Feathered Pathsby Soul HarmonyChaptersThe Lightning StormAwakeningHaving a RestDubstep meets ClassicMoving outA Day at the SpaThe Lightning StormStrong squalls touted the upcoming severe storm over Ponyville. The few ponies who were still outside hurried to get to their warm houses to seek shelter. Unlike other thunderstorms that were planned by the pegasi it seemed like this one would evolve into a hurricane soon and the weather patrol had its hooves full to keep the storm under control. No matter how hard they bucked the humongous nimbus, it seemed that the pegasi already lost the fight against the howling tempest. Rainbow Dash, the leader of Ponyville's weather patrol, shouted: "Hey, listen up, everypony! This weather just got a tiny bit out of control. We have to unleash the storm now to keep the damage as minimal as possible!", and her voice almost got swallowed by the sough. "A tiny bit is well-worded, Rainbow Dash. If you weren't so lazy, you would have come in time to fix this whole mess up!", was the angry answer from Thunderlane, the dark grey male pegasus who was in the Wonderbolts Academy together with Rainbow Dash. "Oh yeah, Thunderlane? I thought it is your talent to deal with thunderstorms, or what else does your cutie mark symbolize? Now, to your positions, on my signal!", was Rainbow Dash's snappish response. All pegasi of the weather team tried fiercely not to be blown away as they waited for Rainbow Dash's call. "One!" With strain they held their position and got ready for a final attempt to regain control over the storm. "Two!" The volume of the storm was deafening as every pegasus stood ready to kick into the clouds. "Three!" Several bolts, followed by heavy rain and thunder, stroked out of the clouds and shortly illuminated the gloomy ground below them. At the same time, Fluttershy tried desperately to help her woodland critters to flee from the out-of-control storm. Like a hummingbird she whizzed around although she knew she couldn't help all of her friends. "Oh no, no, no... Please don't...Come here, my friends, come to me!", she said, trying to appease the animals, who ran crisscross in panic, but without reaching any effect. Coincidentally, as she looked in the direction of the Everfree Forest, she noticed how a bird family, who tried vainly to fight against the wind, was drifted away into the wood. "No-o-o...", she cried, but due to her mellow voice she couldn't even hear herself between the gusts around her. She sunk down on her rear hooves and began to weep. But suddenly, she stopped, stood up again and said to herself: "No, I won't let a friend of mine down when he needs me!" And with that purpose, she darted afterwards the bird family. The trees of the Everfree Forest absorbed the most of the storm, but the raindrops still fell through the tree crowns. Although Fluttershy lived near the Everfree Forest ever since she moved to Ponyville, she still disliked the wood. It was dark and eerie, strange and dangerous creatures prowled around and magic was unbound in this part of Equestria. Nevertheless, Fluttershy ran deeper and deeper into the forest to find the bird family and didn't noticed the ominous snarls behind her. "Oh, there you are, little birdies. Fluttershy will take you home until the storm is over", she said after finally finding the birds, who were dizzy after crashing into a tree. But then she heard the howling of the timberwolves and cringed in fear as she noticed how close they were to her position. She turned around and with the bird family in her hooves she had her back up against the tree as three hungry-looking timberwolves blocked the path back to Fluttershy's cottage. "Oh... my..." gasped Fluttershy in mortal fear, unable to move. The timberwolves slowly approached her and licked their wooden lips in anticipation of a meal. Fluttershy started weeping and closed her eyes in contemplation of death. She felt her heart beating faster than ever before. She heard the gnarls of the approaching timberwolves, followed by one of the wolves' howl, but strangely, it was rather a cry of pain than a command to attack. She opened her eyes again and out of nowhere a pegasus stood between her and the timberwolves, panting and his wings unfolded as a shield to protect her. Because of the dark sky she only could see the silhouette of her savior, but she was pretty sure it was somepony she has never seen before. The timberwolf who got knocked back regenerated and the group of timberwolves arranged for another attack. The wolf on the left side of the small pack jumped towards the brave rescuer of Fluttershy, but the unknown pony made a lunge and boxed the wolf into to stomach in midair. Small pieces of wood and some sticks, the remains of the defeated timberwolf, thudded on the ground behind Fluttershy's life-saver. The two other wolves searched unimpressed for another chink on the mysteriously appeared pony. Suddenly, both timberwolves assaulted the pegasus simultaneously and although the pegasus has watched them closely, it was impossible to repel two timberwolves at once. While Fluttershy's preserver was in a struggle with the first wolf, the second wolf bit the pegasus into his left wing. Fluttershy gasped as she heard the bones break and her protector yelled in pain with a clearly male voice. Bristling with anger he twisted the neck of the wolf he was wrestling with until he crumbled away like the first one and then he fought off the last timberwolf by hitting his head with a powerful strike. The wolf whimpered as he stumbled backwards, but now he has tasted blood. The pegasus breathed heavily and his wing dangled loose and bloody on his side. With a direful bark, the wolf started to make a final assault upon the seriously injured pony. But all of a sudden, the pony leaped aside, struck out and smashed the body of the surprised wolf into pieces. It was as if Fluttershy awakes from a nightmare, just to notice it was not a dream. She shook because of the coolness of the downpour. She breathed heavily because of the agitation of the fight. She cried because of the agony she suffered. She could feel the tiny hearts of the birds in her hooves beat very rapid due to the riot that happened. And then, she looked up to the pony who saved her. He panted for air, perspired cold sweat and seemed to be at the end of his tether. His broken wing still hung inanimate on his flank. A few seconds, he focused his shimmering eyes on Fluttershy as if he wanted to make sure she is safe and sound, and then he fainted. AwakeningHe awoke lying in a cuddly and warm bed. He had a slight headache and his front hooves were numb. His left wing pulsated and with every beat, he felt a short, piercing pain. He was a little bit dazed and baffled, latter mostly because he could not remember anything what happened last night. He looked around and noticed that the room he was inside was neither a sickroom in a hospital nor a hotel suite, his actual destination. He attempted to rise, but he sunk back into the mellow pillow after the ache in his wing got too intense. He groaned with pain and small drops of sweat appeared on his forehead. Because the butterfly-embroidered blanket, that sheeted him, was sweltering, he uncovered himself and saw that his wing was professionally bandaged and tied to his body to hold the bruised body part as steady as possible. He sighted and looked around the room again. On his right hoof side stood a bookshelf with a bed table, on his left hoof side he could see a chimney and some little pictures placed on a shelf above it. Directly over his head were some aviaries, but by reason of missing chirp he concluded that they were empty. Actually, it was kind of quiet, what indicated he was not in the center of a town, but rather somewhere outside. The sun shined into the room through the windows behind him and it seemed that it was late morning, what would mean that the room had its windows to the east. Suddenly he sensed how much hunger and thirst he had, but before even trying again to stand up, he heard some noises coming from the other side of the door, which was right in front of him. The door creaked as she slowly swung open. Hesitant and with caution, a yellow pegasus mare with long rose hair entered the room, carrying a tray with a glass of water and some bread on it. Surprised, her eyes widened as she saw him awake and sitting upright. She hurried to put the tray down on the bed table and then she said: "Oh, you're awake. Fine... I-I just brought you something.. .I-I hope you don't mind it's just... that." Then she slowly stepped backwards with her eyes on the dark-red pegasus stallion with the golden hair and the eighth note as cutie mark, who saved her life. As she closed the door, she whispered a shyly "Thank you!" He was fascinated by her appearance, but he was not sure if he had seen her before. Nevertheless, he was glad she brought him a meal, even such a simple one. He ate and drank and then he fell back into a fitful sleep. In the next morning, he woke up because he heard flannelly voices coming from below, followed by hoofsteps going upstairs. The door swung open and a doctor entered the room, followed by the yellow mare. "Alright, here we got our brave hero. Let's take a look at your wing, should we?", said