What the hell was I doing? Why was I following Trixie? I couldn’t figure out why I was doing this. Could Twilight’s words, my words, have caused it? I couldn’t explain the strange things that had been happening, but I knew one thing, something was simply driving me on. My lust for vengeance, my insatiable hunger for death, it made me do many things...but trust Trixie?

I weaved through the sea of ponies that crowded the streets, staying close to Trixie. I didn’t know what she was planning, but I wouldn’t let her slip out of my sight, and I didn’t care. My mind raced, playing out scenario after scenario, trying to prepare myself for whatever may happen. Would she turn on me once we confronted Bane Tooth? Would she even lead me to Bane Tooth, or was she drawing me into some sort of trap? I would just have to trust her, place myself in her hooves, for now at least.

She moved with a quickened pace, the expression on her face, imparting a sense of urgency. She hadn’t told me where we were going, in fact, she’d only told me to follow her. I couldn’t really grasp the entire situation. My mind screamed distrust, shouted for me to simply disappear into the crowd, and let her continue on alone. My heart, however, told me to feel nothing but trust, nothing but forgiveness.

Dammit all! Why was I so torn? Why was my entire being a raging battlefield, seemingly caught in the crossfire of what I knew, and what I believed? I knew the others were dead, that I was the only one left, but still I believed in some small sliver of hope. I believed they may still be alive, and that they were speaking to me.

Get a hold of yourself Rainbow Dash! The dead can’t speak, no matter how much I wish to hear them once more, no matter how much I believe. This, this cold desolate place that used to be Equestria, this was my reality...a reality without those I’d cared for most. I couldn’t allow myself to slip into bittersweet thoughts, and lose sight of my goal, which at the moment was a general of Chrysalis.

I stopped suddenly tearing myself from the world of my thoughts, as I collided into Trixie, nearly knocking us both to the ground. I raised my head, rubbing my now sore snout, as I glanced ahead to see why we’d stopped. I was surprised that we now stood amid a large crowd, gathered before a crafted gate, Changeling guards all around.

“Trixie, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice low in a whisper.

“Whatever you do Dash, keep your head down, don’t speak.”

“Fine, but where are we?”

I had to admit I was growing frustrated. Maybe it was the fact that I was being ordered around by Trixie, or maybe because I was sandwiched between so many ponies. Whatever it was, all I knew was that it irked me to no end.

“We’re at one of the gates separating the upper and lower districts. Bane Tooth has already passed through the slums, and should be at the trade warehouse just inside this gate by now.”

“So why don’t we just bust in?”

“Sure, Dash. We could do that, fight the guards, and alert every other guard within sight. No, we need tact, we need strategy, a plan.”

“Great idea, and lucky for us I have the perfect one. Uh, sorry about this.”

“About wha-”

Before she could finish I pulled back, and caught her across the jaw with a swift jab. I stared at her for a moment, a questioning expression broad across her face. After a few moments of silence she surprised me, as she fired one back, smacking me right in the snout.

What happened next was simply chaos as Trixie and I began to shove, shout, and fight. The crowd around us began to move, ringing out with shouts of ponies calling attention to our fighting, and soon everypony joined in. Trixie and I no longer found ourselves in a crowd, but at the center of a hurricane, as the ponies rioted.

“This is your plan Rainbow Dash!? Inciting a riot!?”

“Just wait a minute, horn brain.”

“Horn brain!”

Yeah, that one really got her fuming. I could see Trixie’s horn begin to glow, and watched as the light magenta hue of her aura spread out, covering her whole body. Static energies popped, and arched from her, and admittedly...it was kinda scary.

“Take that back!”

She shouted as I stepped to the side, my back to the gate that held us back. I could see the Changeling guards whispering among themselves, no doubt questioning if they should stop the crowd of rioting ponies before them.

“Oh, you’re glowing. I’m so scared.”

My tone was mocking, as I smiled at Trixie, and she became only more enraged. She screamed, as the overwhelming aura surrounding her focused into the tip of her horn, forming a small orb of pure magical energy. I took a step back seeing the pain in her eyes, wait, pain. I couldn’t find any rage nor hate...only pain. Had my comment reminded her of some old wound? I didn’t have long to dwell on this, watching in amazement, as the small magical orb grew.

Silence fell over everypony witness, as Trixie fired the orb at me, it’s size growing with each moment. I waited, staring at it until its size was easily large enough to swallow me whole, before soaring into the air. The orb passed beneath me, colliding with the gate, and the guards that stood watch. The sheer force exuded from the blast decimated the gate and it’s guards, before sending me reeling back through the sky, and others flying back across the cold streets. I quickly regained my composure, leveling myself out from the turbulence created by the blasts shockwave, and scanned the streets for Trixie.

