Flight of a Petby PonyessChaptersThe Acquisition: 1Stretching My Wings: 2Night out of Self: 3A Surprise Meeting: 4The Acquisition: 1Author's Note Rainbow Dash's POV The Acquisition: 1 She had mentioned she wanted to be; or become a tree for as long as I could remember, or at least while we both lived in Ponyville. Then I had asked her on occasion; if there was anything else, she could consider being. She had apparently entertained a notion of the Deer; since she saw one in the forest, next to where she lives. Maybe I could have pushed her just a little bit further on this; but since she's shy, I guess it just didn't come to the foreground. Then the subject of pets had come up and she mentioned, she could help me finding one; she had shown me about everything there is available around here. It had included among other things a Bat, and I had pointed out that I found it cool. Maybe I never asked, but she never said or did anything to make me drop the idea; then I got wind of Pinkie Pie dealing in Pet collars on the side. I guess it is a means of keeping Ponies happy? Since Fluttershy is and has always been my friend, I had mentioned this to her. How could I have kept quiet, about a detail like this? I had noticed that she had been excited as I told her. I had detailed out a few suggestions, as to my ideas and she had nodded vigorously at the Deer and the Bat. With that; I had gotten around to inquire if Pinkie Pie by any chance could help me, so that we could allow Fluttershy to try it out? Pinkie Pie had promised that the collar could be removed by me, and that all changes would revert within minutes; that is what sold the idea to me. I had hinted this to Fluttershy, just waiting for the collar to be delivered. I had managed to buy the collar, which was the first step in acquiring a pet. It is the sign of who is owning the pet, after all. Besides, I wanted to make it all by the book. I just need to find myself the perfect pet; since it would be just so cool. If she agreed, it would be awesome. “Hi Flutters. How're you doing?” I asked. “Hi, Dashie. I'm doing fine, and you?” Flutter whispered in her usual manner of shyness. “Quite well, as it turned out. This is in a sense why I would like to ask you a somewhat different question!” I responded. “A different question, what is it?” she whispered. “You see, Pinkie Pie managed to acquire a special pet collar for me to have a pet. Now I wonder if you'd like to be my pet?” I asked, feeling a bit embarrassed over the subject. “A pet? Since you're asking me so kindly, I guess I could give it a try. If I am as awesome a pet as I know you're looking for, I would do it for you!” she replied. I slip the shiny black collar out from inside my saddle bag, allowing Shy to see it. “I hope it feels good for you since you're going to wear it most of the day, if you agree to my proposition!” I told her. She hesitantly accepted the thick rubber collar, holding it in her hands; looking curiously at it as she felt it under her delicate miniature finger hooves for a long while, just standing here as she examined what she was holding in her hands. “Will you help me putting it on, and will you take it off in the night?” she inquired, in a more nervous tone of voice than was her common shy. “Of course, Flutters. I'll help you put it on, just as I'll help you taking it of in the night!” I assured her. “Then help me put it on, so I can experience it, in order for me to be your pet!” she whispered in a shivering voice; filled with anxiety and excitement, all at the same time. I accepted the collar back, then holding it in both my hands as I lift it over her head, slowly slipping it down over her neck. As it is just an inch over her shoulders I placed the miniature hoof of my right hand on the small and almost unnoticed mark, causing it to contract around her neck, making it impossible to lift off without the print of my thumb. The first actual change to her is the mane and tail slowly turning a bright, vibrant and iridescent cerise; as opposed to the weak pink they had been before. Her wings soon followed suit in changing hue, before they turned into bat wings. “Awesome!” I pronounced; as I saw the changes coming over her, hoping I wasn't startling her. I knew I had to slip the collar off of her each and every night. Not so much because I had promised her, but because she would be missed. Even if the promise is more important to me; but if Ponies were starting to look for her, she would be missed by many and her critters do require her assistance on a daily basis. “Strange, all of a sudden I felt inclined to go down on ll fours, like the critters I'm caring for!” Fluttershy squeaked in a strange, but excited voice; not quite hers. “A pet is on all fours and you are becoming a pet!” I told her. “Uh, yes. I'm your pet now. I guess it does make sense, as you pointed it out!” she squeaked. Her hind legs were growing thinner, into what could only be taken for the delicate legs of a Deer and the hooves changed to match; while her arms soon had changed the same way. In about a hoof full minutes, she was standing perfectly steady as a Deer, but with her new cerise bat wings folded on her back. Her tail had also changed into that of the Deer she had become. Now I slipped the wristwatch onto my right arm, before I pushed a small button on the right side. As I did so, I could clearly see her hooves start to glister, as if I had been polishing them. I reach out my hand; petting her on the head, where she stood beside me. This was going to be the most awesome pet ever. “We could as well