Chapters A Bitter Heart: The Story of RedTails
Prologue: Cold in the warm sun
Prologue: Cold in the warm sun
I've just been walking aimlessly. Just going wherever the wind take me, or at least I think that's how that expression goes. It was around noon now, or at least I believed so from looking at the current position of the sun. All I can remember beyond that was a scream, a flash, and...
My name is RedTails
Perspective: Twilight Sparkle
The skies of Equestria slowly had begun to lit up as sun's radiant glow slowly descended upon the small town of Ponyville. Inside Ponyville library I was peacefully sleeping. I had begun to toss and turn in my bed until I finally forced myself awake remembering that today I had many things in the morning to get done because I had a picnic with all friends later this afternoon. The usual morning routine was easy enough to get done quickly. Go downstairs, eat breakfast, go through the checklist with Spike, reorganize the top shelves of the non-fiction section, make sure all the supplies are in order. Okay it took longer than thought, but at least Spike and I got it done just around noon. Well most of it, we still hadn't reorganized the top shelves of the main non-fiction section. Luckily, Spike volunteered to finish it and meet me and the rest of the girls at the picnic. I thanked him and trotted out of library towards the usual picnic spot. However, once I got there I saw that Fluttershy was still absent.
Today was supposed to be a normal day. Myself, PinkiePie, RainbowDash, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy were all so supposed to have picnic. A nice, relaxing, and most importantly peaceful, ordinary picnic. We were all supposed to meet up at the usual spot. Everything was supposed to be fine. Everything is not fine. We heard a sharp scream through the air not to far away. We knew that scream anywhere, it was Fluttershy's. The direction we heard it from didn't help but confirm our fears as it came from the direction of the Everfree Forest.
"Oh no, Fluttershy!" I said. All of us quickly galloped over at top speed to the Everfree Forest. "Fluttershy don't worry! We're coming!" I shouted. We arrived to horrifying sight. Fluttershy was cowering in fear and at the mercy of one of the largest packs of Timberwolves I've ever seen. We needed to do something and fast.
"Don't worry sugarcube we're a comin'!" said AppleJack. That's when I noticed that one of the timberwolves was getting into a crouching position. No, it wasn't crouching... it was getting ready to pounce.
"AHHH!!!" Fluttershy seeing as the timberwolf was now in mid-pounce.
"FLUTTERSHY!" we all said in unison. No no no no no no, This was bad, Think Twilight! Think! Thi-
"EXTEND!" A loud bam followed the unfamiliar voice we heard. All that I saw was something red and fast crashing into the timberwolf midair. "Look, I don't have time for this today," said the voice. That's when I saw a colt, he had a red coat the was a slightly lighter shade than BigMac's and a black tail and mane with a white streak. "You," said the colt turning to Fluttershy, "Stay put." he said rather harshly. "EXTEND!" he shouted again. That's when I saw his tail turn completely red and slam into the surrounding Timberwolves sending them some distance away. Wait, he's not a unicorn! How could he be doing this?! What's up his tail? Is he some sort of new type of pony? What if he-
My mind proceeded to stop as I noticed the remaining timberwolves beginning to retreat. We all ran over to Fluttershy to make sure she was okay and to our relief she was. "Finally, that's over," I heard the red colt say. Fluttershy carefully went over to him as did the rest of us. "Um, thank you for-" Fluttershy began to say, only to be cut off by a loud snapping noise. Things were about to get cold in the light of the warm sun.
Perspective:RedTails
After being unconscious for what felt like eternity I start to open my eyes, and I am immediately blinded the bright light of Celestia’s sun. “Ugh… my head” I groan as reach a hoof up, and rub at my forehead.
I can hear a voice say “Oh please be careful darling. You certainly took a rather nasty hit on the head.”
To me the voice sounds like one that would belong to one of those stuck up ponies in Canterlot. I shake my head loose of the cobwebs, and I squint my eyes shut, reopening them to regain my focus. When my vision becomes clear, I find myself inside a library, and I see the group of ponies from earlier. I start to sit up when one of them places a hoof on my shoulder.
“Easy there partner. Ya got to take it easy,” I look over to see the owner of that gosh awful loud country voice, and it is an orange mare with a blonde mane and tail. Her eyes had a green hue to them, and she has three apples for a cutie mark.
I push her hoof away “I… I’m fine. Thank you,” I say to her, and slowly slide off the lounge I am on. I stand up on all fours as I look around at each of the six ponies, including the one I saved from nearly being eaten by those wolves made out of wood.
“Hello there young one,” the lavender one speaks up next, and reached out a hoof to me. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and welcome to Ponyville.” Well, that answers my first question.
“Uh… hi Twilight,” I rub at the back of my head. “W-Where am I?” I look around inside the library, which appears to be inside a tree.Twilight gives me a bright smile
“Oh forgive me. This is called the Golden Oaks Library, and it is the only library available in Ponyville.” I nod as I can tell that Twilight is an egghead for being around a lot of books.Out of nowhere a beaming pink face pops up in front of me.
