MLP: Love and War

03

...

Dash had personally delivered the letter of warning personally to the Prince of Cloudsdale. When his advisers and guards refused to let her hand over the letter personally, saying they would tend to the matters, Dash refused and flew into the castle.

She lead them all on a wild pony chase till she lost them temporarily and found the Prince of the Pegasus.

Dash delivered the letter, and he read it, looking shocked, appalled and not very happy at this news. He was also pretty miffed at his advisers thinking he didn't need to get involved in something so important.

Three advisers found themselves demoted to coastal weather duty for one month...

After that, Dash left and headed back toward Ponyville.

As she was flying, she sensed her charge was building back up. She looked at her wings and blinked. This charge was not hurting her at all. If anything, it seemed to almost reduce her own wind friction. She decided to test this, and pushed herself as fast as she could go, diving to build speed.

She was amazed, in half the distance, she broke the sound barrier, creating the sonic rainboom, but with a huge twist. Arcs of lightening ripped through the sky within the rainbow ring. The sight was more awesome than anything Dash could have imagined.

Yet, she felt herself going faster. The electricity starting to form around her wings was growing, and starting to wrap around her.

With a sudden surge, Dash screamed as the world seemed to vanish.

A moment later the world reappeared, and it was spinning out of control, and getting closer, faster than she wanted it too.

Dash folded her wings to her sided and tried to go into a nosedive, and she was happy when she did. Now rather than the world tumbling toward her out of total control, she was simply spinning out of control.

She carefully brought her wings out, trying to stabilize herself and stop the death spin. She grinned as she pulled out and was finally under her own control again.

She spread her wings and slowed herself down, finally slowing to under the speed of sound.

When she realized this fact, she grinned wider. Had she breached double the speed of sound? If so, she must have blacked out.

She landed atop a mountain to get her bearings and clear the ringing in her head.

As she looked around, she became aware these mountains only looked slightly familiar, especially the ones to the north.

Wait... There were no mountains to the north that looked like these. These ones reminded her of the ones to the SOUTH of Ponyville.

"No way... what happened? I was still north of Canterlot... it would have been at least another hour or so before I got back to Ponyville." She shook her head again and looked at her wings.

The feathers were oddly shiny, and smooth. She felt one with her lips, like when she preened, and blinked. They felt like feathers, only far smoother.

She noticed her wing edge was missing its leather bindings, but it refused to come off. It had somehow fused to her wing.

It didn't 'truly' matter as it was already so thin and light that she didn't even feel it at all, but its streamline seemed to have spread to the rest of her feathers.

"Hold on..." Dash wondered. "What if... what if I went so fast... I not only broke the sound barrier... but went as fast as lightening?"

She remembered her electric charge building up around her before this happened. Had she momentarily transformed into a bolt of Lightening? Was that even possible?

She turned north, her internal compass telling her the direction she needed to go to get home to Ponyville.

She took off again, this time not diving to gain her speed. Somehow, she broke the sound barrier with ease, her sonic Rainboom surging with lightening, and kept accelerating. The charge surrounded her again and BOOM!

Again she felt the sudden surge. She pulled out of the sudden tumble and took control, easily, slowing to below the speed of sound again. She grinned as she saw Ponyville below.

Even from this height, she could see everypony below looking into the clear sky, wondering where the bolt of lightening had come from.

She descended and landed in front of the library as everypony exited.

"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight blinked. "We were not expecting you back for about an hour."

"I know, I wasn't expecting to get back so soon either." She grinned. "I broke the Sonic Rainboom Barrier."

Twilight raised an eye. "You what?"

"Inside, I'll explain."

...

"The Sonic Rainboom Barrier." Dash stated. "This is the barrier that exists beyond the Sonic Rainboom itself. Flying faster than this is impossible."

"Wait..." Rarity held up a hoof. "Darling, you said you broke this barrier? But you just said that's impossible."

"I said flying past it is impossible." Dash's grin was simply not fading. "But, if you transform into something that does not fly."

Applejack had been outside and has seen the mysterious bolt of lightening. "Now hold on Sugarcube I saw some bolt ah lightenin in the sky just before y'all came down. "Are ya tellin us ya turned yerself into a bolt ah lightenin?"

"Yes, yes I am." Dash stretched out her wings, and everypony instantly noticed the difference. "Just don't touch them if I haven't grounded myself or discharged. I carry one heck of a static charge that can nearly blow the wings of Lightening Rod, the one Pegasus renown for being immune to lightening strikes."

"Are they safe right now?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yea, they're safe. I just have to touch the ground with at least two hooves and I'm grounded."

"That sounds amazing." Fluttershy reached out and stroked a feather. "Your wings are a little longer, narrower. The feathers... they're still feathers but feel so smooth and... I see. Zero air drag." Her eyes went wide.

The other ponies all looked confused.

Dash saw this. "Back when Fluttershy and I lived in Cloudsdale, we learned about a theory that if one could ever achieve zero air drag, any speed would be possible."

Dawn nodded. "I see. With nothing to slow you down, you could only get faster till you hit that barrier you mentioned. But... what normally happens when you it it?"

"In theory? Because I'm the only pony who's ever broke the first barrier, the theory is when I hit the second one, it would be like crashing into a solid surface. There wouldn't even be any feathers left to bury at that speed."

"Landsakes Rainbow Dash... and you actually tried to hit that barrier?"

"Yea... dunno why I did it, but somehow, because of my new wings... however they transformed, I coated myself with electricity, shielding myself and piercing the barrier. I then became lightening."

Twilight frowned. "That sounds far too dangerous."

"Says you, I already did it twice,and now my Sonic Rainboom is charged with lightening too. It looks SOO Awesome!" She squealed in delight. "I really wanna show you."

Pinkie brought a hoof to her chin. "So... if you're going so fast, wouldn't Dash be too slow of a name for you now?" She then looked at Surprise and they both grinned.

"Rainbolt Blitz!"

Dash blinked and laughed. "Yea, right. I can't just change my name like that... can I?"

"Sure, why can't you? I change my name from Pinkie Pie to Pinkamena when I transform"

"You don't really transform... You become depressed." Twilight tried to interject, but Pinkie ignored her.

"And when I transform, I get new skills and even think differently and can do things I normally can't do."

"Normally won't do, you mean." Twilight still tried to interrupt She failed again.

Dash chuckled and looked at her friends. "Rainbolt Blitz you say?"

"Yea, it sounds so sweet."

"Heh, y'know, maybe I can use that as a hero name or something. Or that's what I'll call this new move."

"You can wear a mask so nopony recognized you." Pinkie was on a roll.

"Like her mane and tail wouldn't give her away?" Twilight sighed. "Why do I even bother to try?"

"Yea... but like Twi just said, My mane and tail would stay the same, and my new lightening bolt coat is kinda distinctive." She looked at Twi. "So... have you figured out why my coat changed like this anyway?"

"I examined the poison and couldn't figure out ANY reason why this happened too you... In fact, the ice and my magic shouldn't have even worked."

"Cool, so I'm really the fastest pony ever to have existed. Heck, I went from a few leagues from Cloudsdale to all the way past the Dragon Tooth Mountain in an instant."

Twilight's eyes went wide. "You... you really went that fast?"

"Yea, though control is a little difficult. I still need practice it seems."

Twilight couldn't see why not. She told Dash to practice with her new found speed and ability. Who knows, maybe it would really help in the future.

"But for now, we need to come up with a plan..." Twilight looked at Dawn and Surprise. "We're heading to Gaea."

Dash grinned. "I bet I could get there in a flash."

"Dashie, dear me, are you certain you can travel THAT far? Even flying it would take a fast Pegasus at least a month." Rarity pointed out.

"Don't know till I try. I mean, I went from Cloudsdale to way south in an instant. Though... I think it's best if I keep my trips to relatively short range for now."

"Back to our plan if you will..."

...

Over the Everfree Forest.

Celestia's personal Sky Ship, the Sunflare.

This ship was powered by magic. Rather than having a large balloon and fans to hold it up, it relied on celestial light as its source of power.

As long as there was no new moon or eclipses, the ship could remain in the sky forever.

Unfortunately, it was not the fastest thing in the sky.

"Princess, they're catching up." The captain called to the Princess. "We can out man oeuvre them, but they keep catching up."

Celestia nodded, feeling very concerned. The Everfree Forest... a place where her magic was sorely limited. She was not able to call upon her divine magic to disable the ship that was baring down.

Even now, she spotted a dozen smaller, and much faster and more maneuverable than her own ship. She turned to her personal Pegasus guards. "Try to disable those smaller ones. Do not allow them to get close."

The guard captain saluted and faced his fourteen Pegasai team. "You heard our Princess. Stop those little ships from getting close."

They took off, five teams of three. They closed on the small ships.

...

"They're in range, take them down. We have to capture that ship and it's special passenger at all costs, even if it means dieing." The lead ship pushed in, firing spears and killing two Pegasai instantly.

The battle had started...

...

The Everfree Forest.

They had all the supplies they needed for this dangerous journey. The small team followed Dawn's daughter, Surprise, through the winding paths.

Dash flew as high as she could, glad for her odd, new streamlined wings and abilities. From this height, she was able to keep an eye on her friends.

Every now and again, she would spot a large predator and would drop down to warn her team.

They would work their way around till night fell.

"How much closer are we to the ruins?" Twilight asked the smallest member of the team.

