Spike put away the last book in the stack as he sighed heavily. It was just busy work, but he needed to do something or he thought he might snap. The waiting for news about Twilight was killing him. It had been more than two weeks since he and Twilight talked the night they all found out that the telepods were reactivated. Ever since then he’d done what his surrogate big sister asked of him and he stayed away, letting her and Princess Celestia handle everything. His nose crinkled at the thought of the white alicorn. To say that he still bore ill will towards her would be an understatement. He was a pragmatist, however. He knew deep down that despite his hatred of Princess Celestia, she was in fact the best mind in Equestria that could help his oldest friend return to normal. It was just something that he didn’t like admitting to himself. As he turned to begin dusting the shelves, a knock on the door interrupted him. Tossing the duster aside, he strolled to the ornate entryway.

“Coming,” he announced as he approached the door, opening it quickly.

His expression soon soured at the image before him. It was Princess Celestia. She wore a frown, which only made Spike sneer in anger before turning around.

“What do you want?” Spike inquired snidely.

The princess trotted in slowly, eyeing the young dragon, as she let out a barely audible sigh. She wanted so badly to put their bad blood behind them. She hadn’t really talked to Spike before now, as she’d either been too depressed or too busy. She knew she needed to remedy that, which is why she was here.

“Spike, please. I know you’re angry, but we need to talk,” she said softly.

“So talk. It’s your castle, right?” Spike answered flatly, as he picked up the duster and began cleaning the shelves.

His inattentiveness saddened her further. She knew that she made some mistakes when dealing with the young dragon, and she was here to remedy them. It seemed to her, however, that he would hear none of it. She knew she had to try, though, for both their sakes.

“Spike, I came here to apologize,” she started before a snort from Spike cut her off.

“Oh, and what did I do to deserve such an honor, princess?” he asked sarcastically, as he went about his chores, not even looking in her direction.

Using her magic, the royal alicorn took the cleaning tool from his claw gently, causing the dragon to grunt disapprovingly. With Spike finally facing her, Princess Celestia walked towards him, lowering her head slightly.

“Please,” she whispered.

Spike crossed his arms over his chest, giving the mare a skeptical look. As much as he didn’t want to hear anything from her, she seemed insistent on him hearing whatever it was that she had to say.

“Fine. Just say what you came here to say, Princess,” Spike stated with the impatience in his tone growing even more apparent.

“Spike, I…I know that I should have been there for you, and I wasn’t. There isn’t anything I can do to make up the time I should have spent with you after we lost Twilight, and…I…I know you may never forgive me for taking you from her during what turned out to be her last days, but I am sorry, Spike. I should have told you I was sorry a long time ago,” Celestia said softly.

“Well, you didn’t! I didn’t even learn about it from you! Princess Luna had to tell me! Where were you, huh?!?” Spike inquired forcefully.

“I…I was…” the alicorn stammered.

“You were more than happy to parade me around like a good little pet, but when my best friend, the unicorn I spent just about every waking moment with, died, you couldn’t even face me!” the dragon shouted.

“Spike, that’s not…” the princess started before Spike cut her off.

“Oh, look at the little baby dragon, isn’t he cute? Oh, oh, look, he can send messages, isn’t that adorable?” Spike mimicked in the most mocking tone he could muster, as he held his claws out in front of him daintily.

“Spike that’s enough!” Celestia said sternly, straightening up to full height.

“No! It’ll never be enough! Not for me!” Spike countered.

“Spike, why can’t you understand that I took the loss just as hard as you did?!? Did you think I was out celebrating?!? I was depressed! FOR DAYS, WEEKS, EVEN! I COULDN’T EVEN GET OUT OF BED!” the mare screamed as tears formed in her eyes.

“YOU’RE OVER A THOUSAND YEARS OLD, AN ALICORN, AND THE RULER OF EQUESTRIA! YOU DON’T GET THE LUXURY OF EXCUSES!” Spike shouted back, stomping the floor.

“JUST BECAUSE I’M A PRINCESS DOESN’T MEAN I DON’T HAVE FEELINGS, SPIKE! IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT MY HEART CAN’T BREAK, THAT I CAN’T FEEL THE PAIN OF A TERRIBLE LOSS!” Princess Celestia cried in return, her knees becoming weak as she collapsed in front of the dragon, crying.

