Snippets of Eternityby asylum1388ChaptersTraining DayA Heart a-FlutterBirthday WishesA Difficult TalkTraining DayTakes place between Chapters 9 & 10 Prereader: F0xhole Eighteen days since the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Rainbow Dash galloped down a dirt path at full sprint. On any other day, she would have taken a moment to enjoy the cool wind in her mane, the smell of the crisp morning air, or the thousands of exotic plants that filled the Canterlot Castle Gardens around her; but today was not any other day. Right now she only had one thing on her mind: winning this race, and one more push was all she needed. She rounded the last turn and put everything she had into the last dozen meters, lowering her head and pressing her wings hard to her sides to pick up every ounce of speed she could manage. “YES!” she cried out boastfully as she galloped past the massive statue that marked the finish line. “Ha! Told you I’d win. In your face!” “Yeah, yeah, you beat this old stallion. Thirty years ago you wouldn’t have stood a chance!” an aging grey pegasus grunted as he slowed to a stop next to her. “Still, Stormrider, I beat the Wonderbolts’ ground trainer in a hoofrace! Not very many ponies can say that,” Rainbow gloated, turning toward him with a massive grin. “I’ll give you that one, kiddo,” he chuckled in reply. “You definitely deserve your spot in the Academy. You’re an amazing athlete.” “Heh, thanks. Look on the bright side though, you beat Twilight!” Rainbow giggled, pointing a hoof at the Princess, who was only now catching up. “Oh... yeah... let’s all laugh at the slow, out-of-shape bookworm!” Twilight gasped, desperately trying to catch her breath. “You know, I can normally keep up with Stormrider when you’re not here, Dash!” “Not really. I take it easy so I can stay close and make sure you’re alright. You know, doing my job?” Stormrider chuckled. “Great. Way to make me feel better about myself,” Twilight grumbled. “Oh, quit bellyaching,” Rainbow scolded. “That’s what you get for not bothering to exercise for your entire life!” “Exactly!” Stormrider proclaimed, stomping a hoof for emphasis. He turned to Rainbow Dash and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Alright, that’s all for today. You did well, kiddo. I’ll put a good word in for ya with Spitfire next time I see her. In the meantime, I’m leaving the Princess in your hooves.” "Yes, sir!" Rainbow snapped to a sharp salute as he trotted off. She turned around and sauntered over to Twilight, who was greedily gulping water from a bottle. “See? I told you that it was better to work out in the morning. Now, not only will you be all amped up and ready for the day, but you’ve got nothing but free time later when you get your work done!” the pegasus charged, striking a brazen pose. “I’ll also be sore and tired for the rest of the day,” Twilight groaned, stretching her limbs. “That’s just because you’re outta shape. Give it a few weeks and it won’t be so bad,” Rainbow sniggered, clapping Twilight on the back. She then trotted over to a wicker basket laying several feet away and pulled a large muffin from within. “Alright, Twi, we’ve got a ton of things to cover today, so breakfast is going to have to be quick! How long do you have before that meeting?” “Actually, I don’t have to go to that meeting anymore, so we have until lunch,” Twilight muttered, lethargically dragging herself over to the basket and digging a bagel out of it. “The nobles holding the meeting suddenly decided at the last minute that they’d rather hold it without me, so I’m free all morning. I still have to hold Court this afternoon though.” “Wait, they’re holding an important meeting without you? Why?” Rainbow asked through a mouthful of muffin. Twilight rolled her eyes and swallowed her food before speaking. “Well, they’re probably scheming something and don’t want me to hear what gets said, or by who. Nothing major.” “Nothing major? That sounds very major to me, Twilight!” Rainbow grunted. “You sure you shouldn’t be there?” “Nah. They’re always plotting against me, but they’re also always plotting against each other too. One way or another, I’ll find out what they’re trying to pull off, either from somepony who thinks that they can get in good with the Princess by tattling on the rest, or by somepony who thinks that they can set one of their rivals back by clueing me in on their schemes. Either way, I find out,” Twilight explained with a giggle. “All I have to do is wait and see who cracks first.” “Wow... Remind me never to rely on a noble for anything,” Rainbow snickered. “Hey! Cadance is a noble, remember?” “You know what I meant!” Rainbow groaned. “Yeah, I’m just pushing your buttons,” Twilight giggled. “So, what’s the plan for today? More maneuvering?” “Nope, today we’re going for height!” Rainbow asserted proudly. “H-height?” Twilight stammered. “Y-you mean like altitude?’ “What else would I mean?” Rainbow groaned sarcastically. “You’re not scared are you?” “No! ...Yes,” Twilight simpered. “A-are you sure? Couldn’t we just review the things we went over yesterday? I’m not sure I got—” “No, Twilight. You can practice all the other stuff when I’m back in Ponyville, but if we don’t get to everything before I go, then we’re sunk!” Rainbow interrupted. “We need to do this!” “I-I don’t know Rainbow...” “Come on, you can do it! Just fly up to the top of that wall,” Rainbow pressed encouragingly, pointing at one of the castle’s stone battlements. “You’ve gone higher than that in your balloon.” “Yeah, but that’s different! I’m still standing on something when I’m riding in it,” Twilight moaned. “No, it’s not different at all!” Rainbow asserted. She stepped up to Twilight and got face to face with her friend. “You can do it. I’ll be right below you the whole time; I promise.” Twilight remained silent, simply staring at Rainbow skeptically, and the pegasus sighed at her. “Twilight, you trust me, right?” “Of course I do, Dash!” “Then trust me to catch you if you fall,” Rainbow said softly. “I know you can do it, but I’ll be ready to swoop in and save the day, just in case.” “O-okay, Dash. I’ll try...” Twilight sighed, turning to stare up at the ledge. “Good. Now, we’ll start from a hover and take it nice and slow. Just remember to breathe,” Rainbow instructed, circling around to Twilight’s side. “Stretch your wings... bend your knees... and lift off!” Twilight followed Rainbow’s instructions to the letter and proceeded to hover a meter off the ground, where she was quickly joined by her tutor. “Okay. I’m ready, I think...” “Perfect. Now just start flying, and I’ll follow you up. And don’t worry, I promise not to just stare at your flank the whole time,” Rainbow said with a teasing smirk. “You better not,” Twilight retorted, attempting to sound playful. She gritted her teeth in determination and began to rise. Five meters up... Ten meters up... Fifteen meters up, she climbed. She pushed everything out of her mind, ignoring the wind in her