"We should reach it late morning. Then by evening we'll reach the gate." She replied. "Of course, by then we'll be quite a ways underground so night and day won't really mean much."

"Let's just hope your Mother hasn't already started using it to move her army." Twilight stated plainly. "I can only hope we can prevent this invasion peacefully..."

...

Morning arrived and the small team pushed on through the twisting forest.

Surprise finally lead them to an ancient looking ruin, one that could very well predate the rule of Celestia and Luna.

The ruins were fascinating to Twilight, and she wanted more than anything to explore them and study them. Perhaps after all this chaos was done, she might get her chance.

Surprise stopped before the entrance to the largest standing structure. "Oh, I want to warn you... this place is spooky."

"Oh Oh!" Pinkie bounced. "Remember, giggle at the ghoulies."

Six members of the teem giggled at this, while two were at a complete loss.

"What?" Dawn asked, not knowing that he was in for...

...

Dawn was the only one not laughing by the end of Pinkie's incredibly energetic and bubbly song.

"Oh come on and smile Mr. Grump Grumpy pants."

"What are pants?"

"Dawn..." Twilight nudged him. "I think it's best if you stop while you're ahead... or to be more accurately, while you're head is still working."

"Uh... okay?"

...

Deeper into the ground and the ruins they went. They almost had to keep Twilight on a lead to keep her from trying to inspect each and everything she saw that caught her attention... which seemed to happen every few lengths.

Surprise just led the way, carefully weaving through the passage.

"Surprise?" Twilight walked next to the smaller Earth Pony. "Do you know anything about this ruin?"

"Not really that much at all. I never got much chance to explore this place..."

She suddenly stopped at one point. "I have to check something up ahead... could all of you stay here? Please?" She gave her best big cute eye look she could manage.

"Sorry, but we should stick together." Dawn smiled at Surprise.

"Um... I mean... please? I have to... um, take care of some 'personal' business."

Rarity rolled her eyes and reached into her saddlebag. "If you really must Surprise, but here. Make sure you wipe properly."

Surprise blushed, but accepted the roll of soft paper. She then slipped off ahead.

"Why not just use one ah the side rooms right here?" Applejack asked. "Ah think that filly is up t' sumpthin."

Dawn placed a hoof on AJ's shoulder. "She's my daughter... I want to show I can trust her."

"Well, a'right."

...

Surprise grunted slightly as she dragged the larger corpse into a side room with her teeth. (Knew I should have killed them out in the woods where some meat eater could have gotten rid of the evidence...)

She emerged from the room and grabbed Tracker's body, dragging him into the room. (Ugh... the damp air in here is making them rot so fast... I hope the others don't notice...)

Once done, she rinsed her mouth out with water from her flask and returned. "I'm back."

"Let's move on then." Dawn nodded and they did just that.

About fifty lengths up the passage, Rarity scrunched her nose. "Dear me... what is that horrendous smell?"

Surprise winced, and she realized she had not returned with the roll at all. "Um... that's my fault?"

Multiple responses along the lines of "EEEW" and "What the hay did y'all eat?" and other such comments flew from her companions mouths, all but for Dawn. He looked into the room where he saw two corpses.

"Surprise?"

"Yes Daddy?"

"Have you ever met a two pony team, one Hunter and one Tracker?"

"Um... Yes..." She hung her head. "Mommy told me to..." She glanced at the room, then at the others, knowing they were not going to be happy with her.

Fluttershy spoke first. "It's not your fault Surprise. You didn't know any better."

"Yes, it is most certainly not your fault." Rarity added.

"Shame you killed Tracker." Twilight stated flatly. Everypony stared at her in shock. "I would have enjoyed using my magic on him and curing his insanity and turning him into a good pony so he could realize the error of his ways."

Many breaths were released in relief.

"And if that failed, I'd have killed him myself." She added, a snarl on her lips.

With that said, nopony said anything more till they finally entered a large chamber.

"Surprise? Is this the room with the gate?" Dawn asked his daughter.

"No. This room... This room is where a lot of ponies died when this city fell." She pointed out the crumbling remains of skeletons.

Pony skeletons.

Thousands of pony skeletons.

Fluttershy clung to Applejack's side, shivering frightfully.

They moved through the mass grave.

Twilight paused and examined a skeleton. "I'm not sure these were ponies."

"We don't have time for this." Rarity rolled her eyes.

"We're making time. We need to take a rest anyway."

"In this graveyard?" Rarity shivered.

"They're dead. They're not going to get up and..."

"BOO!"

"WAAHAHA!"

"Pinkie, put that skull down and stop teasing Rarity."

"I didn't do that." Pinkie was on Twilight's other side.

"Sorry..." Surprise looked sheepish as she set down the skull.

If Rarity had not already had a white coat, she darn well would have by now.

Twilight rolled her eyes and examined the skeleton again. "Look at this structure. A lot of it is like us Ponies. The hind hooves, tailbones, skull, though these are a little flatter in the face. The hip is completely different, and the spine and ribs. I... I think they walked on their hind legs. Look at these, the front hooves."

"My word." Applejack looked. "Ah've seen a pony skeleton before... but this sure ain't no pony Ah'v evah seen."

"These bones... five digits.. Whatever these were, they had hands, like Spike, but lacking claws." Twilight gasped. "I... I remember reading about some creature like this back when I was studying in Canterlot. I think they were called the Ancients, the beings who populated this world before Ponies existed. Some say that we Ponies came from them."

"Y'all sure 'bout that?" Applejack asked.

"Yea." Dash picked up a forehoof. "I mean, look how flimsy this thing is. How could they even run?"

"They ran on two legs, like Spike."

"Ugh..." Rarity fumed. "Can we PLEASE get moving? The sooner I can get out of here the sooner I can groom. I'm feeling positively icky down here in this place..."

Twilight sighed and agreed. She still kept an eye out and made mental notes on some of the skeletons she saw. There was just as many Earth creatures as there were ones with Unicorn horns and ones with Pegasus wings.

Suddenly Rarity stopped, everypony behind her bumping into each other, except Surprise who was in the lead. She looked back. "Rarity?"

"Look at that." She shone her light up at a massive painting on the domed city.

It depicted two beings, each with a horn and wings. One white, symbolizing the sun, and the other, deep blue, with the symbol of the moon behind the slender form.

"Is that..." Dash stared.

"It can't be." Rarity added.

"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? But.. they look like they might be the same as these creatures down here." Twilight stared in awe. "If that is them... just how old are they?"

"Why don't you ask Princess Celestia when you see her next?" Pinkie Pie beamed.

"I... I can't do that." Twilight looked terrified even at the concept of asking the Princess such a question.

"Oh, Twitchy tail?"

Twilight instantly covered her head with a spell. A moment later, there was a deep rumbling above them.

"Super twitchy tail."

"The gate is in the next chamber." Surprise cried out as massive cracks started forming in the ceiling. "RUN!"

They ran, dodging chunks of the ceiling as it rained down. Twilight and Rarity doing their best to cast a linked shield spell to protect them.

They charged into a smaller chamber and saw a massive stone and metal ring. In the center was a silvery, glowing pool, floating not horizontal, but vertical.

"That's the gate. GO!" Surprise waved everybody through. "It's a rough ride, but safe."

"Wait, what?" Rarity stopped dead in her tracks, only to be tackled through by Applejack.

Pinkie Pie and Surprise jumped through after everypony else had piled through.

...

It was dark in this chamber, not lit by a strange silver light.

Twilight and Rarity lit up their horns while Surprise turned on a stick with a glowing light on the end.

"Ugh... what happened?" Dash groaned. "Applejack, please get off me."

"I think the other half of the ruin collapsed." Twilight frowned. "That means... our way back home just closed up on us."

"Are you serious?" Rarity wanted to cry. "We have to hike back all the way through the Everfree Forest?"

"So it would appear." Dawn sighed. (Well, this is most likely a one way trip for me anyway. I... I don't want to leave Twilight. I feel like we were meant to be together... I love her so much, but... Looks like I'll be making a final sacrifice for her, to give Equestria at least a fighting chance.)

"Let's press on." Twilight sighed.

...

It was late at night when they emerged from the ruin at long last.

Twilight sat down, exhausted. "Let's set up camp inside the big structure. Less chance of our camp light being spotted."

And so they did, sleeping till mid morning.

Once rested, they pressed on.

And it was almost mid day the following day that they emerged from the edge of the Everfree Forest.

The land looked hard, mostly rocky terrain. The air was dry and dusty. In the distance they could see a small town, many clouds of black smoke raising.

"Is that town on fire?" Twilight gasped.

"I'll go check it out." Dash prepared to go.

Dawn stopped her with a hoof on the shoulder "No. We need to hide your and Fluttershy's wings. If you are identified as Pegasai... you're as good as dead. They'll rip your wings off and cut you slowly till you bleed to death over days and days, leaving you outside in the weather and with no food or water."

"Or they just lock you in a heavy iron jail cell and let you die from... from starvation and thirst... or worse." Surprise hung her head. "Dash... how long can you last before you feel the need to fly?"

"I gotta stretch my wings every day, but I think I've lasted three days once when I busted my wing this one time when I was just a foal. I would pester Mom or Dad every single day for the next two months. They had to take me up and fly at least three hours a day or I'd become so depressed..." She looked at Surprise. "We'd die sooner from depression than from starvation or thirst."

