The group next door to Three Night's Grace had already left by the time Zephyr had woken up the next morning, much to his relief. For the first time in a while I was blessed with a seemingly dreamless sleep, most likely due to how tired I was from everything that happened yesterday.

"Snare! We need to get ready to go, like... now!"

Zephyr rolled his eyes, amused by the scene currently playing out. According to Burst and Strings, Electron was the one to always get Snare out of bed in the morning, often with mixed results. There are times when she's easy to get out of bed, albeit in a grumpy mood, or--

"Five more minutes mom..."

-- She's a royal pain to even move.

Shrugging at Iron, who was always the first to wake up out of everypony in the band, Zephyr managed to get out of bed. Iron cast another worried glance at the green Pegasus before looking at Burst, who suddenly recalled something. "Did you have any nightmares last night? I'd hate for you to feel dead tired for your first Grand Galloping Gala because of some bad dream."

That got a surprised glance before Zephyr shook his head. "Last night was fine for once. Still... going to one of the biggest parties in Equestria? I thought the nervousness would end with the concert."

"Mind you, this is the first Gala any of us have attended." Strings was in the bathroom speaking past the brushing of his teeth. He made sure to spit his toothpaste out before continuing, "Still, the biggest party after the biggest concert?"

Zephyr snorted in laughter. "We're putting out fires everywhere, it seems. What's next? Attending the biggest dance, the biggest wedding, or the biggest BIRTHDAY party?"

That last one leaves a very sour taste in my mouth...

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves." Electron finally got Snare out of bed and was now having a glaring contest with the grumpy mare. "I'm as nervous as all of you for this, perhaps even more so than during the concert. Let's just try and get through it without incident."

Burst nodded with a solemn look. "Agreed. Which is why we need to get going if we are to catch the next train to Ponyville to prepare ourselves."

"Bathroom's open to those who need it." Strings went to pack up his luggage. Zephyr decided to go in to freshen himself up next.

This is going to be another long day... and night.

Despite claiming he got decent sleep the other night, Zephyr still fell asleep on the train ride to Ponyville so it didn't take very long according to his perception. Upon arrival, he went back home to freshen up even more for the Gala without any idea about what's acceptable. Outside of a few formal parties he's attended as a colt, he genuinely had no idea what to do.

When he finished brushing his mane, Zephyr caught sight of the formal suit Rarity made him a long time ago. Back when he was still unjustly mad at the mares, he had left it to gather dust and was even considering the option to burn it. After his belated revelation that he was the wrong one, Zephyr maintained it even more than before to the best of his abilities, partially out of guilt for what he did.

I could wear this, seeing as I don't have any other formal attire... it might insult Rarity if I wear it, thinking I'm just insulting her. But... I guess I'll use it anyways. As a tribute to a friendship forever broken. If she demands me to get rid of it, I will.

After getting it on without messing up his mane comb too much, Zephyr headed towards the train station to meet up with everypony else. The band had decided to gather at the station at seven first. However, because nopony knew what to expect from the Gala, they all agreed that splitting up and doing their own things after arriving at the castle would be fine.

"Looking good there, tiger!" Zephyr turned to the voice and saw Snare looking very nicely done up for how rebellious she typically is. She was wearing a violet dress with blue highlights, which complemented her yellow fur perfectly. Snare caught on to Zephyr's look of disbelief and gave him a flat glare. "What? Can't I look prettied up once in a while?"

"Err... sorry it's just..."

"You never took me for this kind of mare right?" She sighs, acknowledging the rep she made for herself. "I know how I usually act, but I do like cutting loose every now and again. Don't get used to it."

"Right, sorry. Where's everypony else?"

"Right here. You two were slightly earlier than us." Burst, Strings, Iron, and Electron step into the station. Burst is wearing a garnet-red suit, Strings' is Aquamarine, and Iron's is a regular black. Electron's dress is amethyst with red-violet highlights.