mane and feathers, oblivious to the sun on her back. Focusing solely on her target, she made it twenty meters up before making the disastrous mistake of looking down. She choked. Her courage failed her and she felt her heart jump into her throat as her wings became stiff. Panic rose in her chest as her ascent slowed to a stop and she began losing altitude. “No... No!” She opened her mouth to shriek in terror, but her scream caught in her throat when a strong pair of hooves gripped her tightly around the waist. “I gotcha, Twi! Just stay calm and keep flying.” Resisting the urge to writhe in Rainbow’s grasp, Twilight flapped her wings for all she was worth, desperate to reach the top of the wall and put something solid beneath her. Grunting with each thrust, she began to rise again, lifting herself the last few meters upwards, before landing roughly on the battlement. “I... I...” “You did it, Twilight!” Rainbow cheered. “See? I told you you could do it!” “I-I really did, didn’t I?” Twilight stuttered, carefully looking over the edge. “That wasn’t too bad! A little shaky near the end, but not bad.” Rainbow clapped her on the back again, laughing happily, “Keep this up, and you’ll be the second best flyer in Equestria in no time flat!” “Why do I have to settle for second best? I bet I could top you with enough practice,” Twilight replied with a smirk. “Oh really? Okay, if you’re so sure, how about we race back down to the ground?” Rainbow challenged smugly. The smirk immediately fell from Twilight’s face as she took a hesitant glance at the ground. “O-on second thought, I think I have enough titles. Why don’t you go ahead and keep that one?” “Yeah, that’s what I thought, smartflank,” Rainbow chuckled. She looked upward at the next bat “Alright, that’s enough slacking. I want to see if we can get you up to the roof before lunch!” A Heart a-FlutterTakes place immediately after the events of Chapter 13 Been wanting to do this one for a while. Also, the last 8 lines were almost completely written by f0x. I had no idea how to end it. Twenty-nine days since the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Fluttershy looked up from the corner she sat in. The last traces of sunlight had long left the skies outside Twilight's chamber while they had waited for her to return. She trembled as she saw Princess Luna from the corner of her eye, still pacing anxiously against the backdrop of her own midnight sky. “Umm... Princess Luna?” she whispered, breaking the silence. “What?!” the Princess snapped impatiently. “Eep!” Fluttershy gasped, recoiling from the other pony and hiding beneath her hooves. “Oh, I apologize for that, Fluttershy,” Luna murmured, her face and tone softening as she regretted her reaction. “Please excuse me. What is it that you wished to ask?” “It’s, ummm, you’re just pacing,” Fluttershy pointed out quietly. “Are you okay?” “I am fine. Thank you for asking,” Luna replied shortly. “Oh... Okay, I guess.” Luna crossed the room another time and turned around to make her way back, but stopped at the worried expression on Fluttershy’s face. “Oh, very well, I am not fine,” Luna sighed, “but I am sure you’ve figured that out already.” “D-do you want to talk about it?” Luna frowned at Fluttershy, silently considering the canary pegasus. “I mean you no offense, Fluttershy, and I cannot stress that enough, but you were barely able to remain in the same room with me before when Twilight was here. Why is it that you would be willing to speak to me now that we are alone?” She sat down, waiting for Fluttershy to respond, but loud snore from the other side of the room interrupted the silence. “Or more alone than we were,” she grumbled, glaring at the cyan pegasus sleeping in the corner. “I... I just don’t like seeing anypony feel bad,” Fluttershy muttered. “I see...” Luna sighed, standing up and stretching. She took a few steps towards Fluttershy and sat down a short distance away from the mare, ignoring the fact that Fluttershy visibly shook at her approach. “I am just nervous about Twilight.” “...Nervous? B-but why?” “She has been gone for nearly three hours now. I cannot help but fear that something may have gone wrong,” Luna breathed. “What if something went wrong?” “What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked, terrified. “Could Twilight be in trouble?” “No! Not physically, at least,” Luna stammered quickly. “Just she just went to make up with Spike. What if he doesn’t accept her apology? Or what if they end up fighting more? I am just afraid that Twilight may be all alone and in desperate need of comfort.” “B-but our friends are there, too!” Fluttershy squeaked. “Pinkie Pie, and Applejack, and Rarity! They wouldn’t let that happen.” “I know, I know!” Luna groaned, hanging her head pathetically. “I am fully aware that she probably has the best support she could ask for right now, but I can’t help but worry.” She sighed and lifted her head to look Fluttershy in the eyes. “I just can’t stand the thought of her feeling hurt. Lately it has felt as if worry about her is all I am able to do.” “Well, you care about her. It’s only natural that you’d worry about her,” Fluttershy murmured. “I suppose. Its just difficult — worrying all the time, that is. It is exhausting, but I cannot find the will to stop.” Fluttershy opened her mouth to reply, but only gasped as she noticed a tear slowly sliding down Luna’s cheek. She frowned at the alicorn, as if seeing the her in a whole new light. With a strength and purpose rarely seen from the timid pony, she spoke slowly and deliberately, “Luna, do you — do you love her?” Luna let out a choked and incomprehensible reply, attempting to sniff back more tears. “I’m sorry, what was that?” Fluttershy asked, silently scooting closer. Luna released a single sob and nodded. “Oh! Oh, wow. Does she know?” “No,” Luna whined. “She’s the smartest pony I’ve ever known, but when it comes to picking up on the emotions of others, she is sorely lacking. Thus, as I have not yet told her, she does not know.” “Well why not? Umm, if you don’t mind me asking?” “I am afraid,” Luna whispered. “I am just too frightened to tell her. I would very much like to, but every time I try, I find myself unable.” She signed and turned to look at the window Twilight had left through earlier that night. “The words get to the tip of my tongue, then I think something like ‘what if I scare her’ or ‘what if she no longer wishes to be friends with me afterwards’, and I stop myself. I am just too much of a coward. I am just afraid that she’ll see me differently afterwards; and not for the better.” She hung her head again and allowed the tears to flow freely, but flinched when she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. “Luna, you know that wouldn’t happen,” Fluttershy cooed. “Twilight would never do something like that!” “I know, but my fears cripple me,” Luna sobbed. “No matter how often I tell myself to think rationally, I just can’t!” “Oh... I know what that feels