Fluttershy actually nodded. "I... I'm like that too... I'm afraid of heights, but I do love to fly."

"So... can Fluttershy and I go for a little flight? We'll avoid anywhere anypony might see us."

"You've been flying through the forest constantly Dash." Dawn raised an eyebrow.

Fluttershy giggled cutely. "Dawn? I... I'm sorry to say you are wrong, but hovering at a walking pace is not what we Pegasai call flying."

"What do you call flying?" Dawn asked.

Angel, who was on Fluttershy's back, pulled down a tiny bunny sized pair of goggles over his eyes and gave Fluttershy the thumbs up.

Few had ever seen Fluttershy actually fly at full speed, but today, they got too.

Twilight remembered when they had the encounter with Discord, Fluttershy had been able to catch up to Rainbow Dash, even when she had been pulling Twilight's hot air balloon

And now, she saw the two take to the air, flying only twenty or thirty lengths over the forest. Dash was going as fast as she could without stressing the sound barrier, and Fluttershy was keeping up with her.

Even Pinkie Pie's jaw dropped at this display.

"I never knew the darling was so fast." Rarity recovered quite quickly.

The pair of Pegasai vanished quickly over the forest, even dodging low to weave through the trees at speeds nearly breaking the sound barrier.

Dash glanced at Fluttershy and smiled. She was so proud of her dearest Pegasai friend. These last two years she had come out of her shell, though she was still timid and shy around strangers.

Fluttershy, initially a weak flier, had learned so much more about herself as she had gained confidence, and she had been taking special flying lessons for some time now. These lessons had terrified her at first, but she slowly had gotten used to them.

Now she could reach speeds like this, and even weave through the thick forest with ease.

She may not be able to break the sound barrier, yet, but Dash could tell that she was slightly more agile then herself, and the cyan pony could not be happier.

As they weaved through the trees, they were nearly taken by surprise by a sudden explosion, warned only seconds ahead by an ever aware Angel.

The bunny spotted the danger in the sky and got Fluttershy's attention. She squeaked and pulled up, Dash following her.

Once through the tops of the trees, they saw what had caused the explosion.

It was massive, the balloon nearly two hundred lengths long while the ship under was 'only' about one hundred.

And it was dropping bombs toward them.

"Fluttershy, get out of here... I'll take care of that thing."

"I can't leave you Dashie." Fluttershy countered and flew upwards toward the huge ship, even as smaller ones were launched to attack.

...

"Y'all hear something?" Applejack's ears perked up.

Dawn paled. "I heard an explosion in the forest." He jumped up onto a rock formation and paled. "There's a sky ship out there. I can't see it too well... It's so far away.

Twilight joined him and created her air lenses. "I... I can see it. Oh no... Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are under attack..."

...

Dash was impressed with Fluttershy's aerial agility, even though she rarely showed it, she had untold potential. She was easily evading these small ships while Angel loaded the launcher.

Herself, her speed made her an impossible target for these small ships. She gasped when one of them exploded into pieces and plummeted to the forest below along with three Earth Ponies.

She looked and saw Angel loading the launcher again with a skull and crossbones bomb.

(Ah heck... I can't be outdone by a bunny.) Throwing caution to the wind, she picked up speed, breaking the sound barrier less than a length from the nearest ship. The shock wave shattered the frame, causing it and its crew to follow the same fate as the other one.

The fight got quite hairy as spears started flying at them from multiple directions, but both speed and agility were on this pair's side.

Then came the gliders armed with repeating dart launchers. These proved to be more dangerous then the small ships, even as three more went down.

Only one ship remained and it was turning back.

The gliders on the other hoof were quick and agile as well, with quite competent ponies flying them, even though they were Earth Ponies.

Dash grinned and broke the sound barrier again, heading right for the main ship. She wanted to try something, something that would be VERY dangerous.

...

Twilight sparkle watched the aerial battle, telling the others what she was seeing.

Fluttershy had been doing great against the small ships as they were not fast enough to evade the grenades But these gliders were nearly impossible to hit for the yellow Pegasus and her gun bunny.

Dash was even having trouble with them until she turned her attention to the massive ship still high overhead.

Twilight gasped as she witnessed first hand as Dash transformed into lightening. She then looked up at the ship and gasped.

It was going down, the sky ship having been ripped in half and the balloon torn asunder from the bolt of lightening. Then it exploded, a massive explosion as all the bombs inside detonated.

Twilight had lost sight of Fluttershy and was now desperately searching for any sign of her...

"F... Fluttershy... No..."

Everypony had been able too see the explosion, even from this distance.

"Wh... what happened?" Rarity gasped.

"I think Dash used her Rainbolt Blitz... and took out the sky ship." Dawn hung his head, feeling bad for all the ponies who had just died... and was dreadfully worried for Fluttershy.

Pinkie Pie's hair fell strait. "F... Fluttershy was near that big boom?"

"Ah think she's smart enough to have gotten outta there." Applejack looked to Twilight. "Y'all find her yet Sugarcube?"

Twilight released the spell. "No... nothing..."

Surprise was in awe. To be able to destroy a sky ship all by herself... Rainbow Dash was a force to be reckoned with. She hoped that could be avoided. And Fluttershy. She didn't know her all that well, seeing as she was so shy and quiet, but she could tell her Daddy and his friends were worried. "D... Daddy? I... I'll go find her."

"It's too dangerous." He said, pointing toward another two ships approaching. "We should get under cover... I only hope Fluttershy is ok."

...

Fluttershy groaned. She was in so much pain. She looked around, here eyes widening as she saw the wreckage of the sky ship burning nearby. She could see ponies laying around everywhere.

Almost all were dead, either from the fall, or the explosion which had taken her out.

Her right wing was in great pain, but her left one only hurt at the base.

She looked and saw her wing was broken in multiple places. A quick look at her other wing... and Fluttershy started to feel a level of despair fill her heart that she had never thought possible.

Her left wing was missing, severed clean off.

Then she saw Angel Bunny emerge from a bush nearby, a deep gash across his right eye. Other than that, he looked fine, besides rushing to her side with an expression of pain and worry.

Her depression faded slightly, knowing that Angel was alright, for the most part.

Then she saw movement.

The Gliders had landed and were searching the wreckage, and three of them were heading right toward her.

...

Dash groaned. Something felt wrong as she floated, seemingly weightless.

Her eyes cracked open and she felt something she was not familiar with.

Fear.

The Moon looked far too large.

She strained and looked behind her, thinking she was just on a really high cloud...

The world she knew... she never had seen it like this before.

It was round, with many different lands, oceans, seas and continents.

Somehow... Rainbow Dash was floating in space between her whole world and the Moon, an electrical barrier flowing brightly around her.

How could this have happened? How could she have left her own world? Was she dead? Had her idea failed?

Was this what it was like to be dead?

"N... No. I'm alive..." She closed her eyes and tried to move her wings, but they were screaming for rest.

"Guess I reached my limit..." She could feel the air getting thin, fast. She felt like she was trapped in a bottle with no source for air, and with the air as thin as it was, she would not be able to fly.

"Is this... is this how I'm going to die?" She looked at the Moon as it kept getting bigger... and bigger. She realized she was still moving, and at a speed she was unfamiliar with.

"This... is going to hurt..."

Her barrier started to spark, flames skipping off them. She had no idea what was going on. Was this another transformation? Into flame?

Then the outside was wrapped in flames as she shot toward the surface of the moon, faster than she could believe.

Shortly the flames faded away and her barrier started to fade.

She felt fresh, if thin, air seeping in. She breathed deeply and forced her screaming wings to stretch out, hoping she could slow, or stop her incoming demise.

As her barrier faded completely, her wings caught the air and she felt the rush of wind. She could feel herself slowing, but would she slow enough? She was still traveling way past the second barrier.

The air was too thin, and she could not catch enough to slow. (This is it... Goodbye everypony...)

"Do not despair Rainbow Dash". She heard a voice echo in her mind, and a moment later a pair of large blue wings appeared before her, catching her on a slender, midnight blue form.

They slowed and landed on the barren surface of the moon.

Rainbow Dash collapsed off Luna's back and landed on her hooves.

"L... Luna? How?"

"I felt you near my celestial temple, the Moon. I came here and caught you." She smiled gently. "You are the first pony, ever, to leave Eden, our world." She looked up into the dark sky, back at the world above.

"Eden?"

"That is the name of our whole world."

Dash was in awe. "I... I'm really on the moon?"

"Indeed you are." She smiled back down at Dash. "Bath in the healing light of the Moon."

Dash felt a soft, silvery white light engulf her, and her pain faded away. Once she was suddenly feeling better, she met Luna's green eyes. "How do we get back?"

"I am not really here. This is just my spirit." Her smile faded slightly. "The Moon... the air is too thin for you to reach the speed you need to escape it. I am sorry."

Dash paled. "I... I'm trapped on the Moon? But... I can't be trapped here."

"Worry not Rainbow Dash. In time, the stars might aid in your return. You will just have to be patient."

"The stars? But... they took a thousand years to free you... I can't live that long."

"Come, follow me."

"But... my friends... Fluttershy, she was near the Sky Ship when I hit it. I... I felt it explode and... and..."

"Rainbow Dash... You have transcended the normal existence of a Pegasai. You have become Lightening itself, an eternal natural force."

"Wait... what?" Dash asked as they walked.