"Wow, everypony's decked out here." No matter what the occasion, Snare will always be herself.

Burst rolled his eyes at the wording. "It IS a formal party, it would be foolish to not dress nicely. Now lets get going. The train is leaving soon."

The train conductor's eyes widens when he sees the tickets the band members showed him, but doesn't comment on it. Once again the group got settled in for another train ride, albeit a much shorter one.

"Grandiose much?"

It was one of the few times Zephyr had to agree with Snare, as everything looked like it was decorated by a perfectionist.

Strings sped up a bit. "Well, Canterlot nobles are a fastidious bunch and can raise a ruckus over the smallest of details. It's no wonder why this place is done so fancy. " Noticing everypony else's deadpan looks he raises an eyebrow. "What?"

Electron took the cannonball for us."Fasti-something bunch?"

Strings rolls his eyes. "Fas·tid·i·ous, adjective, very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. Does that help?"

Burst rolls his eyes. "We get it, Strings. No need to act like a dictionary." This got a laugh out of the rest of the band and a slightly irritated huff from Strings. It was rare sight to see him lose his cool like that.

Zephyr shook his head in amusement. "There's our new thing learned for tonight. Lets try and keep it that... way..." His eyes shrink in horror and immediately started backpedaling when he saw his former friends gathered in front of the main doors. Right soon after, they all dash in, leaving behind a very confused and slightly depressed Spike.

Iron coughed. "Well... that happened..."

Trying to slip away, Zephyr kept walking backwards. "Yeeeeaaaahhhh... I think I'm going to sit this one ou-- wah!"

He get's shoved forward by an impatient Snare. "Get your flank through that door and don't chicken out. Besides, you wouldn't want to leave your mom hanging, now would you?"

Celestia damn the drums you beat on, Snare... "Okay fine, I'll go!" Spike had disappeared when Zephyr refocused on the door. The other band members are already approaching the door, and he nervously followed suit with Snare making sure he didn't bolt.

"See? That wasn't so bad now, was it?"

"Shut up and leave me to my suffering..." Snare shrugs and wanders off after Strings.

Iron hung back for a moment before turning to Zephyr with a solemn look. That got him a puzzled look as he sighs. "What's up Iron?"

He shakes his head before finally saying, "Believe in your friends and embrace that belief by forgiving failure. Never forget that." He walks off after Snare.

As out of the blue that statement is, it still struck home for Zephyr.

Believing in your friends... how can one forgive such failure if such a belief wasn't there to begin with? Perhaps... that was his own way of saying I'm still responsible for my current situation...

After looking around nervously, Zephyr decided to go in the opposite direction, only to accidentally bump into somepony. "Sorry, I didn't mean to--"

"Zephyr! I'm so happy to see you here tonight!" Zephyr suddenly found himself locked in a very familiar hug and simply hugged back.

"Hi mom." Harpsong let go of Zephyr and he got a better look at her. I've seen her dress before, but it still astounds me how she can make an orange and red dress work for her.

"I love your suit. The way that midnight-blue color, garnished with a few emeralds, fits perfectly with your green coat. Whoever designed it must be an expert."

"Yeah... she lives in Ponyville and works at a place called the Carousel Boutique."

She looks surprised. "Ponyville? I thought it was from another place. Guess even small towns hold very talented ponies as well."

That statement garnered a flat look from Zephyr. "Mom that sounds... bad the way you put it. Wouldn't that statement imply you don't think smaller towns can have any talent?"

Harpsong put a hoof over her mouth in surprise. "Ah... yeah it does sound pretty bad when you put it that way. My apologies."

During the conversation, Zephyr looked around nervously to try and see what was going on. There were a few nobles around the two of them, but nothing too spectacular and they weren't paying attention to the family. "Did you want to walk somewhere? It would be kind of nice to explore around with you after how long we've been apart."

"Ah yes, silly me. Perhaps you would like to see Princess Celestia? I hear she's greeting guests a bit further down the hall."