"Hi there I’m Pinkie Pie! I am Ponyville’s number one pony for party throwing! I love cakes, games, candy, balloons, and most of all PARTIES!”
My eye twitches at how fast this goofy pink mare is talking, and I have to admit although I have only met a couple ponies along my travels, this one has the most annoying one of all Equestria. She has a pink coat, puffy dark pink mane and coat, which oddly enough smells like cotton candy. Her bulging blue eyes can give any pony a heart attack, and on her flank are three balloons. No wonder why she loves parties I think to myself.
“Hello there darling. My name is Rarity Belle, and I am Ponyville’s top fashionista.” She gives me a smile, and winks.
“Hey there squirt. The name is Rainbow Dash, the coolest, most awesome, and fastest flyer in all of Equestria! She gives me a smirk. Squirt?! She called me a squirt. Why that no good, brash, and cocky idiot for a Pegasus. I take a deep breath to try and calm down. I give her a nod as the last pony to come up to me is the pony I saved from those timberwolves.
“Um… hi there… my name is… Fluttershy, “she speaks with the softest of tones that I can barely hear her say Fluttershy. She looks at me with her pouty sky blue eyes “Um… I just wanted to thank you for saving me from those vicious timberwolves.” I wave a hoof slightly at her
“Eh… you don’t need to thank me. It was just something I felt I needed to do.” I give her a slight smile, and I trot to over to the door.
“Wait!” I hear Twilight say as I stop, and turn around. “You never told us your name,” her along with the others looked at me curiously. I just let out an aggravated sigh.
“My name…is… Redtails,” I replied hesitantly as I turn to leave again.
“Redtails, how did you do that with your tails against the Timberwolves? You aren't a unicorn, so there no possible way you can do magic.” I face hoofed myself at that comment. Gosh she is as annoying as the pink one I thought to myself.
"Listen, I appreciate you all bringing me here, and helping bring me back from unconsciousness, but I think it is time for me to leave.” I turn and finally trot out of the library, slamming the door behind me in frustration.I take a deep breath of the air as I look at Celesita’s sun. I guess I will travel some place new now. First I am going by to see if my sister is alright. I turn to trot away from the library, and continue my journey through Equestria.
Author's Note
In case you're new here, I write the sections/chapters of the Mane Six's perspective while APoeticHeart writes the chapters/sections of RedTails's perspective.
A Bitter Heart: The Story of RedTails
Chapter 1: New Challenges
Perspective: Fluttershy
I saw him as he left the library and slammed the door shut behind him, which made me cringe a little bit at the loud noise. Earlier, I couldn't help but notice that look in his eyes earlier. Was he upset by something? Well, a tree branch did hit his head, but it seemed like it was something else.
"Well, that was rather... rude," I heard Rarity say. I saw as Applejack turned to her.
"Well I'd be plum upset if a tree branch were to go knockin on my noggin and knock me out. But then again' somethin' didn't see all that right with the little feller. Maybe we should still go talk to him." Applejack said. That's when Pinkie started bouncing up and down in front of me.
"Oh boy! Does that mean we get to throw him a 'welcome to Ponyville' party! Yeah! I'll go get get everything set up!" but just before Pinkie ran out the door Twilight pulled on her tail with her magic.
"I don't think that's such a great idea Pinkie," Twilight said as she was flipping through the pages of a book. "I'm still trying to figure out how he could have done that with his tails, but so far I've found nothing."
"I have to admit, what that little squirt did was pretty cool," I heard RainbowDash say. When I thought about it more, I thought maybe that we should go talk to him a little bit more.
"Um, girls, maybe we should-" I was stopped as we all heard a large thud coming from outside. We ran outside to check what it was, only to see that RedTails had collapsed on the ground. "Oh my," I said. Applejack shook her head.
"Shoulda seen this comin," said Applejack lifting RedTails onto her back. "The little feller is way to tuckered out to just be trottin along anytime soon."
"She's right," I heard Twilight say. "Let's take him back inside." We all went back inside and Applejack put RedTails on the bed again. RedTails started to shift and turn as I saw as he slowly opened his eyes.
"Ugh...what happened?" I saw RedTails's eyes look around,"Why the hay am I here again?"
"Ya'll took another spill as soon as ya left the library," said Applejack as I saw he pull the blankets over RedTails. "Ya'll need some serious rest little feller." There was a clear look of agitation on his face. I tried to speak up and tell the girls.
"Um girls, maybe we should give him some spac-" I was cut off by Twilight who didn't hear me.
"Applejack is right RedTails, you need rest, you may have not gotten a lot of serious injuries but you still need to rest for a while," which is when RedTails let out a clearly aggravated sigh.
"Look, I appreciate it, but I'm not one to go asking other ponies for help," he said. RainbowDash landed beside him and smiled.
"I like your style kid, but we're not asking to help you," she said. I saw RedTails mumble something but I couldn't hear what it was, after that he let out another sigh.
