Correction (a MLP AU)

Part 1: Destroying the Rainbow Factory: Chapter 5

[Absentia's POV]

I watched Rainbow Dash fly through the course in anticipation. Just after this is the race. The one that draws the attention of the worker. I looked at him quickly before facing forward. I recognised Lightning Strike, her eyes shifting around.

I watched as Rainbow flew to the starting line for the race. She stretched her wings, readying herself to create a Rainboom. She looked over to us as we all cheered her on. I smiled from my place next to Scoots, when she flew over, making my smile falter.

I knew that look.

Rainbow was terrified it won't work.

"Abs," she gulped before blinking. "I don't think I can do this? How can I just change a whole system? I-I-I-I c-c-"

I looked her right in the eyes. The same eyes I had been staring into since she joined the factory. I slowly sung the song the prisoners wrote on me.

"I don't even remember my past," I turned to Scootaloo before looking again at Rainbow Dash.

"I don't remember who I used to be," I sighed and looked down.

"I don't remember my friends of old," I gestured to everypony around me.

"I don't remember my destiny," we both looked at my Cutie Mark, the Rainbow Falls mocking my amnesia.

"My mane is purple and my coat is orange," I pointed to my mane and then to my coat, the exact same colours as Scootaloo's.

"What I've become, I have no idea," I looked her right in the eye, firmness in my own.

"I only know one simple thing:"

I left Scootaloo's side and stalked up to her, until I was right in her face, speaking softly yet fiercely.

"The name they gave me:

Absentia."

She bit her lip before a tear fell out of her eye. "But won't you no longer exist if I take it out?"

I gulped silently as the whole group hissed out, the realisation of my whole sacrifice sinking in. Scootaloo immediately jumped up and clasped onto me, refusing to let go.

"No," she muttered softly. "No, no, no, no. Why, Abs?" She looked at me and saw my resignation. "You knew the whole time, didn't you?" I nodded.

"And you didn't tell us anything?" Flurry Heart had tears in her eyes.

"It was for the best," I smiled gravely.

"Ah we ever ganna see ya again?" Apple Bloom had tears in her eyes.

"Probably not," I mused.

"We'll miss you," Sweetie Belle said, before tackling me in a hug.

"I'll miss you too," I awkwardly patted her on the back.

"Truly a hero beyond measure, you are," Zecora smiled at me proudly. "None of us could be as brave as you so far."

"Thanks, Zecora," I smiled softly at her.

Spike just hugged me gently, not saying how he felt in words.

"I'll miss you, too," I returned the hug after hesitating. I pulled back before turning to everypony around me. "I will miss you all."

Rainbow understood my sacrifice and nodded, before walking to the race. I smiled as she turned to face me, before nodding slightly in my direction. I knew that it was her way of saying that she respected my decision. I nodded in response and watched as Rainbow readied herself, stretching her wings for the race. She walked to the starting line, resignation clear on her face. I knew exactly what I was asking her to do, and I was happy that she was willing to do it.