Loyalty Betrayed

The next morning, Spike and Twilight were up early getting ready for their first ever team meeting. Spike had told Twilight about the Nightmare attack last night, and that Rarity thought it might attack the Orphanage again, since it was a blue type and not a red type.

She wanted to be frustrated that Spike spent his day off with Rarity, but even Twilight was happy that Rarity had been there to help Dash, which Twilight thought was still odd that she was even there to begin with.

“So, where do you want to have the meeting?” Spike asked Twilight, who was setting up the table in the main auditorium.

“Might as well have it right here,” Twilight said, “If we have to, we can take them to the second floor, just in case anyone shows up while we're talking.”

“Maybe we should just put the closed sign up,” Spike reasoned, “If anyone asks, tell them that we're opening late today.”

“Maybe...” Twilight thought about it, but the door opened before she could come to a decision. She wondered if any of the others had arrived, but was surprised to see Pinkamena walk inside.

“Hey guys,” Pinkamena said happily.

“Uh, hey...” Spike said, “Have we... met before?”

“Oh right, we haven't met yet, have we?” Pinkamena said rubbing the back of her head smiling, “Silly me. I'm Pinkamena Diane Pie,” she trotted over to Spike and held out her hoof, “You're Twilight's friend and caretaker, Spike, right?”

“Yeah... that's right,” Spike said shaking her hoof, frowning slightly, “How did you-”

“So, is anyone else here yet?” Pinkamena said walking over to a shelf.

“The... others?” Spike asked.

“You're meeting up with your friends today, right? Have any of them gotten here yet?”

Spike was probably wondering the same thing as Twilight. How the hell had she known that?

“N-no...” Twilight said, “No one else is here yet. They probably won't show... for another hour or so.”

Pinkamena looked shocked, “Wow, seriously? I really over shot it, huh?” she said to herself, “Oh well. You guys mind if I just sit here and read?”

Spike looked at Twilight, silently saying it was up to her.

“We don't mind, I guess...” Twilight said.

“Great!” Pinkamena pulled out a cook book and started reading it, humming peacefully. Spike walked over to Twilight.

“Do you know that pony?” he whispered.

“I've seen her a few times,” Twilight said, “She's a little creepy, but she isn't hurting anyone.”

“Hmm... I wonder,” Spike said frowning at Pinkamena.

“Do you sense something from her?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, I do,” Spike said, “I don't know if it's the magic of harmony, or something else. Something about her just feels... off.”

Twilight looked at Pinkamena, who seemed so peaceful reading her book it was hard to believe she could be a danger to anyone. Still, even she could feel something different about that pony. This wasn't the first time she demonstrated knowledge about things she shouldn't have known about.

It was like she knew ahead of time what was happening. Like she was... psychic or something.

Odd. Rainbow Dash expected to see Soarin lying next to her when she woke up. She expected to feel his fore hooves wrapped around her in a loving embrace, possibly greeted with his morning erection, which would mean a great start to her morning.

Yet, when she woke up, she was alone in bed.

“Mmm...” Dash moaned as she stretched, “Did he already wake up or something? Fuck! That must mean I'm-” she looked at her clock, checking to see if she had slept in. Nope. The clock read six-thirty, thirty minutes earlier than she planned on waking up actually.

“Huh, I'm not late,” Dash said, both relieved and scared, “Does that mean that...” all of a sudden, Dash felt the biggest sense of dread. Soarin must not have gotten in last night! Had something happened to him?!

She stormed out of bed and checked around the house. It was a fairly big cloud house, so he might have been around somewhere and she didn't know it. She checked the bathroom, the living room, the game room, and the kitchen.

All of them were empty.

“Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit...” Dash said pacing around the living room, “Did a Nightmare get him? Was he in an accident?” her heart was racing. She looked at the clock, which now read six-fifty, “Oooh, Soarin... where are you...” her heart leaped out of her chest when she heard the front door open, “SOARIN!!!” Dash cried out, racing to the door and embracing her surprised boyfriend.

“Whoa! Hey Dash,” Soarin said chuckling, “You okay, babe?”

“That's what I wanna know!” Dash said before kissing suddenly, “I was worried when I didn't see you this morning!”

“Sorry Dash,” Soarin said, “Work went on later than I thought it would, and I ended up spending the night at a friends place.”

