Two species are forced to live together in Equestria. The wolves, and the ponies. I think that's quite stupid considering wolves are a natural predator to ponies. We were their prey long ago, before the Princess Celestia and Princess Luna took over. The princesses brought magic to our land, and implanted a little piece of it into the horn of every unicorn. They then struck a deal with the wolves. They don't hunt us, and we don't use our unicorn magic to wipe out their entire race. Pretty darn awesome eh, wolves afraid of ponies. If only I had that magic to defend myself and my friends.

   Being born a pegasus, I was an amazing and agile flyer. The fastest in the world. There was nothing I loved more than flying. My goal? It was to become one of the Wonderbolts. They were the greatest pegasi in all of Equestria. I wanted to join them, show everypony my stuff, you know what I'm saying? Let's just say my dreams didn't work out as I wanted them to.

   I have no parents. I never had any. But I do have a family. They are my friends. Especially Fluttershy, she was more like an older sister to me than anypony else. Was. And of course I always had that squirt. Scootaloo, yeah that was her name. She looked up to me. I think everypony should have been like her. She was quite ambitious as well, wanted to learn all of my tips and tricks. She couldn't fly though, but I know one day, she will. Might even be as good as I was.

   I had a lot of friends. Applejack, she was a cowboyish pony. I didn't see why she was so interested in rodeos. But she was close to me, and I accepted her as a friend and a rival. Twilight? Can you spell egghead? She's ok I suppose. Reads too much though. Her magic is amazing. The best I've ever seen. She rid Ponyille of an Ursa Minor once. Those things are huge. I don't think even the princess herself may have enough magic to accomplish such a task. Pinkie Pie, ha, she was a silly one. Her jokes often made me laugh, but she was a bit creepy at times. You can lock her up and bury her, but she'll still show up at your door a few minutes later. I know, I've tried. Rarity, man, was she a snob. She was still my friend though. Rarity tends to be a drama queen. She could get one small pimple, and act as if it was the end of the world. I mean, just squeeze the damn pimple, it would swell down eventually in a week. All my friends were important to me, but I think the one I sacrificed everything for was the one I wanted to be with. Skybreak, was he a hulk. Kind of strange, he was obsessed with monsters. Vampires, werewolves, manticores, he knew all about them. Not only did he have knowledge on monsters, his wings had MONSTER strength. Using Twilight's wing-a-majiggy, we calculated he had a wing power of 12.5. That's only about five wing power off of mine. That's why I loved him, he was cool, awesome and unstoppable. I loved him for who he was.

   My name is Rainbow Dash, and I am the Element of Loyalty. I hoped to live my life the way I wanted to. That did not happen. I did not join the Wonderbolts. I did not become the greatest flyer in all of Equestria. I did not keep my position as Loyalty. And I have no regrets whatsoever. Everypony in this story was at one point alive, or is still alive. Welcome to the history of my life. Leave if you do not wish to hear it. Put this book down. Close the window. Still here? Good, let's begin. I was born. No. That's not how I want to begin this. I want to begin this from where it got good. No boring crap. Stay with me. This all started in the library and a few almost overdue books.

   I was going to be late. My books were, at least. They were going to be overdue any minute, and I honestly did not want to pay the fine. I grabbed them by the mouth, and plopped them into my backback. I checked the clock, then returned my attention to the receipt I was given the day I borrowed the books. Only five minutes remain. Normally, I would make a big entrance and do a few tricks while flying down, but my bits were on the line here. Twilight wouldn't even give a friend discount. I put on the backpack, opened the door to my house of clouds, and stepped out. I stretched my wings out, and brushed some hairs from my rainbow mane out of my eyes so they don't decline my vision. Taking one look down below, I jumped.

   My wings caught the wind, and I flew. The backpack containig the books dangled loosely on my shoulders. Twilight's library was in sight. I narrowed my eyes, and forced my wings to beat faster, as fast as they could without activating the Sonic Rainboom of course. I didn't want to break the windows of Ponyille's folks. I'll have to pay more for the repairments than I would if my books were overdue. Still, I will do anything to stretch a bit. 

   I drew near the ground. One powerful wingbeat stopped my falling. Landing on all fours, I caught my breath and rushed inside the library. Twilight was at her desk, she looked over upon my entrance.

   "Well, well, Rainbow Dash. Here to return your books I presume?" She grinned and I nodded. She took a glance at the clock and jotted down something on her piece of paper on the desk. "Another minute and your books would have been overdue. I would have had to charged you one bit per book then." I smiled, opened the knapsack, and dropped the books out onto the floor. Twilight's horn glowed, and the books levitated over to her. She checked off a few things on her paper before turning to me again. "Enjoyed these books?" I sighed.

   "You ask me that every time I return my books Twilight, and if you really wanted to know, I would enjoy reading more if there wasn't a due date on these things," I uttered, "What's the point of due dates anyways? I can return them whenever I'm done with them." She scrunched her face up.

   "Rainbow! That is a very selfish thing to say. There are ponies all over Ponyville looking to read these wonderful books. Due dates make sure everypony get a chance to read what they want! How would you feel if Spike hogged the entire Daring Do series?" Upon hearing his name, the little purple dragon stuck his head into the room.

   "Hey! I heard that!" Twilight and I both giggled.

   "Well I sure wouldn't like that," I said.

   "Of course not! Are you going to borrow any books today?" Twi asked.

   "Nope, all this reading is getting to me. I think I'm becoming an egghead like you more and more each day. Don't forget, my dream is to become one of the Wonderbolts, not an old granny spending her time reading." Twilight narrowed her eyes.

   "Whatever." I turned to leave. I was caught off guard when the door shot open and an excited Skybreak flew in.

   "Dashie! There you are!" he yelled. I took a good look at him. White furcoat, black mane with red streaks, nice strong looking wings, and perfect blue eyes. He walked towards me. We rubbed our muzzles up against each other. I heard Twilight gag behind me. I ignored her.

   "You scared the living flying feather out of me," I said.

   "Sorry, sweety," he mocked, and chuckled at his own insolence. I punched him on shoulder. Hard. And I didn't care about the cute muzzle touch we had moments before. 

   "I told you to stop calling me that," I muttered. Skybreak grunts, and grabs something from his bag.

   "Check this out," he said through a mouthful of papers and drops them to the ground. I look from sheet to sheet. They're all flyers.

   "What's so great about this?" He pointed at the middle one. 

   The Great Travelling Wolf Group
-Amazing stories
-Wolven performances
-Exotic items for sale
   Entry fee: 10 bits

   Pictures of wolves fill the sides of the page. I knew exactly why Skybreak brought these to me. I closed my eyes, and slapped him.

   "I'm guessing you're not coming with me?" He said, rubbing the cheek I had just slapped.

   "Of course I'm coming! This is going to be awesome!" I grinned. He grinned. "Just don't tell the others, they won't understand why we would ever want to go to a place full of wolves. Oh, and you're paying."

   "Done, and done."

   I returned to my house with some of the flyers Skybreak had given me. I didn't know why Sky would even want to go there. I stared at the sheets. I'm only going because he was, or that's what I told myself. Only to keep watch and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. Be responsible here, agh dang it, I was interested of course. Imagine! People you are forbidden to even KNOW coming here to talk to you about their lives! This was a once in a lifetime chance. I had to take it.

   I turned in my sleep. I couldn't wait for tomorrow. I wondered what wolves are like. Are they nice? Cute? Or are they cold and mean? I wanted to know so damn badly. Fall asleep already. Fall asleep! I closed my eyes. Sleep would not come. I laid there for hours, somewhere around midnight, I drifted off into dreamless sleep.

   I nodded sleepily to Sky, my signal for him I was ready. I barely slept the previous night, so I will be burdened with droopy eyes during the show. Sky passed me a ticket he had purchased earlier. The ticket felt cold to the touch. I set it into my bag, and stretched my wings. Skybreak was already in the air. The moonlight illuminated the crimson streaks in his mane.

   "C'mon slow poke! What'cha waiting for?" He taunted. I laughed, and with one beat of my wings, I was at his level of height. Sky grumbled. 

   We flew silently through the night sky. The show wasn't far away. It was being held in a small run down theater near the Everfree forest. Creepy huh? The cool night air sapped through my furcoat. I didn't feel cold though. It actually felt... nice? Maybe I should go flying during the night more often. Skybreak glanced at me. His eyes were filled with excitement. I couldn't put my hoof on it, but my senses told me he wasn't excited for just the performances. He was excited for... something else? 

   We landed outside just outside of the theatre. It was dark, a dim lamp was lit beside the entrance. The windows were boarded up, any remaining glass only hung loosely on the rims. I squinted my eyes. Apart from the lamp, there was no light inside. Just pitch black. I shivered a bit, and looked to Sky. He was shivering too. But he wore a wide grin on his face. He wasn't scared. He just couldn't wait. It felt like an eternity. We just stood in front of the theatre, not sure what to do. Wasn't there a wolf or pony at the entrance to collect tickets? I took a step forward, Sky grunted and followed. Before we knew it, we were both inside, wandering around the halls. We could've searched forever without ever finding the correct room, until somepony called for us. Not somepony, someone.

   "Hey! You two!" The voice was gruff, "What're you doing here?" I turned to the direction of the voice. There wasn't much light, making it hard to see. I squinted my eyes, only to see the ugliest thing I've ever seen. It was covered in gray fur. A jagged tooth was hanging out from its large mouth, which was curled into a smile. Its emerald eyes stared back at me. Then it hit me, of course, this was a wolf. "I asked, what are you two doing here!?"

   "We're here to see the show," declared Sky, he sounded confident we weren't going to end up as wolf food, although I caught a small tremble in his voice. 

   "You got yer tickets?" We both opened our bags, and picked up the tickets by our mouths. The wolf grumbled and snatched the tickets. The tooth that was hanging out pierced them. With a paw, he pointed towards the door behind him. "There, you may enter. Hope you enjoy the show, it might be your last." He snickered. I shivered. I knew they couldn't lay a claw on us, or the princess will wipe them all out, still, it chilled me knowing I was with people who think of us as nothing but mere food.

   The room wasn't very big, but it was crowded with ponies. I looked around, half hoping that nopony I knew would be here. It would be bad if any of my friends learned I willingly came to this sick twisted show. The lighting in here was much better. I took a good look at Sky, expecting him to be overwhelmed. To my surprise, he looked rather calm. The room was rather loud, everypony was chatting. It gave me a headache. This was not how I expected to spend my night. From a door at the other end of the room, a wolf walked out. He looked no different than the other who had taken our tickets. The wolf raised a paw, and the room went silent.

   "Welcome mares and colts of Ponyville. We are wolves that travel across Equestria, in search of towns inhabited by ponies to share our stories with," the wolf coughed and cleared his throat before starting again. "The show you will see tonight will be one you will not forget! I doubt that any of you standing in this room have any knowledge on wolves except for that we are fierce meat eaters! That is not true, we eat meat to survive. If we could get the nutrients we need another way, we would." I rolled my eyes. "Enough of me talking, let's welcome our first story teller, Jerry Scratchit!" Everypony clapped.

   Jerry Scratchit wasn't at all what we expected. He was scrawny and small, at least half my size. His legs wobbled as he walked, and I saw his tiny claws make little marks as he walked across the room. His brown fur was matted, and one of his ears had a cut. Walking up in front of the crowd of ponies, he began to speak. 

    "Hello all," His voice was squeaky, it almost sounded sort of cute, "Please do not point out my small appearance. I was the runt of my litter, all my brothers and sisters have grown to at least double my size." Somepony snickered in the back, it was loud and audible up front. Jerry ignored it. "I've come from the south. You may be wondering, why don't us wolves name our towns? There is no use for that! Our noses help us detect which town is which. We do not need a name to set a boundary. If we wanted to, we can start a small village where ever we want." Jerry continued into the rest of his life story. I found my eyes beginning to droop. The flyer said stories of course, but where are the wolven performances! They're the main reason I came here! Maybe I could take a few of the wolves' tricks to perfect more of my flying techniques. I took a glance at Sky, he was absorbing every bit of this. 

   Next was Janpaw. He talked about his life and how his parents were killed by unicorns. A few of the ones in the room blushed and shrunk back. When he noticed them, he just laughed.

   "There is no need to be afraid, I hold no grudge," Janpaw smiled, "It is a thing of the past, the current way we are living is not the best, but it is acceptable." I couldn't believe this was coming from a wolf. One of the predators that once hunted us down and enjoyed us for dinner.

   The night slowly dragged on. More wolves with more stories. More stories mean more sleepy eyes. Everypony around me seemed to be interested. It just didn't bore me. I yawned just as Jaggedtooth walked off the "stage". Skybreak nudged me.