like,” Fluttershy said hushedly, gently brushing the tears from Luna’s cheek. “You feel like you’re drowning, and no matter how hard you try to feel better, you only make yourself feel worse.” “Exactly!” Luna groaned, turning to the pegasus. “But what do I do about it?” “You have to swim, I guess,” Fluttershy smiled comfortingly, drying the tears from Luna’s other cheek. When she was confident that Luna had stopped crying for the moment, she stood up and trotted into Twilight’s bathroom, leaving Luna in a contemplative silence. She floated back a moment later with a chalice of water and offered it to Luna. “You need find something to overcome your fear. A feeling that’s even stronger.” “Your compassion aiding you in overcoming your fear of myself, for example,” Luna murmured, drinking deeply. “Err, yeah. Just like that,” Fluttershy stammered sheepishly. “As much as I would like to believe what you are saying, one would think that my desires alone would be strong enough,” Luna said, sniffling melancholily and hanging her head. “Well, maybe it is! Maybe you just need to try harder,” Fluttershy chirped. “Just focus on how nice it’ll be if she feels the same way, instead of now bad you’ll feel if she doesn’t.” “Perhaps,” Luna grumbled. “I have been putting no small amount of effort into it, though I suppose that no amount of effort is too large...” Fluttershy sat down next to Luna again and began to stroke Luna’s shoulder comfortingly. “Luna, I want you to promise me something. Promise me that you’ll tell her.” “I... I cannot make that promise, Fluttershy,” Luna replied anguishedly. “I would very much like to, but I can’t.” “I’m not saying you have to tell her right away, Luna, I just want you to promise me that you’ll tell her eventually. When you’re ready to,” Fluttershy cooed. “Please?” “I-I... Very well, Fluttershy,” Luna sighed. “I promise that I will confess my feelings to Twilight. But only once I have the courage to do it on my own.” “Thank you!” Fluttershy smiled. “Doesn’t that make you feel better?” “Oddly enough, it does,” Luna muttered, the shadow of a smirk crossing her lips. “As if a weight has been lifted.” “That’s good. Ummm, do you think you could smile, maybe? Pinkie Pie always says that smiling makes you feel better,” Fluttershy murmured, offering a smile of her own. “Yes, I can smile, Fluttershy,” Luna snickered, offering a small grin. “See? That’s better. Maybe you can— EEP!” Fluttershy let out a surprised squeal as Luna scooped her up into a hug. “Thank you, Fluttershy,” Luna whispered, squeezing the pegasus tightly. “O-oh, it was nothing,” Fluttershy giggled with a blush. ”I was happy to help.” “I was not nothing, Fluttershy,” Luna exclaimed. “You stared your fears in the face to comfort me. Not only that, but you have given me confidence.” “I-I have?” “Yes, you have,” Luna sighed contently. “I feel as if the prospect of speaking to Twilight about my feelings will be less daunting. I realize that I may feel differently when I am actually confronted with her, but for now, I am enjoying the feeling.” “Well, y-you’re welcome, Luna,” Fluttershy stuttered through a smile. Luna giggled and released Fluttershy from the hug. “You are a good pony, and a good friend, Fluttershy. I simply cannot express how grateful I am.” “I-I’m your friend? Even though I’ve always been afraid of you and made you feel bad?” “Yes. I consider you a dear friend,” Luna smiled. “I won’t lie to you by saying that your... timidness has never hurt me, but I never held it against you. And besides, after tonight, how could I hold anything against you?” “I guess you can’t,” Fluttershy giggled hesitantly. “So... Ummm, what do you want to do until Twilight gets back?” “Well, to be honest, I think I would like to get some much-needed rest,” Luna said, standing up and taking a step towards the door.. “If you don’t mind that is.” “That’s probably a good idea,” Fluttershy nodded, moving to follow Luna out, but bumping into Luna as the night princess stopped and turned in the doorway. "And dear Fluttershy?" "Yes, Luna?" Luna smiled gently at the timid pegasus. "I would like you to know I very much enjoyed your company, tonight." "Oh," Fluttershy whispered in response. "Thank you... I liked talking with you, too..." "Perhaps we may speak again, soon?" Fluttershy averted her eyes, a tiny smile gracing her muzzle behind her bangs. "I...I think I'd like that." The dark alicorn's smile widened the tiniest bit as she turned from the room and strolled towards her own; Fluttershy watched her trot away before turning towards her own room, the late hour doing nothing to chill the warmth the night princess' smile had left in her chest. Birthday WishesTakes place between Chapters 15 & 16 Prereader: F0xhole Sixty-two days since the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. “Oh, where the hay is everypony?” Luna groaned, irritatedly, lugging herself down the hallway of Canterlot Castle. “Just because we are refraining from holding the Summer Sun Celebration this year does not mean that everypony can just take the day off!” Trotting to the nearest door she stuck her head through, only to find an empty meeting room. “Vexing... Most vexing.” She sighed and continued on to the Throne Room, where one could always find at least half a dozen ponies conducting their business, even if it was just a few Royal Guards standing in their usual vigil. Always, except for today. The Throne Room was empty; completely deserted. ”JUST WHAT IS GOING ON?” Luna bellowed; the Royal Canterlot Voice shattered the silence as it echoed around the hall. Luna spun around quickly as the clattering of hooves alerted her to one of the castle’s maids entering the room. “Y-Your Highness? Are you alright? I heard you shouting!” “I should have done that much sooner,” Luna muttered to herself as she sauntered over to the bowing pony. “I am fine, just annoyed.” “A-about what, Your Highness?” the servant stammered, quivering visibly. “The castle seems particularly barren today. In fact, you are the first pony I have encountered in very nearly an hour, and I am very confused,” Luna grumbled. “The shouting you heard was a result of my frustrations getting the better of me; I apologize for frightening you.” “Ah, I see. It is no trouble, Your Highness. It happens to the best of us, as you have just shown,” the maid said tactfully, visibly relieved. “Would you like me to bring you some tea to help you calm down?” “Oh! Yes, that would be very nice. Thank you,” Luna replied, taken aback. “Why don’t you go to the private dining room and relax? I’ll bring it to you there.” “That sounds lovely. You would have my gratitude,” Luna nodded. The maid spun around and bolted off, leaving Luna alone again. The Princess sighed and began dragging herself towards the dining room. Today had been awful so far, but maybe some nice hot tea was just the pick-me-up she needed. Still moping when she reached the dining room, she tepidly reached up with a hoof and nudged the door