's eyes widened exponentially, as did Princess Luna's, as they immediately looked to one another in silence.

Rainbow Dash glanced over at Princess Celestia and Luna. "Twilight's parents? What're they doing here?"

And Lieutenant Dash smirked fully, obviously pleased to hear such news. So even those two are still around huh? Wow, this place is much more interesting than I thought! Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to kick it back here for awhile! So many big names! I wonder if they're all here still. Maybe-... Her smirk dissipated into a less then hopeful frown as she recalled a mare whose memory was covered in shadow, the only public trait being her pale yellow mane. You're here to? She looked to the ceiling with a smile. I wonder, how much has changed.

Meanwhile, Violet Autumn was sitting outside at a wooden table, not far from Golden Oaks Library as she wore a nervous look. Her cheeks were a bright crimson shade as she was currently the focus of attention by Pinkie Pie, Princess Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, as well as Fluttershy. She wasn't used to these sorts of peaceful gatherings, but, she didn't mind the idea of an initial experience. She kept tugging at her lower hooves due to her awkward sitting position before she appeared slightly irritated and annoyed. "S-So, um, what do you all want to know?"

Twilight was shaking with anticipation, she had so many questions, but she closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, then put on her serious face. She stared straight at her duplicate before glancing over at Rarity, who gave her an approving nod, before looking back to Violet. "U-Um, Violet, before we begin, I want to make sure that you're okay with this? W-We might bring up some sensitive topics here."

Violet peered at Twilight with a simple glare. "I care not for topics, such things do not result in shed tears anymore."

They all cringed as they looked to one another before Twilight shrugged, and gulped. "A-Alright then, well, for starters. We'd like to know why you came here? What's the purpose of coming to our world? Was there something you were searching for here?"

Violet frowned a bit before she lowered her head. "I was searching for Princesses Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon. My hope was to get rid of each one and ensure peace and prosperity back in the time period I was from. Sadly, things did not go according to plan. I was instead transported here, to this alien world of muffins, kindness, and friends."

Twilight frowned a bit, obviously a little disheartened. "Y-You didn't have any friends back where you're from?"

Violet blinked a bit as she looked to Twilight, then back towards the table's wooden surface. "Friends? I may recall a time when such a word held meaning. But if so, all such meanings are gone now. There are only enemies, lots and lots of enemies. No friends."

Twilight now seemed a little more hesitant as she questioned further. "V-Violet, um, do these enemies of yours. Have any of them come after you into our world? Do you think it's a possibility that they'd be able to come here?" She appeared a bit more worried regarding this.

Violet chuckled softly, for once showing some amusement as she buried her head in her shoulder almost nostalgically. "I, do not know. I do not expect they'd have the knowledge to pursue me, nor the desire to risk themselves in such a manner. Many of my world often hold their lives in, highest regard." She paused, "Besides a few. But, I doubt she'd have enough wit to make it here in one piece. But I have begun to wonder that perhaps, maybe, I have endangered this precious world of cupcakes and peace, with my hasty actions."

Twilight and the others glanced at one another nervously as Twilight raised a brow at Violet. "Can you describe them to us if we were to encounter them? How would we defeat them? What do we have to know to overcome the dangers you've encountered in your world?"

Violet peered at Twilight then with a cold stare. "If any such make it here, to this world. Then it is doomed."

All their eyes widened exponentially. Twilight's expression sunk further as she then gave a nod of approval to the others before peering ahead again. "Violet, I'd like to talk about Princess Solar Flare. We've already defeated Nightmare Moon, does that mean Solar Flare is-"

Violet cut off Twilight. "Princess Celestia? Yes."

They each froze, as Twilight in particular sighed. She gave Violet a reassurring smile as she muttered, "So that's why." She paused before acknowledging her younger self again. "Violet, I assure you, Princess Celestia isn't the same as your world's Prin-"

Violet cut off Twilight yet again. "I have learned of this, first-hoof. Your Princesses here are quite different from back home. Although the traits they do possess are overall similar, the meaning behind their actions are far more reassuring. I encountered them in combat."

Twilight slammed both hooves atop the wooden table as she was obviously shocked. "YOU WHAT!?"

Violet eyed Twilight impatiently before just continuing. "I ended up retreating, to gather my thoughts. It was then I soon found they pursued me instead, persistent, as always. It was at this moment in time that I had combated with the strange blue pegasi known as Rainbow Dash, as well as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I had been investigating ripples in the time stream which I assume may have manifested in the weather pattern of this world. Such things should not be here, not unless, there is an issue in the time-stream."

Twilight rose. "Violet, we need to go find Princess Celestia and Princess Luna." She appeared upset. "I also want to make sure Rainbow Dash is doing okay." She glanced down towards the grass, "Why didn't they tell me of any of this? What's the purpose of keeping me out of the loop?"

Violet looked up at Princess Twilight. "To protect you?"

Twilight raised a brow, almost annoyed from the suggestion. "From what!?"

Violet continued with a slight glare. "From yourself? I'm not too sure. But perhaps, your princesses, are, quite cautious."

Twilight sighed as she shook her head, making her way back towards the library. "A little too much sometimes." She glanced back at Rarity and the others. "Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie? Would you guys watch over her for a minute, I'm going to send a letter to Princess Celestia. It's about time we figured out just what the hay is going on with everypony? This is getting a little too crazy, even for me."

Applejack nodded, "Of course Twi! We got ya covered!"

Pinkie Pie banged on her chest. "You can count on us!"

Twilight smiled, before making her way back into the library hurriedly.

Violet remained focused on the table as she appeared to be lost in thought.

Rarity noticed this, before asking. "Is something the matter Darling?"

Violet nodded a little. "A funny feeling. I do not enjoy funny feelings." She paused, "It is often they hold meaning."

As Princess Celestia and Princess Luna trekked down the halls of the castle, Rainbow and her duplicate trailed not far behind.

Rainbow glanced back at her duplicate however who appeared a bit distracted. "Hey, can I ask you somethin?"

Lieutenant Dash blinked a bit with a playful smile. "Why of course!"

Rainbow closed her eyes halfway. "If you're that fast, why haven't you ditched us yet? Seems an awful like something I'd do if I had those sorts of powers. I mean, magic and my speed? I can't even imagine what I'd be able to do with all that potential, seems crazy."

Lieutenant Dash smiled softly as she lowered her head for a moment. "It's, not as easy as it sounds."

Rainbow raised a brow at her. "What do you mean?"

Lieutenant Dash tilted her head to the right. "Uh, I mean. I just, don't feel very good after moving that fast. Haha..."

Rainbow continued, still curious. "You mean you get sick from it?"

Lieutenant Dash nodded. "Yea, you could say that." She paused, "Skippy and I, are, more similar than she'd like to admit..."