“Take it back, Rainbow Dash!”

I heard Trixie shout, and saw her standing just below me, tears streaming down her face. Had I caused that? Of course I had, I was the idiot that insulted her. I lowered myself to the ground, tucking my wings to my side as I landed, offering a weak smile to Trixie.

“Look, I’m sorry, but look on the brightside, we can get past the gate now.”

She turned to the gate, and I watched in silent amusement as she tilted her head, trying to grasp the situation.

“What happened to the gate? And the guards?”

I chuckled softly as I walked to her side, placing a hoof on her shoulder, smiling even amidst the chaos we’d created.

I laughed as Trixie blushed, finally realizing that she’d destroyed the gate, and the guards with her magic. She turned to me, a small smile on her face, yet hidden within her eyes a look of determination. We didn’t need to talk, no words could do justice to what we felt, and what we knew must be done. I couldn’t explain it, and in all honesty...I didn’t want to.

I searched the chaos of the crowd, as the slum ponies rushed the now decimated gate, watching the Changeling guards get overrun. I made my break, with Trixie on my heels, as we ran for the gate. We pushed through, as we slipped past the ruins of the gate, and soon found ourselves running along the lit streets of the upper district.

“Trixie where are we going!?”

“Just follow me Rainbow, we’ll have to hurry, I’m sure Bane Tooth will hear about the gate shortly.”

I ran after Trixie as she weaved through alleyway after alleyway, passing several warehouses, hearing the sounds of anarchy behind me. I didn’t intend to start a riot, I only wanted a distraction, but maybe this is what this city needed. Those ponies deserved equality, especially in this world where we lived, and this may be their only chance to fight for it.

“Rainbow! Are you ready?”

I looked ahead to see Trixie, still sprinting, looking at me over her shoulder. I nodded in reply as I felt my heart race, and suddenly, all my worries of Trixie betraying me flooded back into my mind. I tried desperately to hold back my fears, fought with everything I had in an attempt to hold onto what composure I had, as I followed.

Would she betray me? Why would she? She could have easily killed me back in the temple, and yet she didn’t. Was this all part of some elaborate scheme born out of Chrysalis’ twisted mind? Step one: get Rainbow Dash to trust Trixie. Step two: have Rainbow follow Trixie to Bane Tooth. Step three: side with Bane Tooth to ensure Rainbow’s death. Could I believe such a thing even if it was true?

I didn’t care. Trixie was my only means of finding Bane Tooth, I would let her lead me to him, and if she betrayed me...I’d slaughter her with no mercy. Though the thought of killing her, maybe it was what Twi had said, I couldn’t really bring myself to believe I could.

“Rainbow, we’re here.”

I gazed up at the large warehouse, the dimly lit lanterns around it flickering, as I stood at Trixie’s side. I shifted my gaze to rest upon her, and was taken back, noticing the sincere look in her eyes as she stared back at me.

“Let’s go.”

That was the only response that I could muster, as I watched her sigh and turn to face the warehouse door. Her horn began to glow dimly, shrouding the large door in her magic, before moving it slowly. I crept towards the door, a hoof moving to the sword under my wing, as my heart raced with excitement. I didn’t know what I was getting into, I did know one thing though, I knew there would be blood spilt. I leaned in front of Trixie, peering into the dark warehouse, seeing shadows play on the wall from what little light was inside.

“Alright Trixie, are you ready?”

I waited for her to speak, but I heard nothing, not even her breath. I turned to look over my shoulder, cursing my stupidity, only to find her gone...vanished. Dammit! She left me here! She left me to fight Bane Tooth, and whatever guards escorted him alone. I knew I shouldn’t have trusted her, though I suppose leaving me to fight alone was the least of the things she could have done.

I calmed myself, inhaling deeply, trying to keep what composure I could. I guess once this business with Bane Tooth is over Trixie will be the next pony to die by my blade, though I still couldn’t fully imagine killing her. Maybe a part of me pitied her, whatever it was though, I would burn that bridge once I got there.

I slipped into the warehouse, not bothering to close the door behind me, and quickly hid behind a large stack of crates. I could hear talking, more like hissing, as I held my place.

“General, we’ve just received news that the southern gate was demolished, those filthy ponies are flooding the streets, the slummers are rioting.”