open. “SURPRISE!” She yelped as she was buffeted by a wall of sound that knocked her to her haunches. She shook her head to clear out the cobwebs and took in the sight in front of her. “Twilight? Fluttershy? Rarity? You are here? You are all here?” She simply gaped into the room, realizing that not only were all six of her friends here, but so were Spike, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Twilight’s parents. Still paralyzed by disbelief, her eyes were drawn to the massive banner hung across the length of the room. “Happy Birthday, Luna? But-but it is not my birthday!” “We know that, silly filly!” Pinkie Pie squawked. “But everypony needs to have a birthday and you don’t have a birthday so now your birthday is today!” There was only silence as the rest of the room proceeded to just stare at the pink pony. “Um, Luna,” Rarity murmured. “Perhaps you would rather somepony aside from Pinkie explain?” “Please do.” “I figured as much,” the fashionista giggled. “Well, it began about a week ago. I was in my Boutique with Applejack, discussing the plans she was making for Applebloom’s birthday when Fluttershy dropped by to read us the letter you wrote her. To make a short story even shorter, the subject of your birthday came up, and we realized that none of us had any idea when it was.” “Exactly,” Applejack affirmed with an enthusiastic nod. “So Rarity called us all together and we sent a letter to Twilight asking when it was. She told us that y’all said ya didn’t even remember when it was yourself.” “That’s when Fluttershy came up with the idea,” Spike interjected, stepping forward. “Why not just throw you a birthday party on the day of the Summer Sun Celebration? The day you came back to Equestria?” “So they got Pinkie Pie on the job, and she told the rest of us that we were all going to throw you a surprise party as a way of showing you how much you mean to all of us. We set up the party and sent most of the castle staff home for the day so that we could just enjoy ourselves,” Cadance explained, finishing the story. The room sat in silence, waiting for Luna’s response, but none came. The lunar Princess simply sat in the doorway, blinking rapidly. A concerned expression crossing her features, Twilight took a couple steps forward. “Umm, do you like it, Luna?” “Like it...?” Luna simpered, wiping a tear from her eye. “This is- this is one of the nicest things anypony has ever done for me.” “So you do like it?” “Twilight... I love it!” Luna squealed, tears streaming down her face as she galloped forward to envelop as many ponies as she could into a massive hug. “Thank you! Thank you all, so much!” “Well, you’re going to love it even more when you see what we’ve got!” Pinkie Pie yammered, bounding around in circles around the group hug. “We brought presents! We brought games! And I made the. BEST! CAKE! EVER! And don’t worry, I know it’s my turn to prank you, but it’s mean to prank somepony on their birthday!” Laughing at Pinkie’s antics, Luna released everypony from the hug and followed her over to the candle-laden cake. “So, umm, are you going to make a wish, Luna?” Fluttershy asked softly. “I... I don’t think I am,” Luna snickered after a short pause. “I already feel as if I have everything I have ever wished for.” “That’s great! Now blow out the candles so we can eat!” Pinkie screamed impatiently. Laughing heartily, Luna leaned over the cake and blew. A Difficult TalkAuthor's Note When SysOps get bored during night shifts... This kinda crap is the result. Takes place between Chapters 16 & 17 Prereader: F0xhole A Difficult Talk Four months since the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Twilight stood in front of her parents’ front door, staring at the portal apprehensively. She hadn’t been dreading this conversation at all. In fact, the thought of it hadn’t even begun to bother her until she had left the castle to walk here. But now... Swallowing the lump in her throat, she knocked on the door. A few moments later, it opened, revealing her mother. “Twilight, honey! I didn’t know you were stopping by!” “Hi, mom,” Twilight smiled, giving her mother a hug. “Is dad here? There’s something I want to talk to you two about.” “Sure, come right in!” Twilight trotted into the living room and sat down on the nearest chair as her mother disappeared further into the house. She emerged a minute later with her husband and they sat down on the sofa across from Twilight. “So, what did you want to talk about?” “Well, I...” she choked on her words, trying to consider them carefully. After a minute of silence, she decided to just blurt it out. “Mom, Dad, I’m in a relationship. With Luna.” Her parents sat there staring at her, stunned. “You... You’re not mad, are you?” “Mad? No, of course not!” her mother stammered. She exchanged a worried glance with her husband. “We’re just... shocked.” “Yeah. We honestly didn’t think you were interested in mares,” her father muttered. “Well, that’s the thing: I’m not.” Her parents exchanged glances again before turning back to her. “Okay, you’re going to have to explain this to us, honey,” her mother said quietly. “Well, it’s... Umm. I guess that when it comes down to it, I love her,” Twilight murmured. “I don’t have romantic feelings for her, but I really do love her.” Her parents simply sat there passively, with curious expressions on their faces, so she continued. “We’ve grown so close over the past few months. She was there for me when Celestia died... And I was there for her. We just... When she asked to ‘court me’, I really couldn’t see any good reason to say no.” “You mean aside from the fact that you aren’t attracted to mares?” her father asked skeptically. “Well, yeah. But to be honest, that doesn’t really matter to me a lot,” she mumbled. “Even before we started... dating, we already cuddled frequently and spent a lot of time together. The only thing that’s really changed is that she’s gotten more affectionate than before. And it’s made her really happy.” “But are you happy, Twilight?” her mother asked, gravely serious. “You know what? I really am,” Twilight replied with a small smile. “Like I’ve said, we’ve gotten really close, and I love seeing her happy. It’s also really nice to have a special somepony, and I didn’t exactly have my eye on any stallions.” She sighed, staring up at the sealing. “Plus, she’s almost everything I’d want in a partner. She’s smart, kind, fun to be around... it just seemed kind of silly to say no just because she’s a mare when she’s perfect in every other way. It didn’t make sense to wait — maybe forever — for ‘perfect’ when something close to it was being offered to me right then and there.” Twilight’s parents both stared at her hard for an uncomfortably long time before her mother slid off the couch, walked over to her, and pulled her into a tight hug. “Twilight, if being with Luna makes you happy, then be with Luna. We’ll support you no matter what.” Twilight gasped incredulously, returning the hug. “R-really?” “Of course,” her father chuckled, joining the hug.