start, by stretching our wings?” I said. “Yes. I'd need that!” she squeaked happily, nodding her head excitedly in anticipation. Stretching My Wings: 2Author's Note Flutter Shy's POV Stretching My Wings: 2 I had just found a new sense of freedom as a pet. I knew Dash would defend me before; only now this had been reinforced into certainty, beyond my recognition. Furthermore, all the old doubts had been cast before the four winds. Done for and out of my mind. I love how it feels. I never really had felt the collar in the first place. There is merely the dim presence of the tight rubber of a collar around my neck, but it doesn't bother me at all. It is what linked me to her, what made me feel so good too. “Time for your first flight!” Dash pronounced, with happy glee to her voice. In a sense she is right, I never have taken flight; it isn't me, that was the Pony known as Fluttershy. “Yes!” I nodded; as I unfold my wings, stretching them a few times before I stretched them out fully in order to make the leap. As I leapt up with fully open wings, then beating down the clear air as I was on the top of my leap, feeling the air falling away under me. Then I look down, casting a glance at my owner who stood where she had been as I took off. I could see her smiling, I like the smile on her face. A Moment later, she leaps up into the air and bang the air down; following me away from the ground. Being Dash, she knew full well she could keep up with me; since I never was the strong flyer she is. Although I'm a pet bat now, in a Deer form. I have no idea how it will affect my flying, even if I imagine it does affect me in general. After a minute, I had gotten well above the treetops; then started to pick up speed, I feel eager to have a good flight. It isn't just how good the air feels under my wings; but also the freedom she had just handed over to me, as if it had been a mere birthday gift? I feel a thrill, flying over Ponyville in my new form. In a way I am excited over having them see my flight as I passed over their heads. If it is directly linked to the new form as a pet, or if it is the slight confusion from not being recognized instantly. It isn't as if they were looking for a Deer with bat wings, knowing it was Fluttershy. Even if they had known I'm Dash's pet. Once I had passed the village, I pick up more speed and climb further up in order to explore my new self; I want to see just how much I could do. I noticed Dash flying up on my right, slowly sliding further and further to the side. I choose to let her, as if it had been my choice and decision to let her fly away from me. At the height I'm on, it soon got clear to me that she had desired to see where my limits were; so she was on the path towards what almost certainly had to take her to the Rainboom, but I had never had a chance to get close to it. Everyone knew Dash is the only one who had made it. I have no chance to even approach it. Feeling the freedom of air whistling past in ever greater speed as I keep flying faster and higher. Is it only my fear and anxiety that had held me back, or are my wings faster and stronger than they had been as late as the day before? I know I could be a fast flyer when I needed to be; just like at the time when I had helped Dash to manage the Hurricane in order to send water to Cloudsdale, when it was her duty to send water for coming rain. Just like I could bring forth the courage to stare down the meanest of Dragons, if my friends or critters had been. I noticed she was starting to slip away from me, knowing I just couldn't quite keep up with her, but it wasn't bothering me just yet. Knowing she wouldn't just leave me behind, I felt no reason to fear. Looking down, I noticed it was farther than I had dared to hope. The air had started to both look and feel thin at this point, and is a considerably deeper blue than I had ever seen it. I had no idea we had gotten quite this far away from where we had set off, but I suddenly had a nagging sensation; indicating she had flown further away from me than my comfort could allow. Only there is no way for me to do anything about it since I'm flying as fast as I could. Then I felt something change, just before I saw the Rainboom; mere miles ahead of me, just before I felt the wave of air hitting me from the actual effect of her performing the Rainboom. Had I been my old self; it should have knocked me down, or I fear it would have; now I managed to ride it out, even if it was barely manageable. About a minute after the boom she turned back towards me and we flew back home. Just how long we had been away I only noticed, as we set hoof on the ground, just outside of the village. This is also when I realised what had been the strange feeling I had had as Dash was too far away from me. I had apparently been stretching the distance she had set for me. We trotted back to my cottage, the critters needed to be fed. We stopped, only once we are in eye-shot of my home. “It's time for you to care for the critters and you need to do it as your old self, as cool as you are as my pet. You're a cool pet, but not just because you're my pet, but for whom you are!” Dash spoke; as she placed her hands on my collar, placed her thumb on the mark and slipped it off of my neck. The changes slowly reversed; one by one in the order it had come over me, only in reverse. Night out of Self: 3Author's Note Flutter Shy's POV Night out of Self: 3 Dash had just walked out of sight, as I started to walk back to my home. First now I realised, just how hungry I am. Never had I flown anywhere as far, or