“I…I loved her, Spike…like she was my own child. When…when I dealt with the aftermath of what happened, I…I…something in me switched off, I couldn’t help it. I know I wronged you in not telling you myself, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I loved you and Twilight so much that the mere thought of hurting you, even with the truth…it brought me too much pain, and I couldn’t stand to bear anymore. I’m…I’m sorry, Spike. Truly, I am. I just want to put this behind us. I don’t want you to hate me, so…please…can we move on?” Princess Celestia said as she stared into Spike’s eyes while the tears streamed down her face.

“Princess, if you hadn’t taken me from her, none of this would have happened,” Spike stated.

The royal alicorn sighed. She eyed Spike’s demeanor and it seemed to change. It didn’t look quite as defensive as before, but she could tell that he still blamed her for what happened to Twilight.

“Spike, I didn’t know. There was no way for me to know that something like that was going to happen. No one questions your loyalty, and yes, you are right, you very well could have done something to prevent this, but how was I to know that something was happening? Please, Spike, I’m asking you to think. How could I have known what was going on? No one contacted me until it was too late,” the princess explained.

Spike shifted uncomfortably under the mare’s gaze. She had a point. She was busy with the conference, as he was privy to, so how could she have found out all of the horrible things that were going on in Ponyville? He sighed deeply as he closed his eyes, processing her words. After a moment he opened them, giving her a much softer look than before.

“It’s just…I loved being her number one assistant, but…all those things…shuffling papers, sending messages, cleaning…they all just seemed like a waste if she wasn’t here anymore. She was dying and I felt like you had me wasting my time, time that I could’ve spent with her. But…I guess you’re right. There really was no way for you to know, was there?” he said as his eyes became heavy.

“Spike, you have every right to be upset with me for not being there for you, but I need you to know how sorry I am,” she reiterated.

The young dragon closed his eyes again and turned away from the princess, walking towards the window. He hadn’t quite expected to have this conversation right now, and was unsure of how he felt. She was right about not knowing, but that didn’t change the way he felt. Putting his right claw on the window, feeling the glass, and the warmth it captured under the exposure to the princess’ sun, Spike turned back around to address the mare once more.

“Princess, I…I have to be honest, I’m not sure how I feel right now. I…I just…I don’t know if I have it in me to accept your apology, but…I need some time to figure things out, I guess,” he stated.

The frown on Princess Celestia’s face deepened at the admission. It certainly was not what she was hoping to hear from the youngling, but this wasn’t something that she could force. The mere fact that he’d listened to her was a small victory in and of itself. She turned around slowly, making her way towards the door.

“I understand, Spike. I’ll give you your space. Just…than you for listening to me, and I also want you to know that no matter what happens, I love you, just like Twilight. I watched you grow up as well, and even though you may hate me, I’m very proud of the dragon you’ve become,” Celestia said.

“Princess?” Spike asked.

“Yes, Spike?” the princess inquired back.

“Please make her better,” the dragon pleaded softly, as he turned to greet her with a look of worry.

“Spike, I’m going to do everything I can. I promise,” she answered, as she walked out the door.

-

“Once connections A, C and F are in place, we will be ready to begin, your highness,” the technician said as he walked over to Princess Celestia.

The sun princess nodded slightly as she poured over her checklist. The clipboard levitated in front of her via her magic as she checked and re-checked the items over and over. Today was a day she was quite apprehensive about. After over two weeks of toiling away at these machines, it was time for their first test run. To say she was nervous was an understatement. Running the test itself was nerve-racking enough, but what concerned her most was the test subject that they would have to use. Thanks to the severe time constraints they were under, they did not have time to try out these machines with inanimate objects. Instead they had to go directly to transporting living organisms. The mere thought made her knees quake. Breathing heavily, she looked over at her student as the frown she wore deepened. Twilight Sparkle had deteriorated significantly since her episode a few weeks ago. Her fur was mostly gone now, and pus pockets now lined her back. Her teeth became more jagged and there was nothing left of her mane. Her once beautiful lavender coat was now nothing but a dark grey cacophony of flesh. Her looks weren’t the only thing that changed over the last few weeks. Her demeanor became much more docile. She worked as hard as she could, but to the princess, it seemed like any emotions she had were sucked right out of her, as though she was walking around in a daze. It broke the royal alicorn’s heart to see her student like this, but she couldn’t blame her. With each passing day her decay increased, and even the doctors and scientists were having trouble remaining professional around her. While this angered the alicorn, she had to give credit where it was due. They all continued to perform their jobs adequately, and were always cordial with her student. For the sake of time, she’d have to let the double takes and the staring go, at least for now. Suddenly, her train of thought was broken as she heard the voice of the technician who had previously spoken to her.