"You're not giving me a choice, are you?" he said.
"Nope," Rainbow responded. I tried to speak up again.
"Girls, I really think we should give him some spac-" I was cut off again, this time by Rarity who failed to hear me.
"Yes darling , let us help you and you can be back on your hooves in no time at all," Rarity smiled. PinkiePie bounced up and down along side him as she spoke.
"Yeah! After you get better we're going to throw you a super awesome epic-erific welcome to Ponyville party!" RedTails deadpanned.
"Can anypony translate what the hay she just said?" RedTails asked.Twilight trotted up to him next.
"Don't worry RedTails, I can assure you that she only means it in the spirit of fun," Twilight giggled. "By the way where did you come from? Of course meaning where you were originally from, I bet your family is worried sick about you." RedTails's right eye twitched.
"Okay fine," I heard RedTails began in very stern tone. "I was only supposed to pass through this place to get some more supplies for my travels and be on my way. But due to, unfortunate consequences of me beating up a bunch of wolves made out of wood, which still doesn't make any sense by the way, I am stuck here for the time being. Considering resisting your help is apparently futile otherwise you'll just bother me more about it, fine, I'll let you help me, on the conditions that you don't ask me about my tails, don't ask me where I'm from, don't ask about my family or even dare mention them, and I'm a traveler so that answers that question for you. Are we clear?" All of us were really taken aback and for few seconds there was nothing but silence as we all looked at each other until Twilight cleared her throat.
"Um yes, well, of course. Sorry for being a bit nosey," Twilight said. RedTails sighed again.
"N-no it's fine, I'm just tired," he said. That's when I spoke up.
"Girls, I think we should give him some space," they all nodded in agreement. We each said our goodbyes to him as we each left the library, I heard RedTails mumble something just as I left.
"If this goes south, I'm taking down the pink one first."
A Bitter Heart: The Story of RedTails
Chapter 2: Waking up in Ponyville
After what felt like a very long and exhausting night, I start to stir awake as Celestia’s sun shines brightly through the window of the Golden Oaks Library. It was a pretty good idea of Twilight and her friends that I spend the night, so I could rest my injuries. To my unfortunate surprise, I was in worse shape than I had hoped to be, but still could be worse. Sometimes you never know when a hereditary healing ability can make life so much easier. Granted, the cuts and scrapes healed over night but my left hind hoof still aches quite a bit that I can't really ignore it, that on top of the fact that I still feel a little tipsy in the head just laying here. Although I do appreciate their concern for me, I wish they would just leave me alone, and let me continue my travels. I stare up at the ceiling, thinking how my travels started in the first place. My sister, I missed her, but can I honestly face her after what had happened? I sink down into the bed letting my mind go on it's own a drift in sea of past memories that seemed so... so empty now. I shake my head loose of those thoughts, knowing that now wasn't the time for looking back on anything. What is required of me is to stay focused on the here and the now.I let out a yawn as I can smell a captivating aroma coming from the library’s kitchen. Mm… whatever that is, it is making my mouth water. I carefully stand up, and stretch out each of my legs so I can trot into the kitchen to see what might be cooking. As I enter the kitchen I see a short, chubby purple dragon wearing an apron and chef’s hat.
“Good morning buddy. Breakfast will be done soon,” he gives me a sly smile, and goes back to cooking.
“Uh… hey there,” I rub the back of my head with a hoof, and look at him curiously. “Who are you?” He gives me a smirk. Hopefully he isn't like that brash, multicolored scatterbrain from yesterday.
“Oh, I'm Spike, Twilight’s best friend, and number one assistant.” He proclaims proudly, followed by giving me a slight curious look. “You must be Redtails. Twilight told me you were staying the night. It's really great to meet you.”
“Oh, good morning Redtails. Did you sleep well?” She gives me a bright smile as she reaches the bottom.I nodded.
“Yeah… I slept well,” I give her a slight smile, and go sit down in the middle of the library. “Hey Twilight, whatever Spike is cooking in there, it sure smells good.” All things considered, traveling Equestria I've smelled many... interesting smells, either for better or for worse, but I really wouldn't be exaggerating if I said my mouth was watering from the very aroma.
“Yeah, Spike can cook the best food around here in Ponyville. That is one of many reasons why he's my number one assistant.” Suddenly the dragon comes waddling in with three plates; carrying two with one in each claw, and balancing the third one on his tail.
“Good morning Twilight,” Spike said as he serves our plates to us, and sits down putting his plate in his lap.
“Gosh Spike, these hay cakes looks delicious. Thanks,” I can't help but thank the little dragon, because these hay cakes are to die for. Also, to wash it all down with, he got us each a glass of milk.
“It’s no big deal buddy. I always enjoy cooking for Twilight, and our friends.” He smiles proudly as he munches on his hay cakes. After we finish breakfast, it isn't long after until I see the other ponies from yesterday come trotting inside the library. Well, here we go again I think to myself. This time I see them carrying wrapped packages with them.
