By Readthestory

Chapter 4: A Whole Lot of Darkness

Fluttershy was feeling helpless again.

In the dark tunnels of the Pegasus coal mines, they were forced to work ceaselessly, with very little time for food and sleep. The Griffon guards were ruthless in their labor driving, not hesitating to crack the whip or- in extreme cases- drag a Pegasus into their quarters, from where they would return with one or both wings cut off. The meager bandages hastily slapped onto the wing slots did very little to staunch the blood or the screams of the unfortunate Pegasus.

The coal was of little importance to the Griffon army. Sure, they could use it in their Canterlot forges to craft more armor and war machinery, but the real reason the Pegasi were forced to work in the caves was simple- to break their spirits. Not only that, but the dark, claustrophobic areas they were forced to mine in were psychological torture for the sky borne Pegasi, and flying to escape was not an option.

Fluttershy had no idea where exactly they were, none of them did. After her capture at the last battle near Ponyville, she had gone in and out of consciousness and finally woken up here in her new home. The conditions were particularly brutal for her, and she had almost given up until the incident happened.

A cave-in had occurred in one of the shafts, trapping several Ponies under piles of ash and dirt. Despite the risk, many of the Pegasi, including Fluttershy, had gone straight for the shaft to try to save anypony they could.

"Back off, slave scum!" the Griffon overseer had screeched. "We're doing our best here…"

Any idiot could see the Griffons were barely making any efforts to free the trapped miners though, and things were about to turn ugly. Pegasi were pressing in on the Griffons in anger, but the overseers began to bare their claws and pointed beaks, trying to prevent a riot.

To this day, she wasn't sure what force caused her to do it. Throughout the whole war she had tried to avoid the Griffon army and stay out of harm, but something in her snapped at that moment. Perhaps it was the fact that Ponies were suffocating in the shaft and nopony could help them- perhaps it was the final straw.

"Out of my way!" she had shouted, her voice cracking from lack of use.

Before the Griffons could even realize what was happening, the shy Pegasus had zoomed past them and begun digging fruitlessly into the dirt pile. Bolstered by her confidence, the other slaves barreled past the Griffons and began to help her, some of them forming a blockade against the stunned overseers who tried to break up the attempts. Before long, the trapped slaves had been freed, and even though many slaves (including Fluttershy) had been whipped fiercely for their actions, she had gained a nickname amongst the slaves: "Shackled Angel."

Ever since that day, Fluttershy began to notice that whenever she grew exhausted and started attracting attention from the guards (who tended to "remove" useless workers) some slaves would start doing her assigned work for her. No matter how much she pleaded them to stop, to work on their own already backbreaking jobs, they wouldn't back down. The Ponies would simply give her that look, a look full of hope and reverence.

She hated that look, because it filled her with guilt. She hated that she had become the symbol of Freedom for the slaves- because she wasn't. She wasn't strong, or brave, or even a good leader. She just hadn't wanted to watch while her fellow Ponies died that day. But for reasons she still couldn't quite determine, that act of defying the Griffons had made her their Angel.

So as usual, Mares, Stallions, and even children were all digging into her spot in the wall for her (when the guards backs were turned). And as she watched, unable to move from sheer exhaustion, she began to hate herself, too.

/**/

Rainbow Dash just stood there and gawked at Octavia, filled with disbelief.

"Discord?" she whispered.

Octavia bowed her head. "When… when the Princess was killed, we saw everything. You know, us, the Ponies in Canterlot who didn't fight. Even though most of the Canterlonian Unicorns galloped around in panic, packing their things and running for the hills, we knew what we had to do. Before she had gone to the battlefield, Princess Celestia had given us, the palace staff… a job to do."

"A job?"

"Yes. She said: If the worst should happen, and the Griffons defeat our army, you must do this, for all of Equestria will go to ruin if you do not. There is a statue of a Draconequus in my quarters. Take it, and head for the home of the Zebra healer, Zecora. She will give you more instructions."

Octavia shut her eyes for a moment, lost in the past. "Of course, we didn't understand at the time, but the Princess had never let us down before. So when the battle was lost, the band and I, with a few of the garden keepers, raced up there and grabbed the statue. When we emerged from the palace with it, things had already started to go downhill."

Rainbow Dash knew exactly what she meant. The last, desperate skirmishes in Canterlot were nothing more than a way to buy time for its citizens to escape. Hundreds more soldiers had died in the hopeless battle in the streets, completely overwhelmed by the surge of Griffon legionaries and his awful magic. A large part of the city had burned to the ground, and one neighborhood actually broke off the edge of the city and tumbled down the mountain.