the doctor. The yellow mare looked worried as the doctor carefully took off the bandages. A strong smell of ointment and germicide flooded the room as the doctor examined the wound. Neither the dark-red pegasus stallion nor the yellow pegasus mare were able to look at the lesion, but the doctor worked quick and slick and soon he bandaged the wound again and remarked, that his patient was tough and would be able to leave the bed soon, but have to wait about two months for using his wing again. The doctor said goodbye and left him in the care of the yellow mare. She giggled and more to herself than to her life-saver she mumbled: "If my friend Rainbow Dash had to do without her wings that long, she would probably die because of boredom." The dark-red stallion now saw his chance for talking to the pony who seemed to have saved his life: "I...", he cleared his throat, "I wanted to thank you for rescuing me. I wish I could reciprocate in any way. Luna knows what could have happened if you hadn't helped me." The yellow mare nervously stepped from one forehoof to the other and answered similarly nervous and with a low voice: "Oh, it... it was not me who saved you, it was rather... you who saved me. Without your selfless engagement I... would now have been a timberwolf-snack." The stallion replied: "Hmm, I can't really remember what happened last night. When I try to think back it's just... fumy. Whatever happened, it must have been a hard fight." He demonstrated his bruised wing to assist his statement and continued: "But let's forget about this, I'm expected somewhere else and I think this...", he pointed at the bed, "...is yours and I won't engross somepony else's property. I thank you for letting me sleep here last night, but I have to go." The yellow mare frowned and resolved, but with a timid undertone, she said: "No way! You fought against three full-grown timberwolves and... you saved my life. Furthermore you are seriously injured and I can't let you go in that condition! You stay here, in my bed, until you are fully convalesced." She paused for a moment and then, with a coy smile and a beholden look in her eyes, she said courteous: "I'll go to get some paper for you, so you can write a letter to those who await you. You should inform them that you are belatedly because of your injury." The dark-red pegasus exhaled emphatic - a deep-drawn sigh of surrender as he noticed the mare would not argue in any way about what she said - and gnashed his teeth: "Fine!" The yellow pegasus headed for the door, but before reaching it, the dark-red stallion stated to her long-winded: "Now that I have to stay here for a while, I at least want to know the name of my host." Totally surprised, the yellow mare was unable to react at first, but after a few moments she mumbled something incomprehensible into her nonexistent beard. The stallion dug deeper: "Pardon me, what did you say?" She began to speak: "My name is...", but since her voice got lower and lower as she spoke, the dark-red pegasus was again not be able to hear what her name was. The stallion treaded warily and said: "My dear, you don't have to be afraid of me. Take your time, gather yourself and then tell me." The yellow mare reconsidered and now, with a more confident voice, she said: "My name..." She made a pause of a few second and continued: "...is Fluttershy." The stallion repeated her name reverential: "Fluttershy... what a lovely name. I feel honored to meet you, Miss Fluttershy. I'm Soul Harmony." Having a RestThe days flowed and with time, Soul Harmony got better and better. It was a wonderful springtide morning in the middle of January as he left bed the first time after saving Fluttershy's life. The broken bones in his wing adhered again very well and the doctor, who came to examine his patient again, meant that Soul would be able to fly as good as he could before his injury, but the wing still needed rest. Nevertheless, the pegasus stallion was glad about his regained freedom to go wherever he pleased, but due to the persistency of Fluttershy he stayed at her cottage and the garden around it. In return, he insisted on moving his sleeping berth on the couch in the first floor. He was astonished how many animals lived in Fluttershy's house, but as he saw how lively the home was, he could not prevent a little smile. As he came down the stairs, he was welcomed by a horde of woodland critters and birds, who whizzed around everywhere in the house. The most of the animals ignored him, some sniffed at him and huddled against him and the remaining eyed him closely. But from all of the animals, there was one who seemed to be absolutely disapproved of Soul Harmony's presence. It was a little, completely white male bunny, who flashed him a glance full of enviousness, but also with a bit of grimly gratitude. As Fluttershy told the bunny about Soul, it turned out that his name was Angel. Fluttershy introduced him to Soul as her personal pet, and by the way the tiny rabbit acted, Soul could tell that the bunny thought he was the absolute number one in Fluttershy's house. Soul Harmony though it was advisable to remain aloof respectfully to prevent provoking a dispute with the little devil. But altogether, he was well received from the animals and both Soul Harmony and the animals enjoyed the tender loving cares he gave to them. After lunch, Fluttershy said to Soul Harmony: "I have to go to the village to buy some food, do you need anything... special... I can get for you?" Soul responded: "If you don't mind, Fluttershy, I'd like to attend you. You see, I actually came to Ponyville because of business and I think I can't shirk it any longer." Fluttershy looked worried for a moment and tried to convince him to stay: "But your wing still needs a rest! I-I think it would be better for you if you stay here." Soul answered unimpressed: "Fluttershy, it's just my wing. I don't think I've to use it for anything. I am deeply grateful for your care, but I can't tell why you want me to stay away from public life. To be honest, it doesn't really make much sense to me. Is there anything wrong with me that you don't want to show up with me in Ponyville?" Fluttershy blenched and tried to assure him: "No, no, I... I just... I...", but she was unable to finish her sentence and with that she finally gave in. As they arrived in Ponyville, Fluttershy brought herself to turn around to Soul Harmony and broke the subdued silence, which existed between both of them the whole way from Fluttershy's cottage to Ponyville, by asking him expectant: "What do you think, should we meet at Sugarcube Corner when you are finished? I mean... I-If you don't mind..." Soul Harmony answered friendly:"It would be my pleasure. Let's say we meet there in... three hours?", and winked at her. Fluttershy, who was still coy face to face with him, responded: "Okay, but... I-I won't need that long for my shopping, so I'll be there earlier. Should I reserve a cupcake for you? Or a muffin?" Soul's eyes glared shortly and in anticipation of one of his most favorite snacks he said: "A muffin sounds good. If it's possible one with chocolate." "Okay, I-I'll see you then..." Fluttershy turned away again and went to the sales booths. Soul needed half an hour to find the residence of the pony who appointed him. Because almost every house in Ponyville looked the same he had to ask other ponies for it several times and not only once he ended up in front of the wrong house. Soul was surprised by how many ponies did not know an address in their own hometown. He even got confused by some of the answers - sometimes the ponies he asked had such a strong rural accent that it was impossible for him to even understand one single word. In that case he just mumbled a thanks and trotted away. Finally, he found the right domicile on the outskirts of Ponyville. From inside he could hear the dull wubs of dubstep music, what convinced him ultimately he was in front of the right house. He straightened his mane, cleared his throat and knocked on the wooden door. From inside, a somewhat raspy female voice shouted, half stressed, half surprised, and almost not audible due to the loud music: "One moment! I'm coming!" Dubstep meets ClassicA very pale yellow, almost white unicorn mare with a mane dyed in strong blue tones opened the door and instantly the music became louder. Her eyes were covered by a pair of opaquely purple-violet glasses. She seemed to be tired out as she leaned against the door case with her right forehoof, but awake enough to be addressable. She inspected him briefly from mane to rear hooves and asked a bit rudely: "Yeah, what can I do for you? Do I know you?" Soul Harmony kept at a formal salutation: "Good afternoon, my name is Soul Harmony. I guess you are Vinyl Scratch?" The unicorn confirmed him with a shortly: "Yes, I'm Vinyl." Soul continued: "You asked me to come to Ponyville to cheer up your sad friend. I think her name was... Octavia Melody, wasn't it?" Abruptly she was wide awake and smiled as she said: "Ah, Soul Harmony, hello and welcome to Ponyville! And I thought you will never come here. Octavia surely will be astonished, she's such a great fan of you! What took you so long?" With a slight discomfort he answered: "I had a fight on my way here and got