“The connections are secure, Princess Celestia. We are ready to begin,” he said.

Celestia looked around the room. Other than the technician, there were only two scientists in here with them. The wires and connections to the pods and computers looked much cleaner now running along the ground and walls symmetrically, and had an order to them where there was none previously. Half of the throne room had been turned into what looked like the laboratory of a mad scientist from an old novel. She stepped forward and cleared her throat, making sure to get everyone’s attention. The all turned around and stood ready, as their princess spoke.

“Thank you all for your help in this endeavor. Twilight and I cannot begin to tell you just how grateful we are for your support. However, I must remind you, especially now, that no matter what happens, no one is to discuss what goes on here beyond these walls. Is that clear, everyone?” she said evenly.

The team nodded, as they all took their positions. The two unicorn scientists took their places on the side of the computer, as the technician went behind the throne to grab the cage. Bringing it around, it revealed a small rabbit. Everyone’s stomach dropped as the technician approached the telepod. The small grey bunny was quite tame, and simply lay in the steel box, quietly nibbling on a carrot. Princess Celestia walked slowly, deliberately so, towards the cage, barely able to keep her body from shivering. She felt dirty. Perverse. Like she was betraying the trust of those she swore to protect and love. However, a quick glance back at Twilight’s trembling form gave her the strength to quell that feeling. She knew that she needed to push those thoughts deep down inside herself, as she could not let her nobility get the better of her. Not this time. She needed to help her student live. Everything else, including morality, her pride and even her compassion, were secondary to that. She knelt down, using her magic to open the door of the cage. The small furry creature looked up at Celestia and gave her an inquisitive look. It was obvious that she didn’t know why she was there.

“Ok, little one, we just need you to step in there for a moment, alright?” Princess Celestia requested as sweetly as she could, mustering her best and most comforting smile.

The rabbit returned the smile and nodded, quickly hopping out the door and into the telepod. The action shocked Princess Celestia. It frightened her how easily she was able to convince this innocent creature to do something so detrimental to it. Shaking her head, she once again forced these musings on personal responsibility away. She didn’t have time for it, and neither did Twilight. Using her magic, she closed the door to the telepods, and made her way back to where Twilight stood. Her student hung her head glumly, as she closed her eyes tight. As the princess stood beside her, she threw her wing over the deformed unicorn as a gesture of reassurance. Twilight didn’t move, however. She’d been in this position before, and she did her best to explain what might happen if the test goes wrong, but it was all speculation. This was the moment of truth. Taking in a deep breath Princess Celestia once again used her magic to activate the machine.

“Initiating test number zero one,” she announced as the computer crackled to life.

‘It’s now or never. Please, please work!’ the royal alicorn wished with all her might.

As the massive machines powered up, the room was filled with a loud grinding noise and light, as the brightness from the telepod became too much for the spectators, save the princess. After a few moments, the machines began to power down, as the sounds and lights both dissipated in unison. Twilight shuddered at the familiar sight of smoke which leaked slightly from the second telepod. No one moved. They all just stared at the machine with bated breath. Finally, Princess Celestia stepped forward slowly as the door to the pod opened. The alicorn could not even begin to describe how she was feeling.

‘Please be alright, little one!’ she willed as she leaned her neck down into the pod slightly, the steam mostly scattered by now.

Within the center of the structure, was the bunny. For a brief moment, she had to stop herself from celebrating, as she looked closer. It looked unharmed, but it was not moving, which she found curious. She could only see a profile of the creature.

‘Maybe if I can get a closer look,’ she thought.