To this day, Dash was uncertain how she had made it out alive- for when the dust finally cleared, Canterlot was in the talons of the Griffons, Cloudsdale had dropped to the earth, and Equestria was lost.

Octavia continued, "We managed to avoid the fighting, taking side routes and secret passages out of the city. But then the statue started to… shift. Of course, we didn't know back then that Discord was starting to awaken, fueled by the chaos of war. And…somehow… we got away."

Octavia hesitated and looked in the distance, as if she were trying to forget something. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes suspiciously, unable to shake the feeling that Octavia was leaving something out of the story.

"And… then what?" she pressed.

"Well, after Earthaven was hollowed out, Princess Luna told us the secret. She said that she would build a sanctuary of peace in the caves, in order to keep the influence of war from awakening Discord. To be careful, she used a sealing spell and trapped the statue inside this block." She glanced at the magically inscribed stone. "And… we play to it, every day. Soothing music…"

Rainbow wasn't quite satisfied with this story. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was being left out of it. Subconsciously, she leaned towards the block.

"Why aren't you telling me- ah!" the Pegasus fell against the stone.

A flash of white light. Rainbow Dash was frozen, completely transfixed by the blinding glow around her. The chamber she was in was gone.

"This is bad. Like, really bad." She whispered to herself.

There was another flash, and in in a moment she was somewhere completely different. It was a magnificent chamber, complete with tiled floors, ornate pillars, and a happily streaming water fountain in the center of the room. Sunlight, real sunlight, was streaming through the curtained windows, bathing her with warmth.

"Where am I?" Rainbow Dash gasped, baffled.

Then it hit her. But… it was impossible. The room looked exactly like the atrium of the Ancient Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters… but new! Like it had been before it became a lonely ruin. Sure enough, when Rainbow Dash glanced out one of the windows, there was a cheerful forest surrounding the Castle. Not the ancient, dark labyrinth of Everfree but beautiful woods.

"OK… so I'm in the past. No problem, no problem." She said to herself, as though being thrown into the past was a totally normal event.

She was alone, the atrium was empty. Hesitantly, Rainbow Dash walked around the fountain, peering behind each pillar. But she was truly alone.

"OK… this is starting to creep me out a little."

A horrible scream pierced the air, almost giving Rainbow Dash a heart attack. She ran to the window and glanced upwards to the other section of the Castle; where the Elements of Harmony had been restored those five years ago… well, five years ago in her timeline. Just like that night, magical light was pouring from the windows.

Before she could even call out, the air around Dash exploded. She was vaguely aware of falling… falling… and then…

Wake up…

WAKE UP…

"Wake up!"

Her eyes shot open. She was back in the Peace Sanctuary, and the Canterlot band was leaning over her with expressions of concern.

"Did you see that?" she gasped, rising to her hooves.

"See what? Rainbow Dash, you just… touched that statue and you fell over. You were…writhing and foaming at the mouth. We tried to wake you but…"

So, it had all happened in her head, as she predicted. But it had all seemed so real… whatever that was, it was more than just a dream.

"Um… maybe you should get some rest, Miss Rainbow Dash. You look kind of pale." Octavia said, gently.

"Y-yeah. I'm gonna go do that…" she replied. "Thanks… you know. For telling me, Yeah…"

Before they could say another word, the cyan Pegasus turned and flew toward the exit of the Sanctuary, her mind still spinning with questions.

/**/

The large, stone, open air pavilion in the Earthaven valley certainly did not compare to its mystical surroundings, but it was a sight-for-sore eyes for the Ponies who ate there. Each and every Pony in Earthaven ate at the same time, so new tables were constantly being squashed into the pavilion as more raids were made against New Ponyville and the surrounding area. Even though food was scarce and everypony only got what they needed and nothing more, the pavilion was always a welcome sight at each meal.

And today was even better- for the tables were heavily laden with a feast. Everything a Pony could want was there; Scrumptious servings of vegetable dishes, everything from daffodil to violets, warm, buttery rolls of bread, heaps of hay fries, cool pitchers of cider, water, and all kinds of drinks- and the smell of something sweet cooking in the kitchen caverns nearby. Although the Ponies hadn't been called to eat yet (via a big bell on the pavilion), some meadow workers were attempting to casually wait around near the food, failing to look indifferent.

As usual, the decorations were completely over the top and strewn about- Pinkie Pie's hoofwork. But although her large, toothless alligator was happily chomping on balloons, Pinkie herself sat on a nearby bench, miserable. Applejack put a reassuring hoof on her friend's shoulder.