fast before. If they had known it was me, how would they have reacted? Some may look down at me, just for accepting her offer to be her pet. Some would look up to me, for how fast I had been flying today, and for how far I had been flying. Some would look up to me, for daring to listen to my heart and do what I secretly wanted all along, even before I knew I had desired it. Others would find it admirable to be associated with a mare like Dash. Hell, who wouldn't feel like that. I guess I was finding it exciting, just to be a step closer to her. Even if I knew I'm as close to her as I needed to be, just by being her friend and follow her on all the adventures, like when we had saved Princes Luna from the trap in her form as Nightmare Moon. Princess Luna sure had been more than enough happy and appreciative at the time. Her sister, Princes Celestia still knew who I am, for what I had taken part in. I opened the door and entered my home, only to see everyone there, waiting for me. I opened my food store, before I picked out the respective feeds for a few critters at the time, pouring up what they required. Once I had finished feeding everyone, I slipped the rest of the feeds back where I had found it, before I closed up and went into the kitchen and found myself something to eat. Too tired to actually look closer. Slowly chewing my food, only to realise, I was too tired to do anything more with this day. I just carried the plate to the sink, before I left the kitchen and slipped into my bed. I soon found myself fast asleep. I know I was dreaming several times, but I never recall any of the dreams. As I woke up I felt sore all over. My wings in particular. I had been flying more than I used to, much more so. I guess I am the one to blame, I had chosen to accept, maybe I shouldn't. Though I know I had enjoyed it. Fragments of my dream haunting me, even though I can't recall anything out of it. Just the same, I'm hungry to the point of feeling starved. There is but the one thing to do about it, and it was called a breakfast. I picked up what I had left to eat, placing it on the table, before I hastily made a haste out of what I had found. Once I had stuffed myself, I picked out the feeds for the critters, filling up a bowl at the time, until I had completed the task. I realised I had been less than inspired to do it, just as I knew I was to regret it, if I had not fed them all properly, then I sat down, watching them as they ate. I put my saddle bags on before I walked to the door and opened it. I closed the door behind me and flew all the way to Sugar-Cube Corner where I knew Pinkie Pie was hard at work. I had to bring more food to my home and the one first stop was her. Landing just before the door, skidding to a sudden halt before several surprised Ponies, guffawing as they stumbled to a stop in order not to run right into me. I just left them agape behind me. I did not care if they were staring, not today. I guess it is highly uncharacteristic of me. Ofhorse they were staring, I knew it. Just to see me flying fast alone was an occasion worth a good stare. I could live with it. To see me skidding to a sudden halt outside the Sugar-Cube Corner, I guess it is priceless. That only amused me today. Maybe something truly had changed within me. Which was amusing me even further. “Hiya, Pinkie Pie!” I then said, instead of my commonly inaudible whisper. “Hi Flutters. What're you looking for this early in the day; Muffins, Cup-Cakes?” Pinkie pie squealed in her excitedly hyper manner. “Yes please. I'm all out of both. I can't just keep working on an empty stomach. Oh, and three muffins right of the batch too, would be great, I'm starving!” I pointed out. “Okie Dokie. Coming right up!” she announced, with a hint of surprise on her features. Pinkie soon managed to slip a large batch of Muffins in a paper bag, and another batch of Cup-Cakes in the next, before she slipped the pastries for my breakfast on a plate she slipped onto the cart with a large glass of juice. I slipped a pile of bits on the counter, watching her slide them into the register machine, before I walked out to the table by the window, waiting for her to serve me my much needed breakfast, feeling I was to enjoy having my meal out. The Sugar-Cube Corner is the place I usually did frequent, if and when I was hungry, and wanted to eat out. I thought I had sensed something, but I couldn't quite put my finger or hoof to what it was, mainly because I couldn't recognise, or make sense out of what it was I had sensed. What I had sensed, was connected to Pinkie Pie, but if she had handed over the collar to Dash, there may be a reason, but it felt as if it had been deeper than just that. Maybe if Pinkie was handling all the collar trade of our small village? I couldn't ask her, it felt too embarrassing to me. Yet something about her and the collar, or is there another someone behind her counter. Someone whom I had never seen or met before? Naturally my thoughts were interrupted by Pinkie Pie serving my breakfast, but I guess I didn't mind since I still am very hungry. Maybe she did surprise me in coming in at the exact moment, but she also gave me a new whiff of what I had previously felt. There is a connection and it isn't just her handling the collar trade. A Surprise Meeting: 4Author's Note Flutter Shy's POV A Surprise Meeting: 4 I had met up with Dash in a park, just outside of the village and on the other side from the forest. It's a good place to meet friends, but apparently it was a place where ponies were enjoying the day, walking their