"With these crazy ponies, tails crossed that I make it out of this one alive."
A Bitter Heart: The Story of RedTails
Chapter 3: Things better left Unsaid
Chapter 3: Things better left Unsaid
Perspective: Twilight Sparkle
Well, the plan we made didn't work out like we had hoped it would. It was Pinkie's idea to give him small gifts to lift his spirits, we went along with it, but it did equal to none to improve RedTail's mood. At least compared to yesterday he's calmed down a bit. So the six of us decided to regroup and come up with a new plan.
"Guess the little squirt is more down in the dumps then we thought," RainbowDash said. I pondered a bit but I found that really couldn't come up with anything, so I looked at the girls.
"Anypony have any ideas?" I asked. PinkiePie started jumping up and down.
"Oh! Oh! I know! We could... throw him a party!" I looked over to where RedTails was sitting and sighed.
"Somehow, I don't think that would be a good idea. At least not yet," I replied.
"Aww..." Pinkie said lowering her head. AppleJack was the next one to speak up.
"How 'bout I take em over to the farm. It would do em' good to meet another pony his age, like AppleBloom," I pondered at AppleJack's suggestion. It was good idea from a normal point of view, but seeing as how RedTails was pretty resilient to even talking to us, it might not go down so well.
"Maybe, but are there any other ideas?" I asked. We all looked at each other trying to come up with another possible idea. That's when Fluttershy, who I least expected to speak up, actually came up with a great idea.
"Um...maybe we could take him to Canterlot to meet the princesses," she winced a little when she ended the sentence. My eyes widened in realization.
"Of course! Why didn't I think of it? Of course the princesses would want to meet him! He did save you after all," I said now noticing a small blush forming on Fluttershy's cheeks.
"Then I believe it is settled then?" said Rarity.
"Yes, we're going to take RedTails to meet Princess Celestia in Canterlot," I beamed. With our new plan in motion, the girls left soon after. After I told Spike that we were going to take RedTails to go see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, the rest of the afternoon went on peacefully. Later on, when Spike, RedTails, and I sat down for dinner, I noticed that RedTails was looking down at the floor and seemed upset. As I looked at him, I decided to ask him what was wrong.
"RedTails? Is everything okay?" RedTails ears perked up and he looked at me.
"Hm? Oh, I'm fine Twilight. I guess I'm just... a bit more tired than I thought." Okay, now something was off. At the moment, his attempt at trying to tell me that he's okay is going about as well as AppleJack trying to lie. As much as I wanted to know what was wrong, I wasn't going to press RedTails for anything he didn't want to tell me. After dinner, RedTails said he was going to bed. I just assumed that he was a little tired and his injuries didn't help that at all. Spike and I said goodnight to him and he went upstairs to go to bed. Once he did, Spike cleaned up the dinner table and I also decided that I wanted to read a book for a little while before I went to bed. As looked at the shelves to find something, I noticed that RedTails's old, torn apart, and worn out saddlebag was still sitting on the floor. I decided to bring it upstairs to where he was, but when I picked it up with my magic, a picture fell out of the hole in the bottom. Picking it up, I brought up the picture to face to get a closer look. I saw a little colt standing next an older mare with white coat and pink mane and tail.
"Well, that's definitely RedTails," I said to myself while looking at the picture. "But who is that other pony? Is that his mom?" I wondered out loud. That's when I noticed there was something written in the bottom right corner and read it out loud. "Happy...Birthday?"
"Twilight what are you doing?" I was startled for minute before turning around. I sighed in relief seeing that it was just Spike. "Is that a picture?" he asked pointing to the picture that I was still holding in the air with my magic.
"Yeah, it fell out of RedTails's old bag," I sighed looking at the picture. "Although, it looks like it was taken a long time ago." Spike walked in front of me.
"Can I see it Twilight?"
"Sure, here you go," I said lowering the picture into Spike's claws.
"Is that his mom in the picture with him? She looks kinda young to me," he said.
"Really?" I said as lifted the picture back up to me to have another look. Upon closer examination, I saw that Spike was right. The mare in the picture did look too young to be RedTails mom and looked closer to his age, but there was a clear difference in their size and the mare was definitely older. "Hmm, you're right Spike. Maybe it's one of his friends."
"Maybe it's none of your business!" I heard a voice shout from behind me. As soon as I turned my head, a red streak flew by me and hit the picture. Instead of sending the picture flying, the picture was actually yanked back. When I completely turned around, I saw RedTails holding the picture with his tail set a red blaze, and a look of intense anger on his face. "You..."
"R-RedTails, I'm sorry. I was just picking up your bag to put it upstairs and that picture fell out. You're right, I should have just put it back instead of-" I was cut off when the picture was thrown into my face.
"You can do whatever you want with that stupid picture," he spat angrily at me while turning towards the stairs. "It's not like it means anything to me anymore," RedTails said galloping up the stairs.