"Cheer up Pinkie… I'm sure she didn't mean nothing by it. Everypony is just tense and all with the-"

"No. Dashie has been like that for a long time! She's always mean to me and I don't know why!"

"Well, have you tried talkin' to her about it?"

"Yes! She always shuts me out… I don't know what to do!"

Applejack narrowed her eyes at Rainbow Dash's seemingly hostile behavior (although she knew Pinkie to exaggerate in the past).

"Well then, ah'm gonna have to talk to her. This ain't acceptable!"

"Oh please don't-"Pinkie began

"My mind is already set."

Pinkie knew it was useless to argue after that.

/**/

"OK team! I want you to watch those entrance caves like your life depends on it! Go, go, go!" Rainbow Dash called out.

The Wonderbolts muttered protests but flew off as their sub-captain ordered. Soarin' even rolled his eyes- a habit he knew Rainbow Dash couldn't stand.

"You don't have to be so harsh with them you know… they work hard." Spitfire said, hovering next to her.

"Not hard enough! It's like everypony forgets we're at war sometimes!" Dash replied, trying to keep the venom from her voice.

"Look Rainbow Dash, nopony has forgotten about the war. But even the great General Hurricane relaxed after the Battle of Dragon Summit-"

"Yeah well, she lived a long time ago didn't she!" the cyan Pegasus sulked.

Spitfire sighed. It was every day with this argument. She remembered when her young apprentice was still a desperate filly looking to fulfill her dreams, then proving herself over the years with her unmatched flying. But even after she was welcomed to the group, she was still as laid back and care-free as she had ever been.

The war had really changed a lot of things.

"Captain, permission to oversee the patrol groups?" Rainbow asked, saluting.

Spitfire shut her eyes, accepting the inevitable. "Yes, sub-captain Rainbow Dash. BUT FIRST!"

The cyan Pegasus stopped in mid-dash.

"I want to tell you something- not as your officer, but as a friend. I've noticed you distancing yourself from your old friends, and… I don't want you to lose sight of what's important."

Rainbow Dash glared back defiantly. "With all due respect, Captain, I already know what's important. And maybe if Pinkie Pie did too, she would still be important to ME!"

The Pegasus flew off as Spitfire sighed and shook her head.

/**/

Rapidfire slowly stumbled through his patrol route in the cave network surrounding Earthaven, exhausted from the day's long events. He was sweating despite the cool breeze in the caves, and his Wonderbolt uniform was getting sticky and uncomfortable.

"Sweep the barracks Rapidfire! Patrol the routes Rapidfire! Bathe regularly Rapidfire!" he mocked in a rather bad impersonation of Rainbow Dash. "Honestly, I'm not her servant!

His muttering was interrupted by a disturbing skittering noise. Rapidfire protectively raised his wings, eyes sweeping the area. That sounded like a bug. He REALLY didn't like bugs. After a moment of panic, the Pegasus resumed his shambling patrol route.

He didn't even see the pincers before they're burrowed into his neck.

/**/

All of Earthaven was being subjected to the ear bleeding cacophony that was the Royal Canterlot Voice.

"LOYAL SUBJECTS! TODAY IS A GREAT DAY FOR-"Luna paused as one of her guards began to whisper into her ear. "WE ARE NOT SPEAKING TOO LOUD! WE- um… OK maybe a little quieter…"

The Ponies sitting around her lowered their hooves from their ears gratefully.

"Our Pegasi squadron was successful in their mission, and rescued many slaves from Griffon talons- and for that we must honor them!"

There was a round of stomping as the assembled Earthaven populace cheered and gave thanks to the soldiers.

"As ever, thank you to our most esteemed Diamond Dogs for hosting us in this dark time-"

Another, more polite round of applause- it was no secret that many Dogs resented their presence in the caves.

"And may our continued efforts one day drive these invaders from our homeland!" Luna raised a glass. "Equestria!"

"Equestria!" chorused the Ponies, and the feasting began.

For a while, there was only the sound of enthusiastic eating as the constantly hungry population tucked into their food.

"Princess Luna, it was oftly kind of ya to let all us freed slaves sit at the top table with you and all-"Applejack said, ravenously chomping down some hay fries. "But surely there are more important ponies who…"

Luna shook her mane, "There is nopony more deserving of this place but thee! After thy suffering in the fields, surely you must enjoy this privilege. Dost thou and thy family enjoy thy lodgings?"

Luna often swapped in to and out of the medieval Equestrian dialect when speaking to crowds and having personal conversations.

"Uh… I don't know what you're s- oh! Yeah… yes, very much so. Thanks a million Princess."