injured. I had to recover.", and as proof for his excuse he showed the mare his bandaged wing. "Oh, I'm so sorry for you, I didn't know that... Oh, where are my manners? Want to come in?", asked Vinyl Scratch with an excusing tone. "Sure. So, where is Octavia? I have a rendezvous later with a friend of mine.", said Soul with a little urgent undertone. Vinyl responded: "She's up in her room in the first floor and practicing for a concert. Gosh, she will freak out when she sees you.", and giggled. Soul wondered how a cellist can practice with such a distraction by the dubstep music, but he considered it was better to simply question: "Do you know what song she is practicing at the moment?" Vinyl cogitated for a moment and as she remembered, she shouted: "Dragon's Anthem! It's the grand finale of the 'Near and Far'-concert she will play in March. She's exercising every day of the week, all day long. She really needs a break." Soul was amazed: "Dragon's Anthem... what a glorious piece of classical orchestral music. It's currently one of my favorite compositions. Does she have a piano upstairs?" Vinyl answered emphatic: "Even better, she owns a concert grand - but rather for tuning her cello than for actual playing." Soul stated: "Ah, that's no problem, I think it will be all fine." As they both sneaked up the stairs, Vinyl whispered to him: "Thank you for finding time for this. Usually, Octavia gets along with me very well, but lately we've... drifted apart a bit - if you know what I mean." Soul just nodded and tried not to make the stairs creak. In the first floor, the wubs of the dubstep music was surprisingly low in comparison with the sustained notes of Octavia's violoncello. Vinyl knocked at her door and opened it shortly afterwards, but Octavia did not stop playing. Vinyl started to speak: "Octavia...?", but was interrupted rudely by Octavia: "Not now, Vinyl!" Vinyl took no refusal and spoke again: "Octavia, I know we had some problems with each other lately, but I want to excuse. I even brought you something to cheer you up." Octavia continued playing and did not even move her head as she said emphatically and desolated: "No, thank you, Vinyl, but please, leave me alone. I have to concentrate." Vinyl fell silent and frowned, but Soul slowly approached the grand piano in Octavia's back. He quickly looked over her shoulder to find the bar she was currently playing, set down on the piano stool and started playing simultaneously to her. At first, Octavia dissembled, but soon she became more relaxed and played her cello with more ease. As Vinyl noticed that, it conjured an appeased smile on her face. Soul Harmony and Octavia Melody continued their duet of piano and violoncello until the end of the composition. After they finished, Octavia looked down for a few seconds, holding her bow loose in her right hoof, and then asked deeply moved: "Did... Did you just played that, Vinyl Scratch?" Honest, but with a clearly excusing tone, Vinyl answered her: "No, but I invited somepony who you wanted to meet ever since we know each other. Your favorite pianist and one of the best piano players in all of Equestria, to be exactly." Octavia teared up and whispered awestruck: "Soul Harmony..." Soul replied: "Always at your service, Miss Melody." Octavia put her cello aside, turned around and looked disbelieving at Soul Harmony. Then she quickly changed her eye focus several times between Vinyl Scratch and him, winked three times and still could not believe that one of her greatest idols was in the same room with her. She stood up, stepped towards her roommate and gave her a big hug, crying giddy with pleasure. "Thank you, Vinyl. This was the nicest thing you've ever done to me.", she whispered into her ear. Vinyl, who also had to fight back her tears, said: "Hey, I can't just let my best friend and roommate down. You know I'd do everything for you!" Suddenly, Soul Harmony remembered he has a meeting with Fluttershy at Sugarcube Corner soon. "Thank you, Soul, you did a great pleasure to me. Do you stay longer here in Ponyville? Because I'm really interested what pieces of music you can play on the piano. Octavia doesn't have a great view on you for nothing, right?", Vinyl asked Soul Harmony as he sallied out to meet Fluttershy. "Sure thing, I'm open to everything. What about we meet next week?" suggested Soul Harmony. "Yeah! That sounds good for me!", answered Vinyl. "Alright, but you have to excuse me now, I'm already late and you shouldn't let a mare wait, you know. Thank you for telling me the way to Sugarcube Corner.", was Soul's response. "Ah, you're welcome, pal, I'm looking forward for our next meeting. Have a nice day with your mare!", Vinyl said in anticipation of a music project together with him. Then Soul turned away and hurried to reach the bakery in time. Fluttershy sat at her table and appraised her shopping. There was a rush around her and the Cakes, the owners of the Sugarcube Corner, had all of their hooves full to do, but she for herself waited patient for Soul Harmony. He was already a quarter of an hour too late and her cocoa started getting cold. Suddenly, the entrance door of the Sugarcube Corner swung up and Soul Harmony hustled into the room. He stumbled to Fluttershy and wheezed: "Fluttershy, my dear, I'm so, so sorry. It's so embarrassing for me I was delayed. Please, forgive me my lateness, that's not my usual way to deal with punctuality." Fluttershy forgave him immediately, in fact she felt happy to see him: "Oh, that's no problem, that can happen to anypony. Here, I got you the muffin I promised you." "Too kind. But, I insist on paying for you. That's the least I can do for keeping you waiting.", said Soul Harmony and looked sheepish. Before Fluttershy even could consider about a protest, Pinkie Pie popped out from nowhere and started chattering with her shrill voice: "Oh, hello Fluttershy, hello pony I've never seen before..." She drew breath hyperbolical and continued prattling very fast: "Oh, a new pony has arrived in Ponyville! I'm Pinkie Pie, what's your name? You're so lucky that we meet today because I can welcome you here now and we can be best friends from now on and we can have fun together and eat cake together - my favourite is chocolate cake, is your favorite cake also chocolate cake? I love chocolate cake - and we can laugh together and dance together and do many, many more things together! Let me just fetch my Party Cannon so I can give you a great welcoming party, okay? I'll be right back!" As fast as she appeared - and spoke - Pinkie ran off again and left an embarrassed Fluttershy and a baffled Soul Harmony behind her. Soul was the first of them who picked up courage again: "What the hay was that?", he asked absolutely confused. "You... You have to excuse her, my friend Pinkie Pie is a bit... random in the face of other ponies. But she is a really nice pony otherwise, I swear! But I think a welcoming party would be too much strain for you, you should better leave now before she comes back.", said Fluttershy with a sigh. Soul smiled, bit off a mouthful of his muffin and pretended not to notice the cute blush on Fluttershy's cheeks. Moving outAgainst the prediction of the doctor, Soul Harmony's wing got well sooner than expected. The doctor called it a miracle that it was possible for him to remove the bandages from Soul's wing in the middle of February. It was a cold, but sunny morning as Soul opened the gate of Fluttershy's cottage. He stepped outside and grabbed some fresh air, spread his wings and let the wind pass through his feathers. He relished the feeling as the sharp wind bit into his flesh and shivered. He hunkered down, pushed himself off the ground as strong as possible and flapped with his wings. He felt like he was a young pegasus colt again who has just discovered flying. Quietly, he flew some laps around Fluttershy's cottage and forgot everything around him. He felt alive again, refreshed and ready for anything. Some birds caught up with him and flew alongside him. From time to time they chirped and Soul Harmony listened to them with a bright smile on his face. He accelerated, pulled ahead the birds and rose up to the sky. With a crow of joy he made some spins and for a moment, as his upswing abated, he stood in the clime and was able to overlook the whole town of Ponyville and the plains around it. He nosedived and alit in front of Fluttershy's cottage. Contented he folded up his wings and looked up to the door where he spotted Fluttershy standing in the door case, vested in her white and purple bathrobe. He walked towards her unhurriedly and as he was in hearing range, she said in a low voice and with an impressed undertone: "I didn't know you're such a good flyer." "Oh, that's nothing. Sure, I was one of the best flyers back on the Manehatten Pegasus Academy, but I wouldn't say it's a talent of mine.", replied Soul flattered. "You went to the Manehatten Pegasus Academy? That's one of the best flying academies in all of Equestria!", mentioned Fluttershy excited. Soul stated: "You're right, and it was hard for me to get accepted there. I wasn't a great flyer at the time I had to apply for a collage place there, but my father thought it would be the best for me to go there to learn it... But actually I