A Bitter Heart: The Story of RedTails
Chapter 4: Nightmares of Reality
After having my privacy completely disrespected by that meddlesome unicorn Twilight, I go to bed with that all to familiar feeling in my heart, jabbing away at me like needles. That mare in that picture, is the only mare I ever looked up to. My mother passed away due to giving birth to me. I learned that she was critically ill at the time of my birth, and that I should be really lucky that something didn't happen to me. Lucky? Me being the cause of my own mother's death? Is that considered lucky?!
She pushed me out of the way
All because I was weak.
If only I were stronger.
If only...
"You know it was your fault," I hear my own voice mocking me. "This power. It is all that we have. You honestly think she would want to see you after what happened? Please, you must be honest with yourself."
"Shut up!" I yell into absolute darkness.
"Why bother telling me to shut up? I'm you!" my own voice replied. "Your very existence cost the life of a pony. Now that I think about, sister could already be dead, so it's probably two ponies now!" I shook my head in the darkness, hoping that this torment would just end. "Destruction will not seize! You ran away like a coward! You wanted to get stronger so that we would not have to depend on ANYPONY!" I shook my head more and more but it just wouldn't stop coming. "It was probably the only smart thing you have ever done in your entire life RedTails! We found the meaning of our existence, and that is to use our power to our hearts content!"
I can't help but whimper in my sleep as I toss, and turn unable to sleep peacefully. Suddenly I feel a hoof gently nudging at me, and I suddenly sit up panting heavily, with sweat dripping from my brow. I breathe heavily as I look to see Twilight sitting on her haunches beside me, giving me a look of concern.
“Shh… it’s just me RedTails, it’s just me,” I feel her rub at my shoulder with her hoof as she gives me a sad smile. I calm down a bit as I can feel my tears sting my eyes as I look into hers. “RedTails, I'm really sorry about looking in your bag. I had no right to be doing that sort of thing, I'm really sorry,” she said as she slightly hung her head.
"N-no Twilight, I-I'm fine it's just...it's just..." Darn it I think to myself. As much as I fought to hold it back, I could clearly feel a few stray tears going down my cheeks. I wanted to wipe them away, but I just couldn't stop shaking.
"Please RedTails, tell me what happened," she asks with great concern in her voice. I clench my eyes shut tightly to prevent my tears from shedding, and acting like a big baby in front of her. I relax them, keeping them closed, and inhale deeply, exhaling deeply as I open them back up. I look at her and sigh heavily. “Well, that mare in the picture is...my sister.” She remains silent as I give her a nod.
“Yes, I don't want to get into all my life history with you Twilight, but she was the only mare I ever looked up to, and she is the only one who has taken care of me since I was little.” I let out another heavy sigh. I feel her rub at my shoulder some more.
“Redtails, what do you mean by 'was'," I hear her ask. "Where is your sister now? How come are you're all alone?” She gave me a look of deep concern.
“Twilight, I appreciate you and your friends’ concern for me, but I just don’t want to explain my personal life anymore, okay?” I look at her seriously. "I know that...you and your friends are trying to help but..." That's when I felt a feeling I hadn't felt in ages... warmth.
She was hugging me.
Twilight was hugging me.
She lowered me gently onto my back as I could feel my head touch the pillow. But when I looked up, I didn't see Twilight.
I saw an earth pony with a white coat and a pink tail and mane.
The voice in the back of my head had been silenced. I felt Twilight rub my mane. She gives me a sad nod.
“Okay Redtails. I hope you get a good rest for the night, okay?” She gives me a soft smile. It was Twilight's voice, but at the same time, it wasn't.
“Thank you... Twilight,” I give her a slight nod as I close my eyes softly. I hear her say something, but I couldn't make out what, because I was already in a haze.
The morning after...
As I start to stir in my sleep, I can feel the warmth of Celestia’s sun shining on me through the window. I let out a soft yawn, blinking my eyes tiredly. Mm… something sure does smell good I think to myself as a mouth-watering aroma teases my senses. I slowly open my eyes to find that there is a tray in my lap with a plate of hay cakes, a couple slays of hay bacon, and a glass of orange juice.
"Where did this come from?" I think out loud when I then heard the familiar caring tone of Twilight.
“Good morning RedTails.” I turn to see her trotting out of the kitchen, coming up the stairs, and sitting on her haunches next to me at the side of the bed. “I decided to make you some breakfast. I hope that's okay,” she gives me a hopeful smile.
“It’s okay Twilight. I am a bit hungry anyways, thank you.” I give her a soft smile as I start to eat at my plate of hay cakes. I finish off the first bite of my breakfast “Mm… these are very good Twi…” I cut myself off as I look to see, not the face of Twilight, but of my...sister? I shake my head, and reach up with my fore hooves to rub at my eyes.
“RedTails, are you okay?” I hear Twilight’s voice say. I blink my eyes to focus, only to see that it is just Twilight.
Just Twilight.
“O…oh yes… I'm okay.” I rub at my forehead. “I think I am still exhausted from last night, I didn't get that much sleep. That's all.” I say. She gives me a nod.