"Soon... you will understand."

...

The remaining six had gotten as close as they could to the crash site, and what they saw brought tears to all their eyes.

So many ponies had perished. This sight hit Dawn and Surprise harder than the Equestrians, their fellow Gaeans lining the bodies of the dead and placing them into bags to be transported to the newly arrived ships above.

"This..." Surprise wanted to cry. "Is this what war is like? Daddy... I don't like war. Too many have died..."

Dawn hugged his daughter. "Shh, it's alright Surprise..."

"There's Fluttershy, caged." Rarity pointed out.

Twilight had her air lens spell active again. "Dear Celestia... She's hurt. I... I think one of her wings is broken." She then realized something so horrible she could only start crying into Applejack's neck.

"Twi? What's wrong? You can tell us Twi."

"She... She's missing one of her wings."

Pinkamena closed her eyes, her whole body trembling. "How... how dare they..." Her blue eyes snapped open.

Rarity could see into her eyes, and what she saw terrified her. Pinkie Pie might never be herself again. Rage, hatred, anger. All signs of hope and happiness seemed to have vanished in that instance.

They all had to hold her back from charging in.

"Pinkie Pie, get a hold of yourself." Rarity grabbed her head and looked into her eyes. Her pupils had shrunk to mere pinpoints and she was trembling terribly. A very unnerving and insane grin was plastered onto her lips.

"No... I'll kill them all. I'll... I'll..." She started to giggle manically. "I'll make... CUPCAKES!" Somehow, she threw everypony off and charged.

...

A soldier was sighing as he lifted a piece of scrap, all hope of finding survivors had diminished as he had only found the dead... or parts of them.

He then heard something and dropped the heavy plank of wood.

A pink, and VERY disturbing looking mare was right there.

"Hi there. Wanna help me make..." She held up a foreleg, a thin blade snapping out of a sheath. "Cupcakes?"

He didn't even have a chance to scream as his throat was sliced open, and a moment later his belly, his internal organs spilling onto the ground.

He fell to his side and watched as the frightening mare turned on a pair of nearby soldiers. Before his sight faded, he watched them both get slaughtered, not even standing a chance.

...

"Sir?" A soldier approached the sky ship captain. "We have a situation on the ground."

"Other than our fellow country ponies being dead?"

"Yes, I mean no, I mean..." He shook his head and grabbed the captain, dragging him to the railing and making him look down.

The Captain took a few moments before he saw it. A pink pony weaving through the soldiers below, cutting them down with insane speed and brutality.

"What the hell is that? That can't be a pony." He watched as the pony vanished behind a tree, only to emerge from behind another one and end two more soldiers by gutting them, causing them to suffer a slow, agonizing death.

"Get our ponies out of there."

...

Twilight stepped out from behind a tree. "Oh Dear Celestia..." She gasped as she looked down at a soldier, still alive, but both eyes had been cut out, and his belly cut open from groin to sternum, so his innards had spilled onto the ground.

He was gasping in pain, still alive as he tried to drag himself along.

She looked out over the area, over fifteen other ponies had suffered such a fate. She wanted to wretch as she watched 'Pinkamena' dispatch another guard by slicing his forelegs off, then jump onto his back and start skinning him rapidly, while he was still alive.

She readied as many darts as she could and fired.

Pinkamena took all six of the sleeping darts and collapsed.

Applejack rushed in and scooped her onto her back and retreated.

Dawn headed for the cage that held Fluttershy and Angel, then smashed it open. He grabbed them and escaped as well.

...

The Captain had watched this. "What the hell? They attacked the monster and took it? And the vulture as well? Who are they?" He turned to the solder. "Get a team and go after them, I want them brought before me, preferably alive so I can question and kill them myself."

"Sir?" The soldier gulped. "Might I remind you that they took out that pink pony that had taken out eighteen of our soldiers like they were nothing, and smashed open an iron cage like it was made from twigs?"

"Point taken... take four teams."

...

Dash walked along. He had noticed that Luna did not look solid at all. This was indeed her spirit.

"Princess Luna?"

"Yes Rainbow Dash?"

"The Moon... it's barren... but so beautiful."

"Yes, it is barren. I wish one day that it might support life as Eden does. I am afraid that is many, many millennium away."

"What's a millennium?"

"One thousand years."

Dash blinked "And... how much is many?"

"Hundreds of thousands."

"Wait... will you be alive that far into the future?"

"Yes, as will my elder sister."

Dash then remembered the painting in the ruin. "Have... have you ever walked on two legs?"

Luna blinked. "Why would you ask that?"

Dash explained what he had seen in the ruins.

Luna closed her eyes. "Yes, Both Celestia and I had once walked upright on two legs... over ten thousand years ago, before the world was destroyed and reborn into what it is today. Ponies all walked on two legs at one time, had hands that could create such fine things, and minds so much more than what most ponies possess today. They became so advanced that they brought about their own destruction."

Dash paled. "War?"

"Yes, a war that covered the whole world. My sister and I, we waited a thousand years for the ashes of that war to fall from the skies, and then began over. We created the first ponies, just like yourself. We spread them over the whole world."

"I... I can't believe this..." Dash was stunned, but somehow, her mind was able to understand. "But... I can understand."

"That is because you have evolved. The poison that nearly killed you had brought your body and spirit so close to the next existence, the afterlife. But something pulled you back. Something caused the spark of life in you to reignite, to suddenly blossom with a primordial power that had spawned my Sister and I at the beginning of time."

"That's many many many millennium ago... wasn't it?"

"Billions and billions of millennium" Luna smiled. "We have existed forever, and will continue to exist forever. Even when Eden no longer exists, she and I will exist, and we will create a new Eden."

"And... I'm like you now?"

"The chances of this happening... you are the first sense the very beginning of time to transcend to our level. There are many more of our kind. We are Gods and Goddesses, each of our own worlds. You are the first ever to have joined us."

"I... I can't believe this... I'm a Goddess?"

"Yes, you are the very force of lightening itself. You will now exist till time ends. If you want too that is."

"If I want too?"

"You can choose to become a mortal once again. Or, you can choose to complete the transformation. Become a full Goddess."

"How would I do that?"

"That is easy, for you at least. You simply have to want it."

"I... I don't know. What about my friends? They still need my help."

Luna smiled. "You can still help them. You are young, but in time as you grow, you will learn that sometimes, we Gods have to let fate and life flow undisturbed."

Dash hung her head. "So... I'm still allowed to save them?"

"Yes, if you wish. But... as you are now, you can still be wounded and killed. If you compete the transformation, then you will truly be immortal. In truth, you have not too much time before the power consumes your body and you are lost."

"I... I have to become an Alicorn, like you... don't I?"

"This is but a physical manifestation of our true selves. We are infinitely complex, yet we are the raw forces of nature and existence that keep this universe working. This form, as it were, is an avatar."

"A what?"

"Think of it as a puppet, and this moon is my true body."

Dash's eyes went wide. "Wait... we're really walking on YOU?"

Luna smiled. "Yes. Do not worry. It feels nice to finally have life on me again. I won't force you to stay."

"Alright... I understand. So... how to I transform?"

"We are here."

Dash looked and gasped. A beautiful crystal temple stood before them. "This... this is so beautiful... So... so awesome."

"I created this to help you. Right now, it is simple, lifeless crystal. It will become your true body. You will be able to move it to wherever you wish, be it stay here, on the sun, as a star in the sky or even back on Eden. Regardless, you will be able to create an avatar like myself and my dear sister. In a sense, once you transcend, you will become my little sister."

Dash chuckled. "Yea, a totally awesome little sister. Alright... I'll do it, specially if it means I can save my friends and stop this silly war."

...

Pinkie Pie came too... she had no idea how long she had been sleeping, but wow, did she feel weak and tired.

She was laying on a hard bed, the smell of smoke in the air. She could hear the clang of metal on metal.

She weakly rose to her hooves, shaking her head. She remembered something, so vivid in her mind there had to be no way it could have been a dream.

She had lost it and... and murdered eighteen soldiers so brutally.

Pinkamena then blinked and shrugged. They deserved it for what they had done, right? Too bad she didn't have time to have started harvesting ingredients before she took her little nap. She then looked around room and saw Rarity.

"Hiya Rarity."

Rarity jumped and spun around. "Um... hi?"

"I know, you're freaked out by what I did... um.. now long was I taking a nap?"

"Six days."

"Wow, that must be why I'm so thirsty."

Rarity cautiously levitated a ball of water over. Pinkamena accepted it and drank. "Ah, better. What's that banging?"

"Um... I'm not sure you want too go in the other room... It's not a pretty sight."

"Oh... ok." She sat down and humming to herself. "I'm hungry."

Rarity levitated some hay over. "Sorry, we don't really have anything else."

Pinkamena then noticed the bars. "I'm locked up, aren't I?" She took a mouthful of hay and munched away. "Can't blame you... I was going to make cupcakes out of those ponies. Where's Rainbow Dash?"

"She... We don't know. She became lightening and took out the sky ship, and then she kept going into the sky till she was gone." Rarity frowned. "Pinkie?"

"Yes Rarity?"

"Are... are you going to be alright?"

"No. I know my mind's snapped really bad. Doubt I'll ever get back to normal." She munched on another mouthful of hay. "Rarity?"

"Yes?"

"You're scared of me, aren't you?"