As much as he got a bad feeling about it, Zephyr agreed to the proposition. He needed something to get his mind off things.

"What made you change your mind so suddenly?"

While Zephyr's nervousness increases whenever he sees Princess Celestia, the thing that took the cake was when he beheld Twilight Sparkle standing right next to her. How did I forget that Twilight knew her highness directly?! Knowing he had to answer his mother, the best he could come up with was, "I just... don't feel worthy enough to be in the presence of a Princess again so soon..."

Harpsong sighed, knowing there was definitely something more to it, but knew it wasn't the time or place to force the issue. "If you say so..." Her eyes widen. "Oh no, I'm supposed to meet with one of my band members soon. Sorry to do this to you, dear, but I have to run. Try to enjoy the event as best as you can." She gives Zephyr a quick hug before quickly trotting off.

Zephyr let out a low-energy sigh and headed off in a different direction. During his stint of just wandering around, he got a brief glimpse of a stand run by Applejack, though Zephyr quickened his pace to sneak by. Eventually he stumbled upon what appeared to be a VIP area and wondered what it took to be a VIP.

The stallion next to the entrance notices Zephyr and smiles. "Zephyr Earthwing of the band Three Night's Grace?" Surprised he was found out, he nods and the guard lifts the rope with magic. "You are free to go on in, sir."

Apparently you need to be a winner in a concert contest or something of that nature...

After thanking the guard, Zephyr wandered through the tables, taking note of a Wonderbolt stallion munching happily on a pie. That got an eye roll of amusement before continuing on.

"Well... I never imagined I would find an old foalhood friend here of all places."

Zephyr instantly recognized the voice and turned to the friend He hasn't heard from in over five years with a grin. "Hey Spitfire! Haven't seen you in forever. Still moving up in Equestria?"

That got a chuckle out of the professional showmare. "Yeah, though being the captain is no easy task. Sorry I never contacted you, I was always busy."

Zephy, refusing to fall back on what already ruined his friendships, shook his head. "A pony's got to do what a pony's got to do and I'm not holding you against it. Knowing you, you probably worked very hard for it." Considering what happened last time I held something insignificant against somepony...

"Glad to hear and thank you for acknowledging my hard work. Besides, I'm not the only one who moved up in the world, Zeph." She grins at Zephyr.

That got a bright grin back. "Whatever you say, S-fire." the two share a laugh at calling each other their foalhood names before Zephyr gives her a confused look. "How have I moved up in the world?"

"Well firstly, you somehow became renowned as an expert Wind Manager. Don't ask me how, it just happened I guess." She shakes her head. "Secondly, I heard how you single-hoofedly stopped a town from being blown away by rogue wind currents."

Again, I didn't think it was THAT big of a deal...

"And finally, your singing at the Manehatten Concert. I can vouch for that one because I was there." She leans in to whisper, "And before you say anything, I could tell it was you under that disguise." All that did was make Zephyr start blushing heavily, prompting another laugh. "Still as bashful as you were back then I see. Just like old times. Remember how we first met?"

"Of 'course I do. It's one of my few fond colthood memories. Back when we were seven years old."

Zephyr, Manehatten Stadium, 14 years ago

"Why are we here again, mom?"

Harpsong looks at little Zephyr with a smile. "One of my cousins is in the Wonderbolts and he invited me to watch the practice. Not many ponies get a chance to see them in a training environment."

Despite being a young, impressionable Pegasus colt, Zephyr merely sighed. He did admire the Wonderbolts, but had no interest in actually joining them when he grew up.

"Hm? There goes Captain Afterburn, wrangling out the team again."

"Yeah, he was considered the harshest captain in Wonderbolt history."

Being at his most mischievous age, Zephyr snuck away from his mom and onto the field, stealthily moved up beside Afterburn and start mimicking his shouting actions outside of his vision.

It took a bit for the team to notice him but when they did, they tried and failed to hide their laughter, much to their captain's confusion and agitation. Zephyr keep it up until they were laughing uncontrollably before he sneaks back to the stadium seats. Harpsong was less than pleased.