   "Hey, you falling asleep?" He asked. I shot a look at him.

   "Does it look like I am?!" He laughed.

   "Whatever, Ms. Grouchy."

   The wolf who had introduced the show to us earlier walked in. He took a look around the room, and smiled.

   "It looks like many of you are satisfied with our stories. We are about to sell some items, and then we will call it a night. Our story tellers are very tired, and they will need a rest for tomorrow's show." I rolled my eyes again, who gets tired from telling stories? The wolf gazed at us all, and flashed his fangs. "But before we set up shop, we have one last performer." Whoopie. I was ready to leave this dump. A waste of ten bits. I didn't pay anyways, Sky did. I chuckled to myself. Everything darkened. I couldn't see my own hooves in front of my eyes. I squinted, to no prevail, I could not see anything in the blackness. Everypony began to whisper between each other. What was happening? Something squealed, and light returned to the room. My pupils dilated, I blinked a few times before my vision cleared. Tied up, at the front, was a pink, wriggling pig. It snorted, and continued to flail. A gray ball of fur fell down from the ceiling and landed behind the pig. It looks like a wolf. Quite young, seems my age, maybe a year or two older. There was nothing remarkable about him from the other wolves, except for one scar on his shoulders.

   "My name is Light," the wolf said, "I have been travelling with this group for a while. They are an amazing bunch." He set a paw on the thrashing pig, and grinned. "I have a very special surprise for you ponies." His teeth glistened, and the corners of his mouth curled into a tighter smile. A sudden realization had almost stopped my heart. I knew what he was going to do. I turned to Skybreak.

   "Sky, we need to get out of-" I began, but he raised a hoof. I couldn't see his eyes. His mouth quivered before he talked. 

   "Dash, this is g-great!" He flashed me a smile, "Finally, I will get to see one of them in action!" What?! I shot him a look. What the hell was he saying? Was he enjoying this? He must be crazy then. I tugged at his arm.

   "C'mon Sky, we gotta get out of here!" I begged. I was not ready to see a pig get killed and devoured on the spot. Skybreak turned his head to me, and smirked.

   "Why? You chicken?" I gulped, and returned my gaze to the front. Light raised his paw, and in one swift movement, he jabbed his foreclaws right into the pig's chest. It squealed louder. I winced. He jabbed it again. Over and over until the pig died. Light's paw was covered in red crimson blood. He brought it to his mouth, and licked. My stomach turned, just the thought of one animal eating another sickened me. I noticed Light stare at me. His dark eyes glistened. I've seen that expression before. Was it something I had that he desired? I realized we were making full eye contact, I turned, and blushed. At the moment, I was glad we didn't tell anypony we knew we came here. Fluttershy would kill me if she learned that we watched a pig get slaughtered without even moving a hoof to try to prevent it.

   "Thank you, on the way out, there will be wolf plushes, posters, small souvenirs and even potions for sale. You will have to go through a test before purchasing any potions, some have different effects, and we just stocked with a potion that turns you into a wolf. Only the purehearted will be able become one, I must warn you." Blah, blah, blah. I wanted to get the hell out of there. It was over anyways, and I wanted nothing to do with their wolf potions or silly cheap knick knacks. I felt Skybreak's hoof touch mine, it was warm. I looked to him, and stared him in the eyes. He looked back calmly.

   "Let's go," I said, expecting him to fly out the door, challenging me to a race home. He didn't. He just stared back. Awkward. I waved a hoof in front of his face. "Sky? You here?" 

   "I'm not going back." Huh? I narrowed my eyes. He stayed calm. I punched him on the shoulder.

   "Haha, nice one, really got me there. C'mon, let's go home, I'm sleepy." I rubbed my left eye and pretended to yawn.

   "You go back without me," Sky paused, looked up, closed his eyes, thought for a moment and started again, "Dashie, you'll always love me right? No matter what you think of me, we'll always be friends?" I had no idea what he was spewing, I just nodded. "Thank you. I wish I could live with you forever, but now our paths must part. You heard the wolf, they're selling potions that transform you into a wolf. I'm buying one- I want to be a wolf." Those words stun me. I was flabbergasted. What should I say? I think he finally lost it. A tear slid down his right eye, and he closed in, arms out, ready for a hug, "I love you Dashi-" I pushed him away.

   "What the hell is wrong with you? Who in the right mind wants to be a wolf?" I began to cry, tears slid down easily. "They're sick, they kill for fun. Is that what you want to become?"

   "Dashie, don't cr-" I took a step back.

   "Stay away from me, I don't love you anymore. I-I don't want to be with anypony who wants to be a wolf. You saw what they did to that pig. They kill for amusement, that's just not cool. Don't talk to m-me again." I was lying to myself. He raised a hoof towards me. I brushed it away, stretched my wings out, and flew off. Past the carts full of potions, past the carts full of knick knacks, past the wolves handing put autographs, through the hallways and out into the night sky again. I headed home, away from the wolves, away from Skybreak. The pony I once loved, the pony I once wanted to be with. No. The pony I love and still want to be with. He wants to be a wolf. That's just twisted. Yet, I still want him. Something was deeply wrong with me. To love somepony who wants to become something that has been natural enemies to us for the past hundreds of years. I mean, it's one thing to go to a show and listen to their stories but it's another thing to want to BE one. I just don't know what to do... Just don't know. If Twilight was in this situation, she'd know. But I'm not Twilight, and I can't even ask her for help without spilling the beans. I entered my house of clouds. Normally the puffy cloud ground would comfort my tired hooves, but not tonight, they felt as hard as cement cement. My face stung with tears. I plopped onto bed, and cried myself to sleep. The pony I had thought I'd live the rest of my life with was leaving to join the wolves. To BECOME one of them. To become a killer.

   Knock. Knock. Knock. I grumbled and turned over. Light creeped in through my eyelids. Who the hell could it be this early in the morning? I checked the clock. 12:47. Oops. It was noon already? I must've slept in. I didn't care. I wearily walked to the washroom. The knocking on my door continued. I began to brush my mane. It was messed and strands of hair stood up. Knock. Knock. Knock. The knocking grew more rapid and louder. KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

   "Oh for crying out loud!" I shouted, "I'll be down in a moment!" I took a look at myself in the mirror. I didn't do a great job on brushing my mane, but it looked better than it had minutes before. I flew downstairs to the front door and opened it. I really didn't know what to expect, to my surprise, Fluttershy poked her head in. 

   "Uhhh... Rainbow Dash? I think there may be something wrong with Skybreak. He was found unconcsious near the Everfree forest. And he was, Oh my," She winced as my expression changed from sleepy to a face of worry, "rushed to the... hospital." Of course the words I had said the previous night were what I truly believed at the time, but deep down, he was just that somepony really special to me. I didn't waver, like instinct, my wings spread open and I set off. They were beating faster than the day my books were overdue. The flight that day seemed like nothing now. Skybreak was everything that was on my mind. 

   I landed outside of the hospital and rushed inside. 

   "Which room is Skybreak in?" The secretary looked up, flipped through some notes, and mumbled out his room number. Leaving without giving my thanks, I flew up the stairs. They were much faster than the elevator anyways. Room 267. I found it quickly and without knocking, I barged in. Twilight and AJ were gathered around a limp body on the white bed. Skybreak. I glided forward, and folded in my wings. Sky's blue eyes were wide open, but they were dull. I see no presence of a living pony inside of them. His white furcoat was matted and had dirt stains in some areas. I saw that the color in the red streaks on his black mane was faded. I put an ear against his chest. His heart was beating, but it was faint.

   "Rainbow, I am so terribly sorry," said Twilight. Tears formed in my eyes. 

   "He's not gone yet, no," I reassured myself. AJ remained silent. 

   "Dash, did something happen between you two?" Twilight asked. My ears perked, and my mind raced for something suitable to say.

   "No," I lied.

   "Ok. I just want to show you something I found," Twilight's horn glowed, and a white bottle floated over in front of me. "This was lying beside him when we found him." I squinted my eyes, there was something imprinted on the bottle. A design. It was pure black. It was the face of a wolf. It was obviously a wolf potion. Man, Skybreak, that's not awesome at all. I decided that I'll strangle him right after I save him. "Do you know anything about this?"

   "Not really."

   "Tell me anything Dash, anything that the doctors may use to save Sky. Some of the remaining contents of this bottle were tested. It was said it had acid in it, and some other unknown fluid. Any information can help us find an antidote. I KNOW you know something!" begged Twilight. I winced. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. This potion was made by wolves, it has ingredients that aren't even known to ponies. Telling the truth here won't help. I'd be more shamed if my friends learned I went to a wolf convention. They might not want to be friends with me after. I mean, it was twisted enough I went, but does it make me bad that I didn't raise a hoof to help that pig? Oh Celestia, Fluttershy will kill me. 

   "I'm sorry Twilight, I don't know anything." She sighed.

   "I was afriad you'd say that. The doctors have no idea what he drunk, I haven't even learned about this stuff. Dash, I'm sorry, if he continues like this, he won't make it." Twilight turned to leave. I didn't respond, couldn't respond. I lost my voice. All I could do was listen to Twilight's fading hoovesteps and Sky's uneven breathing. I snuggled in beside Sky, and began to cry.

   "Shit Sky, I'm so sorry," I sobbed, "I should've been there last night. I should have stopped you from drinking that poison." I layed still, half hoping he would just sit up, punch me on the shoulder and say "Haha, gotcha!". Half hoping he wouldn't, it would be abashing and awkward, especially what I had just said. My tears seeped into Sky's white furcoat, and it dripped down into the mattress. I rested my head against Sky's chest. He felt cold. Hours passed, there was no difference in Sky's breathing. It was soft, but slow and raspy. It comforted me as I fell asleep.

   "And we just stocked with a potion that turns you into a wolf. Only the purehearted will be able become one, I must warn you." The last bit echoed through my head. "Only the purehearted will be able to become one." Purehearted. What? What does that mean? Was there an antidote? Skybreak turned his head to me, and his already open eyes slowly filled with lift. His face morphed, eyes turning yellow, white furcoat fading gray, snout extended. His mouth snapped open, white fangs glistened in the moonlight. He looked exactly Light, the wolf who had killed the pig. 

   "Only the purehearted may drink, and your friend has failed," snarled Light. I screamed, or tried, my voice was stuck in my throat.

   I snapped awake. Sweat dripped down my face. Skybreak slept at my side. He was still unconscious. He had his normal pony face, he wasn't a wolf. I sighed. Was this all getting to me? Was that dream some sort of message? I didn't need to put the pieces together. I knew what it meant. I hesitated, was it worth a shot? If I was in his position, Skybreak would no doubt go for it. Taking a deep breath, I opened the hospital room window, and flew out into the night.

   I landed outside of the theatre the wolves had performed in the previous night. The lamp that was hanging loosely from the room is no longer lit. I gulped. The theatre door seems like a wide mouth agape, ready to swallow me in. I close my eyes, and walk in.

   The corridors are dizzying. They were no different than the night before, but my horrible memory had not remembered the way to the small room. I sure didn't want to bump into any wolves here, well, I did. But I was searching for one particular wolf. The one who advertised the potions. The one who had a scar on his shoulder. The one who visited me in my sleep. My hooves grew tired. How many times have I walked down this hall? Searching for that one room feels like the hardest thing I've done in my life. I wasn't even certain Light would be there. The group could have packed their things and hightailed it out of there. I groaned, giving up, and sunk to my knees. I buried my face in my hooves, they'll find out. Twilight and the rest of the gang will find out I was here. How could I be so stupid? Wolves, they were wolves, how could I think for a single second I could come for one night and listen to their stories? They're lying wolves, bad wolves. That potion they sold was probably a hoax. I convinced myself it was nothing but poison, nopony could become a wolf that easily. I don't even think it's possible to change one's race. I felt like crying, it was hopeless for me to save Sky. I'm just going to stay here and ro-

   "You looking for me?" I looked up and almost screamed. Yellow eyes stared back at me. They were freightening, yet they were sort of beautiful. Those eyes belonged to Light. Through the darkness, I saw the corner of his mouth slowly curl into a smile. "I've been waiting for you," Light cooed, "I knew you would come to help that little pony friend of yours." I bared my teeth.

   "Give me the antidote you dirty rotten wolf," I snarled.

   "Oooh, you don't know how much that hurt," Light laughed, "I'm not here to play games." He rummaged through a bag tied around his waist and pulled out a small bottle containing a black mixture. "You want this, don't you?" He dangled it on a claw before my eyes, I resisted snatching it from his mangled paw. 

   "Hand it over," I made an attempt to grab it. In one swift movement, Light pulled away and cackled.