"Well... yes. I'm sorry Pinkie... I really am."

Pinkie smiled, a somewhat creepy smile at that. "That's okay. I'd never make cupcakes out of my friends."

"I... I'm relieved to hear that."

"Maybe a big wonderful cake."

Rarity choked. "You... you're kidding, right?"

"Nope. I can just see it, white frosting with royal purple trim... I'd try to make you into the most beautiful cake ever. You'd like that right?"

"Um... No, no I wouldn't."

"Aww, a shame. It would be so beautiful. I'd have to make Fluttershy into an angel food cake with an angel bunny on top."

Rarity was feeling more and more terrified by the second. She did NOT want to be on guard duty any longer. "Oh Twilight? Pinkie is awake..."

Twilight entered, but stayed clear of the bars. "Hey Pinkie... are you ok?"

"Nope. I'm crazy. I wanted to make cupcakes, but I took a nap instead." She tilted her head sideways, a crazy glint in her eyes. "You made me go nappy bye, right Twilight?"

"Um... yes, I had too."

"That's okay. I'll make you into a pretty cake too. Not as beautiful as Rarity though, but I'll by my best."

Six more darts went into Pinkie.

"Ohh, nappy time again? Okay." Thud.

"I hope we can find a way to cure her." Twilight sighed. "She's more dangerous than... than Nightmare Moon and Discord together."

"That's putting it mildly..." Rarity sighed. "How's Fluttershy doing?"

"She's sleeping. I've been using the sleeping poison to keep her knocked out until my magic can fully heal her broken wing..."

"And her other wing?"

"Dawn is working on that."

"Please... can Applejack take over for me here? I really need to get out of this place. Pinkie is scaring the daylight out of me. I most certainly do NOT want to be made into a cake..." She shuddered. "I know she's make me so rich and most likely fattening..."

"Focus." Twilight stated. "We can't let anypony get near her. We can't let her get her hooves on us, and we can't risk her getting anything she can use as a weapon."

"Are you sure those iron bars can hold her? This IS Pinkie Pie after all."

"I... I honestly don't know." She sighed. "For now, we can only hope she snaps out of this and forgets everything she's done..."

"FOREVER!" Pinkie yelled before snoring away.

The pair of Unicorns let each other go, not realizing they had clung to each other.

...

Dawn had created the design. How it had come to his mind, he did not know. He was also crafting it himself. Smithing and forging were not his talents, but somehow, it was coming naturally to him.

He simply knew what to do and his body moved naturally

Applejack was assisting him as best she could. She was watching everything he did in awe.

He rarely spoke as he forged slender pieces of a silvery blue metal into various shapes.

At first, she had no idea what he was doing, as he had not drawn a single picture, but seemed to be working from within his mind.

Twilight had peeked into his mind. She simply smiled and told the rest. "Let him do this. He is receiving aid from somepony we love and trust dearly." She said nothing more on the matter.

When Dawn started to craft what looked like feathers from this light and strong metal, even stronger than steel, Applejack came to realize what he was doing. She looked at all the rods and other part. She was none too good at machines and such, but in her mind she could see how all the pieces would be assembled.

She knew this insight was not her own, that it was coming from a higher power. Celestia perhaps? Luna? She didn't know, and she didn't care.

Before she even realized what she was doing, she was starting to assemble some of the parts. Not the whole thing, not yet.

Twilight entered and watched as Applejack worked away. She closed her eyes and focused magic into the parts.

She too knew that some higher power was guiding them, and she knew it was one that they would be seeing again soon.

After nearly two whole weeks, and many more darts into the insane Pinkie Pie to keep her sedated safely (they hoped) Twilight brought the first part of their creation over to Fluttershy.

She was awake and snuggling with Angel, who was wearing what he seemed to consider a really cool looking eye patch.

She looked up and stretched her good wing. "It... It's all healed."

Twilight smiled. "We're done Fluttershy."

"What were you making in the other room?"

Applejack and Dawn carried the other part of the creation in.

Fluttershy gasped. "A... A wing? But... but how?"

Twilight smiled. "A dear friend... she gave us a little help, gave us the knowledge how to create this, enchant every piece of it, and assemble it. I even know how to bind it to you." She levitated one of her darts. "Are you willing to sleep for a little while longer? It would be too painful to do this while you are awake."

Fluttershy nodded.

Angel looked up at Fluttershy with concern.

"It's alright Angel Bunny. I'll be able to fly again soon, right Twilight?"

Twilight nodded. "Of course. Soon... you will be the fastest flier in all of Equestria, or anywhere else for that matter." With that, she gently poked Fluttershy with the dart.

...

Rainbow Dash finally relaxed. "Whew..." Her Alicorn form stretched. "That took more out of me than I ever thought." She smiled at Luna.

Dash was still the same size as a normal pony, and looked just like her normal self, only her rainbow mane and tail flowed like Celestia and Luna's, only with a bit more 'life' to it. She also was sporting a slender horn on her head.

"You did fine. By increasing the electrical flow in their brains, as well as with my guidance, we were able to help them create a special wing for Fluttershy. Now... we're going to have to enter a dangerous area to aid another friend."

"Pinkamena mode Pinkie is scary enough on the outside... I hope her mind isn't as bad inside."

"It is worse..."

"How so?"

"In her insanity, she is perfectly calm and in total control of herself. She is perfectly aware of all she is doing."

Dash gulped. "Okay... that sounds WAY more scary than anything else... EVER"

But they had to do it.

...

The operation had been a success, and the final healing spells bonded the last of the metal to bone to muscle, tendons and even ligaments, like the wing was an actual living part of the small yellow Pegasus.

She stretched the wing in wonder. "This is amazing... I can feel it like it's my real wing." She flicked the wing and watched as the strange blue metal feathers moved like they were natural.

Rarity had, while guarding Pinkie Pie, also been working. Her insight allowed her to enchant a small series of gems that would be added to the wing. She traded guard duty with Twilight and brought them out, then got about to installing and locking them forever in place.

Once the final, and main gem, mounted at the main shoulder join, was in place, the illusion flowed forth. Fluttershy looked at her wing, and it looked like she had never lost it.

"It's so wonderful." She smiled as she folded it to her side, then stretched it out again. It had the full natural range of movement as her own wing did and she couldn't even tell it from the real thing.

"And best of all." Rarity smiled. "The magic in the wing and gems keeps all dirt, grime and all that off them, and the feathers will never fall out."

"Oh, I so didn't like when my main feathers fell out. I always had to wait for them to regrow." She smiled at her friends. "Thank you all so much."

Rarity smiled as she produced one final, tiny and perfectly round gem. "This is for Angel Bunny. This will replace your lost eye."

Angel crossed his little arms and shook his head.

"He likes his eye patch." Fluttershy giggled.

"This is a magic eye." Rarity said. "You'll be able to see perfectly"

Angel looked up at Fluttershy.

"You can still wear your eye patch if you want."

Angel smiled and nodded.

...

Pinkie Pie could remember everything she had done and said. She felt terrible, but knew there was no way to undo the past. Her mind was not insane anymore, thanks to the wonderful Princess Luna and the totally awesome and mysterious Princess Rainbolt that reminded her so much of Rainbow Dash.

But Dashie wasn't a princess, was she? Rarity was the drama queen, not Dashie.

She woke up and fluffed up her hair, but it fell strait again.

Twilight was dozing away when she sat up. "Hey Twilight? Wake up please."

Twilight bolted upright and blinked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She saw Pinkie was up and readied her darts. "How are you feeling?"

"Sane? I think so. I really feel terrible for everything I did." She tapped at the bars with her hoof. "I'm really sorry I snapped and went crazy."

Twilight blinked. "You... You sound strange."

"Less energetic? Not bouncy? Not talking about making you into cake?" Pinkie sighed. "Yea, I'm not even thinking like I used too. I'm thinking clearly, and talking normally, not like an overly hyperactive teenage pony. Honestly, I think I'm thinking clearly for the first time in my life."

Twilight raised an eye. "Wait, what?"

"Twilight, you're one of my most cherished friends, so I expect you to be suspicious when a friend isn't acting how you're used to them acting... but you know, I think this is the real me." Her ear, eye and leg suddenly started twitching. "Door, move away."

Twilight skittered to the side, just in time to NOT get hit as the door flew open, for the first time EVER.

Surprise slid into the room. "We have a problem. A large group of soldiers is approaching. I think they may have become suspicious then smoke was seen coming from this abandon village. We have to get out of here."

"What about me?" Pinkie Pie asked.

Surprise was unsure, and backed away as Twilight unlocked the door.

"What are you doing? She... Sorry Pinkie... She's totally insane."

Pinkamena stood and walked from the cell. "Don't worry about me Surprise. We should get away before we're discovered."

"Pinkie?"

"My name is Pinkamena Diane Pie." She smiled lightly "Please... Call me Pinkamena, or Diane. I... I'm not a child. Not anymore." Even her voice sounded more mature.

Surprise felt her jaw fall, but quickly closed her mouth. "Um Okay?... Diane." Pinkamena sounded more a name for her 'crazy' self. "So... no more cupcake talk?"

"Well, I'd enjoy a chance to work in the Sugarcube corner bakery again." She then glanced back at her flank... it was blank. "And look at that. I'm a blank flank. Guess I won't be throwing so many parties anymore."