wanted to talk to you about something different..." Fluttershy nodded silently and they both entered the cottage. The door shut silently behind them. "What? But why...? Was I a bad host?" Fluttershy's reaction to what Soul Harmony just told her was predictable, but still, Soul felt bad that he had to talk about his upcoming plans to her. "Fluttershy, my dear, I told you that you aren't the reason for my decision. You're the best host - and friend - I've ever had in my entire life and it hurts me too that I've to leave, but you see; I'm well again and have to resume work. And my profession demands from me to travel through Equestria." Soul stuck to his guns. "But... but you saved my life from a pack of timberwolves. I owe you..." Fluttershy tried desperately to keep him staying at her cottage. She didnt want to admit that she had casted an eye at him, not only because he was brave enough to rescue her, regardless of the consequences for himself. All the time he lived with her in her cottage, he was friendly, charming and honest and Fluttershy could not get around the fact she found he was handsome. But before Fluttershy could finish her sentence, Soul stalled her: "And you cared for me after I got injured. You owe me nothing, my dear. Fluttershy... I thank you for all the deeds you did to me, but you have to let me go!" It also was hard for him to say this, because he fell for her too. In his eyes she was the most beautiful mare he has ever seen, kind, cute and he was fond of her shyness. Neither of them knew what they felt for each other. But Soul did not want to rankle with his crush. He thought, it would be better to leave her now, before they both could come so close to each other, that it would hurt her if he left. But it was already too late, Fluttershy was fallen into somepony completely for the first time in her life. "Soul..." Fluttershy disavowed. She never felt something like the emotions which come up whenever she looks at Soul Harmony - a strange push in the stomach region and something like breathlessness. Soul leaned forward, kissed her gently on her left cheek and whispered: "Farewell, my darling..." He turned around, departed from the little cottage on the brink of the Everfree Forest and headed towards Ponyville. "Soul!" Fluttershy screamed for him in tears, but Soul ignored it intentionally. Teared up by himself, he clenched his teeth and continued on walking. A few days passed and Fluttershy did not have the power to go outside her house. The day Soul Harmony left her was by far one of the worst days in her entire life. She was not able to do anything else than crying until she fell asleep under the care and watching eyes of her bunny Angel. Without the preoccupation with caring for Soul Harmony she felt empty and she missed him terribly. The following days she just sat at the window and looked outside without noticing anything, hoping for the implausible cause of Soul's return, but the only thing she saw was the rain of the springtime tempests crackling against the glass. From time to time she sighed, but she could not cry anymore. All her tears have been used up on the day of his leaving. Angel tried to animate her to do her routine duties, but it was of no avail. By and by, the day came where Fluttershy usually meets her friend Rarity in the spa for their weekly get-together. She brought herself to leave her cottage the first time after Soul Harmony's move out. Fluttershy was the first of them at the spa, so she waited in front of it for her friend. The weather on that day was better in comparison to that of the last few days, but similar to Fluttershy's mood - cloudy and dark. She just sat on a bench and drooped. After a while, Rarity came out of a side street near the spa with many bags of fashion shopping. She happily whistled a melody and did not notice at first go the mournfulness of her friend. "Good afternoon, Fluttershy, what a great day for a treatment in the spa! I hope you can forgive me my short delay, but I just had to buy out all those fabrics. How are you?", asked Rarity blithefully despite the foul weather. Fluttershy got pulled out of her mind and answered grievingly and with a very low voice: "Mhmm, yes, it is a wonderful day... for a beauty care...", and sighted. Rarity got suspicious: "Fluttershy, my dear, is something wrong with you? You seem to be aggrieved of something." Unconvincingly, Fluttershy said: "Oh Rarity, it's nothing. Really. It just happened something recently what made me... confused... And I don't know what I should do...", and then her voice failed. "That doesn't sound like nothing to me, darling. Come in and let us talk about it, I'm pretty sure we can get rid of your problem together.", said Rarity amiable and followed by Fluttershy, she entered the spa. A Day at the SpaRarity and Fluttershy put their bathing gowns on and sat down in the steam sauna. Lotus Blossom, one of the beauticians of the Ponyville Spa, poured water onto the hot stones, it sizzled and a cloud of thick steam raised. Rarity sighted with alleviation, but Fluttershy still made a frown. "Alright, Fluttershy, now tell me, what bothers you?", Rarity asked her accommodating. "I told you, Rarity, it's nothing!", retorted Fluttershy a tiny bit disgruntled. "Fluttershy, I am one of your best friends and you can trust me completely. I can see there is something wrong with you, you look distraught, even more distressed as I once begged you to be my model for Photo Finish." Fluttershy remained silent for a moment to consider what she should say. Eventually, she found the right words to explain why she is sad without telling anything about Soul Harmony: "A dear friend of mine visited me not so long ago, but somehow he changed in the way I knew him. He stayed at my cottage, but a few days ago, he left and I'm not sure if I will ever see him again... I-I miss him" Rarity was concerned: "Oh Fluttershy, did he offend you? I'm sure he didn't wanted to." Fluttershy was paralyzed: "He just went away...", and a single teardrop ran down her cheek. Rarity considered how she could cheer up her friend and remembered something that happened to her recently: "Fluttershy, I have an idea how you may get over this. Two days ago a musician came to the Carousel Boutique and ordered a suit for the upcoming 'Near and Far' concert of this year's Winter Wrap Up. He sadly hadn't enough bits to pay the bill at once, but offered me two Very-Important-Pony-Tickets for the concert instead, and of course I had to accept them! Some ponies would kill to get at least one of those tickets. I don't know anypony else than you who should go there with me. And as I know, Twilight will be there as guest of honor, too. What do you think?" Fluttershy thought it was a good plan and agreed by nodding and a slight smile. Lotus Blossom interrupted them politely and asked them to move on. They left the steam room and went on to get their mud poultice, Rarity as usual on her whole face with cucumber slices for her eyes, and Fluttershy just on her cheeks. Fluttershy was now curious about the concert and asked Rarity: "I've seen some posters of the concert hanging all around Ponyville, but I didn't peruse one. What is the concert all about?" Rarity pondered shortly and answered: "As far as I know the concert is a compilation of traditional folk music of all the inhabitants of Equestria. Musicians from every corner of Equestria gather here in Ponyville to perform an unprecedented concert. The hotels are totally booked up and overcrowded and there are griffons and zebras everywhere. And quite recently I've heard that they should have engaged a star pianist from Manehatten to play at the concert together with the Ponyville Philharmonic Orchestra. It certainly will be something unique." They lay down on massage-couches and the spa ponies, Lotus Blossom and Aloe, prepared them for their massage. They provided pillows and Lotus Blossom got a rasp for Rarity's horn. Rarity now began to tell her friend about the hustle and bustle in Ponyville: "Currently, day in, day out, ponies surge into the Carousel Boutique and order evening dresses or suits for the concert night. You can't believe how much work I have right at the moment. I really appreciate this little break, because the work is really, really exhausting." Fluttershy suggested to help her: "Do you need my help? You know I have some sewing skills, too, and at the moment I'm not busy with anything." Rarity refused: "Oh Fluttershy, you're too kind, but I'm afraid I've to do that on my own. You should take a rest and get over what happened to you." Fluttershy was not very enthusiastic: "I've already been at home for days now..." Rarity solaced her: "Time heals all wounds." They spent the rest of the afternoon in the spa, relished their massages and mud-baths, and as they left the spa, Rarity showed her generosity to Fluttershy: "I will make a dress for you, too, Fluttershy, and I don't want to hear a 'no' from you as answer; It will be my pleasure." Fluttershy was finally pulled out of her depression now: "Oh Rarity, you shouldn't have... Thank you!", and happier than the days before, but still a bit despondent, she walked home to her cottage, where her bunny Angel already awaited her for dinner, overlooking all the foreigners and visitors, who came for Ponyville's Winter Wrap Up celebration.