   "We all want something, your friend wanted power, nothing more. The potion rejected him," he stuck a tongue out and taunted, "There are two things I want, this antidote, in case I ever run into anyone worthy of being saved, and one other thing I do not have."

   "How the hell is that even possible? The potion isn't alive," I sniffed.

   "That is not important, the white pony will die by sunrise," Light flashed his fangs and smiled, "Unless you can provide me with what I want." I stared back.

   "If it's money, I'll pay up. I've been saving up the bits I've won in flying competitions." My reply only amused him slightly.

   "You ponies, is money all you care about? Wealth is not what I perdue or desire. Money only brings greed and hatred. I have no need for it." I was beginning to get frustrated. Making a deal with this wolf was like convincing Fluttershy to stop feeding her animals for one day, not that I do that.

   "Then what DO you want? Just tell me already!" I raised my voice, hoping to sound more intimidating. It did not work.

   "I think we both know." It was a simple and quick answer. I noticed Light's eyes scanning my body, looking at every strand of my cyan fur carefully, staring through me.

   "I honestly don't-" It struck me, I had wished I realized it sooner. It was twisted, my heart sunk and stomach turned. "You-you want... me." Light's expression stayed calm, and his ear flicked, he did not deny anything. "Wh-why!? That's just sick!" He looked up, and thought for a moment.

   "Never in my twenty two years of life here in Equestria have I ever met a pony so magnetizing. The moment I saw you, I knew I wanted you. You are beautiful, I don't know this feeling, I just know I need to have you," his ear flicked again, "It's like... a feeling I've never felt before, I'm falling in love with you." I grumbled. This wolf has lost it.

   "Go fall somewhere else, I don't want to be with you," I mumbled. Light's sudden change of tone surprised me.

   "Ok then, I shall enjoy watching your friend perish. I've heard from the makers of the potion that the ones that don't become a wolf will suffer a horrible death, and their souls will be sent to hell right after." He laughed at the thought. "I'm excited to see if he will scream out his last breath, or suck it all in." I blinked away a few tears. I could not put Skybreak through that. For a moment, I didn't look at him, after thinking it through, I turned my head and made full eye contact with the wolf.

   "I'm yours." Once again, Light laughed. He sensed victory.

   "Smart decision," He reached into his bag once again, and pulled out a bottle that had looked like the one found beside Skybreak. "This is the very same potion your friend had drunk, if your heart is filled with darkness, you will die, simple as that. Other than that, it is perfectly safe." I rolled my eyes, perfectly safe my flank, I didn't even know what the hell was used to make thing. Reluctantly, I took it and downed the bottle in one gulp. Nothing happened. Nothing at all. Was I going to die? I dropped the bottle, it landed and exploded into dozens of tiny glass shards.

   "Nothing's happening, does that mean I am going to die?" I asked.

   "Give it a few weeks, if you were going to die, we wouldn't be talking right now, you would drop dead to the floor." Light smiled, and handed me the bottle containing the black fluid. I clutched it in my mouth. This was my chance, I have what I needed. I have no need to stay. "You will see changes eventually, they come sl-"

   "Sucker!" I said through a mouthful of the bottle and spread my wings.

   "What're you d-" I didn't let him finish, with one powerful beat of my wings, I was off. He could not chase me, I flew through the halls as fast as I could. I didn't know if he was chasing me or not, best not check. Light's voice travelled through the hall.

   "Foolish pony, you will come crawling back to me, just you wait! You will beg me for help, do not think this is finished!" I ignored him, and flew out the door. Hopefully, this will be the last time I'll ever have to see a wolf again. It was all over, no more problems for the time being. I had forgotten all about the potion I just drunk, and lost all my worries. The sky was still dark. Good. Within minutes, I found myself flying just outside of Skybreak's room. I had left the window open, and easily slid in. Sky was still in bed, it doesn't seem anypony has been in this room since I left. Hopefully nopony will catch me feeding him this potion. I uncorked the lid with my teeth, held it carefully with my left wing, and brought the neck of the bottle close to Sky's mouth. I forced it in and Sky drunk. The contents emptied pretty quickly, when he was finished, I threw the bottle aside. I put my ear against Skybreak's chest, and slowly listened to his heartbeat return to normal. I sighed a breath of relief. I was glad he was going to live. The tireness finally set in, I hadn't noticed how exhaused I was from all the tension. I laid down in bed beside Sky, not under the blanket, it was a bit chilly, but his growing body temperature kept me warm. I laid there for five minutes, listening to the silence.

   "Dashie?" Skybreak croaked. My ears perked. "Dashie? Am I dead?"

   "I'm here, you're going to be alright," I mumbled, and fell asleep, ignoring the tearing pain that had started at the tip of my hooves and teeth that slowly began to sharpen. Skybreak was going to live, and that's all I cared about. For the moment that is. 

****INUNOTE
Congrats if you've read this far! Go down and comment, things won't be looking so good in the next chapter! How will Dash cope?

   Turns out Light wasn't lying. I noticed many changes in the following weeks. My hooves grew slimmer and I found claws retracting at anytime I am angry. One of them hooked to the ground once and I tripped myself. My fur grew rapidly as well, so fast I had to trim nearly once a week to make sure nopony figures it out. I can see better in the dark, it's a pretty cool ability, so going night flying is much easier now. One thing I must note is that my wings crack while flying, and I find it more tiresome to fly. I should see a doctor about it, but not yet. One thing I wished I did not have was this nose. It hasn't changed into a small little black ball yet, and I wish it never does, but the smells, they're too overwhelming. I can smell my garbage from downstairs while in bed. My hearing also sharpened. It's useful at some points but most of the time it's just a pain in the flank. I'm a wolf now, or I'm turning into one. I won't give him what he wants, Light isn't going to get me. I will continue living this way with it as my secret.

   The sun shined brightly. I wore dark shades to keep myself from being blinded. I sat under a tree, thinking. There wasn't much to do today, and I really didn't feel like flying. The pain my wings felt when I fly is unimaginable. They creak and crack. What good is a pegasus that can't fly? I can't really think straight. I feel the branch with a hoof, feeling it, hoping the touch of something could get me thinking on how I could ever fly again or regain my ponyhood. Light. I need an antidote from him. I don't think he would give it to me after last time I tricked him. The thought angered me. Screeeeeeaacch. I looked down and notice my claws had popped out, scratching a deep gash into the bark of the tree. My stomach growled. Ugh. I'm hungry. Sliding down the tree, I retracted my claws and spread my wings. One beat. Just one awesome beat. I beat my wings. Creak. The agony killed me. It hurt like crazy. I couldn't take it, I landed and decided to walk.

   Pinkie Pie greeted me the minute I walked into Sugarcube Corner.

   "Hi Dashie!" She called me the same name Skybreak tended to call me, you do not know how annoying it gets.

   "Hey Pinkie," I replied.

 . "You here for lunch?" I nodded. "Since you're my friend and all, your food will be free on me." Pinkie giggled. I managed a weak smile. "Sooooo... What would you like? Doughnuts? Cheese cake? Coffee cake? Ooooooh how about a CHIMMY CHUNGA?"

   "How about a slice of cake?" She left to the kitchen and in minutes came back with a slice of dark chocolate cake and wrapped it in silver tinfoil. "Here you go." Pinkie handed me the cake in a small plastic bag, I took it and held it from my teeth.

   "Thenk you," I said through my teeth.

   "No problem! Enjoy!" Pinkie grinned from ear to ear and waved me goodbye. She's really nice, too happy sometimes. I don't know what drove her like this but I find myself being envious at times, I wanted to be able to see the positive side of every situation. It seemed nearly impossible to achieve yet this pink mare has done it. She acts more like a filly than a full grown mare. I'm not one to judge how she acts though.

   I ate my cake on top of a branch, it was delicious. It filled my stomach quickly and left a sweet taste in my mouth. Licking my hooves for any crumbs, I tossed the wrapping aside.

   "Hey!" A familiar voice called out. I looked down from my branch. "You dropped this, it could be precious." Skybreak looked up to me with dreamy eyes, yet, his tone was taunting.

   "Wipe that expression off your face, it's creeping half of Ponyville out," I snorted. Sky laughed. He's been more active than he had in the past weeks after leaving the hospital. I did no know what is up with him. At times, I thought about telling him what I truly am now, but I ignored the voice that gnawed at me to spill the truth. How would everypony react?I clearly did not want to find out the hard way.

   "Hey, come down," He waved a hoof.

   "No thanks, I have no idea what germs you could carry," I said. That only caused him to laugh harder.

   "When was the last time you washed your flank, Dashie?" I narrowed my eyes, and jumped down right onto Skybreak, pinning him to the ground.

    "Celestia, I can smell your fleas from here," I retorted. It was meant as an insult, but my nose could actually smell anypony's unwashed parts. It was revolting. Sky knocked me off him, and now he was on top of me.

   "No? I was lying down there just seconds ago, maybe some of my fleas spread onto you, wait, they can't find a home on you because it's all taken!" He chuckled at his own smart comment. I stuck my tongue out, and rolled him over so I'm on top again.

   "Nah, anypony could get fleas being within ten meters of you," I batted him on the forehead with a hoof. We're obviously both in a playful mood. He batted me back. We laughed. This was a great moment together. Sky started to flail his hooves in my face. I couldn't see well, I aimed for his forehead. Maybe it is because I'm angry, maybe it is because I just wanted some fun. Hoof going down full speed, I scratched Sky in the face. His smile quickly left, and he raised a hoof to his right cheek. Blood dripped from three scratch marks. Shit. I looked down to my own hooves, my claws were out. Double shit. I quickly backed off of Skybreak. He looked down to the blood on his hoof that he had wiped off his face.

   "Dash... What... What are you?" He didn't look away from his hoof. I opened my mouth to deny everything. "I already know." Skybreak looked away, got up from the ground, and left, leaving me alone by the tree.

   I needed help. I knew where to get it. The only pony who has been a sister to me for the years we were fillies. The pony that introduced me to the ground. Fluttershy. I slowly walked to her cottage, not sure what to say once I get there. She'll be in shock. She might not even want to be my friend anymore. I knew she'd be terrified of me. But I needed to tell her. 

   I knocked on her cottage door. A few seconds passed and a white rabbit answered the door, it was Angel Bunny, one of Fluttershy's animals. He looked up to me, and then let me in. Fluttershy was in the kitchen. My entrance caused her to glance at me.

   "Oh, hi Rainbow Dash, I'm just making lunch for my animals, they're starving, do you mind waiting a few minutes?" Fluttershy asked.

   "Uh yeah, I can wait." If only it was easier done than said. The smell of animal food was reaching my nostrils. It was intense and it caused my head to hurt. My stomach grumbled. I just realized that the cake had not filled me up at all and I was famished again. I could ask Fluttershy for some food, but I wasn't in the mood for anything she has. My eyesight dizzied a bit. I looked to Fluttershy, but I didn't see her. In my eyes, I saw food. I could smell her blood. I could see her blood flowing through those blue and red veins. They looked so sweet. Oh that yellow skin, covering juicy, tender meat. I could just rip her up and eat her now. My fangs poked at my tongue, begging me to make my move. Kill her. Kill her now and eat your fill. I took a step closer to her. Yes, another step and you can feed. Nopony will find out. That meat will last you a while, and after you're done with her, you can save her animals for later. Just do it. Every part of me wanted to spring onto Fluttershy, rip her limb from limb, and just gobble her up.. The blood would taste so rich. The meat would be full of nutrients. My stomach growled, begging me to kill her. Yes. Look at that meat. I licked my lips, and took one more step closer to Fluttershy.

   "Rainbow Dash? Are you alright?" Fluttershy's voice brought me back. My vision cleared, and she was close up to my face. I backed away. The smell of her beautiful blood was overwhelming. I was hungry. I shook my head, fighting myself to control the hunger. I noticed my claws have poked themselves out. Fluttershy stared me in the eyes. "Rainbow Dash? What's wrong?" I blinked tears away as I realized what had just ran through my brain. "Why are you crying? Rainbow Dash? Is there something you need to talk about?"