Before she could move any further into the structure, however, the rabbit’s body tipped over, as blood and organs spilled out onto the floor of the pod. The force of its body hitting the ground caused some blood to splash upwards, drenching the princess’ maw. No one ever heard the princess scream. It was odd for her to even raise her voice, but the blood curdling cry she let out made everyone in the room, including Twilight, jump. Celestia scurried away from the sight, whimpering and crying, the blood matting the fur of her muzzle.

“Princess, are you alright?!?” one of the doctors shouted as he ran over to her.

The other doctor ran over to the telepod to observe the results of the experiment. He turned away and began dry heaving. It was like a living diagram of bunny rabbit. All of the organs were exposed as were its veins and brain. Twilight Sparkle, who remained unfazed throughout the experiment, managed to work up the nerve to walk over to the pod. Her head drooped at what she saw.

‘The pod must have only transported half the rabbit,’ she thought to herself.

She looked over at her mentor who was clearly still exasperated. She felt horrible. In trying to save her, the princess was being put through the same torture that Twilight endured, at least emotionally. She remembered that day in the basement so long ago. She was so sure that everything would be alright. She just kept telling herself that it was just another experiment, just like the ones the unicorn ran hundreds of times before. She closed her eyes, cursing herself for her hubris. She’d been such a fool. Looking back at the princess, she began walking towards her, but before she could reach her teacher, the royal alicorn ran off as fast as she could, towards the side door. If Twilight could have cried, she would have. It hurt her so much to see someone she loved so dearly so exasperated by doing what she needed to save her.

“Everyone stay here. I’ll go talk to her,” Twilight said, running after the princess.

As she rounded the corner of the side entrance to the throne room, she found Princess Celestia slumped up against the wall, sitting on her haunches, doing her best to catch her breath. Twilight reached out to her with her deformed hoof, trying her best to comfort her, but she didn’t know what to say. It was just like before with Fluttershy and Angel. She knew she had to try, though, so she opened her mouth, trying to form words.

“Princess, I…I…” she started.

“What possessed you, Twilight?!?” Celestia muttered.

“I…I’m sorry?” the unicorn inquired.

“WHAT EVER POSSESSED YOU TO DO THIS?!? TO EVEN ATTEMPT SUCH A DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT?!? YOU…YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THE DANGER! WHAT’S…WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?!?” the princess hissed loudly.

“Princess, I don’t know what to say,” Twilight answered softly.

“THAT CREATURE IS DEAD, TWILIGHT! IT’S DEAD BECAUSE OF ME! I TOLD HER IT WAS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT! AND…AND SHE TRUSTED ME! I BETRAYED HER AND NOW SHE’S DEAD!” the princess screamed at her student with tears streaming down her face.

Twilight felt like a foal being chastised by a parent. She shrank back, lowering her head and neck trying to make herself as small as she felt inside. Deep down, she knew it wasn’t her mentor’s fault, however. It was hers. And after all the love and compassion that her teacher showed her since she’d come back, this was the first time the princess showed any anger towards her. It was the one thing she couldn’t take.

“Please, please don’t hate me! I’m sorry, I’m so sorry! This…this is my fault, not yours. There isn’t a day that’s gone by where I haven’t regretted what I did in that basement with Fluttershy and Angel. I wish I could take it back, but I can’t. I made a mistake. I just…I thought everything would turn out just fine, and…I was stupid. I’m sorry,” Twilight stammered, as she collapsed, prostrating herself before her mentor.

Princess Celestia looked down at her apprentice thoughtfully. Right now, she didn’t know what to think. The violence she’d just committed in her student’s name shocked her to the core. She’d never wanted to strike Twilight in her life, but for that instant after she entered the hallway, she came close. She wanted to throttle her. It was something she never expected to feel in regards to the unicorn she helped raise. But, what good would that do? She sighed deeply as she put a hoof on her student’s head, petting her gently. As she began to calm down, the princess realized that it was a guttural reaction. Twilight was truly sorry for what she’d done, that much was obvious, and even if she wasn’t she was indeed paying the price for her pride. Despite what happened, she couldn’t bear to think of Twilight believing that she hated her.

“Twilight, I…I don’t hate you. I never could hate you. I…I was just angry, that’s all. I love you, and I always will. Now, come on, let’s go back in there and try to figure out what went wrong, okay?” she said softly, doing her best to reassure her pupil.

