Chapter Text
Hearth’s Warming Eve had come and gone quietly this year. The usual festivities felt muted, and dull. Now, as winter drew to a close, the time for Winter Wrap Up was nearly upon them.
Scootaloo had been a constant presence at the hospital, visiting Rainbow nearly every day. In contrast, the others found themselves coming less frequently, their hope waning with each passing day. Despite their diminishing visits, none of them were willing to give up entirely, even after Princess Luna’s visit a few months prior yielded no promising results.
Princess Luna had agreed to check on Rainbow’s progress once every season, and now that spring was around the corner, her arrival was eagerly anticipated. The room held a heavy silence as Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Scootaloo gathered together, their eyes flickering with the faintest glimmers of hope.
Twilight had received a letter from Luna the day before, and though it didn’t offer much promise, they clung to the slim chance of good news. Scootaloo sat next to Fluttershy, their sides pressed together for comfort. She knew how much Rainbow meant to the gentle yellow Pegasus, and Scootaloo wanted to offer any support she could.
Scootaloo's mind drifted back to the first time she talked with Fluttershy. It was shortly after Rainbow Dash had taken Scootaloo under her wing. One day, Scootaloo had been practicing her scooter tricks near Fluttershy's cottage when she stumbled and scraped her shoulder. Fluttershy had appeared instantly, her face filled with concern.
"Oh, you poor thing," Fluttershy had said, her voice as soft as a whisper. She had gently helped Scootaloo to her hooves, her touch as light as a feather. "Let's get you cleaned up."
Scootaloo had been struck by Fluttershy's kindness. She had always admired Rainbow's strength and confidence, but there was something equally admirable about Fluttershy's gentle nature. As Fluttershy tended to her wound, Scootaloo couldn't help but notice the tender way she spoke of Rainbow Dash, her eyes lighting up with warmth.
"Rainbow Dash told me about your scooter tricks," Fluttershy had said with a soft smile. "She's very proud of you, you know."
Scootaloo had felt a surge of pride at those words. "Really? She is?"
Fluttershy had nodded, her smile growing. "Oh, yes. She talks about you all the time. She cares about you very much."
Over the years, Scootaloo had observed the special bond between Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. It was clear to her that their friendship was deep and meaningful, but there were moments when she wondered if there was something more. The way Fluttershy's eyes softened when she spoke of Rainbow, the way Rainbow always seemed to go out of her way to protect Fluttershy—it hinted at a connection that went beyond friendship.
As they sat together in the hospital room, Scootaloo felt that same sense of unspoken connection. Fluttershy’s eyes were red-rimmed from crying, and she leaned into Scootaloo for support. The young filly felt a pang of guilt for the fleeting moments she allowed herself to feel hopeful, knowing how much everyone else was struggling.
Rainbow Dash’s parents had visited from Cloudsdale just a week ago, but they couldn’t make it for this visit.
Everyone sat in a state of anxious anticipation, their gazes occasionally drifting to the door, waiting for Princess Luna’s arrival. Rarity tried to distract herself by knitting another scarf, though her usual precision was marred by trembling hooves. Applejack had brought along a basket of candy apples, but none of them had the appetite to eat. Pinkie Pie quietly fidgeted with a balloon animal, its bright colors a stark contrast to the room’s muted tones.
Twilight, ever the scholar, had a pile of books beside her, though she couldn’t focus on any of them. Her mind was consumed with worry and the desperate hope that Luna’s visit would bring some glimmer of progress.
The minutes stretched into an eternity, the ticking of the clock amplifying the tension in the room. Finally, the door creaked open, and Princess Luna stepped in, her expression grave yet composed. All eyes turned to her, their collective breath held in anticipation.
“Thank thou all for being here,” Luna began, her voice steady but tinged with a somber note. “We shall doth mine meetest to reach Rainbow Dash’s mind once again. Prithee, wait here. We shall return shortly.”
With a nod of understanding, Luna moved to Rainbow’s bedside, her horn beginning to glow as she prepared to enter the dream realm. The room fell silent, everypony watching with bated breath as the princess began her work.
***
Rainbow trudged on through the void, her hooves heavy with fatigue, the endless darkness pressing in on her from all sides. She desperately searched for anything—a sign, a light, a sound—to guide her, to give her a sense of direction. The unyielding blackness seemed to sap her strength, her usually unshakable determination beginning to waver.
The Element of Loyalty felt her resolve slipping. How long had she been wandering this empty expanse? Days? Weeks? It was impossible to tell. All she knew was that she was losing hope, and she didn't know how much more she could endure.
Suddenly, a voice pierced the oppressive silence. At first, Rainbow thought she was imagining it, a cruel trick of her mind. But then it came again, clearer and more insistent: “Can thou hear us?”
Rainbow’s heart leaped in her chest. “Luna!! I’m here! I can hear you!” she cried out, her voice echoing into the void.
There was a pause, an agonizing stretch of silence, and then the response came, faint but filled with a glimmer of hope. “Rainbow Dash? We hear thou,” the regal mare stated, her voice steady yet tinged with a subtle urgency.
Luna’s voice, though distant, carried a reassuring calmness. “Rainbow dash, while thou can hear us, know that thy friends need thou. They are waiting for thou, hoping for thy return. To break free from this cycle, thou might not but summon all thy strength and determination. Thou canst not afford to hast any doubts. Wherein thou wake up, things shall be divers, yet thou might not let that cause thee hesitation.”
Rainbow took a moment to translate the princess’s words, then felt a swell of emotion. She could picture her friends’ faces, each one filled with worry and hope. Twilight, with her steadfast resolve; Applejack, with her unwavering support; Rarity, with her refined grace; Pinkie Pie, with her boundless cheer; Fluttershy, with her gentle kindness; and Scootaloo, with her hope and love. They were all counting on her.
But what if I’m not strong enough, Rainbow thought, what if I can’t do it?
As if sensing her doubts, the night princess’s next words were immediate and firm. “Rainbow Dash, thou are the embodiment of loyalty. Thy strength lies not just in thy corporal abilities yet in thy heart. Thou hast faced countless challenges and emerged victorious. Trust in yourself and in the bond thou share with thy friends. That bond is thy greatest source of strength.”
Taking a deep breath, Rainbow nodded, even though she knew Luna couldn’t see her.
The void seemed to shimmer faintly as Luna’s words took root in Rainbow’s heart. “We shall be hither, Rainbow Dash, guiding thou as meetest we. Remember, determination and belief in yourself are the keys. Never falter. ”
Rainbow squared her shoulders and took a step forward, her path still uncertain but her spirit rekindled. She had faced impossible odds before and triumphed. This would be no different. Her friends needed her, and she would find a way back to them, no matter what.
As she continued through the darkness, the faint glow of hope began to illuminate her path, guiding her steps and strengthening her resolve. She wouldn’t give up.