   "It's nothing Fluttershy," I turned around and bolted out of the cottage. I had almost killed her. Almost ripped her to shreds and devoured every part of her. I wanted to taste her meat so badly. She looked so appetizing. What am I saying. This was the pony who took care of me when I was young. I grew up with her, we were both orphans. She was the closest thing I have to a sister. I wanted to eat her. I'm a monster. Tears trickled down my cheeks. I didn't care who saw me, I don't want to hurt anypony around me. I can't live here anymore. I just can't. To the new me, to the wolf side of me, all my friends are just food. I can't stay any longer, the next time I'm around another pony, I might not be able fight back the temptation. I spread my wings and lift off, or at least try to. They make a cracking sound and flutter. I beat harder, and only lift off a bit. I push myself harder. My house was just overhead, I just needed to reach that cloud. I began to sweat a bit, flying was the hardest thing to do for me now. After about twenty minutes of beating my wings, I slowly set my hooves, now almost shaped like paws onto the porch of my cloud house. The paw went through a bit, and the cloud felt less dense, but it still held my weight. I went inside and packed my things. I couldn't help myself but cry. The tears just kept coming. They were impossible to hold back. My journal that I never wrote in, a Wonderbolts t-shirt, some Daring books, some bits and my photo album. The photo album that contained every picture I had taken in Ponyville with my friends. I set all my things into my backpack, my tears have drenched the outer layer of the bag. I take out a piece of paper and scratch down a small note. It said two simple words. I'm sorry. I hoped that somepony would find it after I leave, then I shake my head and realize it was a foolish idea. I toss out the note into a waste basket. Taking one last glance around my house, making sure everything was neat and clean before I left, I sigh and leave. Closing the door and stepping out, I open my wings once again. Gulping, I jump and keep them spread. Slowly but safely, I glide down to ground level. A few times they felt like they were going to give in, but I barked at them to hold. Landing on the ground, I took a look around. Everypony surrounding me stared. People do not just carry backpacks around. I wonder what they're thinking of this.

   I knew where I needed to go. Back to a place I had wished I never need to go to again. I slowly walked to the abandoned theatre. It was the afternoon, and the theatre still looked as creepy as it does during the nights. The lamp still hung outside, it was lit with a dim flame. Sighing, I walk inside.

   "Light? I know you're in here, show yourself," I called out to the darkness. At first, silence, but then a gray wolf appeared from the left hall.

   "My, my. So my beauty has returned?" I wanted to beat the crap out of his ugly muzzle. 

   "You win, I'll come with you," I snarled.

   "Oh? What if I didn't want you? A filly like you coming into an empty theatre is just asking to be eaten... or raped," He smiled through the darkness. I gasped.

   "You wouldn't." My voice shook.

   "I'm joking," He chuckled, but I did not find that one bit funny.

   "Har har har, what are you going to do now? I've come right," Light's left ear flicked.

   "What if I don't want you anymore?What if I say you must be punished for backing out of our deal?"

   "I don't care, my life has already been derailed because of you," I spat.

   "You're a fierce one huh? Can I ask what changed your mind?" I looked away. I didn't want to be reminded that I almost killed one of my best friends for a meal.

   "I can't control myself. I'm hungry for meat." Light laughed at my misery.

   "Oh, this is great. I can set you loose and let you slaughter everypony around you because you can't control your crave for meat. It'd be quite a show, and I'd get front row seats. Will you be willing to influence my decision?" I dropped to my knees and begged. A hot pang of embarrassment burnt my fur.

   "Please I'm so sorry, I don't want to hurt anypony. Just take me in, I'll do anything." Light chuckled.

   "The council will take my head for this. Are you willing to do whatever I say?" I thought for a moment. Slavery was illegal in Equestria, and I couldn't think of this as anything else. My lower lip quivered, and my heart sunk. There was no other choice.

    "Yes." There was a long pause in time. Then Light's laughter filled the hallways.

    "Very well then, I see you have packed your things already. There is one last thing we must do before we leave though." Light pulled out a bottle from his bag.

   "And what is that?" I asked, beginning to shake a bit. Light looked at me for a second, then grinned.

   "We'll have to kill you."

----------------------------------------

   My initial response was What? Has this wolf finally lost it? I mean, I wasn't afraid of death, but why wait for me to come for weeks just to kill me? I almost high tailed it out of there, I said I'm not scared of dying, but who said I wanted to die? Light had used all his strength to prevent me from running out and saving my hide.

   "This elixir will numb your body and put you in a temporary state of death where you will not feel anything nor have the need to breathe. From studying the Ponyville post news, the ponies are hosting a party in the city hall. Everypony is invited, so this is the time to get yourself known. You must drink this and jump out from the top floor window of the washroom. Once you hit the ground, you will be paralyzed. Do not worry, the effects will wear off within a week. That will be plenty of time for them to organize a funeral," Light had explained.

   "But why? Why do we have to put everypony through this? Shouldn't it be much easier to simply disappear and never come back?"

   "Nobody searches for a dead person." 

   The conversation replayed in my head, over and over, I had remembered everything word for word. The party music deafened my ears. The DJ with white fur and a blue streaked mane looked around the room as she scratched her disks. Might as well as listen to a few songs before I die. I stood there, surrounded by dozens of other ponies. Although I was physically not, I was lonely on the inside. In fact, everything felt so empty now. Tonight was my last night breathing in Ponyville. My home. I sighed and looked down to my hooves.

   "Hey Rainbow!" Twilight pulled herself out from a crowd of ponies. She looked at me from head to hoof. "Why so glum? Shouldn't you be partying? You know Pinkie had to beg the mayor to let her host this party here. Is something wrong? You haven't been yourself since Skybreak made his full recovery."

   "I'm fine Twilight, thanks," I mumbled.

   "If you say so." The purple mare turned and left. In the corner of my eye, I saw Fluttershy in the corner. Two taller mares and a stallion were gathered around her. Turning on my ears, I listened.

   "Ooh if it isn't Fluttershy, the one pegasus that can't fly," taunted the stallion.

   "Yeah, maybe she's better off as an unicorn than a pegasus," added the white mare beside him.

   "I think we should give her a few punches, just for the sake of this party, it's not like she's gonna tell anypony," said the red mare.

   "Oh, please leave me alone, don't hurt me," squeaked Fluttershy. One of the mares raised a hoof, and swung down for a hit. Fluttershy buried her face under her hooves. I ran forward and intercepted the blow with my own hoof.

   "Don't you dare lay a hoof on Fluttershy!" I barked. The group of three looked bewildered. They grinned.

   "Well, well, if it isn't Rainbow Dash," piped the stallion. I narrowed my eyes.

   "Yeah, the one with the creaky wings." I gasped.

   "Thats right, we've heard. Rumours been going around you aren't quite the flyer you once were." said the red mare. 

   "Has your little boyfriend softened your will to compete?" cooed the stallion. I gnawed my teeth, and I felt my claws dig out into the floorboards. Then a dizzying wave hit my head. I just realized how hungry I was. The claws were out now, and they brought the hunger with them. The three that had been mocking Fluttershy and I looked like a perfect meal. I could see their veins in every one of them. Suddenly, the intense aroma of the ponies around me hit my nose. They smelled delicious. My fangs bulged. All that meat. It's all mine to eat. I could do it now. I could kill everypony around me. My body shook, I looked up, and let out a loud howl. The howl sapped my energy quickly. That was the least of my worries though. The room went silent, the music stopped and everypony pointed their attention towards me. I noticed the three ponies have ran away. They all stared at me. I was tempted to flash my fangs, instead, I let out a weak chuckle.

   "Aheh heh, soooo... Who likes my wolf impression?" Everypony looked at each other, back at me, at each other, and began to laugh. Pinkie hopped to the front and slapped me on the back.

   "That was amazing Dashie! You gotta learn to teach me how to howl like that!" She laughed and then ran off to the desserts table. That was it. The room returned to its partying state. That was it. I headed upstairs. The mayor was in her office. I walked into the washroom, and looked into the mirror. There were bags under my eyes, and I think I lost some of my hearing. I sat on the toilet for a second, thinking. It's time. I pulled out the liquid Light had given me from a small pouch I had attached to my waist. I opened the window and a cool night breeze blew in. Today is the day Rainbow Dash will die. I uncorked the bottle, and gulped the contents down. I swayed for a moment, my head felt like it was being crushed. I was afraid I would fall backwards, but luck was on my side and I fell forward out the window. Everything slowed down. The fall felt like an eternity. I'm sorry everypony. My dreams left me. I can never become a Wonderbolt now. I can never become the best flyer in all of Equestria now. I can never live the rest of my life as a pony now. One tear shot out of my eye. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy... and Skybreak. I will miss you all. Twilight, I hope you become a great magician or whatever with your magic. Rarity, I wish you the best of luck in designing dresses. Applejack and Pinkie Pie, make your buisinesses boom. And Fluttershy, I will miss you most of all. Take care of Tank for me. I had nothing to say for Skybreak. I haven't seen him since the day I scratched him. I knew my friends couldn't hear me, but I still wanted to say it to myself. I hit the ground, I didn't feel it. It didn't hurt. I heard a few cracks though. My eyes were open. I couldn't move. I could see faintly, and hear perfectly well, but I couldn't feel a nerve. A figure loomed over me. It's a wolf, it's Light. He snickered, took out two claws, and scraped them against my flank. Light, what do you think you're doing? At least that's what I wanted to say. He waved to me, and blew a kiss, mouthing the words "See you in a few days," and then took off. I laid there for hours. The party was still booming. I noticed that I wasn't breathing. This would've been really cool if I wasn't leaving. In fact, this was really relaxing. The party soon quieted down, and tired ponies made their way out of the town hall. They chatted among themselves and laughed. I wished I was one of them, no worries, just going home to rest. Cruel fate had brought me here. I cried on the inside. 

   "Has anypony seen Rainbow Dash?" Twilight's voice called from inside the crowd. From the corner of my eyes, I could see my five friends at the door, searching for me.

   "Ah haven't."

   "Neither have I..." 

   "I hope the darling is alright, she wasn't her usual self."

   "Yeah! I still need her to teach me how to howl like that!" I could hear Pinkie practice her own howls.

   "Wait a second, what's that?" Twilight pointed towards me. "Oh... my... Celestia!" My friends rushed to my side. I stayed limp. AJ set her ear against my chest, Light had told me the elixir would stop my heart from beating, I hoped he was right.

   "Her heart isn't beating," declared AJ.

   "She's not breathing either!" cried Twilight. They mumbled silent words I could not hear.

   "Look at that!" Rarity pointed at the side of my flank. Inside, I grew red hot with embarrassment knowing my friends were staring at my behind.

   "There's blood, and there seems to be two claw marks," said Twilight. Claw marks? What the hell Light? What are you trying to do here? You idiot, you'll start a war between the wolves and the ponies. "Girls, these are wolf marks." Twilight choked on here tears. "I don't want to say this, but Dash is dead. I don't know how, but she's gone." I listened to them cry. I listened to my friends cry. They were my friends. I wanted to just jump up and shout "Boo! Fooled you all!", that ain't happening. Pinkie fell over and hugged my limp body. Her warm body heated my deathly cold one. 

   "Dashie, wake up." I couldn't detect her cheery tone. "Oh Dashie, don't leave us." What she said next only broke my heart more. "We're best friends right? You promised you would teach me how to howl. Don't go yet." I couldn't feel it, but I knew her hot tears were soaking my fur. I wanted to hug her back, to tell her it'll be alright. Instead, I listened to the cries of all my friends. I'm so sorry everypony.

   The following day was only worse. They held a funeral for me. I wish I didn't have to attend, but it was my funeral. They carried me to the front, where a priest spoke a few words. The day brought more tears and sobs. Fluttershy, my big pony sister, my friend, she cried while holding me tight. It took everypony's strength to loosen her grip on me. AJ and Rarity cried while holding each other, and Pinkie moped around. Twilight's mane was a mess when she bent over and kissed me on the forehead. Although I wasn't physically crying, my heart let out a wave of tears. They deserved better than me. They deserved a better friend who would fess up about something instead of running away from their problems. Some strange ponies set me into a coffin and lowered me into a grave they dug. The coffin was stuffy, but not sound proof at all. You know how I felt? Like shit, because all I could do was listen to the ponies I love cry their eyes out for me.

   The coffin was uncomfortable, my legs were cramped. I laid there, unable to move. How many days has it been? I had no idea. I couldn't sleep, so I was forced to stare at the lid of my coffin. It was pitch black, so I was really staring at nothing. Beat. Was that my heart? I took a breath, air filled my lungs again. I wiggled my hooves, they were unresponsive at first, but then they moved. Blood rushed through my body. I wanted to get out of this damn coffin. My whole body began to ache, meaning I could feel again. I suddenly realized that my breath was getting shorter and shorter. I could hear scratching sounds from overhead, but I found it difficult to breath. There wasn't enough oxygen in this coffin. The scratching sounds continued, and esculated to what I believe were digging sounds. Light was coming. Hurry up. Would he be too late and just find me dead? I screamed. No good, if I scream, I only use more air. I relaxed, and slowly breathed. In and out. In... and out. I closed my eyes, and listened to the sounds until I knew Light was just a few inches above me. The coffin lid creaked open and moonlight poured in. I swallowed up gulps of air. Light jumped out of the pit, I crawled out of the coffin. I stared at the wolf.