Twilight had NEVER heard of a pony loosing their cutie mark. Sense this had all started, so many strange things were happening. She hoped she could keep her own sanity through all this.

As they headed outside, they could see a storm was brewing.

Angel hopped onto Fluttershy's back and flipped up his eye patch, his emerald eye glowing slightly.

He could see there was a force of twenty armed and armored Earth Ponies, and quickly thumped his foot twenty times on Angel's back and pointed.

"Twenty soldiers coming this way." Fluttershy smiled at Angel. "Good eye Angel."

Angel looked pleased with himself and gave Rarity the thumbs up.

"You're welcome... now..." Fluttershy then saw Pinkamena emerge from the room where her cell had been made. "Oh no..."

Following her was Twilight and Surprise, both in one piece.

"Rarity. I wholeheartedly apologize for causing you such fear. I was not in my right mind." She looked toward the soldiers. They were still a long way off and barely visible. "I think we should vacate." She grabbed her gear and dressed.

...

Rainbolt sighed. "Wow... That was the freakiest thing I've ever had to do. I'm glad you were there with me Luna."

"Of course, I am glad I could help."

"What about Celestia? She's been captured."

"She let herself get captured."

"What? Why?"

"Tia is... wise. She is older than I am... by only a few seconds mind you."

"Only a few seconds?" Rainbolt chuckled. "Wow."

"Come now, time for you to ride the stars back to Eden."

...

The storm started to rage, lightening flashing and thunder crashing. The rain started to fall heavily.

Twilight was glad, this would cover their tracks as they headed further into Gaea. She just hoped their luck would hold out till they reached the capital of this province.

Luck, as luck would have it, was fickle and decided to misbehave. Again.

The small group ran around a large, natural stone formation, right into the middle of another force of soldiers. They reacted instantly, surrounding the intruders.

"A Pegasai and two Unicorn?" The commander narrowed his eyes. "A pair of Earth Ponies as well... and a bunny. This is the group we're looking for. Only the pink one is missing." He grinned at the group. "Drop your weapons and surrender, and we'll not kill you."

"There's only twenty of em." Applejack whispered, then heard the other group arrive.

"Ambush successful." The leader of the chasing group grinned.

"Crud..." This was the general response of Twilight, Dawn, Applejack, Rarity and Surprise. Diane on the other hoof, was nowhere to be seen.

...

Diane tracked the soldiers and her friends to a landed sky ship. She frowned as she recognized the markings on it. It had been one of the two ships that had been overhead when she had... lost it.

"Not good... Not good at all. I could really use Rainbow Dash's help for sure right about now..."

"Yea, talk about it." A familiar voice chuckled behind her.

Diane smiled. "Hello... Rainbow Dash." She turned around to see Rainbow Dash, her mane and tail flowing just like Celestia's and Luna's. She was even sporting a slender horn now. "Oh... wasn't expecting that."

"I'm Princess Rainbolt now... I know, a little presumptuous. Well, I'm here now." (Well, as my avatar...)

"I don't really understand, but I'm glad to see you. What are we going to do now?"

"Hmm... not sure really. I prefer to make it up as I go." Her mane and tail flickered with a low lever static charge as she spread her wings. "Ever wanted to see a Sonic Rail-gun?"

"Wait, you can't do that. Our friends are in there."

"I know." Her static charged a dart she pulled from her shoulder harness. "That's why I'm keeping this small."

The static electricity was released, firing the dart at impossible speeds. There was nearly thirty small snaps in the air before it hit the side of the ship.

"Perfect shot."

"How so?" Diane asked.

"I melted the metal with the heat from the electricity. That metal is charged with my magic. I can track it anywhere now."

"Impressive."

"Yea, I know. Diane right?"

"Yes, if you don't mind."

"Hmm, seems like Luna and I went a little overboard in your head... sorry."

"You went in there to clear up my insanity. You did that. Seems I was always... crazy." She smiled lightly again. "Don't worry Princess, I won't go telling anypony your secret."

"You're a great friend. Hope you remember how to throw a great party still, we'll be needing one after all this is through.

"I still remember everything... and I do still have my 'Pinkie Sense'. Seems I'm just a psychic with some precognitive ability."

"And teleportation..." Dash grinned.

"Ah... yes... about that. I'm not sure I can control that... while sane."

Dash blinked. "You sure?"

"Quite."

"Damn..."

"Don't worry, I know Pinkamena is still in there."

Dash shuddered. "About that. You can control that mode perfectly... but... you'd still be Pinkamena. Please don't do that when your friend or innocents are around."

She nodded. "I'll only use it when I'm alone and in the greatest of danger." She then started heading toward the sky ship

"Diane, wait." Dash slipped up next to the pink pony. "Let it go. They have our friends, and if you follow, you'll be able to avoid detection much easier, and then be able to help the others."

"What about you?"

"I'm a highly electrically charged cyan Alicorn with flowing rainbow mane and tail... I'd stick out so much that we'd attract the whole country's attention. I'll be keeping an eye on you from above." She pointed a hoof at the moon. "That's where I'm living now. The view is amazing." She then held up a small, flat and round object. "Oh yea, take this compass It'll let you track that ship wherever it goes, so you can follow our friends. I really want to help right now... but Luna's got to give me some lessons on controlling this power." With that, Rainbolt sparked and flickered, then vanished into the lightening storm above.

Diane sighed. "This is just insane... Perfect." She smiled lightly and headed after the ship.

...

Both Unicorns were wearing headgear that covered their horns in iron. The Pegasus was bound by thick leather straps and iron buckles. Chains around all their necks and ankles held them firmly to the floor. Muzzles kept them from saying anything and blindfolds blocked out all sight.

"Good work on capturing these criminals." A male voice spoke, followed by a chuckle. "The reward we'll get for this will let us retire comfortably for the rest of our lives... after we invade Equestria."

"I can't wait to kill more Pegasai." Another voice laughed.

Hooves on wood approached the prisoners. "Are you certain all this iron will keep them in check? We've already seen just how strong they are."

"The Unicorn freaks won't be using their magic with their horns covered. Those two Earth Ponies are bound with enough chains they can't even move an inch."

Another voice spoke, one they all recognized. "Do we really have to do this? Invade I mean. Can't we find some way to peacefully resolve this?"

"If you were not the daughter of our High Priestess, you'd be in there as well. That can still be arranged if you're going to talk treason like that."

"I... Sorry." Surprise spoke softly.

"Go rest now. The High Priestess will be more than happy when you return. You did a great job leading these foals into the trap."

(Trap? No...) Dawn winced. (Surprise wouldn't have done that. It's just chance that she was there.) At least, he was hoping that was the case.

"What I want to know is... how did that Pegasus, who was missing a wing, got it back? I have her severed wing as a trophy right there. Maybe I'll cut them both off and add them to my collection."

Fluttershy whimpered at hearing this.

Twilight tried, but to no avail, to use her magic. The iron that covered her horn prevented her.

"Sir, we are three hours from the capital."

"Begin preparations. We come home as heroes."

...

Diane was able to move through the villages with no trouble. Being an Earth Pony worked to her benefit, and for that, she was thankful.

As she walked down one street, she was blocked by four stallions. She heard another two approach from behind. All six looked to be soldiers.

"Well, are you not a pretty little pony. Pink is pretty rare. What say we have some fun?"

Diane smiled. "I don't think you'd like my kind of fun."

"Oh?" Another spoke. "Come on, a sexy little thing like you? I bet you'd love to be rutted by all of us. We promise you'll love it."

"Sorry, not my style." Diane shook her head. (Great... I just had to run into some clueless soldiers...)

"Well... Too bad." She found herself surrounded and jumped when she felt one shove his mouth to her plot, his tongue lashing out and taking a deep lick. A solid, and lightening fast kick sent him flying.

"Ow... what the heck was that for?" The soldier rubbed his bruised muzzle, blood trickling from his nose.

"That was a light kick." Diane warned. "I could have crushed your skull."

"A little thing like you?" Another one shoved at her, but Diane spun around, her forehoof slamming into his jaw with a crunch. This soldier went down and stayed down.

"You little bitch. We'll teach you to respect us solders of the High Priestess"

Diane simply smiled. "Do you really think you can?"

"A Blank Flank like you? Easy. Take her down boys, we're going to gang rut this bitch in every hole."

Diane was about to fight till she could escape when ten more soldiers joined in. "So... you really want to do this?" She closed her eyes for a moment. "How about I introduce you to... Pinkamena." Her eyes snapped open, a look of total insanity in them. Her smile twisted into a sickening grin. A pair of crossed and bloody knives appeared on her flank.

...

Pinkamena exited the abandoned house she had dragged all the soldiers into. She had spent a few more hours than she had intended too, but she had to work out a few frustrations.

Baking those cupcakes had really helped her relax.

She closed her eyes and cleared her mind. Her cutie mark faded away.

Diane sighed. She would be needing to work on her control. She looked back into the door at the large number of cupcakes she had made from those fourteen guards.

"I can't believe I did that..." She shook her head and pressed on.

A few moments later, she sensed something. Her precognition was warning her of danger. She slipped into the shadows as another ten soldiers patrolled past.

"Check the buildings... we have to find our missing men. That alleyway was coated in way too much blood to have come from one small mare."

"Sir? I think you should see this." A soldier pointed into the building Diane had come out of.

"Are those... muffins?"

"They're really brightly colored"

"They look tasty, but nopony lives here."