pets as well. I had never known until today since it had been out of my space, as it were. Dash had kindly slipped the collar around my neck, just as she had the day before. I had felt the same changes coming over me, just the way it had happened the day before. I'm following a path that takes me into a lightly forested area, giving me comforting shades from time to time. As Pet, I had started to find a special comfort and joy from this part, feeling the trees standing tall on all sides, even as spares as they were here. Maintaining a slight trot mere steps before Dash on my tiny Deer hooves made little to no noises out of my presence, which is good for me in my current situation. I'm as shy and easily startled as it was in my regular form. Now, as the Deer it is enhanced manifold. Then I hear steps further down the chosen path, knowing it is Pinkie Pie, walking a small pet. I'm trotting silently through the forest along the path Dash had chosen for the two of us. I feel more comfortable alone with her here in the quiet forest, than I used to be before. Maybe there is something more to the changes, or is it that I found a balance within myself in this setting, with just her here in the forest. Far from all ponies save for Dashie, I feel a joy in life. Then something brought up more joy as I started to sing in a new voice stemming from the Deer within me. It sounded nothing like my old self. I'm not the quiet whispering doormat, or the mean self yelling at every Pony to step out of the way. Now I'm just happily singing a tune from right out of the forest. Just as I quiet for a moment, as if in transition between two tunes, I happened to look up momentarily, only to look into a pair of eyes. Maybe I had heard Pinkie Pie's hoof steps too, though there is someone else here with us. To my surprise, I recognised him. I just looked at him and he looked back. Now a shy Deer, much like me, just that he still is the Earth type, while I still am the Pegasus type, even as Deer. Interesting, even as Deers, we are still who we had always been, just as Deers instead of ponies. All of a sudden, I realised it was Cheese Sandwich. He looked up curiously at me, as if he failed to recognise me for the shortest of instants. Then came the spark of recognition. I just looked at him and he looked back. Now a shy Deer, much like me, just that he still is the Earth type, while I still am the Pegasus type, even as Deer. Interesting, even as Deers, we are still who we had always been, just as Deers instead of Ponies. The endearing shy smile and a slight hint to a blush on his cheeks only made it harder, more enjoyable at the same time as well. “Nice to see you here, Dashie!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in her more jubilant voice, as she stopped by her side. “Hiya, Pinkie. Nice to see you too. Seems our Pets are going well together!” Rainbow Dash put forth in a greeting. “Yeah, you're right. I'm glad they go together. Would have sucked, if they couldn't be friends now!” she merely pointed out with a slight leer in her playful voice. “I'm with you all the way. Much cooler this way!” Dash exclaimed in a merry voice of hers. For a moment, I just looked quietly at her, realising that Cheese did too. A curious moment had been built up, lingering for the short duration. Nothing was said, nothing really needed to be said. Just the one glance, and a facial expression that defied words. A moment passing, then next of uncertainly. We exchanged sniffs and snorts, before standing quietly, looking up to us for recognition. She just petted me on the back of my head, quietly scratching me behind my right ear, looking fondly at me for a moment. Something told us, Pinkie Pie did the same to her pet; Cheese Sandwich. It isn't as if there was a blame, it is merely feeling like the right way. Affectionately petting her Deer, awarding me for acting properly, the way one was expecting a good pet Deer would act. By the looks, Dash was pleased to see Pinkie on her way along the track. Our little unofficial meet and greet had gone off fairly well, at least I thought I read it on her features. I am a pet right now, after all. Maybe I could ask her as we got home, when she slipped my collar off of me? From the looks, it seems to me as if Pinkie had entertained Cheese as her pet for quite the while, even if Cheese had been free to roam and do what was his place to perform, just as I am freed to perform my duties, when need be. Maybe this is why I had not seen him, as often as one may have expected. After a few more minutes, Cheese became restless, so Pinkie followed him along the train in the direction they had initially been heading. Once Pinkie Pie and Cheese was out of the way, Dash continued along our path. There was no point in sticking around, as pleasant as the meeting had been, unexpected or not. I am not sure, neither Pinkie Pie, nor Rainbow Dash gave a hint as to if it had been contrived or not. Maybe it had just been a random meeting, after all. Even if they had both known the other were taking this path, but never asked when the outing was to take place, it is still a random occurrence in my eyes. I know Dash is enjoying this little excursion just as much as I do, she knew I enjoy it, just as much as she does. I feel right at home in the forest, more so now as a Deer than I had before, even if I had felt it from the day I exiled myself from Cloudsdale and became a resident of Ponyville. Ponyville had always made me feel right at home, where I live now, just at the outskirts of the forest, where I could care for the local critters as I saw fit, which was where I belong.