   "Another few seconds and I would've been dead," I grunted.

   "Oh, sorry about that, I had to make sure there were no ponies around." My bones cracked a bit as I stood. It felt good. "Hey, are you listening?"

   "Yeah, whatever." I looked at the grave. I read the tombstone. R.I.P Rainbow Dash, We Will Remember Her In Our Hearts. I shivered.

   "Go stretch yourself while I fill up this hole again." said Lignt.

   "Wait, where's my bag?" The wolf's eyes widened and realized he had forgotten about the backpack on his back. He took it off and passed it to me.

   "You didn't go through my stuff did you?"

   "As if I would be interested in your unwritten journal and albums with pictures of ponies," he snorted. I cocked a brow.

   "Then how do you know I have a photo album and a journal in here?" I asked in a sarcastic tone.

   "Shut up, ok? Curiosity isn't a bad thing." I walked away from Light and went to stretch myself. First my wings, which I don't think can even carry my weight anymore, and then my legs. I noticed my hooves were no longer hooves, they were now paws. I felt my face. I was furrier, and there was a hard lump on my nose. It was my nose. I looked into a puddle. My fur was still cyan, my eyes were still violet, and I noticed larger fangs when I opened my mouth. I looked at my flank. The cloud with rainbow lightning cutie mark I once had is now faint. I whimpered a bit, saddened by the fact I will no longer have what made me special. If I am no longer Rainbow Dash, who am I? I sighed, and looked up to see what I was hoping to see but wanted to see. Skybreak. He flapped his wings above me. His blue eyes burned into me, his white fur glistened in the moonlight, his strong powerful wings beat so heavily I could hear them. He stared at me, I saw a tear run down the side of his cheek, and he mouthed the words,

   "Friendship, over."

   It hurt me, but this was the way it had to be. I looked down to the ground, and shed a few tears. When I returned my gaze to the sky, Skybreak was gone. I wished him a safe flight home, though I don't know why.

   "Hey you ready?" Light called. He trotted up beside me.

   "I was born ready," I responded. Light looked up to the sky, and let out a low howl. I hopped onto a tombstone, and looked around Ponyville. Everypony was asleep, I was wide awake. Turning away from what was once my home, I walked over to Light. "Is it always lonely the first time leaving?"

   "Of course, but the going never gets easy. Us wolves can't stay in pony towns for long periods of time. Sometimes we make friends with some of them, and we miss them." I looked up to the moon, and rubbed my head against Light's side. He will teach me to be a wolf, he will teach me how to live. I didn't like him still, but he was all I had. "Let's go."

   "Mm." I'm still a pony inside. At heart, it's how I was raised. The night filled with my howls of pain. The pain of leaving. Light's howls comforted mine. Side by side, the wolf and the pony walked below the night sky.

   The night breeze ruffled my fur. The moonlight shined down, lighting my path. I have grown accustom to staying up late. It was tiring, but I can't even feel the fatigue now. My paws pounded against the ground as I ran to keep up with Light. He looked back to make sure I was alright, I winked. The soft grass bent under my weight, and the dew wet my paws. 

   "Do you know where we're going?" I asked. Light stopped in his tracks, I almost ran past him. The question had caught him off guard. 

   "Do you really want to know?" I nodded. Light sighed. "I can't keep you a secret forever. I need to present you to the council." The furs on my back stood up.

   "What's the council?" The question sounded stupid but I needed to know.

   "High ranked wolves that make decisions for us. They're like wolf versions of Celestia and Luna, except there's more of them and they're less forgiving." I gulped.

   "Why do you need to present me?" I already knew the answer.

   "Wolves do not appear out of thin air. We are born into the pack. No one has heard of you until you show up, don't you think they'll get suspicious?" I nodded again, not sure of what to say. I thought for a moment,

   "Where is the council?" Light blinked.

   "Just past that mountain over there," Light said and he pointed behind me, I turned and saw a rocky mountain I had not noticed before, "A clan of wolves live inside that mountain, a cave entrance is located on the other side." 

   "Wait... You don't live in houses?" I dreaded sleeping on the cold, hard ground.

   "Pfft, you silly ponies, what's the need of a bed when nature offers grass and earth?" Light laughed and bolted off towards the mountain. I grumbled and followed suit.

--------------------------------------------------------------

   "Princess Celestia, Rainbow Dash was killed by a wolf, I'm sure of it," said Twilight. The regal sun goddess stared down at her pupil. Her expression stayed unchanged as she looked up to the ceiling. Twilight was infuriated her mentor did not feel a ping of sadness that one of her best friends has just been murdered, nor did she act like she cared at all!

   "My student, I understand you are suffering from the loss of your friend, but we are at most peace currently. Equestria is not at war and there is no need for us to start one." Twilight winced. She felt that Celestia just didn't want to provoke the meat eating carnivores. 

   "But princess-" Celestia shook her head.

   "What worries me more are the Elements of Harmony. With Rainbow Dash gone, there is nopony to host the Element of Loyalty." Twilight clamps her mouth shut, and storms off, angry at Celestia and the world around her. The wolves, she was certain it was the wolves who had taken her friend's life. That was it then, Twilight no longer had the reason to study magic to become the best. She had another reason, one that tied in to the death of Rainbow Dash. Vengeance. She will make the wolves pay.

--------------------------------------------------------------

   I didn't know what to expect. I was sure there was going to a metropolis of wolves living inside the mountain. As Light and I walked through the cave tunnels, it seemed quite empty. My eyes were adjusted to the darkness, I could see fine. By fine, I mean I'm a blind rodent wondering around. I followed the sound of Light's pawsteps, they were light, but audible.

   "Can you smell them?" My ear flicked as I tried to understand.

   "What do you mean?" I was confused by the question. Smell who?

   "I mean can you smell them, the wolves." 

   "Nope," I whispered. Light sighed.

   "Focus your nose dimwit and smell carefully," Light snapped.

   "Ok, ok!" Sheesh, what a grumpy guy. I closed my eyes and sniffed. Nothing at first, but then different smells hit my nose. They smelled awfully alike the way Light smells, and that's not a pleasant smell.

   "Disgusting."

   "Shut up. Are you going to be this rude when I introduce you to the council?"

   "Of course not!" But inside, I wanted to make a complete fool of myself and embarrass Light. I may have adapted to being a wolf, but that didn't mean I LIKED it. 

   "We're getting close." I noticed a lit torch hanging on the wall. "It'll be lighter once we're in." As we walked, the amount of torches grew, until it was as bright as day. As I looked around, I realized the cave walls were not rough and rocky, but smooth like cement. 

   "Stop in your tracks!" A loud voice barked. I nearly had a heart attack. A black brawny wolf stood over me. He was twice my size and I could smell his breath from all the way down here. "Who goes?"

   "Rasheen my old friend, it is me, Light." The tall wolf who was addressed Rasheen growled.

   "Great, it's you, how many times have I told you? I hate you." Light whimpered.

   "Come on man! We were like best friends as pups! What happened?" I watched Rasheen's ear flick. Just take away all the muscles, and he could be a cute little puppy. That's just my opinion anyways.

   "Well let's see, you left to join a circus of freaks who like to share our secrets with ponies," Rasheen said angrily, but it was obvious he was trying to hide his joy.

   "Oh man, you're in for a-" Light jumped onto Rasheen before finishing and the two tumbled around like kittens, pawing each other. They both laughed as they play fought, batting their ears. I stared. I have no idea what to do, so I decided to speak up.

   "A-HEM." Both the wolves ears perked up and they turned their attention to me.

   "Hey, who's that?" Rasheen asked, just noticing my presence.

   "Well you see-" Light stammered. Rasheen walked up close to me, and sniffed.

   "Hey! Back off you creep!" I pushed the larger wolf away.

   "What the hell Light?! She smells like a pony." The cheery attitude died off, and I sensed the tension that started to build. Light thought for a moment, and spilled everything. I watched Rasheen's neutral expression plummet to anger.

   "Everything will be fine Rash, that's why I'm here to preset her to the council," Light explained.

   "You're an idiot Light, you know Stream won't be happy about this." Rasheen shook his head, and trotted inside. Light stuck his tongue out before following. I sighed, some guys are real morons. Light showed me where everything was. There were many wolves wandering around the large room, that's right, it was just one large room connected to many smaller rooms. The large room could fit at least two Ursa Majors from my estimations, and it didn't seemed to be used for anything other than socializing or resting.

   "We call this room the Tongue Sharing room, think of it as a living room. Over there are the dens where we sleep," Light pointed towards to the corner, where a large hole was carved into the side of the wall as an entrance. I peered in and realized there were many smaller dens that seemed to be able to fit five or six wolves each inside.

   "Do I have to sleep in one of them?" I asked.

   "Well, if we stay." Light pointed to an entrance to another room located across the Tongue Sharing room. "Thats where the members of the councils sleep. They also have a small meeting room inside."

   "How do you know all this?" I asked, "Do you like, peep into others' rooms? If that's the case, I'm not sleeping near you."

   "Hey, you've slept near me for the past few months. And I was a curious pup." Light chuckled. My ear flicked, and I looked around the room.

   "So do you all hunt together?"

   "No, we used to as a pack, but now we have a few wolves assigned the job as hunters. They bring food to us whenever our supplies run low." I sighed a breath of relief, I've eaten meat, and I hate to admit this but it tastes delicious. I can understand it's part of my requirements to surivive, but sometimes I find myself craving the sweet tender flesh that comes off another living creature. I'm a sick, sick monster.

   "Why'd you leave then?" 

   "Huh?"

   "Why'd you leave to join that wolf group?" I snarled.

   "Thst group takes in anyone. People join, people leave, there are no permanent members. I joined to travel, travelling is just something I love to do." I closed my eyes, and resisted the urge to scratch his eyes out.

   "Dammit, if you never joined them, I wouldn't be here right now," I said.

   "Yeah well, lucky you." There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone, I ignored it. "You should be proud of our clan," Light said, tryin to comfort me a bit when he realized my growing sorrow, "I mean, we're not perfect, but I'm sure you can enjoy being a wolf after being here for a while."

   "How could I enjoy killing little creatures and eating them for my own selfish needs?" I spat, "It's not how I was raised."

   "Rainbow, please-"

   "What's going on?" A sleek brown wolf walked over to us. He eyed me, looking over me from head to paw. His eyes were emerald green and his voice was light. He reminded me of Skybreak.

   "Stream! I'd like you to meet Rainbow Dash." Light grinned to the older wolf, and nudged me.

   "O-Oh, uh hi," I stammered and reached out a paw to shake his. Stream batted my paw away, declining the offer.

   "Light, I am disappointed in you." I noticed the twitch in Light's paws. "I have heard from Rasheen that you sold one of our potions to this pony, and brought her to us."

   "Yeah, that is true, except the part about me selling it to her, I gave it to her."

   "You're a fool." Stream hissed his words.

   "Come on! What's the point of making potions if no one drinks them," Light complained.

   "It is not your decision to choose who becomes a wolf, just like how it is not my decision if the potions should be made or not." Stream closed his eyes, "What has been done cannot be undone, a soft pony will not survive the way we live."

   "Hey!" I protested.

   "She is not soft, as a pony, she was a strong flyer, one that could even match up with the Wonderbolts." I blushed at the mention of my heroes. Stream closed in on Light and stared him in the eye.

   "Are you saying that the Wonderbolts are worthy of becoming wolves? Ponies are not meant to be what they aren't," Stream growled through his clenched teeth.

   "And what if they are?" Light's reply only enraged the older wolf more.

   "Look, I'm already pissed that Sliver brought in a pony as well. We do not need two soft bellies running around our home." Other pony?

   "W-wait," I interupted the argument, "What other pony?" 

   "How the hell should I know? She has a purple furcoat and a busted horn, I've heard from the clan that she's becoming a great hunter. Doesn't matter to me, she's still a pony inside." That helped a lot. I held myself back from pouncing onto Stream and ripping his neck apart. Great, first hour here and I've already been called a softy. Now who is that other pony?

   "Stream, it would mean so much to me if we announce her arrival to the rest of the pack," Light begged.

   "Very well then, I'm not sure if anyone else would approve though, you will have to deal with the scratches and bites yourself after." Light's face lit up and he grinned from ear to ear.

   "Thank you."

   Stream walked to the center of the room, where a large rock stands. With a leap, he jumped ontop of it, standing tall and strong. He raised his mouth to the ceiling, and let out a bloodcurdling howl. 

   "Awooooooooooooooooooh." Every wolf in the room turned their attention to the center, and quietly walked to the rock Stream stood on. Murmurs and whispers ran through the crowd as they racked their brains for the reason of a sudden meeting.