The Lightning StormStrong squalls touted the upcoming severe storm over Ponyville. The few ponies who were still outside hurried to get to their warm houses to seek shelter. Unlike other thunderstorms that were planned by the pegasi it seemed like this one would evolve into a hurricane soon and the weather patrol had its hooves full to keep the storm under control. No matter how hard they bucked the humongous nimbus, it seemed that the pegasi already lost the fight against the howling tempest. Rainbow Dash, the leader of Ponyville's weather patrol, shouted: "Hey, listen up, everypony! This weather just got a tiny bit out of control. We have to unleash the storm now to keep the damage as minimal as possible!", and her voice almost got swallowed by the sough. "A tiny bit is well-worded, Rainbow Dash. If you weren't so lazy, you would have come in time to fix this whole mess up!", was the angry answer from Thunderlane, the dark grey male pegasus who was in the Wonderbolts Academy together with Rainbow Dash. "Oh yeah, Thunderlane? I thought it is your talent to deal with thunderstorms, or what else does your cutie mark symbolize? Now, to your positions, on my signal!", was Rainbow Dash's snappish response. All pegasi of the weather team tried fiercely not to be blown away as they waited for Rainbow Dash's call. "One!" With strain they held their position and got ready for a final attempt to regain control over the storm. "Two!" The volume of the storm was deafening as every pegasus stood ready to kick into the clouds. "Three!" Several bolts, followed by heavy rain and thunder, stroked out of the clouds and shortly illuminated the gloomy ground below them. At the same time, Fluttershy tried desperately to help her woodland critters to flee from the out-of-control storm. Like a hummingbird she whizzed around although she knew she couldn't help all of her friends. "Oh no, no, no... Please don't...Come here, my friends, come to me!", she said, trying to appease the animals, who ran crisscross in panic, but without reaching any effect. Coincidentally, as she looked in the direction of the Everfree Forest, she noticed how a bird family, who tried vainly to fight against the wind, was drifted away into the wood. "No-o-o...", she cried, but due to her mellow voice she couldn't even hear herself between the gusts around her. She sunk down on her rear hooves and began to weep. But suddenly, she stopped, stood up again and said to herself: "No, I won't let a friend of mine down when he needs me!" And with that purpose, she darted afterwards the bird family. The trees of the Everfree Forest absorbed the most of the storm, but the raindrops still fell through the tree crowns. Although Fluttershy lived near the Everfree Forest ever since she moved to Ponyville, she still disliked the wood. It was dark and eerie, strange and dangerous creatures prowled around and magic was unbound in this part of Equestria. Nevertheless, Fluttershy ran deeper and deeper into the forest to find the bird family and didn't noticed the ominous snarls behind her. "Oh, there you are, little birdies. Fluttershy will take you home until the storm is over", she said after finally finding the birds, who were dizzy after crashing into a tree. But then she heard the howling of the timberwolves and cringed in fear as she noticed how close they were to her position. She turned around and with the bird family in her hooves she had her back up against the tree as three hungry-looking timberwolves blocked the path back to Fluttershy's cottage. "Oh... my..." gasped Fluttershy in mortal fear, unable to move. The timberwolves slowly approached her and licked their wooden lips in anticipation of a meal. Fluttershy started weeping and closed her eyes in contemplation of death. She felt her heart beating faster than ever before. She heard the gnarls of the approaching timberwolves, followed by one of the wolves' howl, but strangely, it was rather a cry of pain than a command to attack. She opened her eyes again and out of nowhere a pegasus stood between her and the timberwolves, panting and his wings unfolded as a shield to protect her. Because of the dark sky she only could see the silhouette of her savior, but she was pretty sure it was somepony she has never seen before. The timberwolf who got knocked back regenerated and the group of timberwolves arranged for another attack. The wolf on the left side of the small pack jumped towards the brave rescuer of Fluttershy, but the unknown pony made a lunge and boxed the wolf into to stomach in midair. Small pieces of wood and some sticks, the remains of the defeated timberwolf, thudded on the ground behind Fluttershy's life-saver. The two other wolves searched unimpressed for another chink on the mysteriously appeared pony. Suddenly, both timberwolves assaulted the pegasus simultaneously and although the pegasus has watched them closely, it was impossible to repel two timberwolves at once. While Fluttershy's preserver was in a struggle with the first wolf, the second wolf bit the pegasus into his left wing. Fluttershy gasped as she heard the bones break and her protector yelled in pain with a clearly male voice. Bristling with anger he twisted the neck of the wolf he was wrestling with until he crumbled away like the first one and then he fought off the last timberwolf by hitting his head with a powerful strike. The wolf whimpered as he stumbled backwards, but now he has tasted blood. The pegasus breathed heavily and his wing dangled loose and bloody on his side. With a direful bark, the wolf started to make a final assault upon the seriously injured pony. But all of a sudden, the pony leaped aside, struck out and smashed the body of the surprised wolf into pieces. It was as if Fluttershy awakes from a nightmare, just to notice it was not a dream. She shook because of the coolness of the downpour. She breathed heavily because of the agitation of the fight. She cried because of the agony she suffered. She could feel the tiny hearts of the birds in her hooves beat very rapid due to the riot that happened. And then, she looked up to the pony who saved her. He panted for air, perspired cold sweat and seemed to be at the end of his tether. His broken wing still hung inanimate on his flank. A few seconds, he focused his shimmering eyes on Fluttershy as if he wanted to make sure she is safe and sound, and then he fainted.
AwakeningHe awoke lying in a cuddly and warm bed. He had a slight headache and his front hooves were numb. His left wing pulsated and with every beat, he felt a short, piercing pain. He was a little bit dazed and baffled, latter mostly because he could not remember anything what happened last night. He looked around and noticed that the room he was inside was neither a sickroom in a hospital nor a hotel suite, his actual destination. He attempted to rise, but he sunk back into the mellow pillow after the ache in his wing got too intense. He groaned with pain and small drops of sweat appeared on his forehead. Because the butterfly-embroidered blanket, that sheeted him, was sweltering, he uncovered himself and saw that his wing was professionally bandaged and tied to his body to hold the bruised body part as steady as possible. He sighted and looked around the room again. On his right hoof side stood a bookshelf with a bed table, on his left hoof side he could see a chimney and some little pictures placed on a shelf above it. Directly over his head were some aviaries, but by reason of missing chirp he concluded that they were empty. Actually, it was kind of quiet, what indicated he was not in the center of a town, but rather somewhere outside. The sun shined into the room through the windows behind him and it seemed that it was late morning, what would mean that the room had its windows to the east. Suddenly he sensed how much hunger and thirst he had, but before even trying again to stand up, he heard some noises coming from the other side of the door, which was right in front of him. The door creaked as she slowly swung open. Hesitant and with caution, a yellow pegasus mare with long rose hair entered the room, carrying a tray with a glass of water and some bread on it. Surprised, her eyes widened as she saw him awake and sitting upright. She hurried to put the tray down on the bed table and then she said: "Oh, you're awake. Fine... I-I just brought you something.. .I-I hope you don't mind it's just... that." Then she slowly stepped backwards with her eyes on the dark-red pegasus stallion with the golden hair and the eighth note as cutie mark, who saved her life. As she closed the door, she whispered a shyly "Thank you!" He was fascinated by her appearance, but he was not sure if he had seen her before. Nevertheless, he was glad she brought him a meal, even such a simple one. He ate and drank and then he fell back into a fitful sleep. In the next morning, he woke up because he heard flannelly voices coming from below, followed by hoofsteps going upstairs. The door swung open and a doctor entered the room, followed by the yellow mare. "Alright, here we got our brave hero. Let's take a look at your wing, should we?", said the doctor. The yellow mare looked worried as the doctor carefully