The Acquisition: 1Author's Note Rainbow Dash's POV The Acquisition: 1 She had mentioned she wanted to be; or become a tree for as long as I could remember, or at least while we both lived in Ponyville. Then I had asked her on occasion; if there was anything else, she could consider being. She had apparently entertained a notion of the Deer; since she saw one in the forest, next to where she lives. Maybe I could have pushed her just a little bit further on this; but since she's shy, I guess it just didn't come to the foreground. Then the subject of pets had come up and she mentioned, she could help me finding one; she had shown me about everything there is available around here. It had included among other things a Bat, and I had pointed out that I found it cool. Maybe I never asked, but she never said or did anything to make me drop the idea; then I got wind of Pinkie Pie dealing in Pet collars on the side. I guess it is a means of keeping Ponies happy? Since Fluttershy is and has always been my friend, I had mentioned this to her. How could I have kept quiet, about a detail like this? I had noticed that she had been excited as I told her. I had detailed out a few suggestions, as to my ideas and she had nodded vigorously at the Deer and the Bat. With that; I had gotten around to inquire if Pinkie Pie by any chance could help me, so that we could allow Fluttershy to try it out? Pinkie Pie had promised that the collar could be removed by me, and that all changes would revert within minutes; that is what sold the idea to me. I had hinted this to Fluttershy, just waiting for the collar to be delivered. I had managed to buy the collar, which was the first step in acquiring a pet. It is the sign of who is owning the pet, after all. Besides, I wanted to make it all by the book. I just need to find myself the perfect pet; since it would be just so cool. If she agreed, it would be awesome. “Hi Flutters. How're you doing?” I asked. “Hi, Dashie. I'm doing fine, and you?” Flutter whispered in her usual manner of shyness. “Quite well, as it turned out. This is in a sense why I would like to ask you a somewhat different question!” I responded. “A different question, what is it?” she whispered. “You see, Pinkie Pie managed to acquire a special pet collar for me to have a pet. Now I wonder if you'd like to be my pet?” I asked, feeling a bit embarrassed over the subject. “A pet? Since you're asking me so kindly, I guess I could give it a try. If I am as awesome a pet as I know you're looking for, I would do it for you!” she replied. I slip the shiny black collar out from inside my saddle bag, allowing Shy to see it. “I hope it feels good for you since you're going to wear it most of the day, if you agree to my proposition!” I told her. She hesitantly accepted the thick rubber collar, holding it in her hands; looking curiously at it as she felt it under her delicate miniature finger hooves for a long while, just standing here as she examined what she was holding in her hands. “Will you help me putting it on, and will you take it off in the night?” she inquired, in a more nervous tone of voice than was her common shy. “Of course, Flutters. I'll help you put it on, just as I'll help you taking it of in the night!” I assured her. “Then help me put it on, so I can experience it, in order for me to be your pet!” she whispered in a shivering voice; filled with anxiety and excitement, all at the same time. I accepted the collar back, then holding it in both my hands as I lift it over her head, slowly slipping it down over her neck. As it is just an inch over her shoulders I placed the miniature hoof of my right hand on the small and almost unnoticed mark, causing it to contract around her neck, making it impossible to lift off without the print of my thumb. The first actual change to her is the mane and tail slowly turning a bright, vibrant and iridescent cerise; as opposed to the weak pink they had been before. Her wings soon followed suit in changing hue, before they turned into bat wings. “Awesome!” I pronounced; as I saw the changes coming over her, hoping I wasn't startling her. I knew I had to slip the collar off of her each and every night. Not so much because I had promised her, but because she would be missed. Even if the promise is more important to me; but if Ponies were starting to look for her, she would be missed by many and her critters do require her assistance on a daily basis. “Strange, all of a sudden I felt inclined to go down on ll fours, like the critters I'm caring for!” Fluttershy squeaked in a strange, but excited voice; not quite hers. “A pet is on all fours and you are becoming a pet!” I told her. “Uh, yes. I'm your pet now. I guess it does make sense, as you pointed it out!” she squeaked. Her hind legs were growing thinner, into what could only be taken for the delicate legs of a Deer and the hooves changed to match; while her arms soon had changed the same way. In about a hoof full minutes, she was standing perfectly steady as a Deer, but with her new cerise bat wings folded on her back. Her tail had also changed into that of the Deer she had become. Now I slipped the wristwatch onto my right arm, before I pushed a small button on the right side. As I did so, I could clearly see her hooves start to glister, as if I had been polishing them. I reach out my hand; petting her on the head, where she stood beside me. This was going to be the most awesome pet ever. “We could as well start, by stretching our wings?” I said. “Yes. I'd need that!” she squeaked happily, nodding her head excitedly in anticipation.