“I guess so. “ I could still clearly see that she was worried. Why is she concerned about me? “RedTails, I've talked with my friends, and we've decided to take you with us to visit Canterlot in a couple days. We're going to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and I'm sure they'll be very glad to meet you.” She gives me a hopeful smile. Huh, so my suspicions were correct. Although, now that I think about, it might not be all that bad. It might be a really good time, meeting the princess. I think as I give her a nod.
“That sounds good…I guess.” I finish up the last bit of my breakfast. “Those were very good Twilight, thank you.” I give her a slight smile, and hand her back the tray. She uses her magic to levitate the tray.
“You are very welcome RedTails. I will be right back,” she says as she trots back down the stairs and into the kitchen with my empty dishes. She returns after a couple minutes, and sits back down by the bed. I see her place a hoof gently on mine and look at me with a sympathetic look.
“RedTails, I believe you should get some more rest. After last night, there is no telling what could happen if you got out of bed, having not much sleep.” I guess she notices that I am real tired. I let out a soft yawn as I give her a nod, blinking my eyes tiredly.
“That sounds like a good idea Twilight.” I say as I softly turn onto my side, and close my eyes to drift off to sleep. I feel her pull the blankets up, followed by a hoof slowly rubbing my back gently. I hope after I go see Princess Celestia, Twilight and the others will let me continue on my way...
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A Bitter Heart: The Story of RedTails
Chapter 6: Truth can be the Hardest word to Say
After I got done talking to Spike about his relationship with Twilight, we heard hoof steps approaching, and turned to see Twilight coming back upstairs with my salad enveloped in her magic.
“Here you go RedTails, I hope you like it.” She levitated it over to me. “Here you go too Spike, I decided to get you some gems to eat.” She levitated a small bag of gems over to the baby dragon.
“Awesome! Thanks Twilight!” Spike said excitedly as he started to munch on the gems happily. I couldn't help but let out a small giggle as I started eating at my salad. While I ate at my salad, I remained silent. I really didn't feel like talking after the nightmare I had. It’s my entire fault that my sister is in the hospital, and what did I do? I ran like a true coward when she needed me the most. But I can't bare to face her again after that. Some brother I am…ha. I finished all of my salad which was pretty good, and it satisfied my hunger. I looked at Twilight with a little smile
“Thank you Twilight for the salad, it was good. Also I think it satisfied my hunger, so I'm going to go back to sleep.” I let out a soft yawn.
She gave me a soft nod. “Well… okay Redtails. I will be here if you need me. Goodnight and you're welcome for the salad.” She gave me a warm smile.
While sleeping soundly, without having any more nightmares for the time being, along with a greatly appreciated absence of a certain inner voice, I felt a blanket of warmth washing over me. I stretched out my legs, letting out an exaggerated yawn, and blinked my eyes open. I looked to see Celestia’s sun shining brightly as it glistened through the window. I climbed out of bed and breathed the sweetest of scents, causing a grin to slowly creep across my face. Spike must be fixing up something real good again. I trotted downstairs to see Twilight reading a book. S
“Good morning RedTails, did you sleep okay for the rest of the night?” She asked with a warm, yet concerned tone.
“Yes I did. I think that salad helped, because I did sleep all day yesterday without eating lunch or dinner. Maybe I just needed to sleep with a full stomach to be able to sleep well.” I take a seat at the table across from her. Spike came walking with a tray of what appeared to be piping hot muffins, with steam rising from them.
“Here you go you two, freshly baked, hot blueberry muffins.” He gave us a proud smirk, placing the tray on the table. He looked at me with a smile “Good morning buddy, did you sleep well?”
I nodded as I took in the amazing aroma of the blueberry muffins. “Yes I did, and mm… these muffins smell delicious Spike.” I couldn't help but lick my lips.
Twilight and Spike let out a small giggle. “Thanks buddy. These are just one of my many special meals that Twilight enjoys.” He chuckled as Twilight levitated my muffin over to me and she started eating hers. As soon as I bit into my muffin, my taste buds felt as if they were on a journey, because the blend of sweet muffin and tangy blueberries melded so wonderfully together. I close my eyes as I just enjoy the taste. I don't care if I'm over exaggerating it just, wow… for a dragon, Spike sure can cook like a professional chef. After savoring the first bite, I opened my eyes back up to see the two smiling warmly at me. I turned back to eat at my muffin again. While I ate, I looked outside the window, watching ponies start to come out to tend to their gardens. I really hope my sister is okay. I sure do miss her, but I don't want to cause any more pain for her. Not just because I was reason she was hurt, but also the reason she had lost something very precious to her. I let out a heavy sigh as I trotted back upstairs, using my tail aura to keep the rest of the muffin in front of me as I continued to eat it on the way up.
After laying down in bed, and staring up at the ceiling, I just contemplated my current situation. We're going to go to Canterlot tomorrow so that I can meet with the princesses. Looking at my tail, it did take some damage as well. It's power, intensity, and stability all depend on physical and emotional status. Heh, look at me, I sound just like...