"Zephyr, that was very naughty of you. When we get back home, you are grounded, young colt!"

Totally worth it!

As the now grounded Zephyr settled back into his seat with a grin on his muzzle, he heard somepony giggling intensely behind the family. Looking back, there was a yellow filly with a flaming orange mane failing to contain her own laughter. "That... that was the best thing anypony did to my dad in forever!"

"Imagine my surprise when I found that out."

Zephyr, thinking the captian was going to find out what he did, flinched when the filly saw him staring at her. "Uh..."

"Hey come on, I don't bite... or have cooties." Zephyr hesitantly climbs up over his seat to her and she smiles. "Thanks for doing that. You've no idea how much the team needed that."

"I was... just feeling bored."

"I was too until you did that. I already like you!"

"The way you blushed when I said that was hilarious in its own right."

"Laugh it up why don't you..."

"Uh...uhm... th-thanks. I'm Z-Zephyr."

"Spitfire. Nice to meet you Zeph."

Present time

That last part of the memory made Zephyr shake his head. "I think we broke the record for how soon we started calling each other by nickname."

Spitfire merely shrugged. "I doubt there's a record for that, but okay..."

Suddenly a question came to Zephyr's mind. "If the Wonderbolts were only temporarily in Manehatten, how come you never left with them back then?"

That got a sigh from her. "My mom and dad went through a divorce when it became apparent that neither of them could handle the other. My mom lived in Manehatten and because my dad couldn't take care of me because of his duties, I spent about three years in Manehatten before moving to Cloudsdale."

"Ah, now I understand... I'm sorry."

"Don't be. You're one of the reasons my foalhood was bearable. There is one thing I have to apologize for, though. One year after we became friends, I started seeing you less and less."

Zephyr put a hoof to his chin. "I always wondered about that. Thought you were getting sick of me or that my curse started pushing you away."

That made Spitfire shake her head, already knowing what he meant by his 'curse'. "It's not that. I had begun training to become a Wonderbolt myself and, as a result, I started taking less and less time to see you. It wasn't until I left for Couldsdale that I completely stop seeing you."

"Alright, I understand. Just... at least try and stay in touch?"

She smiles. "Will do, Zeph."

She looks away just in time for her to miss Zephyr's look of horror upon spotting Rainbow trying to get the attention of another Wonderbolt. He mentally scathes himself for not remembering her dream to become one. If she saw me conversing with Spits now... That's when he got an idea. While it might devalue Spitfire in Rainbow's eyes if she finds this out, I want to try and help her this way as indirect reconciliation for having to deal with me that day.

"Hey Spits, there's something I need to talk to you about." This gets her attention and Zephyr leans in to talk in a lower voice. "During my stay in Ponyville, I met a Pegasus who has potential to be a great Wonderbolt recruit."

Spitfire cocks an eyebrow. "How good are we talking?"

"She's a better flyer than me." This definitely has her attention now. She had told Zephyr in the past that, even as a younger colt, he had great potential as a Wonderbolt if he was even remotely interested in joining.

"Interesting. I'll keep an eye out for her."

"Actually, she's here right now. Just look for a rainbow-maned sky-blue Pegasus mare and that will be her. She might have a few eccentricities but give her a chance. Though..." Zephyr began wondering if he should have said anything.

Spitfire immediately knew why Zephyr trailed off. "Don't worry. If anypony is going to join the Wonderbolts, they need to understand that 'political' connections mean nothing to us. We do dangerous stunts as a team and that means you need to be in peak physical condition. You might get in the door on a recommendation, but you'll still get judged and trained as harshly as everypony else."

"Ah okay. While I do still kind of feel like I'm giving Rainbow Dash an unneeded leg-up, at least I know she'll still be able to prove her merit on her own wings."