Stretching My Wings: 2Author's Note Flutter Shy's POV Stretching My Wings: 2 I had just found a new sense of freedom as a pet. I knew Dash would defend me before; only now this had been reinforced into certainty, beyond my recognition. Furthermore, all the old doubts had been cast before the four winds. Done for and out of my mind. I love how it feels. I never really had felt the collar in the first place. There is merely the dim presence of the tight rubber of a collar around my neck, but it doesn't bother me at all. It is what linked me to her, what made me feel so good too. “Time for your first flight!” Dash pronounced, with happy glee to her voice. In a sense she is right, I never have taken flight; it isn't me, that was the Pony known as Fluttershy. “Yes!” I nodded; as I unfold my wings, stretching them a few times before I stretched them out fully in order to make the leap. As I leapt up with fully open wings, then beating down the clear air as I was on the top of my leap, feeling the air falling away under me. Then I look down, casting a glance at my owner who stood where she had been as I took off. I could see her smiling, I like the smile on her face. A Moment later, she leaps up into the air and bang the air down; following me away from the ground. Being Dash, she knew full well she could keep up with me; since I never was the strong flyer she is. Although I'm a pet bat now, in a Deer form. I have no idea how it will affect my flying, even if I imagine it does affect me in general. After a minute, I had gotten well above the treetops; then started to pick up speed, I feel eager to have a good flight. It isn't just how good the air feels under my wings; but also the freedom she had just handed over to me, as if it had been a mere birthday gift? I feel a thrill, flying over Ponyville in my new form. In a way I am excited over having them see my flight as I passed over their heads. If it is directly linked to the new form as a pet, or if it is the slight confusion from not being recognized instantly. It isn't as if they were looking for a Deer with bat wings, knowing it was Fluttershy. Even if they had known I'm Dash's pet. Once I had passed the village, I pick up more speed and climb further up in order to explore my new self; I want to see just how much I could do. I noticed Dash flying up on my right, slowly sliding further and further to the side. I choose to let her, as if it had been my choice and decision to let her fly away from me. At the height I'm on, it soon got clear to me that she had desired to see where my limits were; so she was on the path towards what almost certainly had to take her to the Rainboom, but I had never had a chance to get close to it. Everyone knew Dash is the only one who had made it. I have no chance to even approach it. Feeling the freedom of air whistling past in ever greater speed as I keep flying faster and higher. Is it only my fear and anxiety that had held me back, or are my wings faster and stronger than they had been as late as the day before? I know I could be a fast flyer when I needed to be; just like at the time when I had helped Dash to manage the Hurricane in order to send water to Cloudsdale, when it was her duty to send water for coming rain. Just like I could bring forth the courage to stare down the meanest of Dragons, if my friends or critters had been. I noticed she was starting to slip away from me, knowing I just couldn't quite keep up with her, but it wasn't bothering me just yet. Knowing she wouldn't just leave me behind, I felt no reason to fear. Looking down, I noticed it was farther than I had dared to hope. The air had started to both look and feel thin at this point, and is a considerably deeper blue than I had ever seen it. I had no idea we had gotten quite this far away from where we had set off, but I suddenly had a nagging sensation; indicating she had flown further away from me than my comfort could allow. Only there is no way for me to do anything about it since I'm flying as fast as I could. Then I felt something change, just before I saw the Rainboom; mere miles ahead of me, just before I felt the wave of air hitting me from the actual effect of her performing the Rainboom. Had I been my old self; it should have knocked me down, or I fear it would have; now I managed to ride it out, even if it was barely manageable. About a minute after the boom she turned back towards me and we flew back home. Just how long we had been away I only noticed, as we set hoof on the ground, just outside of the village. This is also when I realised what had been the strange feeling I had had as Dash was too far away from me. I had apparently been stretching the distance she had set for me. We trotted back to my cottage, the critters needed to be fed. We stopped, only once we are in eye-shot of my home. “It's time for you to care for the critters and you need to do it as your old self, as cool as you are as my pet. You're a cool pet, but not just because you're my pet, but for whom you are!” Dash spoke; as she placed her hands on my collar, placed her thumb on the mark and slipped it off of my neck. The changes slowly reversed; one by one in the order it had come over me, only in reverse.