"Heh, so it really has been a long time since I've seen her," I said to myself with a sigh. Hearing hoof steps once again coming up the stairs, I sat up.
“RedTails… is something wrong?” Twilight asked me with concern in her voice as she approached the bed.
“Twilight…if I tell you the truth to what is bothering me, do you promise to keep it between just you and me?”
She gave me a warm smile and nodded. “Yes Redtails, I promise.”
I took in a deep breath and exhaled deeply. “Well... that picture of my sister and me was taken when I was five years old on my fifth birthday. That…was when we were happy.” I lowered my head as I felt tears start to sting my eyes. I felt a hoof a hoof on my shoulder and I snapped my head to the side to prevent Twilight from seeing me cry.
Twilight spoke with a soft, concerned tone. “It’s okay RedTails…you don't have to continue if you don't want to.” I felt her rub my shoulder soothingly.
I sniffled, turning my head back to her. “N-no Twilight… it’s okay. I need to get this out, and then maybe I'll feel better.” I calmed my tears, taking in another deep breath so I could continue. “My sister always looked after me… ever since the death of our parents. I always looked up to her, and she always kept me safe. When I used to have nightmares, she would always come and comfort me by rocking me soothingly.” A little smile creeps across my face, but then it suddenly turns into a frown. “Two years later, her and I were coming home from the market when a loose cart came rolling wildly down the street. It was heading for me, and I should have been the one to get hit. However, my sister, being the protective one she was, pushed me out of the way, and she was struck with the cart.” I clenched my eyes shut to keep any more tears from shedding.
“Oh gosh RedTails, I'm so sorry. D-Did your sister…” I gently shook my hoof at her, knowing what she was going to ask.
I couldn't bring myself to bring up what happened to mother, or the true reason behind my tail and its abilities.
But I still felt a large weight lifted off of me.
I sniffled, letting out a content sigh. I gave her a light smile “T---thank you Twilight. Yes I do understand, but how can I quit thinking about that day, and that accident?” A serious look spread across my face.
“I think I know some pony or someone who can help you Redtails. He has gone through the same thing you are going through.”
Some...one? I looked at her curiously. “W---who is that Twilight?”
She gave me a warm smile. “Come with me Redtails, I will show you. We're going to go see my friend Fluttershy.” I gave her a nod thinking back to the shy, timid pegasus who I pushed out of the way of that falling tree branch which got me into the position I'm in now. We went back downstairs and Twilight approached Spike.
“Spike, can you watch the library for me while we're gone?” Twilight looked at the baby dragon who gave her a salute of his claw.
“You bet Twilight!” He gave us a smirk, taking the rest of the empty dishes into the kitchen to be washed.
“Okay RedTails, let’s go.” She gave me a warm smile as we went through the door and trotted outside of the library. We began our trek to Fluttershy’s home, I heard she lived in cottage just outside of town.
Although, I wonder who else she was talking about before.
A Bitter Heart: The Story of RedTails
Perspective: Twilight Sparkle
We continued to walk down the path to Fluttershy's cottage. Looking to my side, I saw Red Tails looking much more content, hopefully the walk itself has helped him a bit. "It must've been difficult for him to tell me all of that," I thought to myself.
"Uh, Twilight?" RedTails asked.
"Yes?"
"Was it your friend... Fluttershy I believe her name was, the one whom you were referring to? If so, then I believe your previous context of 'he' was mistaken," I wasn't surprised that Red Tails said that. At least, not until I realised that I never said he to him in the first place.
"How did y-"
"You also have an apparent habit of thinking out loud at times. Plus, assuming those surrounding you will not hear said thoughts."
"Oh," I replied, embarrassed.
"Look, not that I am questioning your choice here Twilight... but I am questioning your choice. Your friend strikes me as a tad shy..." Well, I can't argue with that.
"Well, yes, she is, but who I want you to meet is actually her adopted son... and my nephew." I said with a smile as we neared Fluttershy's cottage. He looked at me confused.
"The two of you are sisters?" he asked.
"Nope," I giggled.
Perspective: Toby Mason please eat this salad?" I giggled. Opening the door, I saw Auntie Twilight and another pony standing who looked about my age next to her.
"Hi, my name is Toby!"
"Well, it is nice to meet you Toby, my name is Red Tails,"
"R-RedTails?" RedTails, is the pony that saved Momma! I hugged him around his neck to.
"Thank you so much!"
"Um, you're welcome? For what, if I may ask?"
"You saved Momma right?" looking at him, I couldn't hold back a huge smile.
Perspective :Fluttershy
After seeing that Twilight had brought Red Tails with her, I invited them both inside, making them each a cup of tea along with Toby and myself. However, it looked like Red Tails seemed a bit confused.