took off the bandages. A strong smell of ointment and germicide flooded the room as the doctor examined the wound. Neither the dark-red pegasus stallion nor the yellow pegasus mare were able to look at the lesion, but the doctor worked quick and slick and soon he bandaged the wound again and remarked, that his patient was tough and would be able to leave the bed soon, but have to wait about two months for using his wing again. The doctor said goodbye and left him in the care of the yellow mare. She giggled and more to herself than to her life-saver she mumbled: "If my friend Rainbow Dash had to do without her wings that long, she would probably die because of boredom." The dark-red stallion now saw his chance for talking to the pony who seemed to have saved his life: "I...", he cleared his throat, "I wanted to thank you for rescuing me. I wish I could reciprocate in any way. Luna knows what could have happened if you hadn't helped me." The yellow mare nervously stepped from one forehoof to the other and answered similarly nervous and with a low voice: "Oh, it... it was not me who saved you, it was rather... you who saved me. Without your selfless engagement I... would now have been a timberwolf-snack." The stallion replied: "Hmm, I can't really remember what happened last night. When I try to think back it's just... fumy. Whatever happened, it must have been a hard fight." He demonstrated his bruised wing to assist his statement and continued: "But let's forget about this, I'm expected somewhere else and I think this...", he pointed at the bed, "...is yours and I won't engross somepony else's property. I thank you for letting me sleep here last night, but I have to go." The yellow mare frowned and resolved, but with a timid undertone, she said: "No way! You fought against three full-grown timberwolves and... you saved my life. Furthermore you are seriously injured and I can't let you go in that condition! You stay here, in my bed, until you are fully convalesced." She paused for a moment and then, with a coy smile and a beholden look in her eyes, she said courteous: "I'll go to get some paper for you, so you can write a letter to those who await you. You should inform them that you are belatedly because of your injury." The dark-red pegasus exhaled emphatic - a deep-drawn sigh of surrender as he noticed the mare would not argue in any way about what she said - and gnashed his teeth: "Fine!" The yellow pegasus headed for the door, but before reaching it, the dark-red stallion stated to her long-winded: "Now that I have to stay here for a while, I at least want to know the name of my host." Totally surprised, the yellow mare was unable to react at first, but after a few moments she mumbled something incomprehensible into her nonexistent beard. The stallion dug deeper: "Pardon me, what did you say?" She began to speak: "My name is...", but since her voice got lower and lower as she spoke, the dark-red pegasus was again not be able to hear what her name was. The stallion treaded warily and said: "My dear, you don't have to be afraid of me. Take your time, gather yourself and then tell me." The yellow mare reconsidered and now, with a more confident voice, she said: "My name..." She made a pause of a few second and continued: "...is Fluttershy." The stallion repeated her name reverential: "Fluttershy... what a lovely name. I feel honored to meet you, Miss Fluttershy. I'm Soul Harmony."
Having a RestThe days flowed and with time, Soul Harmony got better and better. It was a wonderful springtide morning in the middle of January as he left bed the first time after saving Fluttershy's life. The broken bones in his wing adhered again very well and the doctor, who came to examine his patient again, meant that Soul would be able to fly as good as he could before his injury, but the wing still needed rest. Nevertheless, the pegasus stallion was glad about his regained freedom to go wherever he pleased, but due to the persistency of Fluttershy he stayed at her cottage and the garden around it. In return, he insisted on moving his sleeping berth on the couch in the first floor. He was astonished how many animals lived in Fluttershy's house, but as he saw how lively the home was, he could not prevent a little smile. As he came down the stairs, he was welcomed by a horde of woodland critters and birds, who whizzed around everywhere in the house. The most of the animals ignored him, some sniffed at him and huddled against him and the remaining eyed him closely. But from all of the animals, there was one who seemed to be absolutely disapproved of Soul Harmony's presence. It was a little, completely white male bunny, who flashed him a glance full of enviousness, but also with a bit of grimly gratitude. As Fluttershy told the bunny about Soul, it turned out that his name was Angel. Fluttershy introduced him to Soul as her personal pet, and by the way the tiny rabbit acted, Soul could tell that the bunny thought he was the absolute number one in Fluttershy's house. Soul Harmony though it was advisable to remain aloof respectfully to prevent provoking a dispute with the little devil. But altogether, he was well received from the animals and both Soul Harmony and the animals enjoyed the tender loving cares he gave to them. After lunch, Fluttershy said to Soul Harmony: "I have to go to the village to buy some food, do you need anything... special... I can get for you?" Soul responded: "If you don't mind, Fluttershy, I'd like to attend you. You see, I actually came to Ponyville because of business and I think I can't shirk it any longer." Fluttershy looked worried for a moment and tried to convince him to stay: "But your wing still needs a rest! I-I think it would be better for you if you stay here." Soul answered unimpressed: "Fluttershy, it's just my wing. I don't think I've to use it for anything. I am deeply grateful for your care, but I can't tell why you want me to stay away from public life. To be honest, it doesn't really make much sense to me. Is there anything wrong with me that you don't want to show up with me in Ponyville?" Fluttershy blenched and tried to assure him: "No, no, I... I just... I...", but she was unable to finish her sentence and with that she finally gave in. As they arrived in Ponyville, Fluttershy brought herself to turn around to Soul Harmony and broke the subdued silence, which existed between both of them the whole way from Fluttershy's cottage to Ponyville, by asking him expectant: "What do you think, should we meet at Sugarcube Corner when you are finished? I mean... I-If you don't mind..." Soul Harmony answered friendly:"It would be my pleasure. Let's say we meet there in... three hours?", and winked at her. Fluttershy, who was still coy face to face with him, responded: "Okay, but... I-I won't need that long for my shopping, so I'll be there earlier. Should I reserve a cupcake for you? Or a muffin?" Soul's eyes glared shortly and in anticipation of one of his most favorite snacks he said: "A muffin sounds good. If it's possible one with chocolate." "Okay, I-I'll see you then..." Fluttershy turned away again and went to the sales booths. Soul needed half an hour to find the residence of the pony who appointed him. Because almost every house in Ponyville looked the same he had to ask other ponies for it several times and not only once he ended up in front of the wrong house. Soul was surprised by how many ponies did not know an address in their own hometown. He even got confused by some of the answers - sometimes the ponies he asked had such a strong rural accent that it was impossible for him to even understand one single word. In that case he just mumbled a thanks and trotted away. Finally, he found the right domicile on the outskirts of Ponyville. From inside he could hear the dull wubs of dubstep music, what convinced him ultimately he was in front of the right house. He straightened his mane, cleared his throat and knocked on the wooden door. From inside, a somewhat raspy female voice shouted, half stressed, half surprised, and almost not audible due to the loud music: "One moment! I'm coming!"