Night out of Self: 3Author's Note Flutter Shy's POV Night out of Self: 3 Dash had just walked out of sight, as I started to walk back to my home. First now I realised, just how hungry I am. Never had I flown anywhere as far, or fast before. If they had known it was me, how would they have reacted? Some may look down at me, just for accepting her offer to be her pet. Some would look up to me, for how fast I had been flying today, and for how far I had been flying. Some would look up to me, for daring to listen to my heart and do what I secretly wanted all along, even before I knew I had desired it. Others would find it admirable to be associated with a mare like Dash. Hell, who wouldn't feel like that. I guess I was finding it exciting, just to be a step closer to her. Even if I knew I'm as close to her as I needed to be, just by being her friend and follow her on all the adventures, like when we had saved Princes Luna from the trap in her form as Nightmare Moon. Princess Luna sure had been more than enough happy and appreciative at the time. Her sister, Princes Celestia still knew who I am, for what I had taken part in. I opened the door and entered my home, only to see everyone there, waiting for me. I opened my food store, before I picked out the respective feeds for a few critters at the time, pouring up what they required. Once I had finished feeding everyone, I slipped the rest of the feeds back where I had found it, before I closed up and went into the kitchen and found myself something to eat. Too tired to actually look closer. Slowly chewing my food, only to realise, I was too tired to do anything more with this day. I just carried the plate to the sink, before I left the kitchen and slipped into my bed. I soon found myself fast asleep. I know I was dreaming several times, but I never recall any of the dreams. As I woke up I felt sore all over. My wings in particular. I had been flying more than I used to, much more so. I guess I am the one to blame, I had chosen to accept, maybe I shouldn't. Though I know I had enjoyed it. Fragments of my dream haunting me, even though I can't recall anything out of it. Just the same, I'm hungry to the point of feeling starved. There is but the one thing to do about it, and it was called a breakfast. I picked up what I had left to eat, placing it on the table, before I hastily made a haste out of what I had found. Once I had stuffed myself, I picked out the feeds for the critters, filling up a bowl at the time, until I had completed the task. I realised I had been less than inspired to do it, just as I knew I was to regret it, if I had not fed them all properly, then I sat down, watching them as they ate. I put my saddle bags on before I walked to the door and opened it. I closed the door behind me and flew all the way to Sugar-Cube Corner where I knew Pinkie Pie was hard at work. I had to bring more food to my home and the one first stop was her. Landing just before the door, skidding to a sudden halt before several surprised Ponies, guffawing as they stumbled to a stop in order not to run right into me. I just left them agape behind me. I did not care if they were staring, not today. I guess it is highly uncharacteristic of me. Ofhorse they were staring, I knew it. Just to see me flying fast alone was an occasion worth a good stare. I could live with it. To see me skidding to a sudden halt outside the Sugar-Cube Corner, I guess it is priceless. That only amused me today. Maybe something truly had changed within me. Which was amusing me even further. “Hiya, Pinkie Pie!” I then said, instead of my commonly inaudible whisper. “Hi Flutters. What're you looking for this early in the day; Muffins, Cup-Cakes?” Pinkie pie squealed in her excitedly hyper manner. “Yes please. I'm all out of both. I can't just keep working on an empty stomach. Oh, and three muffins right of the batch too, would be great, I'm starving!” I pointed out. “Okie Dokie. Coming right up!” she announced, with a hint of surprise on her features. Pinkie soon managed to slip a large batch of Muffins in a paper bag, and another batch of Cup-Cakes in the next, before she slipped the pastries for my breakfast on a plate she slipped onto the cart with a large glass of juice. I slipped a pile of bits on the counter, watching her slide them into the register machine, before I walked out to the table by the window, waiting for her to serve me my much needed breakfast, feeling I was to enjoy having my meal out. The Sugar-Cube Corner is the place I usually did frequent, if and when I was hungry, and wanted to eat out. I thought I had sensed something, but I couldn't quite put my finger or hoof to what it was, mainly because I couldn't recognise, or make sense out of what it was I had sensed. What I had sensed, was connected to Pinkie Pie, but if she had handed over the collar to Dash, there may be a reason, but it felt as if it had been deeper than just that. Maybe if Pinkie was handling all the collar trade of our small village? I couldn't ask her, it felt too embarrassing to me. Yet something about her and the collar, or is there another someone behind her counter. Someone whom I had never seen or met before? Naturally my thoughts were interrupted by Pinkie Pie serving my breakfast, but I guess I didn't mind since I still am very hungry. Maybe she did surprise me in coming in at the exact moment, but she also gave me a new whiff of what I had previously felt. There is a connection and it isn't just her handling the collar trade.