Spitfire nods. "Speaking of, I met her right before entering the VIP area. I think I see her right now, so I'll go--"

"Just one thing. Don't tell her I recommended her." Seeing her questioning look, Zephyr just shakes his head. "Just trust me with this."

"Remaining anonymous? I guess if that's what you want. If you're not busy, you should go talk to Soarin for a bit, I'm certain you two will hit it off just fine. He's the one eating a pie." Giving Zephyr a smirk, Spitfire goes off to indirectly talk to Rainbow. He quickly takes his leave as to not garner suspicion from Rainbow.

"Mmph... that was some very good pie!" Those words made Zephyr deadpan as he approached the Wonderbolt named Soarin. He looks over at Zephyr and, the next thing the green Pegasus knew, was shaking his hoof rapidly. "I can't believe I get to meet you here, Zephyr Earthwing!"

"Uh... what?"

"You are quite the singer. I thought that Three Night's grace would flop because Clear Octave couldn't make it, but I'm sure glad I was wrong."

"Wait, you went to the concert as well?"

He grins at that. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, even as a Wonderbolt. I even dragged Spitfire there to watch as well."

That statement made Zephyr roll his eyes. "And here I was thinking she attended of her own accord."

"She liked it in the end. Not only the music, but also seeing her foalhood friend." Seeing Zephyr's inquisitive look he elaborates, "She told me about you after your first song and the fact she recognized you under the disguise. Lucky dog."

There wasn't a blush heavy enough for Zephyr at that moment. "T-that's not--"

Soarin shakes his head. "Just pulling your wing!" He gives Zephyr an apologetic smile. "Sorry if I'm coming on too strong. I guess it's the pie."

"Speaking of that, where did you get one? I saw where they're serving food and I didn't see any pies on the dessert table."

"Oh, I got it from a mare that was running a stand over there." He waves a hoof in Applejack's direction. Now that Zephyr had a clearer view of her, she was looking kind of depressed. Most likely because none of the nobles were even remotely interested in her food.

"Hm... she's having a rough time of it. I knew nobles were fastidious but this is ridiculous considering you have to pay to eat the food they serve here anyways." Seeing Soarin's puzzled look at the word, Zephyr rolled his eyes. "Never mind..."

Still... I feel immensely bad for AJ. All that work put in and nopony even looks her way... wait.

"How much did you like her pie?"

Soarin cocks an eyebrow. "I like it very much."

"How good was it compared to other pies?"

Now he looks curious. "Other pies don't even compare. That was, without a doubt, the best pie I ever had."

Good thing Pinkie isn't here... yeesh. "Alright then, here's the final question I will ask. Would you be willing to sponsor for somepony if you loved their product that much?"

"But of course, why wouldn't I--" Soarin looks at Applejack's sad face before looking back at Zephyr with a knowing, yet determined look. "I see what you're getting at. Perhaps ponies would be more willing to buy her food instead of the castle's if a Wonderbolt promotes them for her."

"Exactly."

"Well with how good that pie was, I feel like I ripped her off. I will make it up to her with this!" More determined than ever, Soarin trots out of the VIP area towards Applejack.

Just like Rainbow. Feeling a bit better about himself, Zephyr turn to leave when a sudden realization blindsides him. I never told him not to mention me! I think it's high time to take my leave... wait, where's the exit?

While navigating open skies was fairly easy and simple for Zephyr, finding his way in a planned out maze of a castle is a completely different story. More times than he would care for, he would find himself back near the VIP area. Eventually, he resorted to going outside to reset his bearings, though it was also an excuse to get out of the stuffy atmosphere.

"Ah... fresh air is always nice..." Some frightened tweeting on Zephyr's back startled him. When he looked, there was a nightingale cowering from something that frightened him. Wild birds were not very common in Canterlot, let alone the Castle Gardens, so seeing one surprised him. After cooing it onto his fore-leg, Zephyr gave it some comforting strokes, thankful for his inherent connection to birds even though the other animals in the area would not feel the same.