How dare he speak of them in such a way! How much of a bastard was that guard to so willingly downtalk others? To subject them to nothing more than being called slummers? I continued to listen, as I slowly inched towards a small gap in the crates, and peered through. That’s when I saw him, my enemy, the very insect that I’d come to exterminate; Bane Tooth. He was tall, nearly as tall as Chrysalis herself, his body covered in perforations just as every other Changeling. His wings stretched out elegantly, reflecting what little light there was through them, causing the polished ebony armor he wore to shine itself.

“Let them. Between the guards and the private security those rich ponies hired, they’ll take care of the problem for us. Now for more important matters.”

His voice was deep, and it carried a silky smooth tone, unlike any other Changeling I’d heard speak before. What important matters did he speak of, and why is he looking over this way?

“I have a guest to attend to, so remove yourself and your soldiers from here. Isn’t that right Rainbow Dash?”

How!? I was shocked, my chest heaved, and my heart pounded as I heard him call me out. I stepped from my hiding spot, my sword clenched tightly between my teeth, staring down Bane Tooth who only smiled. As instructed the guard that stood at his side passed by me, never even glancing to me as he did, before several others followed.

“Well then, Rainbow Dash, now that we are alone, how about you tell me why you’re here, or even more importantly, why you think you can kill me?”

The look in his eyes, the cold calloused gaze that targeted me; it caused me to shake. I could feel anticipation building in my muscles, fear playing at my heart, and confidence filling my mind. That’s what I felt at first anyways, before I saw the azure coated mare who appeared from shadow at Bane Tooth’s side, shame spread wide across her face.

“What? Did you really think she was your ally, your friend?”

That laugh, the echoing thunderous boom of his laugh, it sickened me. My jaws clenched around the hilt of my sword, the taste of blood slowly overtaking my sense’s, as I unknowingly bit into my lip. How could she do this, how could I’ve been so blind....why won’t he stop laughing!?

I charged, exploding from where I stood with a burst of speed that even surprised me, and soon was within inches of Bane Tooth. I would end this quickly. Kill the bug, torture the magician. Yeah, that sounded like a plan. I was shocked, however, as I felt the steel of my blade clash with anothers, and scowled as I stared into Bane Tooth’s eyes.

“Why so silent, Rainbow Dash? I always pegged you as one of those braggarts. You know, the kind that just won’t shut up?”

This guy...he knew just how to piss me off, and that pissed me off even more, as I put more force behind my blade. What the hell is that? I was suddenly distracted by the now familiar glow of Trixie’s magic, as I heard the warehouse door close, and the echo of the massive lock slamming shut. What in the name of Celestia is she doing? Is she trapping me in here, making sure that I can’t escape.

“Move, Rainbow Dash!”

I didn’t take the time to think I just jumped back, disengaging myself from Bane Tooth, as a large crate soared by my head towards the Changeling General. I turned as I landed and stared at Trixie, her body glowing with her aura, as several more crates floated around her.

“Trixie! You would betray me, betray your teacher and queen!” The general hissed, as he slashed through the crate, showering splinters onto the floor.

“I do not betray you, and I do not betray that false ruler Chrysalis!” Trixie roared back defiantly; shocking even myself. “I can’t betray those I was never loyal to!”

Trixie’s eyes flashed with rage, as she launched the crates that surrounded her at Bane Tooth. I took my chance, spreading my wings, as I jumped into the air and flew behind one of the speeding crates. Trixie must have known I’d do just that, and I watched as she disappeared in a flash, before appearing just behind Bane Tooth; sword held in her magic aura.

Bane Tooth slashed through the crates, his movements swift, and decisive. There was no doubt in my mind that he’d seen battle many times, which only caused my twisted excitement to swell, and I could see the surprise in his eyes as he slashed through the crate I flew behind. I soared by him carving a gash into his right shoulder, as he returned the favor, and matched my attack. I slid to a halt turning to face him again, the warmth of blood trickling down my right foreleg, when I saw Trixie clash blades with him. She shot me a gaze from behind the sword she held, her eyes conveying all I needed to know: attack.

I closed in as quickly as my injury would allow, keeping a vigilant eye on Trixie, before feeling a sharp pain run through my chest. I skidded back, finally stopping as I slammed into a stack of crates, a bruise already showing from the powerful kick I’d received. Dammit! I never would have got sent reeling had I been paying attention. No! I was so focused on Trixie and how she fared, that I’d paid no mind to the movement of Bane Tooth’s hind leg.

“Damn the two of you to hell! I’ll see you there myself!” Bane Tooth spoke, as if his words were fire, as I watched him knock Trixie’s sword away and send her flying into the wall; a gash spilling blood from her chest.