A Surprise Meeting: 4Author's Note Flutter Shy's POV A Surprise Meeting: 4 I had met up with Dash in a park, just outside of the village and on the other side from the forest. It's a good place to meet friends, but apparently it was a place where ponies were enjoying the day, walking their pets as well. I had never known until today since it had been out of my space, as it were. Dash had kindly slipped the collar around my neck, just as she had the day before. I had felt the same changes coming over me, just the way it had happened the day before. I'm following a path that takes me into a lightly forested area, giving me comforting shades from time to time. As Pet, I had started to find a special comfort and joy from this part, feeling the trees standing tall on all sides, even as spares as they were here. Maintaining a slight trot mere steps before Dash on my tiny Deer hooves made little to no noises out of my presence, which is good for me in my current situation. I'm as shy and easily startled as it was in my regular form. Now, as the Deer it is enhanced manifold. Then I hear steps further down the chosen path, knowing it is Pinkie Pie, walking a small pet. I'm trotting silently through the forest along the path Dash had chosen for the two of us. I feel more comfortable alone with her here in the quiet forest, than I used to be before. Maybe there is something more to the changes, or is it that I found a balance within myself in this setting, with just her here in the forest. Far from all ponies save for Dashie, I feel a joy in life. Then something brought up more joy as I started to sing in a new voice stemming from the Deer within me. It sounded nothing like my old self. I'm not the quiet whispering doormat, or the mean self yelling at every Pony to step out of the way. Now I'm just happily singing a tune from right out of the forest. Just as I quiet for a moment, as if in transition between two tunes, I happened to look up momentarily, only to look into a pair of eyes. Maybe I had heard Pinkie Pie's hoof steps too, though there is someone else here with us. To my surprise, I recognised him. I just looked at him and he looked back. Now a shy Deer, much like me, just that he still is the Earth type, while I still am the Pegasus type, even as Deer. Interesting, even as Deers, we are still who we had always been, just as Deers instead of ponies. All of a sudden, I realised it was Cheese Sandwich. He looked up curiously at me, as if he failed to recognise me for the shortest of instants. Then came the spark of recognition. I just looked at him and he looked back. Now a shy Deer, much like me, just that he still is the Earth type, while I still am the Pegasus type, even as Deer. Interesting, even as Deers, we are still who we had always been, just as Deers instead of Ponies. The endearing shy smile and a slight hint to a blush on his cheeks only made it harder, more enjoyable at the same time as well. “Nice to see you here, Dashie!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in her more jubilant voice, as she stopped by her side. “Hiya, Pinkie. Nice to see you too. Seems our Pets are going well together!” Rainbow Dash put forth in a greeting. “Yeah, you're right. I'm glad they go together. Would have sucked, if they couldn't be friends now!” she merely pointed out with a slight leer in her playful voice. “I'm with you all the way. Much cooler this way!” Dash exclaimed in a merry voice of hers. For a moment, I just looked quietly at her, realising that Cheese did too. A curious moment had been built up, lingering for the short duration. Nothing was said, nothing really needed to be said. Just the one glance, and a facial expression that defied words. A moment passing, then next of uncertainly. We exchanged sniffs and snorts, before standing quietly, looking up to us for recognition. She just petted me on the back of my head, quietly scratching me behind my right ear, looking fondly at me for a moment. Something told us, Pinkie Pie did the same to her pet; Cheese Sandwich. It isn't as if there was a blame, it is merely feeling like the right way. Affectionately petting her Deer, awarding me for acting properly, the way one was expecting a good pet Deer would act. By the looks, Dash was pleased to see Pinkie on her way along the track. Our little unofficial meet and greet had gone off fairly well, at least I thought I read it on her features. I am a pet right now, after all. Maybe I could ask her as we got home, when she slipped my collar off of me? From the looks, it seems to me as if Pinkie had entertained Cheese as her pet for quite the while, even if Cheese had been free to roam and do what was his place to perform, just as I am freed to perform my duties, when need be. Maybe this is why I had not seen him, as often as one may have expected. After a few more minutes, Cheese became restless, so Pinkie followed him along the train in the direction they had initially been heading. Once Pinkie Pie and Cheese was out of the way, Dash continued along our path. There was no point in sticking around, as pleasant as the meeting had been, unexpected or not. I am not sure, neither Pinkie Pie, nor Rainbow Dash gave a hint as to if it had been contrived or not. Maybe it had just been a random meeting, after all. Even if they had both known the other were taking this path, but never asked when the outing was to take place, it is still a random occurrence in my eyes. I know Dash is enjoying this little excursion just as much as I do, she knew I enjoy it, just as much as she does. I feel right at home in the forest, more so now as a Deer than I had before, even if I had felt it from the day I exiled myself from Cloudsdale and became a resident of Ponyville. Ponyville had always made me feel right at home, where I live now, just at the outskirts of the forest, where I could care for the local critters as I saw fit, which was where I belong.