"Who cares, let's eat them."

Diane felt a little ill at that concept. She hoped they would realize before it was too late.

"SIR! In the back room here..."

The cupcakes were forgotten, and thankfully, from what Diane could see, none had been eaten.

All ten pony soldiers emerged from the house, all looking sick from what they had seen.

Diane sighed and pressed on. Pinkamena had, after all, needed to harvest ingredients from the now dead soldiers to make her cupcakes.

...

Princess Rainbolt had watched the whole thing. She felt bad for those who had been made into baked goods, but knew better than to try to stop Pinkamena.

She was going to have to learn how to help her dear friend, hopefully to restore her happy and bubbly nature, without any traces of the insanity.

...

The sky ship had landed and all the prisoners had been brought before the High Priestess. Their blindfolds had finally been removed.

She was white of coat and her mane and tail had been died the same colors as Princess Celestia, both flowing and long. Her cutie mark was covered by her robes.

"Welcome home my dear Dawn Glimmer." She smirked cruelly and kicked him in the face.

"Mommy?" Surprise hung her head. "Do we have to treat them so badly? They're really nice ponies when you get to know them."

Topaz Star spun around and slapped the young mare. "Don't you ever believe that. They are abominations. Especially HER!" She pointed a hoof at Fluttershy.

Surprise looked away, tears in her eyes.

"Go to your room and do not leave till I summon you. You are going to be punished for your betrayal and failure."

Surprise turned and left the throne room.

"Now..." The Priestess glared at Twilight. "I see you have taken something that belongs to me... that Horn is MY property and you had no right to take it for yourself."

Twilight was terrified. She could just see the evil in this Earth pony. She wanted to speak, but the tight muzzle kept her from speaking. Still, the look in her eyes told the priestess she was NOT happy.

"How DARE you look at me with those eyes. I will rip that horn from your head and make a crown from it. Then I will carve your eyes out so you cannot look at me like that again." She stepped on Twilight's head, applying painful pressure onto her horn. "But I will let you live, so you may endure the rest of your life, knowing that you are a lesser creature not worthy of being called a pony."

Then she turned on Fluttershy. "But you... you will be made an example of. I will crucify you and leave you to be seen by all as you suffer and die slowly."

Fluttershy whimpered and shut her eyes.

"But I will allow you one last meal, and if you refuse to eat it all, I will peal the skin off your friends, while they still live." She pointed at the small cage that housed Angel Bunny. "Take that 'thing' into the kitchen and prepare this vulture's final meal."

Threaten Fluttershy, and she will cower. Threaten her friends and Angel Bunny?

Fluttershy's eyes snapped open suddenly. Her wings straining against their bindings.

The metal feathers of her magical wing sliced through them like a hot knife through butter, and again through her iron chains, freeing her.

The soldiers present gasped as this. The smallest of these prisoners, broke free. They rushed forward to save their High Priestess, but were too slow.

Fluttershy pinned her down, the obviously deadly wing pressing to her throat. She used a free hoof to remove the muzzle. "How... How DARE you threaten my friends and Angel Bunny. Call your guards off and free my friends or ELSE."

"B... Back off..." Topaz Star could feel the feather against her throat, and could feel it had already cut through her coat and was pressing against their skin. Her eyes were wide with fear.

No wonder her ancestors had wanted to wipe out the Pegasai... they were far more dangerous than she could believe.

"You!" Fluttershy gave The Stare at one of the soldiers. "Free my friends and don't even think of hurting them... or her head roles."

"I suggest you do it." A new pony entered the room.

All eyes turned to see a pink pony with strait darker pink hair standing in the doorway.

"Pinkie... I mean, Diane." Fluttershy was feeling relieved.

"D... Do it. Release them..." The pinned pony could not understand how this had happened. She could not believe this smaller pony could possess such strength, and her wings were like deadly weapons.

The soldier released the prisoners and backed away.

Free from the iron chains, Twilight and Rarity removed their horn covers, then used their magic to remove the muzzles from themselves and the others.

"Now y'all gonna get it." Applejack jumped up and stood ready.

Rarity freed Angel from the cage, who hopped onto Fluttershy's back.

"I suggest we vacate... again." Diane stated plainly. "There's a whole lot more soldiers on their way."

Dawn shook his mane. "You go, I have to get my daughter out of here."

"I'll go with you." Twilight stood by his side. She looked at her friends. "Go, we'll catch up."

Fluttershy glared at Topaz Star. She released her and ran with her friends.

...

Surprise lay on her bed, crying. This was all her fault. "I... I should never have told Mommy about that passage... If... If I never told her, than none of this would be happening."

"Do you really feel that way?" Dawn Glimmer entered the room, Twilight Sparkle next to him.

"D... Daddy? Twilight?" She jumped up. "Why are you here?"

"We're making our escape." Twilight smiled and wrapped a foreleg around each of them. "This is not going to be pretty." She then teleported.

...

Three somewhat singed ponies appeared out of thin air, not far from the others.

"That went better than I thought..." Twilight shook her head along with the other two.

They joined their friends as they tried to outrun the guards.

"We don't have any weapons." Rarity cried as they ran down a long corridor, seeing soldiers appear up ahead, and knowing there were a lot more behind them.

"We still got ah steel shoes." Applejack turned and kicked in a sturdy wooden door.

They all piled into the room, Fluttershy using her magic wing to deflect nearly a dozen poison darts. She backed into the room, nearly being hit by a few more. "Oh dear..."

"Damn." Dawn cursed. There was no windows or other ways out of the room.

Fluttershy looked at her wing. "Let me try something." She swiped her wing at the wall a few times. Nothing seemed to happen.

"Here they come." Applejack warned and delivered a skull crushing kick to the first soldier to rush through the doorway. As he flew back he knocked down three more.

Then the wall crumbled where Fluttershy had struck it. The stone had been cleanly cleaved through.

Taking this as a sign, they all rushed through the new opening, just in time as the room was hailed with darts.

Fluttershy's wing had prevented darts from flying through the hole.

"I really like this wing, thank you." She smiled sweetly as they charged through the new room and out the door.

...

Princess Rainbolt looked up from her lessons with Luna. "Luna, I know I have so much more to learn... but... I can feel my friends are in great danger right now. I have to go help them, and help Celestia."

"Alright, go, but be careful." Luna smiled and her illusion faded away.

Rainbolt looked toward Eden, to where her friends were. She could see them running through a courtyard with a massive swarm of soldiers right behind them.

She then took to the air, transforming into lightening.

...

"We're cornered." Surprise wanted to cry.

Topaz Star stepped forward, once again wearing a cruel grin. "Thought you could escape did you? Soldiers, take aim and use the deadly poison darts."

Over a hundred soldiers took aim.

"Sorry Surprise, but you are sentenced to death for high treason."

Before she could give the command to fire, a massive shock wave rocked the courtyard, blowing everypony clean off their hooves.

A large smoking crater rested in the center, between the two groups. Lightening arced from something within, something that was emerging.

With a flap of her cyan wings, Princess Rainbolt cleared the smoke, revealing herself to all.

"I am Princess Rainbolt, Regent of Lightening," She glared at the stunned Priestess and her soldiers. "You would DARE attack those under MY divine protection?"

The Priestess took in the form that hovered before them and instantly bowed before her. "Oh Goddess of Lightening..."

"I don't want to hear anything from you." Rainbolt growled. "I should strike you down here and how and make an example of you to all."

"P... Please... no... I... I..."

KARACK!

The Priestess was struck by a massive bolt of lightening and reduced to dust in an instant.

"Let this be a lesson to those who would believe they are greater than any other pony." She glared at the soldiers, sparks of electricity arcing from her eyes and coursing through her mane. "You will stand down and forget any thoughts of invading Equestria, or any other lands on this world."

They all turned and ran.

Rainbolt watched them leave before drawing in her power. She settled to the ground and looked at her friends.

Her size had not changed, but her features certainly had. Her cyan coat and face were still sporting the azure bolts of lightening, but her rainbow mane flowed and crackled, much like Celestia's and Luna's. Her horn seemed to glow from the power of lightening within.

"Hiya." She smiled. "Sorry I didn't get here sooner... Luna had to teach me a few things about being an Alicorn."

Twilight was the first to speak. "Rainbow Dash? Wh... what happened to you?"

"Heh, and you thought my cutie mark story was epic? Wait till I tell you this one. Still, we have to get out of here. I have the feeling that this isn't over yet. Oh yea, I'm Princess Rainbolt now." She winked at Diane and Surprise. "Thanks for the awesome name."

Rarity spoke next, shaking off her shock and amazement, but not her awe. "You... you killed their leader... it should be over now, right?"

"Fraid not." The new goddess frowned. "Another will just take her place, and it'll just start all over again. You go, I have to get Celestia out of here."

"I can help." Twilight stepped forward.

"Not this time. I suggest you take one of their sky ships and head back to Equestria. Seems the other provinces have started to move troops. Oh, and our messengers delivered the Assassin warnings to every town and city through Equestria. None of the leaders have been hurt."

"Good to know... but do any of us know how to fly one of those ships?"

Rainbolt smirked. "You'll figure it out. If you grab the former High Priestess's personal sky ship you should be fine. It's behind the temple. Celestia and I will catch up later."

...

They arrived at the landing pad for the ship. It was only thirty lengths long with a seventy five length balloon. At ten lengths wide, it looked sleek and fast.