Dubstep meets ClassicA very pale yellow, almost white unicorn mare with a mane dyed in strong blue tones opened the door and instantly the music became louder. Her eyes were covered by a pair of opaquely purple-violet glasses. She seemed to be tired out as she leaned against the door case with her right forehoof, but awake enough to be addressable. She inspected him briefly from mane to rear hooves and asked a bit rudely: "Yeah, what can I do for you? Do I know you?" Soul Harmony kept at a formal salutation: "Good afternoon, my name is Soul Harmony. I guess you are Vinyl Scratch?" The unicorn confirmed him with a shortly: "Yes, I'm Vinyl." Soul continued: "You asked me to come to Ponyville to cheer up your sad friend. I think her name was... Octavia Melody, wasn't it?" Abruptly she was wide awake and smiled as she said: "Ah, Soul Harmony, hello and welcome to Ponyville! And I thought you will never come here. Octavia surely will be astonished, she's such a great fan of you! What took you so long?" With a slight discomfort he answered: "I had a fight on my way here and got injured. I had to recover.", and as proof for his excuse he showed the mare his bandaged wing. "Oh, I'm so sorry for you, I didn't know that... Oh, where are my manners? Want to come in?", asked Vinyl Scratch with an excusing tone. "Sure. So, where is Octavia? I have a rendezvous later with a friend of mine.", said Soul with a little urgent undertone. Vinyl responded: "She's up in her room in the first floor and practicing for a concert. Gosh, she will freak out when she sees you.", and giggled. Soul wondered how a cellist can practice with such a distraction by the dubstep music, but he considered it was better to simply question: "Do you know what song she is practicing at the moment?" Vinyl cogitated for a moment and as she remembered, she shouted: "Dragon's Anthem! It's the grand finale of the 'Near and Far'-concert she will play in March. She's exercising every day of the week, all day long. She really needs a break." Soul was amazed: "Dragon's Anthem... what a glorious piece of classical orchestral music. It's currently one of my favorite compositions. Does she have a piano upstairs?" Vinyl answered emphatic: "Even better, she owns a concert grand - but rather for tuning her cello than for actual playing." Soul stated: "Ah, that's no problem, I think it will be all fine." As they both sneaked up the stairs, Vinyl whispered to him: "Thank you for finding time for this. Usually, Octavia gets along with me very well, but lately we've... drifted apart a bit - if you know what I mean." Soul just nodded and tried not to make the stairs creak. In the first floor, the wubs of the dubstep music was surprisingly low in comparison with the sustained notes of Octavia's violoncello. Vinyl knocked at her door and opened it shortly afterwards, but Octavia did not stop playing. Vinyl started to speak: "Octavia...?", but was interrupted rudely by Octavia: "Not now, Vinyl!" Vinyl took no refusal and spoke again: "Octavia, I know we had some problems with each other lately, but I want to excuse. I even brought you something to cheer you up." Octavia continued playing and did not even move her head as she said emphatically and desolated: "No, thank you, Vinyl, but please, leave me alone. I have to concentrate." Vinyl fell silent and frowned, but Soul slowly approached the grand piano in Octavia's back. He quickly looked over her shoulder to find the bar she was currently playing, set down on the piano stool and started playing simultaneously to her. At first, Octavia dissembled, but soon she became more relaxed and played her cello with more ease. As Vinyl noticed that, it conjured an appeased smile on her face. Soul Harmony and Octavia Melody continued their duet of piano and violoncello until the end of the composition. After they finished, Octavia looked down for a few seconds, holding her bow loose in her right hoof, and then asked deeply moved: "Did... Did you just played that, Vinyl Scratch?" Honest, but with a clearly excusing tone, Vinyl answered her: "No, but I invited somepony who you wanted to meet ever since we know each other. Your favorite pianist and one of the best piano players in all of Equestria, to be exactly." Octavia teared up and whispered awestruck: "Soul Harmony..." Soul replied: "Always at your service, Miss Melody." Octavia put her cello aside, turned around and looked disbelieving at Soul Harmony. Then she quickly changed her eye focus several times between Vinyl Scratch and him, winked three times and still could not believe that one of her greatest idols was in the same room with her. She stood up, stepped towards her roommate and gave her a big hug, crying giddy with pleasure. "Thank you, Vinyl. This was the nicest thing you've ever done to me.", she whispered into her ear. Vinyl, who also had to fight back her tears, said: "Hey, I can't just let my best friend and roommate down. You know I'd do everything for you!" Suddenly, Soul Harmony remembered he has a meeting with Fluttershy at Sugarcube Corner soon. "Thank you, Soul, you did a great pleasure to me. Do you stay longer here in Ponyville? Because I'm really interested what pieces of music you can play on the piano. Octavia doesn't have a great view on you for nothing, right?", Vinyl asked Soul Harmony as he sallied out to meet Fluttershy. "Sure thing, I'm open to everything. What about we meet next week?" suggested Soul Harmony. "Yeah! That sounds good for me!", answered Vinyl. "Alright, but you have to excuse me now, I'm already late and you shouldn't let a mare wait, you know. Thank you for telling me the way to Sugarcube Corner.", was Soul's response. "Ah, you're welcome, pal, I'm looking forward for our next meeting. Have a nice day with your mare!", Vinyl said in anticipation of a music project together with him. Then Soul turned away and hurried to reach the bakery in time. Fluttershy sat at her table and appraised her shopping. There was a rush around her and the Cakes, the owners of the Sugarcube Corner, had all of their hooves full to do, but she for herself waited patient for Soul Harmony. He was already a quarter of an hour too late and her cocoa started getting cold. Suddenly, the entrance door of the Sugarcube Corner swung up and Soul Harmony hustled into the room. He stumbled to Fluttershy and wheezed: "Fluttershy, my dear, I'm so, so sorry. It's so embarrassing for me I was delayed. Please, forgive me my lateness, that's not my usual way to deal with punctuality." Fluttershy forgave him immediately, in fact she felt happy to see him: "Oh, that's no problem, that can happen to anypony. Here, I got you the muffin I promised you." "Too kind. But, I insist on paying for you. That's the least I can do for keeping you waiting.", said Soul Harmony and looked sheepish. Before Fluttershy even could consider about a protest, Pinkie Pie popped out from nowhere and started chattering with her shrill voice: "Oh, hello Fluttershy, hello pony I've never seen before..." She drew breath hyperbolical and continued prattling very fast: "Oh, a new pony has arrived in Ponyville! I'm Pinkie Pie, what's your name? You're so lucky that we meet today because I can welcome you here now and we can be best friends from now on and we can have fun together and eat cake together - my favourite is chocolate cake, is your favorite cake also chocolate cake? I love chocolate cake - and we can laugh together and dance together and do many, many more things together! Let me just fetch my Party Cannon so I can give you a great welcoming party, okay? I'll be right back!" As fast as she appeared - and spoke - Pinkie ran off again and left an embarrassed Fluttershy and a baffled Soul Harmony behind her. Soul was the first of them who picked up courage again: "What the hay was that?", he asked absolutely confused. "You... You have to excuse her, my friend Pinkie Pie is a bit... random in the face of other ponies. But she is a really nice pony otherwise, I swear! But I think a welcoming party would be too much strain for you, you should better leave now before she comes back.", said Fluttershy with a sigh. Soul smiled, bit off a mouthful of his muffin and pretended not to notice the cute blush on Fluttershy's cheeks.
Moving outAgainst the prediction of the doctor, Soul Harmony's wing got well sooner than expected. The doctor called it a miracle that it was possible for him to remove the bandages from Soul's wing in the middle of February. It was a cold, but sunny morning as Soul opened the gate of Fluttershy's cottage. He stepped outside and grabbed some fresh air, spread his wings and let the wind pass through his feathers. He relished the feeling as the sharp wind bit into his flesh and shivered. He hunkered down, pushed himself off the ground as strong as possible and flapped with his wings. He felt like he was a young pegasus colt again who has just discovered flying. Quietly, he flew some laps around Fluttershy's cottage and forgot everything around him. He felt alive again, refreshed and ready for anything. Some birds caught up with him and flew alongside him. From time to time they chirped and Soul Harmony listened to them with a bright smile on his face. He accelerated, pulled ahead the birds and rose up to the sky. With a crow of joy he made some spins and for a moment, as his upswing abated, he stood in the clime and was able to overlook the whole town of Ponyville and the plains around it. He nosedived and alit in front of Fluttershy's cottage. Contented he folded up his wings and looked up to the door where he spotted Fluttershy standing in the door case, vested in her white and purple bathrobe. He walked towards her unhurriedly and as he was in hearing range, she said in a low voice and with an impressed undertone: "I didn't know you're such a good flyer." "Oh, that's nothing. Sure, I was one of the best flyers back on the Manehatten Pegasus Academy, but I wouldn't say it's a talent of mine.", replied Soul flattered. "You went to the Manehatten Pegasus Academy? That's one of the best flying academies in all of Equestria!", mentioned Fluttershy excited. Soul stated: "You're right, and it was hard for me to get accepted there. I wasn't a great flyer at the time I had to apply for a collage place there, but my father thought it would be the best for me to go there to learn it... But actually I wanted to talk to you about something different..." Fluttershy