   "One of our... pups, Light, has brought in an outsider to live with the pack." The news shocked some of the wolves in the crowd and they chatted among themselves. Stream coughed and then continued. "Please give our newest member, Rainbow Dash, a warm welcoming." 

   "Crazy old dog," Light huffed under his breath before nodding for me to hop onto the boulder. The muscles in my legs tightened, and I pushed hard against the ground, leaping onto the tall rock. I stood beside Stream, and he complimented on my jump. At least, I think it was a compliment. At least a dozen othe wolves stared up at me, their eyes staring through me. Some shot looks at me, I quivered under my fur.

   "Rainbow Dash has quite a unique history, but I'm sure she wouldn't like to share it, so I will lay off that story for now." Stream stammered. A voice yowled from the crowd and I gulped.

   "What kind of bullcrap is this?" 

   "Who said that?" Stream barked. A purple she wolf revealed her muzzle from the pack of wolves and walked up front.

   "We will not take in ANOTHER mouth to feed, and surely not one that reeks of pony!" Every wolf in the pack gasped. "Ponies are soft, not meant to be wolves. I say we kill her now on the spot. I mean, what the hell does Ligh-"

   "Silence Trixie," snapped Stream. It clicked into my mind. Trixie was the unicorn who bragged she could banish an Ursa Major. She was way over her head and embarrassed all of my friends. I stared down at her, focused and on the horn that stuck out of her head. "Have you forgotten you were once a pony as well?"

   "Hear me out Stream, I've lived on the streets for months after being ran out of Ponyville. I know how it is to survive. This soft belly isn't any more than another mouth to feed." Stream didn't reply. "She'll eat all our prey and leave a pony stench in our dens." I looked to Light, who's eyes twinkled. They said three words.

   Kick her ass.

   I jumped off the rock and pounced onto Trixie, who in an instance kicked me off.

   "It'll be months, hell, even years before you are ready to match with the great and powerful Trixie," she spat, and lashed her claws out at me. I jumped back, avoiding the pain those razor sharp overgrown nails could've caused me. She flashed her fangs, and with haste, she rocketed forward off her legs onto me, pinning me to the ground. I flailed, trying to get the purple she wolf off me, but her strength kept me down. I swear, she worked out a lot more than I could have ever imagined. Like a vampony, she opened her wide mouth and closed in on my neck with her teeth. I began to tremble, and realized I forgot to swallow my own saliva. Trixie was in for the kill, unless I react fast. I pulled in a breath of air, and spat out my saliva. It shot through the air and pelted Trixie right in the right eye. 

   "How revolting." Trixie rubbed her eyes with a forepaw and tumbled off me. This was my chance. Spinning around, I grabbed ahold of her hind leg with my tail, and pulled. Her own weight crashed down upon her now that only one leg was supporting her body, and she fell to the ground, landing face first. When she got up, the dirt had stuck to the saliva on her face, and it looked quite amusing. A few wolves in the crowd chuckled, and Stream buried his face in his paws, obviously awed by my dazzling fighting techniques. Trixie turned a nice shade of red, and ran away into one of the dens. Stream jumped down from the rock, and stared at me.

   "Whaaaaaaat?" I moaned.

   "I don't think you belong here. Your fighting style is childish and too forgiving. If I were you, I would have finished off the kill before she stood up again. Never lay your eyes off an opponent, or pity them." I looked down, but inside, I snickered at the way I had embarrassed Trixie.

   "I thought it was creative," said Light. Stream flashed him a look, and he slunk away. 

   "You're kidding, right?" I asked. Stream shook his head, and pointed to the hallway Light and I had entered through.

   "You don't belong here."

Author's Note
As you have probably noticed, this chapter was greatly rushed. I can't start off a story well so bear with me.

   "That was smart thinking, just really retarded who you chose to use it against," Light scolded. I groaned. We were on the road again. My actions had costed us a suspension from the pack as I am "not yet suited for the ways of being a wolf." 

   "But she's a jerk!" Light shook his head.

   "She can be whatever she is to you, but she is one of the top hunters in the pack." I rolled my eyes.

   "How the hell was I supposed to know? The last time I saw her was when she ran off from Ponyville." Our pace slowed as we talked, our legs have grown tired. It's been nearly a day since we were walking. Light planned on making it all the way to Fillydelphia.

   "It doesn't matter, ponies and wolves can change a lot in a few months or years." 

   "Ok fine whateve-" I was stopped by a paw in my mouth.

   "Shhhh," he hushed. I almost bit down, which would've left some pretty nasty marks. A bush rustled from around twenty feet away from us and a rabbit hopped out, nibbling a leaf of grass. Light looked at me and smiled.

   "You up for some dinner? My treat."

--------------------------------------------------------------

   "Luna, have you located somepony suitable for the Element of Loyalty yet?"

   "Tia, I haven't yet, but when I held the element the other day, the power surging from it felt ten times weaker than it did when Rainbow Dash was its host."

   "Ah, that one, she was quite a pony. I haven't seen anypony more loyal than her in all my life."

   "That's a lot of ponies."

   "Yes I do agr- Hey!" Celestia realized her sister had just dissed her. "Are you calling me old?"

   "Are you calling a thousand years young?" The sisters laughed at the small joke for a brief second.

   "You know how much I mean it when I say I've missed you." 

   "Who hasn't?" Luna looked up to her older sister, and wrapped her arms around her for a hug. The two embraced in a warm hug, holding each other tightly and forgetting about the subject at hoof.

--------------------------------------------------------------

   Sun creaked through my eye lids. I groaned. My mouth had a taste of blood in it. Rabbit blood to be precise. What was under me felt soft. Could it be? I sat up and looked beneath me. I almost screamed from joy. It was a bed. A bed isn't that amazing but after sleeping on rocks for the past few months it felt like heaven. I looked around the room, half expecting my Wonderbolt posters on the walls. The room was nearly empty except for a desk, a dresser, my backpack which was in the corner and the bed I was on. I rubbed my eyes sleepily. Where was I? I got up, stretched my legs and wings (I don't know why since they are no longer a use to me as they can't carry my weight) and opened the door. It lead to a small corridor. Down the corridor was a washroom and somepo- someone else's room. The room was empty, but I reconized the smell that lingered inside the moment I stuck my head in. Light slept here last night.

   "Light? Are you here?" I called down the hall. No reply. At the end of the hall were a set of stairs leading down. I hopped down the stairs by twos and soon landed on the marble floor. It was icy cold and sent chills through my legs.

   "Seriously Light, where are you?" I was beginning to get mad. He had completely ditched me, what a jerk. When I get my paws on him, I'm going to rip him inside out. I entered the kitchen. A fresh auroma welcomed my nose and my mouth began to drool. On the breakfast table was a plate of chicken. It was cooked but didn't seemed to have been touched since it was made. I walked closer to the table and upon inspection, I noticed a note beside the plate.

Rainbow Dash,
   After eating that rabbit meal last night, you had passed out from fatigue. I had carried you on my back all the way here to Fillydelphia. Unfortunately, urgent buisiness with the pack had brought me away from you. You must live on your own for a little while, say, maybe a week or two? I have taken the courtesy to cook your breakfast, it may be a tad cold by the time you've read this. The fridge is stocked up with meat, it will last you a while. Please do not feed on any of the citzens of Filldelphia, or I will seriously kill you when I get back.

Missing you,
Light

   I rolled my eyes. What am I going to do for two weeks? It was sweet what he did for me last night but couldn't he have told me in person that he was leaving? I clamped my jaw over a chicken leg and bit down. The tender meat ripped easily and I chewed, mushing the meat into something that could be swallowed. This could be my chance. I can take off now, go back to Ponyville and continue my life there. Within weeks, the past few months of my life would feel like nothing but a bad dream. Everything can go back to normal. Everything should go back to normal. I shook the thought off. There was no way my friends would believe it. I'm supposed to be dead, and what would they say when they learn I'm a wolf now? It'd be impossible for me to explain. I finished the rest of my chicken, and walked over to the bookshelf. After scanning the shelf for good books five times, I sighed and plopped down on the couch. I can understand this is a rented house, but maybe the retailers or whoever signs these away should at least find a better library than freaking bibles and foal books. With my legs crossed and arms comforting my head, I fell asleep as I had used to on clouds as a pegasus. 

--------------------------------------------------------------

   The streets of Filldelphia were more fancier than the ones in Ponyville, but only by a bit. The tiles on the ground were different shades of gray, the street lights were a different shape: most had a small twirl at the bottom, and many of the shops sold more expensive items. I've been worried about leaving the house for the first time, but this is the third time I've come walk the streets. Apart from some dirty looks I've been receiving from some ponies, the citzens of Fillydelphia seem really nice. Some shop owners welcomed me into their stores to test some samples and products. They said it's rare to see a wolf and a lot of them believe ponies and wolves should live in peace.

    I sat in the park, watching foals and fillies that are playing on the slides and swings. A few motherly mares had whispered to their children and pointed at me. I watched some of their pupils grow large with awe. From the expression they wore, I'm guessing their mothers had told them something similar to "Hey, that's a wolf", or "Check that thing out". I sighed and sunk down on the bench I sat on. Some fillies were taking turns pushing each other on the swings. They had such content smiles on their faces. I wish I could be one of them, I wanted to be a pony again. I want to be able to eat Applejack's pastries, borrow books from Twilight's libraries and fly the skies as a pegasus once more. I felt a pang of jealousy as the giggles of the ponies fluttered over to my ears.

   A few hours passed, and ponies came and go. Maybe I could just sit here for the rest of the two weeks. It's not like I can go anywhere until Light is back. My stomach grumbled, and I decided it was time to go back home. I stood up and walked out of the park. The sun was setting, and the buildings casted long shadows. The streets were emptying as ponies closed up their shops. Alone. It felt like the world was shutting off around me. Light isn't with me, I don't have anyone else. I sulked my thoughts and continued the walk home in silence. Silence, yeah that's the word. I listened to the silence. The silence and the little hoofsteps. Hoofsteps? My ears perked and I strained them to listen. It wasn't very faint, and I scowled at myself for being oblivious to the sound. I stopped walking.

   "Oof!" Something, or someone bumped into me from behind. I turned around only to face a small yellow filly. Her large blue eyes stared up at me. Her jaw was agape and her pink mane was curled. I checked for wings, she had none, but if she did I would swear she was a mini Fluttershy. 

   "Hey kiddo, whatcha doing out here?" I asked.

   "Are you the boogeyman?" She asked, her eyes shined with determination.

   "No? Who are you? Why are you following me?" I snapped.

   "Everypony is talking about you. We're all wondering what a wolf is doing here in Fillydelphia!" She squeaked. Well that certainly isn't like the quiet pony that lives back in Ponyville.

   "Yeah, well I'm only here for a little while. Why don't you scurry home before it gets dark?" I tried to nudge her into the direction she came from.

   "My name is Morning Bird, what's yours?" I sighed. Kids just won't listen.

   "I'm Rainbow Dash." Morning Bird nodded. She turned to the side and showed me her flank. It was blank.

   "Us ponies get something called a cutie mark, you get it once you learn your special talent!" I flicked an ear, listening carefully to the filly's explanation. "I don't have a cutie mark yet, but I think mine is going to be just awesome, I know it!"

   "Thats great kid, why don't you go home now?"

   "Hey, there's a play showing tomorrow at the theatre, do you want to take me? It's free." She looked up at me with large pleading eyes. I couldn't decline. Besides, there wasn't anything else for me to do other than bum around the rented house until Light returns.

   "Sure I guess."

   "You know where the theatre is right?"

   "Of course!"

   "Prove it."

   "Um, maybe a little refresher would help." After hearing the address for the theatre, I waved Morning Bird goodbye and walked home. I didn't know where Light was, and I really didn't care, maybe being in Fillydelphia will help me. It'll give me a taste of life as a pony again, it's just what I needed.

--------------------------------------------------------------

   "Did you use the washroom before coming?" Morning Bird asked. I laughed.

   "Haha, I'm the one who's supposed to be asking that, kid. Your parents know you're coming with me?" I didn't want anypony to think I'm a foalnapper. That wouldn't end well.

   "Of course! I told them I met the coolest pony yesterday, and that she was going to take me to the theatre! They didn't care much about the details and I sort of lied about you being a pony." What a kid. Wish I had parents to lie to when I was young. 

   "You told more truth then you think you did." I winked.

   "Huh?"

   "Nothin'"

   "Just don't look like you're going to eat somepony when we enter the theatre."

   "What are we watching anyways?"

   "It's a play about how Equestria was formed." That sounded familiar, I turned on my ears. "This play was performed in Canterlot once, but it was so well improvised by the actors that they decided to use their script instead of the original one." I remember that, I played as one of the commanders in that play. "I always wanted to see it, but my parents wouldn't take me all the way to Canterlot just to watch a play. I think it's about time Fillydelphia got something good around here." Morning Bird grinned, and then pushed me in through the doors of the theatre.