Training DayTakes place between Chapters 9 & 10 Prereader: F0xhole Eighteen days since the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Rainbow Dash galloped down a dirt path at full sprint. On any other day, she would have taken a moment to enjoy the cool wind in her mane, the smell of the crisp morning air, or the thousands of exotic plants that filled the Canterlot Castle Gardens around her; but today was not any other day. Right now she only had one thing on her mind: winning this race, and one more push was all she needed. She rounded the last turn and put everything she had into the last dozen meters, lowering her head and pressing her wings hard to her sides to pick up every ounce of speed she could manage. “YES!” she cried out boastfully as she galloped past the massive statue that marked the finish line. “Ha! Told you I’d win. In your face!” “Yeah, yeah, you beat this old stallion. Thirty years ago you wouldn’t have stood a chance!” an aging grey pegasus grunted as he slowed to a stop next to her. “Still, Stormrider, I beat the Wonderbolts’ ground trainer in a hoofrace! Not very many ponies can say that,” Rainbow gloated, turning toward him with a massive grin. “I’ll give you that one, kiddo,” he chuckled in reply. “You definitely deserve your spot in the Academy. You’re an amazing athlete.” “Heh, thanks. Look on the bright side though, you beat Twilight!” Rainbow giggled, pointing a hoof at the Princess, who was only now catching up. “Oh... yeah... let’s all laugh at the slow, out-of-shape bookworm!” Twilight gasped, desperately trying to catch her breath. “You know, I can normally keep up with Stormrider when you’re not here, Dash!” “Not really. I take it easy so I can stay close and make sure you’re alright. You know, doing my job?” Stormrider chuckled. “Great. Way to make me feel better about myself,” Twilight grumbled. “Oh, quit bellyaching,” Rainbow scolded. “That’s what you get for not bothering to exercise for your entire life!” “Exactly!” Stormrider proclaimed, stomping a hoof for emphasis. He turned to Rainbow Dash and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Alright, that’s all for today. You did well, kiddo. I’ll put a good word in for ya with Spitfire next time I see her. In the meantime, I’m leaving the Princess in your hooves.” "Yes, sir!" Rainbow snapped to a sharp salute as he trotted off. She turned around and sauntered over to Twilight, who was greedily gulping water from a bottle. “See? I told you that it was better to work out in the morning. Now, not only will you be all amped up and ready for the day, but you’ve got nothing but free time later when you get your work done!” the pegasus charged, striking a brazen pose. “I’ll also be sore and tired for the rest of the day,” Twilight groaned, stretching her limbs. “That’s just because you’re outta shape. Give it a few weeks and it won’t be so bad,” Rainbow sniggered, clapping Twilight on the back. She then trotted over to a wicker basket laying several feet away and pulled a large muffin from within. “Alright, Twi, we’ve got a ton of things to cover today, so breakfast is going to have to be quick! How long do you have before that meeting?” “Actually, I don’t have to go to that meeting anymore, so we have until lunch,” Twilight muttered, lethargically dragging herself over to the basket and digging a bagel out of it. “The nobles holding the meeting suddenly decided at the last minute that they’d rather hold it without me, so I’m free all morning. I still have to hold Court this afternoon though.” “Wait, they’re holding an important meeting without you? Why?” Rainbow asked through a mouthful of muffin. Twilight rolled her eyes and swallowed her food before speaking. “Well, they’re probably scheming something and don’t want me to hear what gets said, or by who. Nothing major.” “Nothing major? That sounds very major to me, Twilight!” Rainbow grunted. “You sure you shouldn’t be there?” “Nah. They’re always plotting against me, but they’re also always plotting against each other too. One way or another, I’ll find out what they’re trying to pull off, either from somepony who thinks that they can get in good with the Princess by tattling on the rest, or by somepony who thinks that they can set one of their rivals back by clueing me in on their schemes. Either way, I find out,” Twilight explained with a giggle. “All I have to do is wait and see who cracks first.” “Wow... Remind me never to rely on a noble for anything,” Rainbow snickered. “Hey! Cadance is a noble, remember?” “You know what I meant!” Rainbow groaned. “Yeah, I’m just pushing your buttons,” Twilight giggled. “So, what’s the plan for today? More maneuvering?” “Nope, today we’re going for height!” Rainbow asserted proudly. “H-height?” Twilight stammered. “Y-you mean like altitude?’ “What else would I mean?” Rainbow groaned sarcastically. “You’re not scared are you?” “No! ...Yes,” Twilight simpered. “A-are you sure? Couldn’t we just review the things we went over yesterday? I’m not sure I got—” “No, Twilight. You can practice all the other stuff when I’m back in Ponyville, but if we don’t get to everything before I go, then we’re sunk!” Rainbow interrupted. “We need to do this!” “I-I don’t know Rainbow...” “Come on, you can do it! Just fly up to the top of that wall,” Rainbow pressed encouragingly, pointing at one of the castle’s stone battlements. “You’ve gone higher than that in your balloon.” “Yeah, but that’s different! I’m still standing on something when I’m riding in it,” Twilight moaned. “No, it’s not different at all!” Rainbow asserted. She stepped up to Twilight and got face to face with her friend. “You can do it. I’ll be right below you the whole time; I promise.” Twilight remained silent, simply staring at Rainbow skeptically, and the pegasus sighed at her. “Twilight, you trust me, right?” “Of course I do, Dash!” “Then trust me to catch you if you fall,” Rainbow said softly. “I know you can do it, but I’ll be ready to swoop in and save the day, just in case.” “O-okay, Dash. I’ll try...” Twilight sighed, turning to stare up at the ledge. “Good. Now, we’ll start from a hover and take it nice and slow. Just remember to breathe,” Rainbow instructed, circling around to Twilight’s side. “Stretch your wings... bend your knees... and lift off!” Twilight followed Rainbow’s instructions to the letter and proceeded to hover a meter off the ground, where she was quickly joined by her tutor. “Okay. I’m ready, I think...” “Perfect. Now just start flying, and I’ll follow you up. And don’t worry, I promise not to just stare at your flank the whole time,” Rainbow said with a teasing smirk. “You better not,” Twilight retorted, attempting to sound playful. She gritted her teeth in determination and began to rise. Five meters up... Ten meters up... Fifteen meters up, she climbed. She pushed everything out of her mind, ignoring the wind in her mane and feathers, oblivious to the sun on her