nodded silently and they both entered the cottage. The door shut silently behind them. "What? But why...? Was I a bad host?" Fluttershy's reaction to what Soul Harmony just told her was predictable, but still, Soul felt bad that he had to talk about his upcoming plans to her. "Fluttershy, my dear, I told you that you aren't the reason for my decision. You're the best host - and friend - I've ever had in my entire life and it hurts me too that I've to leave, but you see; I'm well again and have to resume work. And my profession demands from me to travel through Equestria." Soul stuck to his guns. "But... but you saved my life from a pack of timberwolves. I owe you..." Fluttershy tried desperately to keep him staying at her cottage. She didnt want to admit that she had casted an eye at him, not only because he was brave enough to rescue her, regardless of the consequences for himself. All the time he lived with her in her cottage, he was friendly, charming and honest and Fluttershy could not get around the fact she found he was handsome. But before Fluttershy could finish her sentence, Soul stalled her: "And you cared for me after I got injured. You owe me nothing, my dear. Fluttershy... I thank you for all the deeds you did to me, but you have to let me go!" It also was hard for him to say this, because he fell for her too. In his eyes she was the most beautiful mare he has ever seen, kind, cute and he was fond of her shyness. Neither of them knew what they felt for each other. But Soul did not want to rankle with his crush. He thought, it would be better to leave her now, before they both could come so close to each other, that it would hurt her if he left. But it was already too late, Fluttershy was fallen into somepony completely for the first time in her life. "Soul..." Fluttershy disavowed. She never felt something like the emotions which come up whenever she looks at Soul Harmony - a strange push in the stomach region and something like breathlessness. Soul leaned forward, kissed her gently on her left cheek and whispered: "Farewell, my darling..." He turned around, departed from the little cottage on the brink of the Everfree Forest and headed towards Ponyville. "Soul!" Fluttershy screamed for him in tears, but Soul ignored it intentionally. Teared up by himself, he clenched his teeth and continued on walking. A few days passed and Fluttershy did not have the power to go outside her house. The day Soul Harmony left her was by far one of the worst days in her entire life. She was not able to do anything else than crying until she fell asleep under the care and watching eyes of her bunny Angel. Without the preoccupation with caring for Soul Harmony she felt empty and she missed him terribly. The following days she just sat at the window and looked outside without noticing anything, hoping for the implausible cause of Soul's return, but the only thing she saw was the rain of the springtime tempests crackling against the glass. From time to time she sighed, but she could not cry anymore. All her tears have been used up on the day of his leaving. Angel tried to animate her to do her routine duties, but it was of no avail. By and by, the day came where Fluttershy usually meets her friend Rarity in the spa for their weekly get-together. She brought herself to leave her cottage the first time after Soul Harmony's move out. Fluttershy was the first of them at the spa, so she waited in front of it for her friend. The weather on that day was better in comparison to that of the last few days, but similar to Fluttershy's mood - cloudy and dark. She just sat on a bench and drooped. After a while, Rarity came out of a side street near the spa with many bags of fashion shopping. She happily whistled a melody and did not notice at first go the mournfulness of her friend. "Good afternoon, Fluttershy, what a great day for a treatment in the spa! I hope you can forgive me my short delay, but I just had to buy out all those fabrics. How are you?", asked Rarity blithefully despite the foul weather. Fluttershy got pulled out of her mind and answered grievingly and with a very low voice: "Mhmm, yes, it is a wonderful day... for a beauty care...", and sighted. Rarity got suspicious: "Fluttershy, my dear, is something wrong with you? You seem to be aggrieved of something." Unconvincingly, Fluttershy said: "Oh Rarity, it's nothing. Really. It just happened something recently what made me... confused... And I don't know what I should do...", and then her voice failed. "That doesn't sound like nothing to me, darling. Come in and let us talk about it, I'm pretty sure we can get rid of your problem together.", said Rarity amiable and followed by Fluttershy, she entered the spa.
A Day at the SpaRarity and Fluttershy put their bathing gowns on and sat down in the steam sauna. Lotus Blossom, one of the beauticians of the Ponyville Spa, poured water onto the hot stones, it sizzled and a cloud of thick steam raised. Rarity sighted with alleviation, but Fluttershy still made a frown. "Alright, Fluttershy, now tell me, what bothers you?", Rarity asked her accommodating. "I told you, Rarity, it's nothing!", retorted Fluttershy a tiny bit disgruntled. "Fluttershy, I am one of your best friends and you can trust me completely. I can see there is something wrong with you, you look distraught, even more distressed as I once begged you to be my model for Photo Finish." Fluttershy remained silent for a moment to consider what she should say. Eventually, she found the right words to explain why she is sad without telling anything about Soul Harmony: "A dear friend of mine visited me not so long ago, but somehow he changed in the way I knew him. He stayed at my cottage, but a few days ago, he left and I'm not sure if I will ever see him again... I-I miss him" Rarity was concerned: "Oh Fluttershy, did he offend you? I'm sure he didn't wanted to." Fluttershy was paralyzed: "He just went away...", and a single teardrop ran down her cheek. Rarity considered how she could cheer up her friend and remembered something that happened to her recently: "Fluttershy, I have an idea how you may get over this. Two days ago a musician came to the Carousel Boutique and ordered a suit for the upcoming 'Near and Far' concert of this year's Winter Wrap Up. He sadly hadn't enough bits to pay the bill at once, but offered me two Very-Important-Pony-Tickets for the concert instead, and of course I had to accept them! Some ponies would kill to get at least one of those tickets. I don't know anypony else than you who should go there with me. And as I know, Twilight will be there as guest of honor, too. What do you think?" Fluttershy thought it was a good plan and agreed by nodding and a slight smile. Lotus Blossom interrupted them politely and asked them to move on. They left the steam room and went on to get their mud poultice, Rarity as usual on her whole face with cucumber slices for her eyes, and Fluttershy just on her cheeks. Fluttershy was now curious about the concert and asked Rarity: "I've seen some posters of the concert hanging all around Ponyville, but I didn't peruse one. What is the concert all about?" Rarity pondered shortly and answered: "As far as I know the concert is a compilation of traditional folk music of all the inhabitants of Equestria. Musicians from every corner of Equestria gather here in Ponyville to perform an unprecedented concert. The hotels are totally booked up and overcrowded and there are griffons and zebras everywhere. And quite recently I've heard that they should have engaged a star pianist from Manehatten to play at the concert together with the Ponyville Philharmonic Orchestra. It certainly will be something unique." They lay down on massage-couches and the spa ponies, Lotus Blossom and Aloe, prepared them for their massage. They provided pillows and Lotus Blossom got a rasp for Rarity's horn. Rarity now began to tell her friend about the hustle and bustle in Ponyville: "Currently, day in, day out, ponies surge into the Carousel Boutique and order evening dresses or suits for the concert night. You can't believe how much work I have right at the moment. I really appreciate this little break, because the work is really, really exhausting." Fluttershy suggested to help her: "Do you need my help? You know I have some sewing skills, too, and at the moment I'm not busy with anything." Rarity refused: "Oh Fluttershy, you're too kind, but I'm afraid I've to do that on my own. You should take a rest and get over what happened to you." Fluttershy was not very enthusiastic: "I've already been at home for days now..." Rarity solaced her: "Time heals all wounds." They spent the rest of the afternoon in the spa, relished their massages and mud-baths, and as they left the spa, Rarity showed her generosity to Fluttershy: "I will make a dress for you, too, Fluttershy, and I don't want to hear a 'no' from you as answer; It will be my pleasure." Fluttershy was finally pulled out of her depression now: "Oh Rarity, you shouldn't have... Thank you!", and happier than the days before, but still a bit despondent, she walked home to her cottage, where her bunny Angel already awaited her for dinner, overlooking all the foreigners and visitors, who came for Ponyville's Winter Wrap Up celebration.