“Yes, princess,” Twilight answered as she rose and they both made their way back into the main room.

-

“You must be excited about today, Rainbow Dash,” Nurse Redheart said as she removed the bandage from around the pegasus’ wing.

“You bet I am! Not only do I get to start flying again, but I’ll be getting personal instruction from one of the princesses! I can’t wait!” Rainbow Dash beamed.

“Well, just remember to take it easy, Rainbow. This is rehabilitation, you aren’t training for a race against the Wonderbolts,” the earth pony chimed.

“Way to sour the mood, Redheart,” the young flyer frowned.

“Look, Rainbow Dash, you’ve been through quite a trauma. Healing takes time, and Rehab is part of that healing process. You need to find a happy medium of pushing yourself and taking it easy. Canterlot wasn’t built in a day, you know,” the medical professional retorted.

The element of loyalty huffed as she stood up, turning and making her way out of the infirmary room. She didn’t have time for this. She was finally getting back where she belonged. Back in the air, and she wasn’t going to let anyone ruin that feeling. She felt a hoof on her shoulder as she turned around so see Nurse Redheart giving her a look of concern.

“Rainbow, I…I don’t mean to rain on your parade. Really, I’m happy that you are getting back out there. I just want to make sure that you stay out there and that you don’t hurt yourself. This is going to take some time, and if you follow the program that the princess and I developed for you, you will be back to doing sonic rainbooms soon enough. But this isn’t something that can be rushed. Take your time with it, and trust me you’ll be back to your old self before you know it. I know you can do it. Just stay the course, ok?” she stated.

“Thanks, Nurse Redheart. Don’t worry about me, I’m just a bit excited is all. I’ll make you and the princess proud, I promise,” she said with a smile.

-

Rainbow Dash finished the last of her stretches, just as the moon became clear in the sky. Princess Luna hadn’t shown up yet, so the pegasus decided to do a little warm up before starting her program. She observed the sky and the low cloud formations, as she saw a pattern beginning to develop. It seemed like the princess wanted her to do some basics. She promised that she wouldn’t begin until Princess Luna was with her, but she was getting antsy. She wanted to get back in the air and she wanted to get there now! She huffed as she quickly stopped herself from getting frustrated, letting the words of Nurse Redheart ring through her mind.

‘She’s right. This is going to take time. I can’t rush it. I just have to do what I can right now, and build on it later,’ she thought to herself.

Turning her neck to the side as she heard a gust of air settle behind her, Princess Luna came into view settling beside the young flyer, offering a soft smile.

“Well, it looks like you are warmed up. Shall we begin then?” the alicorn inquired.

“Yes! I can’t wait! So, what are we gonna do? Are you gonna show me some awesome new tricks?” Rainbow Dash squealed excitedly.

“Rainbow Dash, remember why we are here. You need to get your wing strength and dexterity back to where it needs to be. I know you’re excited, but you must keep in mind the reasoning behind all of this,” Princess Luna said with a frown.

“I know, I know, I’m sorry! I’m just happy to be out here again. I’ll…I’ll try my best to keep things in perspective, I promise,” she answered.

“Very well, then. Let us begin,” the elder mare said, turning and walking slowly over to the lower hanging clouds, the pegasus following her.

“What we have here is a small course we have set up for you. It may not look difficult, but trust me, between your injury and the fact that you haven’t used your wings in a few weeks, this exercise is going to be a bit harder than it seems. As you can see, we’ve set up cloud platforms at varying degrees. Nurse Redheart and I decided to do ten foot intervals, alternating. The idea is to flap your wings to the first platform and then glide down to the next one about ten feet below. Then use your wings to fly up ten feet to the next platform and to repeat this in the circle course I’ve created here. Do you understand?” she asked.

Rainbow Dash’s face contorted as she eyed the course. This was it? It seemed oddly too simple for a flyer of her caliber. This seemed even simpler than the basic exercises that she took part in during Junior Flight Camp. She closed her eyes, and sighed.

‘Keep an open mind, Rainbow Dash. Trust the princess,’ she thought to herself as she readied her stance.

“Ok, I think I got it. Is this timed or anything?” she asked.

“It will be eventually, but for now, just take your time. We need to know just how far we will need to go, and we believe this exercise will give us enough evidence to gage that. I will do this with you, in case you falter. You may begin whenever you are ready,” Princess Luna answered.