back. Focusing solely on her target, she made it twenty meters up before making the disastrous mistake of looking down. She choked. Her courage failed her and she felt her heart jump into her throat as her wings became stiff. Panic rose in her chest as her ascent slowed to a stop and she began losing altitude. “No... No!” She opened her mouth to shriek in terror, but her scream caught in her throat when a strong pair of hooves gripped her tightly around the waist. “I gotcha, Twi! Just stay calm and keep flying.” Resisting the urge to writhe in Rainbow’s grasp, Twilight flapped her wings for all she was worth, desperate to reach the top of the wall and put something solid beneath her. Grunting with each thrust, she began to rise again, lifting herself the last few meters upwards, before landing roughly on the battlement. “I... I...” “You did it, Twilight!” Rainbow cheered. “See? I told you you could do it!” “I-I really did, didn’t I?” Twilight stuttered, carefully looking over the edge. “That wasn’t too bad! A little shaky near the end, but not bad.” Rainbow clapped her on the back again, laughing happily, “Keep this up, and you’ll be the second best flyer in Equestria in no time flat!” “Why do I have to settle for second best? I bet I could top you with enough practice,” Twilight replied with a smirk. “Oh really? Okay, if you’re so sure, how about we race back down to the ground?” Rainbow challenged smugly. The smirk immediately fell from Twilight’s face as she took a hesitant glance at the ground. “O-on second thought, I think I have enough titles. Why don’t you go ahead and keep that one?” “Yeah, that’s what I thought, smartflank,” Rainbow chuckled. She looked upward at the next bat “Alright, that’s enough slacking. I want to see if we can get you up to the roof before lunch!”
A Heart a-FlutterTakes place immediately after the events of Chapter 13 Been wanting to do this one for a while. Also, the last 8 lines were almost completely written by f0x. I had no idea how to end it. Twenty-nine days since the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Fluttershy looked up from the corner she sat in. The last traces of sunlight had long left the skies outside Twilight's chamber while they had waited for her to return. She trembled as she saw Princess Luna from the corner of her eye, still pacing anxiously against the backdrop of her own midnight sky. “Umm... Princess Luna?” she whispered, breaking the silence. “What?!” the Princess snapped impatiently. “Eep!” Fluttershy gasped, recoiling from the other pony and hiding beneath her hooves. “Oh, I apologize for that, Fluttershy,” Luna murmured, her face and tone softening as she regretted her reaction. “Please excuse me. What is it that you wished to ask?” “It’s, ummm, you’re just pacing,” Fluttershy pointed out quietly. “Are you okay?” “I am fine. Thank you for asking,” Luna replied shortly. “Oh... Okay, I guess.” Luna crossed the room another time and turned around to make her way back, but stopped at the worried expression on Fluttershy’s face. “Oh, very well, I am not fine,” Luna sighed, “but I am sure you’ve figured that out already.” “D-do you want to talk about it?” Luna frowned at Fluttershy, silently considering the canary pegasus. “I mean you no offense, Fluttershy, and I cannot stress that enough, but you were barely able to remain in the same room with me before when Twilight was here. Why is it that you would be willing to speak to me now that we are alone?” She sat down, waiting for Fluttershy to respond, but loud snore from the other side of the room interrupted the silence. “Or more alone than we were,” she grumbled, glaring at the cyan pegasus sleeping in the corner. “I... I just don’t like seeing anypony feel bad,” Fluttershy muttered. “I see...” Luna sighed, standing up and stretching. She took a few steps towards Fluttershy and sat down a short distance away from the mare, ignoring the fact that Fluttershy visibly shook at her approach. “I am just nervous about Twilight.” “...Nervous? B-but why?” “She has been gone for nearly three hours now. I cannot help but fear that something may have gone wrong,” Luna breathed. “What if something went wrong?” “What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked, terrified. “Could Twilight be in trouble?” “No! Not physically, at least,” Luna stammered quickly. “Just she just went to make up with Spike. What if he doesn’t accept her apology? Or what if they end up fighting more? I am just afraid that Twilight may be all alone and in desperate need of comfort.” “B-but our friends are there, too!” Fluttershy squeaked. “Pinkie Pie, and Applejack, and Rarity! They wouldn’t let that happen.” “I know, I know!” Luna groaned, hanging her head pathetically. “I am fully aware that she probably has the best support she could ask for right now, but I can’t help but worry.” She sighed and lifted her head to look Fluttershy in the eyes. “I just can’t stand the thought of her feeling hurt. Lately it has felt as if worry about her is all I am able to do.” “Well, you care about her. It’s only natural that you’d worry about her,” Fluttershy murmured. “I suppose. Its just difficult — worrying all the time, that is. It is exhausting, but I cannot find the will to stop.” Fluttershy opened her mouth to reply, but only gasped as she noticed a tear slowly sliding down Luna’s cheek. She frowned at the alicorn, as if seeing the her in a whole new light. With a strength and purpose rarely seen from the timid pony, she spoke slowly and deliberately, “Luna, do you — do you love her?” Luna let out a choked and incomprehensible reply, attempting to sniff back more tears. “I’m sorry, what was that?” Fluttershy asked, silently scooting closer. Luna released a single sob and nodded. “Oh! Oh, wow. Does she know?” “No,” Luna whined. “She’s the smartest pony I’ve ever known, but when it comes to picking up on the emotions of others, she is sorely lacking. Thus, as I have not yet told her, she does not know.” “Well why not? Umm, if you don’t mind me asking?” “I am afraid,” Luna whispered. “I am just too frightened to tell her. I would very much like to, but every time I try, I find myself unable.” She signed and turned to look at the window Twilight had left through earlier that night. “The words get to the tip of my tongue, then I think something like ‘what if I scare her’ or ‘what if she no longer wishes to be friends with me afterwards’, and I stop myself. I am just too much of a coward. I am just afraid that she’ll see me differently afterwards; and not for the better.” She hung her head again and allowed the tears to flow freely, but flinched when she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. “Luna, you know that wouldn’t happen,” Fluttershy cooed. “Twilight would never do something like that!” “I know, but my fears cripple me,” Luna sobbed. “No matter how often I tell myself to think rationally, I just can’t!” “Oh... I know what that feels like,” Fluttershy said hushedly, gently brushing the