Everypony boarded and started looking around.

Diane found the controls and looked them over. "This isn't too difficult" She started up the engines. "Get those ropes off the side. They're what's holding this thing down."

The others did so as fast as they could. As soon as that was done, the craft started to lift.

Good thing too, sense over a hundred soldiers surrounded it and started firing darts.

The light armor on the ship prevented any damage, and the material of the balloon seemed strong enough to resist the light piercing weapons.

It only took moments before they were out of range of the ground bound soldier's weapons.

"Let's go home everypony." Twilight frowned. This had NOT gone as planned.

...

Three hours into the flight, they learned that this craft was far faster than the heavier military sky ships, which was a good thing as this one had no weapons.

"What are we going to do?" Rarity frowned. "We escaped, but... will we make it back in time?"

"Time fer what?" Applejack frowned. "We ain't got none ah our weapons."

Surprise poked her head from below deck. "Don't be so sure about that." She started tossing their belongings out onto the deck. "Mommy is quite greedy, and anything new and unique, she likes to keep for herself and has hidden in her treasury her on the Midnight Rain."

"The what?" Applejack asked.

"Midnight Rain. That's the name of this sky ship."

Diane frowned. "That's not a very good name. I think we should rename it."

"What do you have in mind?" Twilight asked Diane.

"I'm the sane crazy pony here, don't ask me."

Silence for a moment, then Rarity spoke up. "I do believe I have the perfect name for our new sky ship." She smiled as all eyes were on her. "The Twilight Dawn. All it needs is a new paint job, and that balloon, such tacky colors Maybe something to show of its new allegiance? Maybe a beautiful sun, the moon, and a rainbow lightening bolt."

"Twilight Dawn... Ah like it." Applejack beamed, winking at the pair of lovers.

"Oh, I like it too." Fluttershy smiled as Angel helped her re-equip her gear.

"It's agreed then." Twilight smirked. "Captain Diane, take the Twilight Dawn home to Equestria."

...

Rainbolt shattered the last of the bindings on Celestia.

"Are you alright Princess?"

Celestia was still quite shocked at the sudden appearance of this new, oddly familiar, Alicorn. "Yes, yes I am. Who are you?"

"Princess Rainbolt, Goddess of Lightening at your service... Big Sister." She winked. "Formerly Rainbow Dash, Representative of the Element of Harmony, Loyalty."

"How... How did you transcend?"

"Dunno really. I got poisoned, Twi cured me and I was changed. Then I found I could fly so fast I actually transformed into a lightening bolt. A few things happened after that and I ended up nearly crashing into the moon. Luna saved my tail there. After that, she taught me a lot of things and I agreed to become a Goddess."

She then bowed before Celestia. "I am still your Loyal servant, Princess Celestia."

Celestia smiled, realizing the truth of what had happened. She would save that story for another time. "Thank you, little sister. Let us take out leave. This chamber keeps me cut off from the sun, my source of power."

...

They were all geared up and ready for anything, or so they thought.

A sudden spark of electricity and flash of light took them all by surprise as two Alicorn appeared before them.

"P... Princess Celestia? Princess Rainbolt?" Twilight bowed, as did the rest, except Diane, who was piloting the ship.

"Told ya I'd save her." The smaller Princess beamed.

"Dashie, it is SOO good to see you again. We were all so worried when you blew up that sky ship."

"Blew up a sky ship?" Celestia raised an eye. "I seem to be in need of some... enlightenment."

...

Celestia had been caught up on current events. She had chided Rainbolt for her actions at the temple, mainly killing High Priestess Topaz Star.

Still, such an action would prevent them from going ahead with an attack, effectively weakening the invasion force by more than half. Hopefully by the time things were sorted out, this war would be over and done with.

For two weeks they flew over the Everfree Forest, with Diane giving piloting lessons to everypony, including Rainbolt and Celestia, only because they asked to be included.

Still, they had decided Diane deserved to be the Captain of this impressively fast craft, a title she was all too happy too accept.

In those two weeks, Celestia, as well as Rainbolt, aided Diane's mind to heal itself from the presence of Pinkamena. End Result, Diane's mane and tail became lightly curled and wavy. She became closer to how she had once been, happy and energetic, but not fully unpredictable and DEFINETLY not interested in making baked goods out of ponies.

Oh yea, that was one detail Rainbolt had not told Celestia.

...

Finally they could see the open fields, forests and mountains of Equestria.

They could also see one of the Gaean military sky ships patrolling the border.

Below, many signs of bombed villages could be seen.

"The invasion..." Dawn choked. "We're too late..."

Twilight leaned against Dawn. "It's okay... If we can somehow convince them to stop this... Maybe we can fix things and become friends."

Celestia wanted to agree, but she had the feeling that just talking to the military leaders wouldn't do anything. "Prepare for battle." She frowned. "Rainbolt and I will head for Canterlot and Cloudsdale. Take care and I hope to see you all soon." The pair of Alicorn suddenly vanished.

The military ship turned toward them, weapons at the ready, but it did not look like they were about to attack, just yet.

"We'll have the element of surprise on our side." Twilight frowned. "I just hope.. I so hope we can avoid conflict..."

...

Rainbolt appeared high above Cloudsdale, and what she was made her want to cry.

Four of the huge military sky ship were laying siege. Dozens of the smaller ships were flying about , each escorted by nine gliders.

She could see so much damage to the city, with huge sections having been destroyed by mines and bombs.

So many Pegasai lay dead within the city, and any survivors looked to be chained down onto the ships, their wings bound so they could not fly.

She wanted to attack and destroy those ships, but the risk of killing her own ponies was far too great. She was going to have to be careful.

Rainbolt concentrated and hid all her divine features, once again looking as she had before all this had started. She dove down, her thin blades emerging, crackling with deadly electricity.

...

Celestia appeared outside Canterlot, atop the mountain the castle was built into.

The city had been bombed by a single Sky Ship and half a dozen smaller ships flew about, keeping the sky clear of any Pegasai who might either try to escape or fight back.

The castle itself looked to have been struck by the cannons that lined the side of the massive ship.

She shimmered and became invisible by bending the light around her. She headed into the castle.

In the ruins of the throne room, she found her dear little sister, sitting on the broken throne.

She appeared and walked forward. "Luna..."

"T.. Tia?" Luna looked up and cried, she strained against iron chains that bound her legs, her wings bound to her side and an iron crown covering her horn. "It's a trap..."

Too late, at least fifty soldiers surrounded Princess Celestia, weapons at the ready.

The High Commander stepped out from behind the throne. "Welcome, Dark Goddess Celestia. We have come to purge your kingdom of the unworthy."

"You are wrong." Celestia spoke clearly. "All those who live in Equestria are worthy, and deserving of their magic and their wings. It is you who are unworthy." She started to glow, but it faded as a circle flared on the floor, her power suddenly fading. She fell to her knees and was swarmed by the soldiers and bound as her sister was.

"You have also been deemed unworthy." The High Commander approached, a saw gripped in his teeth. "Your horn will bring me great honor and riches."

...

The military ship was nowhere as maneuverable or as fast as the Twilight Dawn. They simply could not hit it with their weapons. The smaller ones, armed with spear launchers simply were no match when Fluttershy and Angel opened fire.

The sticky bombs bound the propellers while the sleeping poison rendered their crews helpless. Her grenades would blow them clean out of the sky.

The gliders were also no match from Rarity's disks, as they sliced through the canvas like it was nothing, sending them crashing to the ground far below.

Diane and Surprise's own small launchers were quite effective as well against the gliders, causing them to burst into flames or to render the pilots asleep, sending them to their dooms as well.

Twilight combined her magic with her darts to take out her own share of the gliders, and in short order the sky was clear all save for the sky ships.

The Twilight Dawn closed from above. Dawn and Applejack readied some makeshift weapons and dropped them. A total of four sharpened lengths of wood, created from some heavy trees they had prepared earlier.

They fell and pierced the balloon to the military craft, causing it to loose vary valuable hot air and making it descend rapidly.

They watched as the sky ship crashed into the ground, the explosives inside detonating and destroying the ship.

Captain Diane hung her head. "Rest in piece... may your soul find peace in the afterlife." She then turned the ship toward Ponyville.

...

Spike fought alongside the Ponyville Militia. His 'Dragon Cannon' a fearsome weapon, as the bullets could easily pierce the heavy armor of the enemy soldiers.

Still, the ponies who were defending this town were hard pressed against the five hundred or more attackers.

Every pony who was able to fight was doing so, but they were sorely outnumbered five too one.

Over half the village had already been put to the torch, even Rarity's Boutique, Sugarcube Corner and the Library.

So much had been lost these last few days, and the defenders were loosing numbers faster than the enemy.

"Captain." Spike called out to the leader of the militia "We can't win... we have to retreat."

"Hate to admit it Spike... but it seems you are right." He grabbed his horn and sounded the retreat signal.

All able bodied ponies tried to help the injured. It seemed that Ponyville was lost...

"Captain, one of their Sky Ships is approaching."

He looked up and frowned. This ship was a lot smaller than the one that had dropped off the soldiers. "Wait... That emblem on the front." He pointed. "That's Princess Celestia's symbol."

All ponies looked up in awe. Had the Princess finally returned?

Upon seeing this, they felt empowered.

The Captain grinned and sounded the charge.

...

To Be Continued...