   I admire the kid's braveness, I really do. What other filly would walk straight up to a wolf near sunset and ask her to take her to a play the next day? Morning Bird looked at me, and began to talk again.

   "I once read a book on wolves before," she said.

   "Oh?"

   "It described wolves as large hairy monsters that eat little foals. You don't look like a monster, what do wolves really eat?" I took a seat and sat.

   "Well, I'm pretty sure you don't wanna hear about it," I warned.

   "No, I do!" She looked up to me with large puppy eyes.

   "Aw fine. We eat meat, it's not like we can help it though. We NEED meat to survive. I tried to live without eating it, but my brain got groggy and I nearly killed someone I would call my sister." It was Fluttershy, I had nearly ripped the kind yellow pony apart because I couldn't control my crave for meat. 

   "Oh. It's alright if you didn't kill her though, we all have done things we couldn't control." Morning Bird smiled, and then turned her attention to the stage. 

   "Yeah we-"

   "Shhh! It's starting." I shut my mouth and looked to the front. The curtain lifted and the first scene started.

   I wasn't really interested in the play. Neither were the ponies around me. Many turned their heads and just stared at me. I pretended I didn't notice they were staring, and just looked up to the ceiling, but honestly, I was enjoying the attention. I closed my eyes and eavesdropped on the ponies around me.

   "Hey, aren'tcha gonna watch?" Morning Bird asked.

   "Oh, sorry, I'm a bit sleepy, haven't gotten much shut eye since I got here," I lied, "Mind if I nap through this play?"

   "Not my problem if you miss the greatest play in pony history." I closed my eyes and pretended to doze off. I listened to the whispers of the ponies around me.

   "What reason do you think it's here for?"

   "Shhh! It might hear you."

   "This is the first time I've seen a wolf, let's get a closer look."

   "If you don't stop picking your nose right now so help me I will tell that mean looking wolf to take you away."

   Eventually, I got tired of listening to the gossipish whispers and actually fell asleep. I hadn't noticed how tired I was since Light was gone. I've been sleepless without someone at my side keeping me warm, I've already forgotten how it felt to sleep underneath a blanket. I don't know how long I was asleep for, but Morning Bird shook me awake. Her name really did fit her, because she woke me up with not a friendly shake, but one that I'm sure shook loose some of my filling.

   "Hey, the play is almost over," Morning Bird whispered.

   "Huh?" I looked at the yellow pony.

   "You must be really sleepy eh? The final scene is on. The one where the commanders freeze and the warmth of their advisors melt the ice." I rubbed an eye and laughed.

   "Yeah, wake me up when it's over."

   "No, you're going to watch whether you like to or not." I sighed, and turned my gaze to the front. As I've said, I've already seen this play. Wait no, I was IN this play. There really isn't anything new for me to see or learn from this. I was just about to close my eyes and fall back to sleep when every pony in the room stood up and clapped their hooves. There goes my afternoon nap. The actors took a bow and then headed backstage. I looked groggily at Morning Bird, who had stood up and is now clapping. She felt my eyes on her and whipped her head around to face me.

   "Where do you wanna go now?"

   "What do you mean? The plays over, you're going home and I'm going to mine."

   "No way Rainbow Dash! I want to spend more time with you!" She grinned from ear to ear. I was about to object but she grabbed me by the paw with both hooves and dragged me out of the theatre.

   "I know a place where I can get us some free grub." I rolled my eyes. I really don't want to go but it's not like I have anything else to do. 

   Morning Bird brought me across town to a fancy restaurant. It was tiresome to follow the energetic pony but I have a magnetic feel towards her. Maybe she or someone she knew could restore me back into a pony. It was a crazy thought but I was really stuck to the idea. Jump at every opportunity you get, that's what I believe in.

   "This is it." Morning pointed at a building. The sign that hung over it read Fine Cuisine. I had expected her to bring me to a shabby run-down sandwich restaurant but this was beyond the best restuarants in Ponyvilles. The exterior was painted white with gold streaks and the windows were carved into fancy shapes.

   "Free food here?" I laughed, "You'd be lucky if they even give you a cup of water!" Morning Bird smiled, and then opened the door for me.

   You ever get that feeling that you don't belong? Like a stallion in fillyscouts? That is exactly how I felt the moment I walked in. Ponies dressed in tuxedos or fancy dresses shot me dirty looks and grinder their teeth. I can get at the fact that I'm a wolf, but that's not way to treat someone new. Morning Bird acted as if it was all normal and was oblivious to the looks we were getting. The door to what I think is the kitchen opened and a waiter carrying a platter of drinks walked out. His eyes fell upon Morning Bird and immediately set down the drinks and ran back into the kitchen. I looked down at Morning Bird, shooting her a questioning look but she just smiled. A few seconds later, a fancier dressed mare walked out. Her mane was curled and her mascara was obvious to the eye. Her furcoat was bleach white and she had a black colored mane. She cocked her head around, looking at the customers she was getting. Then her eyes met Morning Bird's. I watched her lips curl into a content grin.

   "Ah sweetie! Here for lunch? How was the play?" For a second there, I was confused. Who was this pony? Why did she show such hospitality to Morning Bird?

   "It was just fine, mom, although the one who took me sort of fell asleep." Morning laughed, and then nodded at me. Mom? This sort of made sense to me now. The white mare's cheery attitude suddenly dropped when she noticed me.

   "What is THIS doing in my restaurant?" she snapped.

   "She's my friend!" Morning Bird protested.

   "So she's the one who took you? You told me you were going with another pony!"

   "Yeah I did, otherwise you wouldn't have let me go!"

   "Of course not, she's a wolf."

   "She's not like others, she doesn't eat ponies like you think."

   "What have you-"

   "Mom!" Morning Bird's eyes softened. "Just trust me on this one." The mare sighed and then smiled.

   "Sorry honey, I just didn't expect you to bring in another creature that isn't our kind." She looked at me, and then raised her right hoof. "My name's Lotus Dawn. I'm the owner of this establishment." I smiled and shook her hoof with a paw.

   "Rainbow Dash."

   "Yes, my daughter has spoken of you last night. She has a fond towards you, as if you're something special. I'm frankly sorry for the way I've acted before, it just didn't occur to me that my little girl would be brave enough to befriend somepo- er someone who's kind once hunted us for a living." I laughed.

   "Yeah, she's quite a pony." Lotus Dawn looked at Morning Bird.

   "So what would you two like for lunch?"

   "Anything would be fine," said Morning Bird.

   "You?" Lotus Dawn turned to me. I managed a shy smile.

   "Whatever she's having." Lotus nodded and returned to the kitchen. Morning Bird and I found a two pony table and sat down.

   "So sorry about my mom's behaviour, she's a bit off and sometimes acts ruder than she really is," Morning Bird blushed.

   "Hey, don't worry, I never had parents but I still know that they're always looking out for you. Lotus is right about being careful who you hang with."

   "It's not just that." Morning closed in to my face and whispered, "She's overprotective and never let's me have fun. It's always study this and study that, daddy is even worse, if I don't make it top score on every test, he gets very angry." She moved back and looked down. "You're well, the first friend I've ever made." I gulped.

   "I've dropped out of flight scho- er uh wolf math many times, I'm sure you've done better."

   "My marks are really high, and I don't feel good about them because having good grades and no friends gets really lonely." Her eyes widened. "Hey... What were you about to say?"

   "Nothing, it was a simple slip of tongue." Morning Bird offered a sly smile.

   "Oh no it wasn't, silly me, I haven't realized you carry that backpack around with you where ever you go. What do wolves bring with them anyways?" I smiled shakily.

   "You know, a doll, a diary, some photos." Morning Bird narrowed her eyes and then smiled.

   "Meh, I'm not interested in your private life." I let out a breath of relief. I don't want anypony finding out my past.

   The waiter brought the food on a silver platter to us. When he lifted the cover, a not so simple sandwich sat on the plate. The sandwich had lettuce, pickles, black olives and a slice of cheese between two slices of rye bread. I took a bite out of my sandwich. It didn't taste as good as meat nor do I think it gives me the nutrients I require, but it was food. Within ten minutes, our plates were empty and we were both full from the meal.

   "So what do you want to do now?"

   The afternoon was spent hanging around with Morning Bird. She showed me around town and the parts I haven't explored yet. The filly sure knew a lot. She filled me in with some of the town's history, and I have to admit it was way more interesting than anything they taught in the schools back in Ponyville. Fillydelphia was founded by a filly that was part of a travelling group. The group had nowhere to live and food was scarce until the filly had strayed away from them in search of water. What she found was a forest filled with berries, apple trees and streams. They had set up camp on the cliff of a nearby canyon where the sky easily blanketed them and eventually brought more ponies to inhabit the new forest. The newcomers built houses and set up shop and their home was named after the founder. 

   Our paws and hooves soon grew tired from all the walking and there was nothing else for me to see. Morning Bird and I sat down on the bench in the park to watch the sunset behind the houses.

   "Thank you Rainbow Dash," Morning Bird murmured.

   "For what? I didn't do anything special, you were the one who showed me around and took me to the play."

   "This has been the best day of my life. I never spent a day with somepony else unless it was mom, daddy or a tutor." She grinned. "Do you have time to hang out tomorrow? And the day after that?" I sighed, and after a moment of silence, I answered.

   "Yeah, no problem." How could I say no? Besides, this kid reminded me of all my friends. Her looks were almost identical to Fluttershy's. It was like Celestia had created her just for me to remember my times in Ponyville.

   I found myself growing attached to Morning Bird. Each day, she would come to my front door and wait for me to come out to play with her or as I call it: "hanging out". She brought me to stores where she loved to shop for cheap knick knacks and showed me where she used to hang around before she befriended me.

   It was all so tiring to go outside every day and follow a pony younger than me around. I soon grew fatigue and lost some sleep. I started sleeping earlier to rest my tired paws and slept in. Sometimes Morning Bird would be angry that I come out late but I just get myself off the hook by making up lame excuses. She's taking me to the canyon in a few days, to show me where the founders had first settled. I might as well as get some sightseeing done while I wait for Light. Speaking of Light, he hasn't returned yet and it's been two weeks already. I've grown a soft spot for him over the past few months we have travelled together and with full of regret I now say I think of him as a mate, or something like that. I don't know where he is, most likely back in the mountain where the pack lives. Is it wrong for me to love him? I don't know. I mean, I've been thinking about him for a while and there's this lonely gap in between. Morning Bird has filled this gap for the temporary moment. I just have the feeling it won't last.

Note from Inu: So sorry about the delays, I'm busy with a certain someone who wouldn't respect my bucking feelings.

Five; The Chronicles of Rainbow Dash
Trapped!

   I rubbed my eyes and sat up in bed. The sun was already up and light poured into my room. I was greeted by the same furniture I woke up to see yesterday. And the day before that. Nothing in the room other than the bed is really any use to me, I didn't see why Light couldn't have ordered something cooler, like... like... I got nothing. To be honest, there isn't really anything to do as a wolf. It's simply just eat meat and live. The pack probably doesn't live the way I am currently living. I bet they don't sleep on beds or have a fridge to keep their food fresh.

   I yawned and sleepily got off the comfy mattress. I stretched my wings. There was no use practicing or working out, they will never be strong enough to carry me again. 

   Glancing at the clock, I noticed I had overslept again. Shoot, Morning Bird would be outside my door getting impatient. I grabbed my backpack that contained my diary (which by the way has only one entry), some bits, a few books and the photo album I carry around of my friends in Ponyville. This backpack is very dear to me. I wouldn't be caught dead without it now. It wasn't much importance to me when I was a pony, I lived with my friends and there was no need to bring pictures of them with me where ever I went. It's also useful to cover up my wings. As far as anypony in Fillydelphia knows, I am just a travelling wolf born naturally.

   Fillydelphia is a really nice town. Ponies are very kind towards me. Sure some of them shot me looks when I pass by, but this is as good as it gets being a whole other species living in a place meant for ponies.

   I opened the front door and a yellow pink-maned pony jumped onto me. She gave me a noogie and laughed.

   "Hey! I just brushed my fur!" My tongue almost slipped and I bit down on it, preventing myself from saying the word "mane". Morning Bird was already suspicious that I'm hiding something. I am. It's just the very fact that I was once a pony. If anyone or anypony found out, I'm toast and the news would wildfire all the way to Ponyville.

   "Thats what you get!" Morning Bird said chuckling through her teeth.

   "For what?!"

   "Duh. Making me wait here for nearly an hour!" She stepped off me and I got onto my paws.