For the umpteenth time that night, AJ wrapped Apple Bloom in her front leg, overjoyed that they were finally re-united. Apple Bloom nuzzled her mane affectionately, while Big Macintosh wrapped both his sisters in a reassuring hug.

For the next hour or so the Ponies ate and talked and laughed together. Whenever Applejack tried to bring up the war- particularly news from any of the other towns in Equestria, Princess Luna would only hush her and reply "It is not time for such talk."

In a moment of guilt, the farm Pony suddenly came to a realization. "Hey… where's Pinkie Pie-"

The kitchen cavern entrance shot open as if in answer, and Pinkie Pie bustled out the door carrying the most massive cake Applejack had ever seen. Behind her, the Cakes pushed trolleys of pastries and sweets, followed by Pumpkin and Pound Cake, who were pulling large wagons of cupcakes.

"Where… do…these…go… Dad?" Pound cake gasped, struggling to hold onto his wagon.

"Right up there…"

Soon, the desserts were all dispensed among the tables to much appreciation, and everypony began to tuck in.

"Feeling better now, sugar cube?" AJ asked as Pinkie plopped onto the chair next to her.

"Absolutely positively!" Pinkie replied with all her old gusto. "I'm going to talk to Rainbow Dash if it's the last thing I do!"

Applejack chuckled, knowing full well that it was impossible to avoid Pinkie Pie for too long.

"Good for you, Pinkie!" She said, smiling.

"Thanks! Cherrychanga?… or wait, was it Chimmicherry?" she asked, offering her a plate.

Gummy slithered around his owner's chair before curling up around her hoof, much to the alarm of most of the Ponies sitting near her.

/**/

"Rapidfire! Rapidfire!" Rainbow Dash yelled, flying along Rapidfire's patrol route.

It wasn't unusual for him to get lost in the caves, but he was very, very late in returning from his rounds. Spitfire had sent her to go look for him after a three hour absence.

"Rapid-"Rainbow Dash was suddenly jerked back in midflight and to her shock, she remained hanging there.

"What the buck?" the Pegasus cursed, flailing in desperation.

Rainbow looked up to see something which puzzled her. One of her wings had gotten caught in some kind of sticky mesh, and she was hanging from the trapped feathers. Something skittered from behind her, and Dash turned just in time to see 8 enormous black eyes staring into her face.

"AIIIIIIIEEEEEEYYYAAAAA!" She shrieked, losing it completely.

The gargantuan spider lunged at her with its pincers, but Dash managed to rip herself from the ceiling just in time, losing several feathers in the process. Without a moment of hesitation, the Pegasus bolted down the cave in the opposite direction, heedless of where she was going.

Skitter, skitter, skitter! The spider pursued her relentlessly at every turn, moving at a ridiculous speed. Rainbow Dash wanted to turn and fight, but the darkness was disorienting, she was completely outweighed and outsized and… spiders. She couldn't stand spiders.

The spider hissed in frustration as its prey continued to avoid it, despite its best efforts. The black Pegasus had made a nice meal but this one looked more succulent and savory. Just as the beast finally began to gain on Dash, excruciating pain in its back leg caused it to fall to the ground.

Rainbow Dash did a 180 turn as the spider fell, using the brief window of time to smash her hooves directly into the beast's eyes- causing it to squeal in rage and pain. Before Dash could stop it, the spider bulldozed past her and skittered into the cave network- and was soon out of sight.

"Quick, Pony!" whined a voice in the dark. "Follow me! Before the beast comes back!"

"Did you bite that thing's leg?" Rainbow Dash gasped, still alarmed by the encounter. She saw her savior was a Diamond Dog with a brown spot over its eye.

"Yes, yes, I bite. Nasty creatures, Arachnaeons. Come here sometimes- very hard to kill! Now follow, Pony! They are coming, lots of them! Coming to Earthaven!

/**/

A/N: Readthestory's check-list of apathy:

Late Update – check

Shortest Chapter so far – not check.

Well, that's good at least.

Well OK, it's not exactly apathy, but I do have a lot less time on my hands as I mentioned before. It also seems a bit silly sometimes to much effort into something that I think MAYBE one person reads regularly, but I digress. New ep tomorrow, can't wait!

-Readthestory

PS: Smile smile smile!

PPS: There's one thing I feel I should mention, because this is pretty important. I always post these chapters to fanfiction first, which is just direct uploads to the site instead of manually like on fimfiction. As a result, I might occasionally make mistakes when putting those (i) things before and after each italic phrase, and other small errors like that. I try to spot them all, but nopony is perfect, right?