He was just staying with a friend. Rainbow Dash breathed out in relief, and started laughing to herself at how silly she was being.

“Course you were,” Dash said, “God, I probably look so silly, don't I?” she found herself actually crying a bit.

“Dash? Is everything alright?” Soarin asked, “I'm not used to seeing you so emotional.”

“It's nothing,” Dash said trying to shake it off, “You're alive, and that's all that matters.”

Before he could say anything else, Dash pulled Soarin into a passionate kiss. They stayed like that for a few minutes, not having sex, just kissing. That moment was all Dash needed to know how she truly felt.

I love him! I really love him!

Yeah, she knew she'd be late, but they wouldn't start without her. She needed to let Soarin know how much she really appreciated how patient he was being. It wasn't until a bit after seven that she was showered and out the door.

On the way, she saw Applejack trotting to the library. Maybe she wasn't too late then.

“Applejack!” Dash called out flying down to her friend.

“Heya Dash. Yer practically glowin,” Applejack reasoned with a smile.

“Was it that obvious?” Dash said still beaming.

“Let me guess, great mornin sex with yer boyfriend?” Applejack asked, shocked when Dash shook her head.

“Nope. Something better than morning sex.”

Applejack was wide eyed, looking at Dash as if she had grown a second head, “Ah didn't know there was anythin better than mornin sex in yer eyes,” Dash started giggling, which she knew was way out of character, but she couldn't help it, “Alright, what's got ya so giddy?”

Dash sighed looking up at the sky smiling wistfully, “Applejack, I love him.”

It took a second for that to register in Applejack's mind, “Wait, ya mean Soarin?”

“I realized it this morning,” Dash said, “I haven't felt this way about anyone before in my life. Applejack, I think I want to spend the rest of my life with him.”

Applejack smiled at Dash, but then looked sad, “Dash, ya know though... now that yer an Element of Harmony, yer-”

“I know, I know, and I'll deal with that,” Dash said, “But... this is something I really want. I... don't have much, you know? I don't have my job at the Wonderbolts anymore, and with my record, any chance of getting full custody is...”

“Yeah, Ah know,” Applejack said, “An' believe me, if anyone deserves some happiness in this world, it's you. Yer a great pony, Dash. Shame half the stuff that ya go through. Losin yer job at the Wonderbolts, havin ta watch yer kid grow up without ya, an' now bein an Element of Harmony. Jus' ain't right...”

“Applejack, all of those things happened because of my own free will,” Dash said, “Do I wish things had been different? Yeah. Do I want to be an actual mother to Scootaloo? More than anything. The one thing I don't regret though, is joining you. With this power, now I can protect you and Scootaloo.”

“Thanks, Dash,” Applejack said smiling, “Now, speakin of which.”

Dash realized that they were right in front of the Library. Now feeling somewhat invigorated, Dash lead the way inside, where she saw Fluttershy, Rarity, Spike, and Twilight already waiting for them.

“So glad you decided to join us,” Rarity said sarcastically.

“Aw put a sock in it,” Applejack said, “We're here, ain't we?”

Dash took her seat, but noticed another pony there in the distance.

“Hey, is it okay for us to go into... you know?” Dash asked Twilight, referring to Pinkamena.

“Oh, don't mine me, Dashie,” Pinkamena said, “You guys just get started.”

First of all, since when were they so friendly? They had met once before, but not long enough to earn a nickname. Second of all, she was a civilian, and they were going to be discussing their plan against the Nightmares. Finally, why was everyone else okay with this?

“Believe me, we know,” Rarity said, “We all asked the same question when we came in.”

“She won't know what we're talking about, and she doesn't seem to be hurting anyone,” Fluttershy added, “Let's just get started, like she said.”

“Right,” Twilight said, “Spike filled me in last night, but for those who don't know, Ponyville Orphanage was attacked by a Nightmare last night.”

“Mah God...” Applejack said. Fluttershy shook her head in horror, and if anyone had been looking at Pinkamena, They would have seen her look away seriously.

“Were any of the children hurt?” Fluttershy asked.

“Thankfully, no,” Rarity said, “Dash was nearby at the time, and I just so happened to be in the area myself with Spike.”

“It definitely looked like it was trying to get to the Orphanage though,” Dash said seriously, remembering how close she got to losing Scootaloo.

“You guys banished it, right?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, thankfully,” Dash said breathing out in relief.