tears from Luna’s cheek. “You feel like you’re drowning, and no matter how hard you try to feel better, you only make yourself feel worse.” “Exactly!” Luna groaned, turning to the pegasus. “But what do I do about it?” “You have to swim, I guess,” Fluttershy smiled comfortingly, drying the tears from Luna’s other cheek. When she was confident that Luna had stopped crying for the moment, she stood up and trotted into Twilight’s bathroom, leaving Luna in a contemplative silence. She floated back a moment later with a chalice of water and offered it to Luna. “You need find something to overcome your fear. A feeling that’s even stronger.” “Your compassion aiding you in overcoming your fear of myself, for example,” Luna murmured, drinking deeply. “Err, yeah. Just like that,” Fluttershy stammered sheepishly. “As much as I would like to believe what you are saying, one would think that my desires alone would be strong enough,” Luna said, sniffling melancholily and hanging her head. “Well, maybe it is! Maybe you just need to try harder,” Fluttershy chirped. “Just focus on how nice it’ll be if she feels the same way, instead of now bad you’ll feel if she doesn’t.” “Perhaps,” Luna grumbled. “I have been putting no small amount of effort into it, though I suppose that no amount of effort is too large...” Fluttershy sat down next to Luna again and began to stroke Luna’s shoulder comfortingly. “Luna, I want you to promise me something. Promise me that you’ll tell her.” “I... I cannot make that promise, Fluttershy,” Luna replied anguishedly. “I would very much like to, but I can’t.” “I’m not saying you have to tell her right away, Luna, I just want you to promise me that you’ll tell her eventually. When you’re ready to,” Fluttershy cooed. “Please?” “I-I... Very well, Fluttershy,” Luna sighed. “I promise that I will confess my feelings to Twilight. But only once I have the courage to do it on my own.” “Thank you!” Fluttershy smiled. “Doesn’t that make you feel better?” “Oddly enough, it does,” Luna muttered, the shadow of a smirk crossing her lips. “As if a weight has been lifted.” “That’s good. Ummm, do you think you could smile, maybe? Pinkie Pie always says that smiling makes you feel better,” Fluttershy murmured, offering a smile of her own. “Yes, I can smile, Fluttershy,” Luna snickered, offering a small grin. “See? That’s better. Maybe you can— EEP!” Fluttershy let out a surprised squeal as Luna scooped her up into a hug. “Thank you, Fluttershy,” Luna whispered, squeezing the pegasus tightly. “O-oh, it was nothing,” Fluttershy giggled with a blush. ”I was happy to help.” “I was not nothing, Fluttershy,” Luna exclaimed. “You stared your fears in the face to comfort me. Not only that, but you have given me confidence.” “I-I have?” “Yes, you have,” Luna sighed contently. “I feel as if the prospect of speaking to Twilight about my feelings will be less daunting. I realize that I may feel differently when I am actually confronted with her, but for now, I am enjoying the feeling.” “Well, y-you’re welcome, Luna,” Fluttershy stuttered through a smile. Luna giggled and released Fluttershy from the hug. “You are a good pony, and a good friend, Fluttershy. I simply cannot express how grateful I am.” “I-I’m your friend? Even though I’ve always been afraid of you and made you feel bad?” “Yes. I consider you a dear friend,” Luna smiled. “I won’t lie to you by saying that your... timidness has never hurt me, but I never held it against you. And besides, after tonight, how could I hold anything against you?” “I guess you can’t,” Fluttershy giggled hesitantly. “So... Ummm, what do you want to do until Twilight gets back?” “Well, to be honest, I think I would like to get some much-needed rest,” Luna said, standing up and taking a step towards the door.. “If you don’t mind that is.” “That’s probably a good idea,” Fluttershy nodded, moving to follow Luna out, but bumping into Luna as the night princess stopped and turned in the doorway. "And dear Fluttershy?" "Yes, Luna?" Luna smiled gently at the timid pegasus. "I would like you to know I very much enjoyed your company, tonight." "Oh," Fluttershy whispered in response. "Thank you... I liked talking with you, too..." "Perhaps we may speak again, soon?" Fluttershy averted her eyes, a tiny smile gracing her muzzle behind her bangs. "I...I think I'd like that." The dark alicorn's smile widened the tiniest bit as she turned from the room and strolled towards her own; Fluttershy watched her trot away before turning towards her own room, the late hour doing nothing to chill the warmth the night princess' smile had left in her chest.
Birthday WishesTakes place between Chapters 15 & 16 Prereader: F0xhole Sixty-two days since the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. “Oh, where the hay is everypony?” Luna groaned, irritatedly, lugging herself down the hallway of Canterlot Castle. “Just because we are refraining from holding the Summer Sun Celebration this year does not mean that everypony can just take the day off!” Trotting to the nearest door she stuck her head through, only to find an empty meeting room. “Vexing... Most vexing.” She sighed and continued on to the Throne Room, where one could always find at least half a dozen ponies conducting their business, even if it was just a few Royal Guards standing in their usual vigil. Always, except for today. The Throne Room was empty; completely deserted. ”JUST WHAT IS GOING ON?” Luna bellowed; the Royal Canterlot Voice shattered the silence as it echoed around the hall. Luna spun around quickly as the clattering of hooves alerted her to one of the castle’s maids entering the room. “Y-Your Highness? Are you alright? I heard you shouting!” “I should have done that much sooner,” Luna muttered to herself as she sauntered over to the bowing pony. “I am fine, just annoyed.” “A-about what, Your Highness?” the servant stammered, quivering visibly. “The castle seems particularly barren today. In fact, you are the first pony I have encountered in very nearly an hour, and I am very confused,” Luna grumbled. “The shouting you heard was a result of my frustrations getting the better of me; I apologize for frightening you.” “Ah, I see. It is no trouble, Your Highness. It happens to the best of us, as you have just shown,” the maid said tactfully, visibly relieved. “Would you like me to bring you some tea to help you calm down?” “Oh! Yes, that would be very nice. Thank you,” Luna replied, taken aback. “Why don’t you go to the private dining room and relax? I’ll bring it to you there.” “That sounds lovely. You would have my gratitude,” Luna nodded. The maid spun around and bolted off, leaving Luna alone again. The Princess sighed and began dragging herself towards the dining room. Today had been awful so far, but maybe some nice hot tea was just the pick-me-up she needed. Still moping when she reached the dining room, she tepidly reached up with a hoof and nudged the door open. “SURPRISE!” She yelped as she was buffeted by a