“Trixie!”

She wasn’t moving, was she dead? Did Bane Tooth land a killing blow? I couldn’t help but fear for the worst, as I forced myself to my hooves, trying to fill my lungs with air. I stumbled towards Bane Tooth, as he turned slowly to face me, his once calm expression now one of rage. I took my sword into my hoof, before raising it to my mouth, and taking hold of it between my teeth once more.

“I’ll kill you, Rainbow Dash.” He spoke through clenched jaws, his eyes filled with hate. “I’ll kill you just like your little traitorous friend.”

“Buck you!”

I charged and we clashed blades once more, our movements perfectly countering the others as we danced; a dance of death, and destruction. Sparks showered through the air as our blades rang out with each moment of contact, each passing second bringing only more hatred between us, the scent of blood slowly rising. Brief but intense flashes of pain shot through my body, his blade carving through my skin, as I matched each blow. We lept back, separating ourselves, both of us panting heavily. He was tough. My toughest opponent yet, and I was beginning to doubt I could come away from this alive, or not. My only bit of peace amid this chaos, was the hope, that Bane Tooth was just as bad off as I was.

My body was covered in wounds. My coat, and mane stained with blood, both mine, and his. There I stood before an enemy of great strength, even in this situation I found myself in, I could take pleasure in knowing I’d caused him pain. Pleasure wasn’t enough though, no not this time, this time...I wanted ecstasy. I wouldn’t know that ecstasy, that feeling of pure elation, if I allowed myself to die now; I had to survive. The more I thought of this, the more the scent of our blood mixture filled my breaths, and drove me closer to blood lust.

“You’re a skilled fighter, Rainbow Dash, but you won’t defeat me. To a warrior such as myself, you are nothing more than some wild beast, attacking out of instinct. Don’t think that I can’t see the blood lust grab hold of you, turn you into a monster, and make you forget your goal.”

“I’ll destroy you!”

Once again I was blinded by rage, controlled by my hatred, as his words drove me to the edge of sanity itself. Who was he to say anything? He was a murderer, working for a tyrant, and preying on the weak. He was scum, the lowest form of life I’d ever seen, and I would wipe him from existence. My wings flared open, and with one powerful push, I soared towards him.

The speed with which he moved, how was it even possible...I didn’t even see him. I fell to the ground with a resounding thud, quickly finding myself in an ever growing pool of my own blood. Tears filled my eyes as I cried out in pain, and reached out a hoof, towards my now severed left wing. The pain that ran through my body was unimaginable, and it was only intensified by the mocking laugh of Bane Tooth, as he stood over me.

“You’re just a bird with one wing, never again will you fly. You’re just a bird with one wing, who’ll never know the sky. You’re just a bird with one wing, and today is the day you die.”

Bane Tooth smiled wickedly as he recited his poem, raising his hoof, as he prepared to kill me. Even though I was in pain, even though I lay there staring at my end, I could only feel remorse. I had let them down, I let Chrysalis get away with her crimes, I let everypony down. I closed my eyes slowly, whispering to Celestia for forgiveness, as I waited for my demise.

What was that? What was that thud? I opened my eyes slowly, as I took in the sight of Bane Tooth standing wide eyed in shock. I could see the faint glow of something in the corner of my eye, watching it move closer, before realising that it was Trixie. She was breathing heavily, her chest covered in blood, as her horn glowed.

“She isn’t going to be dying anytime soon. Not if I can help it.”

“Damn you! I thought I’d killed you!” Bane Tooth turned slowly to face Trixie, when I saw her sword lodged in his back, still gripped in her magic.

“You almost did, in fact you would have, had I not cast a shield spell just moments before. Now be a good bug, and get squashed.”

Trixies horn gleamed even more brightly, as her sword pulled from Bane Tooth’s back, and in one fluid movement, severed the generals head. I have to admit, it was pretty satisfying to see his head roll across the warehouse floor, as his body fell limp.

“Rainbow, hold on, I’ll help you.” Trixie was quick to move to my side, as she covered me with her magic, trying to ease my pain. “I’m no healer Rainbow, but I won’t let you die.”

“My wing. He cut off my wing Trixie.” I was in shock. Trixie's magic was enough to numb my pain, but I had lost a part of myself, my spirit on the other hand...it was shattered. I had lost the one thing that made me special. The one thing that made me almost as happy as my friends, I’d lost my ability to fly. That was all I could think about, as my body began to feel heavy. My breathing slowed, finally I gave into exhaustion, and I embraced sleep.