“That don't mean we're outta the woods yet though,” Applejack said, “That Nightmare was a blue type, an' of a different type than what we fought before. The red type that spawned it is still out there somewhere.”

“If it went after the Orphanage once, it'll do it again,” Fluttershy said, “We have to stop it.”

“What would you guys normally do at a time like this?” Spike asked.

“Typically,” Rarity said, “Applejack and I would split up. One of us would keep watch on the target area, and the other one would search around town.”

“Fluttershy didn't join us till a few weeks ago,” Applejack added, “Durin that time we were dealin with the bugs in the Everfree Forest, so she'd keep watch fer us while we guarded the town.”

Spike looked at Fluttershy surprised, “That sounds dangerous, being in the Everfree Forest by yourself.”

“Not for me,” Fluttershy said shaking her head, “I know the Everfree Forest inside and out.”

“She's actually the only pony capable of safely navigating that place on her own,” Applejack said.

“Wow, that's amazing!” Spike said, “You're like a character I read in a book once, being the only pony able to safely walk through the forest alone.”

“It's not that special,” Fluttershy said bashfully, “I thank you for the compliment though.”

“Getting back on topic,” Twilight said, catching everyone's attention, “I like that idea. Here's what we'll do. One of you will come with me and keep an eye on the Orphanage. The remaining three will scatter around town and search for the Nightmare. Whoever finds it first send the location to the others and we'll meet up.”

“I'll watch the Orphanage with you,” Dash said standing up, “I... kinda need to be there...”

Twilight didn't press her, and just nodded, “Spike, you go with... Rarity,” Twilight said, looking painful.

“You trust me with Spike?” Rarity asked Twilight, raising an eyebrow and smirking slightly.

“I... know that you two work well together, and this is important, so...”

Rarity closed her eyes and smiled, “Understood Captain,” Rarity sauntered over to Spike, “Come, Spike.”

“Y-yes ma'am,” Spike said getting up, “Twilight, be careful. If the Nightmare shows up in your area, stay behind Rainbow Dash.”

“I will,” Twilight said, “You be careful too,” she nuzzled Spike, and then shot Rarity a warning look. Rarity narrowed her eyes and smirked in response. After they left, Applejack turned to Fluttershy.

“Let's search the outer areas of Ponyville,” Applejack stated, “Ah'll... search the east side, an' you take the west side.”

Fluttershy nodded to Applejack and flew out of the Library. Before Applejack left, Twilight walked over to her and slowly placed a hoof on her back.

“Are you going to be okay?” Twilight asked.

“If you want, we can switch places,” Dash said, “I don't want you to end up alone against-”

“Ah gotta be strong,” Applejack said, “'Sides, Ah ain't gonna be alone fer too long. Yer the fastest pony in Equestria.”

Dash chuckled to herself, “Damn right I am.”

“Take care of Twilight,” Applejack said, “She's in yer hooves.”

“Ain't none better, right?” Dash bragged. Applejack laughed and walked out the Library. Dash turned to Twilight, “Ready to head out?”

Twilight nodded, “Yes. Lead the way.”

“Dashie, wait!” Pinkamena called out suddenly, stopping them right at the door.

“What's up?” Dash asked awkwardly. Pinkamena looked nervous for some reason.

“Look, I know you're happy right now, but... brace yourself, okay?” Pinkamena said nervously.

“Brace myself?” Dash asked raising an eyebrow.

“Just trust me!” Pinkamena said desperately, “I don't want you to get hurt. I know this sounds odd, but please trust me, okay?”

This was such a shift, and Dash could tell that she was serious. She slowly nodded.

“Sure... okay,” Dash said trying to appease the Earth Pony in front of her, “Thanks for the... warning...?”

Pinkamena sighed, and shocked both Twilight and Dash by hugging Rainbow Dash right there.

“I'm sorry, Dashie...” Pinkamena said, crying for some reason, “I'm so sorry...”

With that, Pinkamena galloped out of the Library in tears. Both Twilight and Rainbow Dash looked at her run with confused expressions.

“That. Was. Weird,” Dash said.

“It was,” Twilight agreed, “Let's go...”

“Yeah...” Dash said, her heart beginning to race for some reason.

There's nothing to be afraid of.

I'm in love with Soarin, and I will protect my daughter!