The only thing Zephyr could get out of the poor bird's frightened chirps was something along the lines of "scary pony".

As if on que, a frustrated cry rang out from the other side of the hedges and, despite the apparent danger, Zephyr couldn't put a face to who made the sound at the moment. The nightingale flies away with frightened tweet and Zephyr kept a wary eye on the hedge across from him, wondering just who was over there.

"COME OUT!"

Ask question, get answer even if you didn't actually want it. Fluttershy's enraged shout definitely told Zephyr that he should be leaving in short order. The fact that the normally soft-spoken Pegasus mare actually could be this loud when upset did no favors for his nerves. I need to leave. If she finds me here, she no doubt will make me regret treating her and her friends harshly that day...

Sadly for Zephyr, a rather loud twig happened to be where he was stepping backwards. The dread that filled his heart in that very moment could've stopped it cold.

"I FOUND YOU!" Fluttershy makes a mad jump over the hedge, thinking there was an animal she was pursuing there. Her rage turned to shock when she saw Zephyr of all ponies standing there. "Z-Zephyr?!"

"No... No! Don't look... DON'T LOOK AT ME!!!" He spread his wings and made a mad dash back into the castle.

"Z-Zephyr, wait!" Fluttershy realized that he was long gone by the time she said that. When she looked down at her dress shoes, she noticed how torn up they were, as well as how torn up her dress was.

In that very moment, Fluttershy was hit with a harsh realization when her mind flashed back to what was on Zephyr's face: a look of pure horror. What... what am I doing? This isn't... what I wanted... Overwhelmed, Fluttershy decided to curl up in a corner of the Garden to punish herself for what she had been doing.

Back inside, Zephyr almost run into Rainbow, but managed to dodge out of her way and blend in with a crowd of ponies. While he had little doubt she saw him, he hoped she wouldn't pursue him in this kind of crowd.

Pinkie was singing some kind of polka song much to the entire crowds annoyance. Zephyr, wondering why she was trying to hijack the Gala, simply used the confusion to slip between ponies only to have a near run in with Applejack. She was entering the room with a rather large cake. Thanks to his positioning, Zephyr could see Soarin tending the actually busy stall in her stead.

I wonder if he suggested turning the normal apples into baked goods as well?

"STAGE DIVE!"

That call-out got a grimace from Zephyr as Pinkie lands on the cart carrying the cake, sending it flying towards Rarity and some unicorn stallion, who had the gall to use her as a shield.

"Son of a-- " Spreading his wings, Zephyr dashed forward and managed to rip Rarity out of the stallion's grip without harming her dress. said stallion didn't realize his pony meat-shield was gone until the cake hit him, though some of it still managed to splatter Rarity and Zephyr.

"My word, what-- Zephyr, dear?!" Realizing he hesitated too long, Zephyr makes another mad dash towards the exit, leaving Rarity holding a front hoof in his direction. I thought he hated us, yet he went out of his way to... no, perhaps it's not that he hates us anymore. He must think we hate him... why would he try to help me otherwise?

Deciding to put the matter to the side for now, Rarity turned to the cake covered 'prince' who dared to use her as a shield with a look of fury, ready to ream him out.

So I've exposed myself to Fluttershy, Rainbow, Applejack and Rarity with Pinkie somewhere else in that same room. The only one I've yet to cross paths with is--

Zephyr saw Twilight walking down that very hall with Princess Celestia.

--Her.

Twilight and Princess Celestia were heading to the main hall because they were hearing a commotion. What Twilight wasn't expecting was a familiar green Pegasus to suddenly blow by the two. "Wait, Zephyr! I can never catch him..."

Celestia had a hunch as to what was going on. "My faithful student, I must ask something. Was he the one who had seen your 'surprise birthday party' as a full-on betrayal?"

That got a grimace out of Twilight. "... Yes. Pinkie Pie told us about his past after the fact and... I want to believe that one day he and my friends come around and forgive each other, even though..."