"It is very good to see you again Red Tails," I said trying drawing his attention. He seems a lot happier than he was two days ago, which I'm really happy about.Perspective: Toby Mason
Author's Note
Did RedTails just ask that? *looks at page* He just asked that. Stuff be gettin' emotional in the next chapter!
A Bitter Heart: The Story of RedTails
Chapter 5: Dreams of New Memories
Perspective: Twilight Sparkle
I was really worried about RedTails throughout the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon. He fell asleep right after he had breakfast and has been sleeping ever since. As much as I wanted to move, I couldn't bring myself just leave RedTails all by himself. Spike and I didn't have anything to do today, since we were actually ahead of schedule since RedTails's arrival. So, I just stayed by his bedside, reading silently. I could see the sun beginning to set now outside the window. Spike was also lying in his basket reading silently to, at least until he eventually decided to take a nap.
"Mmm..." I could here RedTails murmuring in his sleep. We were going to Canterlot in a couple of days to see Princess Celestia. I kept thinking back to that picture, and back to last night. Maybe I just couldn't understand what he was going through. But maybe...I know somepony that does, or rather someone.
"Maybe..." I think to myself. RedTails is hiding something, he pretty much told me that himself in a way. I couldn't help but feel sad as I saw him slightly tossing and turning in his sleep.
"Sis..." I saw him extend his hoof slightly in the air. "I-I'm scared..." I saw him wave his hoof slightly in the air. "Sis..." I didn't want to wake him up, but,
I extended my hoof to touch his.
He grabbed onto my hoof, and started to stop fidgeting. "Sis...I'm sorry," I hear him say, "I'm sorry I...ran...like a coward," he says. "It's...my fault." I feel him gripping my hoof. I something starting to sting my eyes as I saw a small tear go down his cheek. I couldn't take it anymore.
"RedTails," I said slightly nudging him. "RedTails, please wake up," I saw his eyes slowly blink open as he rubbed them. I silently sighed in relief.
"Twilight? Is... something wrong?"
"No RedTails, nothing is wrong. How are you feeling?" I asked.
"A bit better," he responded. "And kinda hungry." he said with a slight smile.
I smiled back and nodded. "I'll go get you some salad." I said as I turned towards the stairs.
Perspective: Spike
I yawned slightly and scratched my scales as I sat up. "That was pretty good nap," I said to myself. I looked over to see that RedTails was awake, and staring at the ceiling. "Hey RedTails, you're up." I said to him.
He looked back at me, "Oh, hey Spike." he said
"Hey everything okay buddy?" I asked, "You seem kinda down, or are you just tired?"
RedTails sighed. "Spike, would you mind if I were to ask you something?" he asked me.
"Not a problem buddy, ask away."
"Well, tell me, how are you related to Twilight?"
I chuckled a little "Nah, I'm just her number one assistant. Although she did hatch me."
"I see," RedTails sighed again. "So then Spike, what does Twilight mean to you?" I was a little confused by that question at first, but I gave it a little thought.
"Well, she's my best friend so of course she means a lot to me, I mean even though we're not related, we're pretty much family." I said proudly.
"I see," RedTails said pretty slowly.
Perspective:Twilight Sparkle
While I was coming up the stairs I heard RedTails and Spike talking to each other.
"So then Spike," I heard RedTails say, as I silently trotted up the stairs to bring him some salad. I also got some gems for Spike in case he was hun- "what does Twilight mean to you?" I stopped in my tracks.
"W-what?" I said to myself. I wanted go up there and see what was happening for myself, but I knew that wouldn't be a good idea. Maybe... he's trying to get something off his chest. and didn't want to tell me, I thought to myself.
"Well, she's my best friend so of course she means alot to me." I smiled a little as heard Spike say that as I stood still on the stairs. "I mean even though we're not related, we're pretty much family." my smile only grew wider.
I slightly giggled, "That's my number one assistant," I silently said to myself.
"I see." RedTails voice began, "S-sorry for bothering you with such questions Spike, I... just have a lot going through my mind right now."
"It's okay, I understand." I heard Spike say back. Looking down at the stairs, I thought to myself about what could have happened to RedTails that made him the way he is. After thinking about it a little more, I came up with an idea.
"I know for sure that if anypony can help it would be my nephew," I silently said as I smiled to myself as I brought the salad and gems upstairs. As soon as I came up I saw RedTails eyes meet mine. "Here you go RedTails," I said levitating the salad with a fork to his lap.
"Oh, t-thank you Twilight." he said quietly said as he started to eat the salad.
"You're welcome RedTails, and here are some gems for you Spike," I said as I gave the small bag of gems to Spike.
"Awesome! Thanks Twilight!" Spike said as he started happily snacking on the gems. I giggled lightly and then turned to see RedTails eating his salad silently. Whatever it is, I know something is wrong with RedTails and I want to help, and I'm sure he could help to, I thought to myself and smiled.
Author's Note
So... who is this person that Twilight is talking about? How can he help? Well, cliffhangers will be cliffhangers and you'll have to wait and see... even though you probably already know who I'm talking about...