The sun was beginning to set, and nothing had happened, which meant that the Nightmare hadn't shown up. Twilight was torn between feeling relieved and worried. Well, at least she had Rainbow Dash keeping her company.

“I'm really happy for you, Dash,” Twilight said, “I hope you and Soarin have a long life together.”

“Heh, thanks Twilight,” Dash said smiling, “I'm really beginning to think he's the one, ya know? We've been dating for a full year now. Man, if this had been me seven years ago...”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“Let's just say, seven years ago, I wouldn't dream of falling in love,” Dash said looking up.

“What? Were you too cool for relationships?” Twilight asked laughing.

“Not exactly,” Dash said awkwardly, “Well, we're friends, so I suppose I can tell you. I... used to be a bit of a slut, actually.”

Twilight looked at Dash in shock. Her? A slut? That... didn't fit the Rainbow Dash she knew.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“I mean I didn't want a relationship,” Dash looked ashamed, “All I wanted was sex, and lots of it. In my freshman year alone, I probably slept with half the boys in my school,” she laughed ruefully, “I drank, smoked pot, cut classes, and I made my Dad worry about me.”

“What about your Mom?” Twilight asked.

“What Mom?” Dash asked sadly, “She was a bitch who walked out on us before I could even walk. I guess you could say my behavior was me lashing out at my Mom for being a deadbeat,” she sighed looking at the Orphanage, “Like mother, like daughter, huh?”

Twilight then put two and two together, and the realization hit her hard.

“Dash... do you have a child...” Twilight asked, pointing at the Orphanage to finish her sentence.

“Surprised?” Dash rested her head on her hooves, “I was fifteen, there was a party, I had a few too many drinks...” she sighed, “I don't even remember his name. All I know is he said that he was using protection, but either the spell failed, or he lied. Nine months later... that...”

“Oh Dash...”

“So, now you know the truth about me. I'm a fucking slut, and a deadbeat mother, just like the bitch that pushed me out,” Dash said closing her eyes. Somehow, Twilight just couldn't see her that way. Maybe it was because they were friends, but somehow, Twilight had a feeling that there was more to it then that.

“Dash, I don't think your a slut,” Twilight said, “You clearly love your child. That's why you're here, right? To keep them safe?”

Dash nodded, “She saved my life, ya know? Before, all I cared about was myself. I wanted to have fun, and I didn't care who I stepped over to get there. Then I got pregnant, and I realized that I had another life I was responsible for. When I went into labor, I was terrified, and I don't care what anyone says, that shit hurts!”

That made Twilight laugh despite the situation. It was nice that she was still Rainbow Dash even depressed.

“But... when I laid eyes on that sweet filly, something inside of me changed. I wanted to do better, to start treating ponies right, and become someone my daughter could be proud of.”

“And you did,” Twilight said, “I bet she's really proud of you.”

Dash laughed sadly, “She doesn't even know I'm her mother.”

“She doesn't?”

“Why do you think she's in that Orphanage? I... I was weak. I knew that I couldn't take care of her, so I gave her to Ponyville Orphanage. I gave her up, Twilight. She'd hate me if she knew the truth,” Dash started trembling, and for the first time ever, Twilight saw Dash cry, “I couldn't take that, Twilight...”

“Dash...” Twilight hesitated, but she slowly placed a hoof on her back rubbing it.

“I went to see her yesterday,” Dash sobbed, “I transformed, and went to see her at night. She said that she believes in me, that her mother is an alicorn princess.”

“You see? She loves you.”

“Only because she thinks that her mother is this amazing mare that she isn't! I'm no hero, Twilight! I'm a screw up! Even when I try and do the right thing, I end up screwing it up! I can't even use my horn! That Nightmare that attacked the Orphanage almost killed me, all because I couldn't hit it without getting close! If Rarity and Spike hadn't shown up, I would have died, and Scootaloo would have been dead! I'm a failure! A deadbeat, just like my-”

“That's enough!” Twilight shouted, cutting Dash off, “Don't do that to yourself! You don't have to protect Scootaloo alone! Spike, Applejack, Fluttershy, R-Rarity, and even me: we're all fighting with you! I promise, your daughter's life is just as important to me as it is to you.

“Also, you're not a deadbeat. The difference between you and your mother is that she left you selfishly, while you're right here working hard to protect her. Scootaloo would be proud to know you as her mother. I know I'm proud to have you as my friend.”