wall of sound that knocked her to her haunches. She shook her head to clear out the cobwebs and took in the sight in front of her. “Twilight? Fluttershy? Rarity? You are here? You are all here?” She simply gaped into the room, realizing that not only were all six of her friends here, but so were Spike, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Twilight’s parents. Still paralyzed by disbelief, her eyes were drawn to the massive banner hung across the length of the room. “Happy Birthday, Luna? But-but it is not my birthday!” “We know that, silly filly!” Pinkie Pie squawked. “But everypony needs to have a birthday and you don’t have a birthday so now your birthday is today!” There was only silence as the rest of the room proceeded to just stare at the pink pony. “Um, Luna,” Rarity murmured. “Perhaps you would rather somepony aside from Pinkie explain?” “Please do.” “I figured as much,” the fashionista giggled. “Well, it began about a week ago. I was in my Boutique with Applejack, discussing the plans she was making for Applebloom’s birthday when Fluttershy dropped by to read us the letter you wrote her. To make a short story even shorter, the subject of your birthday came up, and we realized that none of us had any idea when it was.” “Exactly,” Applejack affirmed with an enthusiastic nod. “So Rarity called us all together and we sent a letter to Twilight asking when it was. She told us that y’all said ya didn’t even remember when it was yourself.” “That’s when Fluttershy came up with the idea,” Spike interjected, stepping forward. “Why not just throw you a birthday party on the day of the Summer Sun Celebration? The day you came back to Equestria?” “So they got Pinkie Pie on the job, and she told the rest of us that we were all going to throw you a surprise party as a way of showing you how much you mean to all of us. We set up the party and sent most of the castle staff home for the day so that we could just enjoy ourselves,” Cadance explained, finishing the story. The room sat in silence, waiting for Luna’s response, but none came. The lunar Princess simply sat in the doorway, blinking rapidly. A concerned expression crossing her features, Twilight took a couple steps forward. “Umm, do you like it, Luna?” “Like it...?” Luna simpered, wiping a tear from her eye. “This is- this is one of the nicest things anypony has ever done for me.” “So you do like it?” “Twilight... I love it!” Luna squealed, tears streaming down her face as she galloped forward to envelop as many ponies as she could into a massive hug. “Thank you! Thank you all, so much!” “Well, you’re going to love it even more when you see what we’ve got!” Pinkie Pie yammered, bounding around in circles around the group hug. “We brought presents! We brought games! And I made the. BEST! CAKE! EVER! And don’t worry, I know it’s my turn to prank you, but it’s mean to prank somepony on their birthday!” Laughing at Pinkie’s antics, Luna released everypony from the hug and followed her over to the candle-laden cake. “So, umm, are you going to make a wish, Luna?” Fluttershy asked softly. “I... I don’t think I am,” Luna snickered after a short pause. “I already feel as if I have everything I have ever wished for.” “That’s great! Now blow out the candles so we can eat!” Pinkie screamed impatiently. Laughing heartily, Luna leaned over the cake and blew.
A Difficult TalkAuthor's Note When SysOps get bored during night shifts... This kinda crap is the result. Takes place between Chapters 16 & 17 Prereader: F0xhole A Difficult Talk Four months since the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Twilight stood in front of her parents’ front door, staring at the portal apprehensively. She hadn’t been dreading this conversation at all. In fact, the thought of it hadn’t even begun to bother her until she had left the castle to walk here. But now... Swallowing the lump in her throat, she knocked on the door. A few moments later, it opened, revealing her mother. “Twilight, honey! I didn’t know you were stopping by!” “Hi, mom,” Twilight smiled, giving her mother a hug. “Is dad here? There’s something I want to talk to you two about.” “Sure, come right in!” Twilight trotted into the living room and sat down on the nearest chair as her mother disappeared further into the house. She emerged a minute later with her husband and they sat down on the sofa across from Twilight. “So, what did you want to talk about?” “Well, I...” she choked on her words, trying to consider them carefully. After a minute of silence, she decided to just blurt it out. “Mom, Dad, I’m in a relationship. With Luna.” Her parents sat there staring at her, stunned. “You... You’re not mad, are you?” “Mad? No, of course not!” her mother stammered. She exchanged a worried glance with her husband. “We’re just... shocked.” “Yeah. We honestly didn’t think you were interested in mares,” her father muttered. “Well, that’s the thing: I’m not.” Her parents exchanged glances again before turning back to her. “Okay, you’re going to have to explain this to us, honey,” her mother said quietly. “Well, it’s... Umm. I guess that when it comes down to it, I love her,” Twilight murmured. “I don’t have romantic feelings for her, but I really do love her.” Her parents simply sat there passively, with curious expressions on their faces, so she continued. “We’ve grown so close over the past few months. She was there for me when Celestia died... And I was there for her. We just... When she asked to ‘court me’, I really couldn’t see any good reason to say no.” “You mean aside from the fact that you aren’t attracted to mares?” her father asked skeptically. “Well, yeah. But to be honest, that doesn’t really matter to me a lot,” she mumbled. “Even before we started... dating, we already cuddled frequently and spent a lot of time together. The only thing that’s really changed is that she’s gotten more affectionate than before. And it’s made her really happy.” “But are you happy, Twilight?” her mother asked, gravely serious. “You know what? I really am,” Twilight replied with a small smile. “Like I’ve said, we’ve gotten really close, and I love seeing her happy. It’s also really nice to have a special somepony, and I didn’t exactly have my eye on any stallions.” She sighed, staring up at the sealing. “Plus, she’s almost everything I’d want in a partner. She’s smart, kind, fun to be around... it just seemed kind of silly to say no just because she’s a mare when she’s perfect in every other way. It didn’t make sense to wait — maybe forever — for ‘perfect’ when something close to it was being offered to me right then and there.” Twilight’s parents both stared at her hard for an uncomfortably long time before her mother slid off the couch, walked over to her, and pulled her into a tight hug. “Twilight, if being with Luna makes you happy, then be with Luna. We’ll support you no matter what.” Twilight gasped incredulously, returning the hug. “R-really?” “Of course,” her father chuckled, joining the hug.
