#12

A few minutes later, Rainbow made it downstairs. Everyone was gathered there, Starlight and On-X both laden down with bags of star sprinkles.
"It's a good think those aren't heavy," Rainbow muttered to herself. She put on a smile once she was noticed, to reassure the fact that she was healed up, and had every intention to carry this out. Violet approached her with what looked like a very sleek headset.
"This is the two-way," she said, then held up what looked like a wrist watch. "This is the transmitter. Push this button to talk. You can switch the channels you're talking to with this button. There are four channels; your headset is number one, Krys' is number two, Brian's is three, and then the fourth channel will connect you to the station I set up here. You can only talk to one at a time, remember that."
Rainbow nodded as she took the two-way. "I understand." She slid the headset on, then snapped the transmitter onto her wrist. She noticed the worried look on Violet's face, and offered a supportive smile. She rested her hands on Violet's shoulders, bringing her gaze up to meet hers. "They'll work. Don't you worry about that."
"I'm more worried about you, Rainbow."
A wince passed over her eyes, but she quickly forced that off of her face, pulling Violet into a hug. "Stop that. You hear? I need you focused on analyzing that poison."
"But-"
"No buts, Violet. We all need to turn to the tasks at hand. The Earth is more important than me. All of you need to remember that. The Wearer of the Belt is ever changing, but there is only one Earth."
Violet's eyes squeezed shut and she returned Rainbow's hug tightly. "You don't think you'll make it, do you?"
"Honestly, I don't know right now. But then again, there have been many times when I wasn't so sure of the outcome. Who knows; this may be even easier dealth with than the Princess." She stepped back and held Violet out at arm's length. "No one can tell. But at least this time, we can all work together."
Violet nodded, brushing the tears from her cheeks.
"Good girl." Rainbow turned and headed over to Starlight, who met her with an affectionate nuzzle. "Rested up, Starlight?"
"Of course. I'm always rested for a romp across dimensions."
Rainbow smiled and patted his head, then turned to face everyone. "Remember your objectives. Try not to get too distracted. And please don't let Dismal get in the way of all of this."
That got a few smiles, and Stormy pounded a fist into her palm. "Don't worry, Rainbow. We've got Rainbowland well guarded."
Rainbow laughed at that. "I'm glad! Well, then..." She glanced over at Krys. "Shall we get moving?" He nodded and vaulted up onto On-X. Rainbow's gaze travelled around the room, until finding the someone she was looking for. "Coming, Twink?"
His eyes lit up and antennae perked. "You mean it?"
"I think Red's got things well-looked after. I'll need your help."
He grinned and hurried over, reaching Starlight just as Rainbow swung up onto his back. She leaned down and helped him up behind her.
"Heads high, everyone. And keep each other up to date." With that, she called upon a rainbow, and Starlight started off at a run. On-X's thrusters kicked in and they rocketted after Starlight. Within minutes, Rainbowland was only a twinkle in the distance, as they passed into the next dimension.