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath as she settled herself. This was it. For the first time in weeks, she was finally able to take to the air again. She savored the moment, but only for a quick second.

“First platform, here I come!” she shouted as she flapped her wings.

The pegasus whimpered loudly as she immediately had to slow the pace of her flapping. She couldn’t believe the amount of pain and stiffness she felt. It just made her angry, however, and she was determined to turn that anger into energy. She grit her teeth, and flapped with all she had, until finally she made it to the first platform. She collapsed on top of the cloud, breathing heavily. She was floored at how much effort such a simple task as this took.

“Are you alright, Rainbow Dash?” the princess asked, as she set herself down beside her.

“Do I look like I’m alright?!?” the young flyer sniped in frustration.

“Come on. Catch your breath, and glide down to the next platform. Let’s go, Rainbow Dash,” Luna ordered, ignoring the younger mare’s tone.

Rainbow Dash just growled as she stood up shakily. Her eyes narrowed with determination. She wasn’t about to let some simple little game get the better of her. She was better than this and she was going to prove it. Setting herself again, she leapt, using her wings to glide down to the next platform. Once again, it was quite a task for her. She repeated the process over and over, with the princess motivating her. As Luna looked on, she was proud. She’d heard about Rainbow Dash’s toughness, and now she’d experienced it for herself. Finally, it seemed like the rainbow-maned mare was falling into a rhythm. Now, however, came the next part of the rehabilitation, which may even be harder than the first.

“Ok, let’s take a break. Rest here on this cloud before we begin again,” Luna said, as Rainbow Dash collapsed.

After giving her a few moments to catch her breath, Princess Luna approached the pegasus, sitting next to her.

“So, how are you feeling? I know that you know about the telepods being reactivated. What do you think about that?” the royal alicorn inquired.

“Honestly, I’m not sure. I mean…I trust Princess Celestia, but…I guess I don’t trust those machines. I…I saw what they did to our pets back in that basement, and…I…I figured it’s best to leave this to Princess Celestia. She knows science, and I’m sure she can figure something out, so I’m just going to stay away, like she wants,” Rainbow Dash answered.

“While that answer is surprisingly…mature…it also seems a bit distant. I don’t mean to insult you, it’s just that you are known to be fiercely loyal. Half of us expected you try and bang down Princess Celestia’s throne room door and demand to help,” Princess Luna said.

“What good would that do? I’m no science wiz! I’d probably just get in the way,” Rainbow Dash said dejectedly.

“Again, that answer, while valid, doesn’t seem like you. Please, talk to me. Why are you avoiding this? One of your friends is in trouble, and rather than be there for them, you seem content to let someone else handle it,” the dark coated alicorn pressed.

“Are you calling me a coward?!?” Rainbow Dash shouted, a scowl plastered on her face.

“No, that isn’t what I meant at all. I’m just trying to get to the root here. Are you going to tell me that based on everything I’ve heard about you, that this is how you would act when someone is in danger?” Luna questioned further.

“Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty. Everyone expects me to just stop what I’m doing, just to help someone, regardless of my feelings towards that someone, like I’m some robot, or something. The problem is, did anyone ask me how I felt about Twilight coming back? No, no one did. They all just assumed that I’d be ok with it. Well, maybe I’m not ok with it,” Rainbow Dash said.

“So, you are still angry at her? You don’t want to forgive her for her past transgressions, is that it?” the elder mare inquired.

“No…yes…look, it’s not just anger, alright?” Rainbow Dash stated.

“Then what is it?” Luna compelled.

The pegasus sighed heavily. She knew these questions were coming, and she did her best to prepare for them, but she was still finding them difficult to answer. She looked towards the princess with a look of sadness on her face.

“When…when we first started treating here, the doctors made us do this exercise. We…we’d close our eyes, and they’d ask us to envision our friends. My answers were simple enough, like, when they said ‘Fluttershy’ I’d see her in my mind feeding an animal or something, you know, that kind of thing. But, then they asked me about Twilight, and the thing is…I…I didn’t see anything. I just kept hearing her beating on Applejack. Her screams, her cries, and…and that’s when I started to realize just how terrified I really was,” she said as she stood up, walking to the edge of the platform.