   "Sorry." Morning Bird brushed some dirt off my furcoat with her hoof.

   "Ok, let's go now."

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   "Like any other creature, the weak point of a wolf is the heart. Aiming your magic at it head on would not be the smartest move as it gives time for the wolf to attack. Do not think of this as a chance. It WILL happen. A spell to locate the heart would take time to cast, opening a window of opportunity for the wolf to rip you to shreds. Aiming a confusion spell for the skull would be the smartest strategy. Once they are dazed, make your move and cast an offense spell." The book fell to the ground and the mare began to practice her magic.

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   "These canyons are pretty cool." I followed Morning Bird. She looked down the gully. "You want a look?" She backed off and I replaced her spot at the edge of the cliff.

   "What is there to see anyways?" There didn't seem like much. All I saw below were a few dried out bushes and lots of rocks.

   "Not much, but ponies come here to seek any rare rocks that may have grown itself to the side of the canyon."

   "You mean ponies have actually gone down there?" I asked.

   "Of course! Many pegasi can get down there easily and a few unicorns use teleportation."

   "What do earth ponies use?" Morning Bird's eyes watered up and I could tell she was resisting a laugh.

   "Those stairs." She pointed behind me. I turned my head to see and sure enough a set of stairs leading down to the valley laid a few feet away.

   "Seems a bit too convenient to me, I would just fly down there."

   "What was that?" Morning Bird narrowed her eyes. "Did you just say you can fly?"

   "If I'm a pegasus," I answered quickly. She stared at me for a moment. Blinking a few times, Morning Bird sighed and made her way to the stairs, waving for me to follow.

   The yellow pony made it around the rocky terrain as if this wasn't her first time here. 

   "They say there used to be a river here, and the ponies that settled here got water from it. It's a myth but I believe it's true. The water must've carved these canals." I looked around, some of the rocks did look smoother than others.

   "Why is this open as an attraction?"

   "There are a few tunnels that are dug into the walls of the cliffs. Some ponies believed there were to be treasure near the bedrock." I blinked.

   "You think that treasure is in there?" I asked. Morning Bird brushed her pink mane out of her eyes.

   "Nah, it's just a rumour." I looked at one of the caves' entrance. Sunlight was swallowed inside and I could barely see the end of it. Morning nudged me, grabbing my attention. She offered a sly smile and nodded in the direction of the cave. "But that doesn't mean we can't check them out?"

   "Right on!" I said. Just because I'm a wolf now didn't mean I can't continue my life of adventures as I did when I was a pony. 

   My wings ached underneath the backpack. They're itching to take flight. I shifted them, moving my backpack slightly. I don't even remember how good it was to be up in the air.

   The cave tunnels are lit by torches that are strapped to the wall.

   "Where do those torches come from?" I asked.

   "Oh. No idea, they're probably lit by the treasure hunter that came a week ago and were left burning." Wooden beams were placed against the walls, supporting the ceiling from caving in. I pushed against one lightly with a paw; it creaked under the pressure.

   "These don't look well built."

   "They haven't been reinforced for a while, I don't think half the town even remember these tunnels exist." I squinted my eyes to peer deeper into the tunnel; it seemed like it would trail on forever.

   The fire that lit the torches crackled. As Morning and I walked, I strained my ears to listen to my surroundings. Tony paws pounded against the ground. Mice. I could hear their scurrying perfectly, but Morning Bird was completely oblivious to the sound.

   We weaved through the tunnel, trekking on and on. I didn't know how far it would lead, I didn't even know what to expect at the end. I had asked Morning Bird why we were even going deeper in; she shrugged. 

   "It's just simply fun," Morning Bird answered before trotting ahead. I ran to keep up with the filly.

   Eventually, we hit a dead end. I groaned. It was a wall for nothing. The road was blocked off by stone and was barricaded by wooden planks.

   "What now?" I asked. 

   "We could try to remove those rocks." Morning Bird walked up to the wooden planks and attempted to pull one off. It was no use. She sighed. "It doesn't look like we can go much farther." I rolled my eyes.

   "This was just stupid you know, walking down all the way here only to find a dead end."

   "What were you expecting?" I bit down on my lip.

   "Treasure? Money? Maybe a dead body? Anything that can make things more exciting." Morning Bird stuck her tongue out.

   "Any treasure that would've been here is probably already taken, and a dead body? That's just sick!" I laughed.

   "Might as well as get some memories in before I leave in a few days." I watched the expression on Morning Bird's face soften. Her mouth dropped into a sad frown.

   "You're leaving?" 

   "I can't stay here forever."

   "Won't you try to stay for a longer than a few days? For me?" The answer was a simple "no", but I couldn't bring myself to say it.

   "We'll see." Taking one last glance at the dead end, making sure we didn't miss anything, we began the walk back. Bad luck struck.

   "Aiieeeeeee!!" Morning Bird screamed and jumped, slamming herself into a beam. I turned my head to see a small mouse scurrying away from the freightened yellow filly. A pebble dropped from above and hit me on the head. Looking up, I realized we were in grave danger. The beam Morning Bird had slammed into had snapped and could no longer hold up the ceiling.

   Instinctively, I grabbed Morning Bird by the scruff and backtracked. Giant boulders fell behind me, blocking our exit. Within a few seconds, we were under the safety of another supporting beam.

   Morning Bird was panting. She was scared out of her breath.

   "What the hell was that?" I snapped.

   "I felt something brush against my leg! It was cold and wet," she protested.

   "It was just a mouse." I gritted my teeth, "Now we're trapped inside this forsaken tunnel." I pointed at the exit, now covered by giant gray boulders.

   "Sorry." I sat down beside Morning Bird and sighed. "And thank you for saving my life back there." She looked at the blocked tunnel. "I would've been crushed."

   "No problem." I sighed. "Just be more careful next time ok?"

   A few hours passed, and we struggled to attempt to move the rocks. It was useless. Neither Morning Bird nor I had the strength to budge them.

   "Rainbow?"

   "Yeah?"

   "You know how you wanted some memories?"

   "Yeah?"

   "Well, I'm pretty darn sure neither of us would forget this."

   "Shut up." It was the first time I felt angry with the filly. It wasn't her fault the mouse scared her, but I couldn't find anyone else to pin the blame on.

   I paced around the space we were trapped in. Morning Bird had convinced us that somepony or someone would come rescue us. We just had to wait in the mean time. I watched the flames on the torches flicker. It would really suck if they just suddenly blew out. The situation we were in was not cool. Not cool at all.

   "Rainbow?" Morning Bird croaked.

   "What is it now?"

   "I'm hungryyy," she complained, "Do you have anything to eat?" I sat down. Carefully so that she wouldn't catch a glimpse of my wings, I brought my bag into my lap and reached in, fumbling around with the contents. I fished out a chocolate bar I had packed such a while ago that I don't even remember. It was my last one.

   "Here." I tossed the candy bar to Morning Bird who grabbed it instinctively, ripped it open and took a bite. Chewing, she opened her mouth.

   "Aren't you going to eat anything?" She asked.

   "Not hungry," I lied. That was the last of the food I had. My stomach ached I bit. I hadn't ate anything since last night. I had skipped breakfast since I was too lazy.

   Finishing the candy, she tossed the wrapper aside and laid down. She rubbed her eyes, and looked at me.

   "Might as well as get some sleep." Oh man. This filly wasn't even concerned by the fact we were trapped and couldn't leave our small space. Light could be back, and I'm stuck here, unable to do anything.

   "Good night then."

   "Good night, Rainbow Dash."

   The ground was rock hard. I didn't expect to sleep on earth again until Light dragged me out of the house he had rented. Within a week, I had forgotten what it felt to sleep on the cold ground. Now the idea of being in bed with a blanket over seemed like heaven again.

   With my stomach rumbling, I fell asleep.

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   "I don't think this is the best idea."

   "Come on Trixie! How does the idea of some midnight hunting NOT seem appealing to you? Everything you catch is a keeper."

   "You buffoon, if we're caught catching prey for ourselves, Stream will skin us."

   "Well haven't you become quite the sharer? Very well, I will go alone." Rasheen cocked his head before bounding away from the purple she wolf. He was stopped in his tracks.

   "W-wait!" Rasheen turned back to Trixie.

   "Are you really going to do this?"

   "Of course, it'll be fun, I'll bring something back to excuse myself from any questions Stream may ask about my absence, if he notices that is."

   "If that's the case, I'll come with you!" Rasheen's ears perked. He grinned.

   "I'm delighted to hear that."

   "Yeah." Trixie rubbed her head against Rasheen's pelt, and felt his warm heart through his chest.

   "Let's go."

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   A limp rabbit laid at my paws. Meat. My stomach growled. Finally I would get something to eat. The scent of its fresh blood drifted up my nose. I felt its body with my paws. It felt pudgy for a rabbit. Finally, I would fill my stomach.

    I wanted to rip it apart in a single strike, and pull off its flesh full of fat. I lowered my head to take the first bite. Something was not right. My head spun; I felt dizzy. The rabbit blurred, and my eyes popped over.

   I stood over Morning Bird, mouth near her neck, almost biting down. Her eyes were closed, and she breathed slowly. She was contently asleep. The sudden realization of what I had just almost done made me throw myself back. It happened again. I almost tore apart my friend for a meal.

   Stomach grumbling, I sat down against the rocky wall. I wiped the sweat off my face. I just noticed how hot it was in here. The hunger was dizzying and I was drained of my energy. If I don't get something to eat sooner, I don't think I'll be able to control it. I closed my eyes, and forced myself into dreamless sleep.

   A painful blast to my leg jolted me awake. I screamed. My eyes opened and I was faced to face with an orange unicorn. Her mane was crimson red and her eyes were emerald green. She stared into me, horn glowing.

   "Stop!!! What are you doing?!" A familiar voice screamed. I tilted my head. Morning Bird had latched herself to the orange mare's leg.

   "Sweety, I already told you, your mother hired me to come find you and kill this wolf. So make my job easier and sit to the side." The unicorn fired another blast, this time for my left forepaw. It was a direct hit. My flesh burned with pain. I let out another howl.

  "S-stop! You're hurting her!" Morning Bird sobbed. Her nose was running and face was light red. Tears streamed down from her eyes. The unicorn began to cast another spell, this time aiming for my other leg. I struggled to sit up. My body wouldn't budge. The lack of food had left me with virtually no energy to move around with. My stomach grumbled. Would you shut up already? I braced myself for the attack.

   "STOP!" The orange mare halted her spell and turned her attention to the direction of the voice. I reconized that voice. It was Lotus Dawn. I turned my gaze to her. She raised a hoof. "Leave the wolf, let her suffer here slowly. You have injured two of her legs, she will not be able to move." The orange mare nodded, picked up a thrashing Moning Bird, and walked away.

   "Mom!! Don't leave Rainbow Dash here! Bring her with us! She's going to die in this condition!" Lotus looked at her daughter.

   "Well, that's the point isn't it?"

   "NO! Rainbow saved my life! Now it's my turn to repay her!" The yellow filly attempted to smack the orange mare.

   "I am your mother, you will listen to what I say," Lotus snapped.

   "But-"

   "No buts! The wolf stays here and dies!" Morning Bird stopped thrashing. She took a glimpse at me. I shot her a sympathetic look and managed a weak smile. She looked down, and gave up. Looking back at me, she mouthed the words "Thank you" and "I'm sorry."

   The three ponies left, leaving me to myself in the tunnel. A torch above me flickered, and blew out. Every torch in the tunnel slowly dimmed until there was no fire lighting the cave. I sighed, closed my eyes and fell into what I expected to be eternal sleep.

--------------------------------------------------------------

   My eyes creaked open. The moon shone its light down. My pupils dilated, and I blinked a few times, absorbing the light. Like a furnace, something beneath me warmed me. Something was carrying me. SomeONE was carrying me. The gray fur had a familiar scent, but I couldn't put my tongue on it. Who's carrying me? I moved my left paw and let out a small painful cry. It burned like crazy.

   "Dash? You awake?" It was Light.

   "A bit. What happened?"

   "I spent a while searching for you in Fillydelphia. I eventually followed your scent to the canyon. I found you lying inside in one of the tunnels, two of your paws are greatly injured by what seemed like unicorn magic. One of your legs may even have a broken bone."

   "What are you, a doctor?" I snorted.

   "Thats not important, what happened? I smelled the scents of three other ponies." If I told Light, he could grow angry and hunt down Morning Bird, possibly kill her. I decided to keep my mouth shut.

   "Can't tell you."

   "Whatever, how are you feeling?" I buried my face deeper into Light's neck. I felt the muscle inside his legs flex with each step you took. His presence calmed me and relaxed the pain that had taken over in my left paw and right leg.

   "Much better. Thank you."