“Twilight...” Dash looked down, “Can I... hug you? Please?”

Twilight nodded, and Dash embraced her immediately. It was shocking, and Twilight tensed up at first, but when she felt Dash tremble, and realized that she was still crying, something awoke inside Twilight. She returned the embrace, realizing that she actually needed her.

“I hope I'm not interrupting anything,” Rarity said next to them. Twilight and Dash both looked up and saw Rarity standing by a tree smiling, “It's getting late, so most of us have to head home. Fluttershy said she'd keep an eye on the Orphanage for a while.”

“That's okay,” Twilight said as she and Dash stood up, “I doubt the Nightmare is going to attack at this point. We should try again tomorrow.”

Rarity nodded, “Spike and I ran into Avatars, but that was about it. Yes, they were bird based, just like the Nightmare.”

“So, it'll attack again?” Dash asked. When Rarity nodded, Dash turned to Twilight, “Twilight, tomorrow I'll patrol the town.”

“Got it,” Twilight said, “You can count on me to watch the Orphanage.”

“Count me in too,” Rarity said. Twilight turned to Rarity in shock.

“What?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“I promised Rainbow Dash that I would help protect the Orphanage,” Rarity stated, “and I promised Spike that I'd look after you. Besides, you're the chosen pony. I can't let anything happen to you, else we lose any chance of stopping Nightmare Moon.”

“Right...” Twilight said venomously.

“I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning,” Rarity said airily, “See you then.”

When Rarity sauntered off, Twilight stomped her feet angrily, “DAMN IT!!! Ugh, she gets under my skin SO MUCH!!!”

“So, I guess that means she and Spike are official?” Dash asked.

“I don't know,” Twilight admitted, “I can tell that she wants Spike, and I know that Spike has a thing for her, but...”

“Remember what I said,” Dash said, “You gotta let him know how you feel. Rarity's the kind of mare who knows what she wants and gets it. I know, because I used to be just like her.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow looking at Dash, “Does that mean...”

“I never wore that much make-up! I did wear make up though...” Twilight gave Dash a suspicious glare, “Okay okay, so I was pretty bad, but I was a teenager!”

Twilight and Dash walked home together, laughing and talking the whole way. That was good, because tomorrow was gonna suck.

After walking Twilight home, Dash decided to do some flying around to clear her head. It felt good to share her fears with someone else, and Twilight was actually becoming someone Dash could really depend on. She was a little standoffish, but she was really nice once you broke the ice.

Honestly, Dash couldn't believe she didn't have more friends.

Dash flew near the Wonderbolts Academy, so she decided to land on a cloud nearby. The Academy was a large cloud building made with the smoothest, hardest clouds, so even Earth Ponies and unicorns could walk on them, just like Dash's house. Seeing that place reminded her of how wonderful she felt when she got accepted into their Cadet Program.

And how devastated she was when she walked out of there in shame.

Yeah, it was all for a good cause. Thanks to Dash's decision that day, Fleetfoot was able to keep her position. They would have both lost their jobs, and Fleetfoot needed her job a lot more than Dash. She did the right thing, and as usual, her father supported her, but it still hurt seeing the disappointed look of her commanding officer.

She was about to fly back, but she stopped when she heard laughter. It sounded like Soarin. Was he still around?

Rainbow Dash flew around, following the sound of Soarin. It sounded like he was with someone too. They sounded female.

Was that moaning?

Dash finally found where the sounds were coming from. She quietly moved closer, until she could see Soarin from around the corner. What she saw would stay with her forever.

She saw Soarin...

He was with Fleetfoot...

And they were...

“No...” Dash said stepping back shaking her head, “You're... but I...”

She couldn't understand why this was happening. She had been nothing but faithful to him! She loved him! This wasn't what was supposed to happen! This couldn't be happening!

But no matter what she said, she couldn't deny what she was seeing. Soarin, her boyfriend, who she loved and wanted to spend the rest of her life with...

Was cheating on her...

Author's Notes:

So yeah... what happens when the Element of Loyalty gets betrayed? I'm surprised that this isn't addressed in the actual show. All Rainbow Dash episodes are about either testing her loyalty to her friends or stopping her from having too big of a head.

---

If you really liked this, then please consider supporting my Patreon.