"You had went about that day in the wrong way. You already wrote that to me as your lesson that day, so I won't hound you on the subject." Celestia peers into the main hall ahead of her before bringing her head to Twilight's with a knowing smile. "Though I get the distinct feeling your patience will be rewarded sooner rather than later." Twilight could only look at her mentor in confusion as she followed her into the hall.

After running for a while, Zephyr finally found the exit to the castle and took it. After he eventually slowed down, he found himself a fair distance away from the castle and away from his ex-friends. Tired and once again lost, He wandered the rather empty streets before finding a still open doughnut shop. While Zephyr did see Spike sitting inside with another Unicorn stallion, he decided that he needed to take a quick break and that, because him and Spike never did anything to each other, it should be fine.

"Welcome-- what happened? You look like somepony put you through Tartarus and back with how disheveled you are!" Spike turns and adopts a surprised look when he sees Zephyr.

"Long story... don't want to bore you..." Zephyr takes a seat beside Spike while nodding at the Dragon. "Hey Spike."

"Long time no see... again, dude. Haven't seen you since you asked me those questions on that one day, though I need to confess that your look of pure rage gave me nightmares for a few days after. How come I never saw you after that?"

Guilt renewed due to the inconvenience he caused the young Dragon, Zephyr could only sigh and give him a weary look. "Again, long story. All I can say is... I messed up... very badly. I'm very sorry about scaring you that badly. Doughnut please?" Zephyr put a few bits that he brought with to the Gala on the counter and got what appeared to be a strawberry-vanilla doughnut.

"Still, wouldn't hurt to fly by to say hello every once in a while." Zephyr merely shakes my head and he shrugs. The two eat their doughnuts in silence, much to the discomfort of the stallion running the shop. Eventually Spike spoke up, "I will say, Twilight was pretty sad you never visited again or talked to her--"

"Please... I already know I messed up..."

Spike recoiled at how weak Zephyr sounded there and put a comforting claw on his withers. "Sorry... I guess you've been going through a lot yourself. If you ever need someone to talk to, you'll always have me. I still owe you a debt for saving my relationship with Twilight!"

"Thank you for the offer. However... can you promise me one thing, Spike?" He looks over at Zephyr. "Can you not tell the mares I was here?"

"Why not?"

"They... would be better off not knowing. They probably wouldn't care anyways." Zephyr sighs at Spike's sad face before looking at the stallion. "Do you know when the next train to Ponyville leaves?"

"It leaves in seven minutes. You can make it if you leave now."

"Thank you and thanks for the doughnut." Zephyr nods at Spike. "See you around... maybe."

He waves at Zephyr slowly. "See you around." He turns to the stallion, clearly in need of something to distract himself. "Hey, another doughnut please."

After exiting the shop and heading towards the station Zephyr felt his exhaustion begin to catch up with him. After everything that just happened, all he really want is to collapse in bed and forget everything.

Forget how much of a coward I am... maybe I should just move away from Ponyville... after all, nothing is there for me... nothing is left.

???

"The supplies have finally arrived, sir."

"Excellent. Begin final preparations for the operation to begin. In two nights time, everything will be realized. Operation Windfall will be achieved at long last."

"Sir... one thing to consider is his mental health. As of late it has been... very volatile."

"Hm... we came this far despite everything. Though it hurts to kick the stallion while he's down, we may as well see it through."

Author's Note

Haaah... I really buckled down with this one. Don't worry, the next one or two chapters will be an original pilot chapter, so those of you who prefer original content will be happy. Also, some questions will be answered during it, so hold your horses... I am a terrible person.

As for how this chapter turned out... well... the same as the rest? I would like to think I'm improving somewhat, but I'm still concerned with pacing and detail issues. Is my story progressing too fast or too slow? Am I giving attention to enough detail?

Anyways, once again point out any errors you may see and suggestions are always nice... even if I do somewhat fear negative criticism... yay for personal weakness.

Also; thanks to my mom for editing it as best as she could for me.