“So, you’re scared,” Luna whispered softly.

“Oh, what, I’m not allowed?!? Only Fluttershy can feel afraid, right?!? But not me! I have to be so strong, that I’m not afraid of anything! Well, tell you what, you tell me how you feel the next time your best friend turns herself into a monster that’s, like, ten times stronger than you, can spit acid, knocks your friends unconscious and tries to kill you! Then you come to me and tell me if that doesn’t frighten you!” she shouted, with tears streaming down her face.

Princess Luna got up and walked over to the young pegasus, who was shivering now, and placed one of her wings over her. They two of them sat down together as Rainbow Dash leaned into the princess.

“Yeah, I’m afraid, alright?!? I was scared out of my mind when I was in that basement, and…and I don’t wanna go through it again! No matter what! Sure, I’m still mad at her for what she did to us, but really, I’m frightened of her! I don’t want her to try and kill me again!” Rainbow Dash sobbed into the princess.

“Shh, it’s alright, Rainbow Dash,” Princess Luna said comfortingly, as the pegasus cried into her chest.

“I guess that…well…deep down, I…really am a coward! I mean, I’m scared right? That’s what being a coward is, isn’t it?” she continued as she matted the princess’ fur with her tears.

Princess Luna nuzzled the wailing mare, doing her best to comfort her. She knew she needed to say something, but she was glad that Rainbow Dash was finally starting to be honest with her. She was finally opening up to the princess, but more importantly, she was opening up to herself. She was finally admitting what her problems were, she was saying them out loud and she couldn’t run from them or push them away anymore. She’d announced them, dragging the words out of her soul. She was proud of the pegasus even more now. Princess Luna hugged her tighter, doing her best to calm her.

“I know that you’re scared. We all get scared, and yes, you are allowed to be frightened, regardless of your element. It seems like you’ve been under a lot of pressure to be who everyone thinks you should be. I can understand that. But, I can assure you, I will never judge you for being scared, Rainbow Dash. These feelings are a part of who you are, in some ways even more so than your element is. You can’t blame yourself for feeling the things that everyone else feels at one time or another. They are a part of our experience, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. And I just want you to know that if you are ever scared, you can always come to me and talk about it. I will never, ever judge you for your feelings, alright?” the royal alicorn whispered softly.

“Thank…thank you, princess! You don’t know how much that means to me! Pinkie Pie, everyone expects me to be this…this…great hero, but…I...I…” she stammered.

“I know, Rainbow Dash. Believe me, I know,” Luna said as she cradled the crying pegasus.

After a few minutes, Rainbow Dash finally calmed down, as she rested within the fold of Princess Luna’s wing. The alicorn smiled. She was finally getting through to her.

“I believe that is enough for today, Rainbow Dash. Let’s get you back inside to get some rest. You’ve earned it,” she said.

“Ok, princess,” the young flyer answered as she got up, stretching.

“Curious. I thought you’d want to continue,” Luna said.

“Look, you and Nurse Redheart both told me to take it easy. That…that this rehab stuff is going to take time, and that I need to find a balance between doing too much and not enough. I’m tuckered out, and if you think I’m done for the day, then I’m going to listen to you,” she answered.

“Very well,” the moon princess said as she stood up as well.

They both glided down to the ground. Rainbow Dash was still a bit shaky, but she was able to maintain her balance as she descended and landed. As she turned around to go back inside, she felt a hoof on her shoulder.

“For the record, you are not a coward. Anything but. A coward is someone who is afraid and doesn’t admit it. Someone who keeps telling themselves a lie rather than face the truth of what they’re feeling. You took an important step today admitting what was truly bothering you. And now that we know, we can deal with it. Together,” Princess Luna said.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes welled up again as she pulled the royal alicorn into a hug.

“Thank you, princess. You have no idea how much it means to hear you say that,” she whispered.

“I know, Rainbow Dash. I know,” the princess answered.

-

Well, here is the next chapter, folks! I hope you all enjoy it! Since it was announced that season 4 will start in late November, I would like to have this fic done by then. I’m not sure if I’m going to like season 4, so I’d rather not be writing a fic of a show I don’t like anymore. However, I will finish the story, even if I can’t get it done by then. Anyway, enjoy!