On The Wings of Wind

This morning went somewhat similarly to yesterday, except Zephyr woke up in his own bed instead of Fluttershy's. During the process of making breakfast, he looked over the research notes that Twilight gave him more thoroughly. Since Zephyr only briefly skimmed over them yesterday and only saw details about what he's noticed over his lifetime, before and after his memory loss.

The only thing they don't cover is how high-strung I become when I eat too many apples... and apples specifically. I've tried many other fruits and they never have the same results.

The whole "magic osmosis" thing still bothered Zephyr. Unlike the apparent immunity to Unicorn magic, He never got drained by Earth Ponies during his youth, even during the worst of the bullying. On top of that, he was worried that any attempts at patching things up with Applejack and Pinkie Pie would be stalled by such a--

Stop it, self! Sure some amends need to be made but give them more credit than that!

After breakfast was eaten, Fluttershy spoke up over the fact that that today was her "spa" day with Rarity and asked Zephyr if he wanted to come along as well. The offer was declined, since he wasn't comfortable with that type of environment ever since one visit to a Manehatten spa with his mom as a colt. I can't remember what I saw there, but I know for a fact it killed some of my innocence as a colt. Probably why I blocked it out of my mind. Plus I'm still under the impression that it's a mare thing.

The day was a Friday so the crusaders only have a half-day at school, though he had made sure they went despite their insistence on "catching up on lost time". Until they were done, he recognized that there wasn't anything for him to do other than wander around Ponyville and practice getting his secondary wings up to par.

Attempting to using only said secondaries quickly showed that, due to their lack of use for the past ten years, they were weak to the point of barely getting Zephyr's still underweight body off the ground. Sighing, He used his primary wings to try and supplement his altitude gain and then only use the secondaries to try and stay in the air.

That was Zephyr's plan until a familiar pink blur knocked him out of the air. "Oh my gosh, Zephy! I couldn't find you yesterday and I was worried you got captured and experimented on again--"

"P-Pinkie! I'm fine, really!"

She gives Zephyr a funny look that he couldn't discern. "I knew that. Well, I didn't know that until just now, but now I REALLY know that!" She gasps a bit. "Oh no! I almost forgot! Your--"

"Zephyr! There you are, I haven't seen you since the day before yesterday!" Zephyr looked over to see Harpsong trotting over with a worried look. With a sigh as Pinkie hops off, Zephyr got back up only to get hugged by his mom. "You had me worried again!"

"Mom, I can take care of myself... sometimes..."

She gives Zephyr a sad look. "Y-you do know I'm not really--"

"Do you think a few pieces of paper telling me otherwise will change my mind? Even though I found my biological family, you'll always be my mom, okay?" She gives a surprised look before nuzzling Zephyr happily.

Pinkie squeed from the adorableness. "That was the absolute nicest thing I've heard today!"

Zephyr turned to look at her, uncertain as to her feelings. "What about you Pinkie? Why are you--"

NO! I shouldn't think like that. I shouldn't think they hate me still... but why is it so hard?

"You were about to ask why I don't hate you?" After initially recoiling at the apparent mind-read, Zephyr deflated and nodded. She shakes her head in amusement. "I can tell you're trying. Give it time, all you need is a zephyr of friendship under your wings and you'll soon be flying high in the skies of happiness!"

She went there.

"Well if that's what you think, then you might as well tickle me pink till I balloon up and get a pie to the face."

"What's wrong? Green with envy?"

"I hardly think so, my bouncing friend. After all, every smile you see puts an extra spring in your step."

"Um..." The both of them notice Harpsong deadpanning at the two jokers. A glance at each other later and both realized they've been making incredibly bad puns and jokes with each others names, colors, and actions. Zephyr and Pinkie burst out laughing at Harpsong's reaction, who went from deadpanning to sporting a confused look.

I guess I don't have to worry about Pinkie in that regard... hopefully

Coughing out of his laughing, Zephyr shook his head. "O-okay then, what were you up to, Pinkie?"

She grins. "Oh me? I was just doing what I always do when your mommy"-- That got a facehoof as Harpsong giggled. --" asked me to help find you because she couldn't find you yesterday."

"Right, I'm currently lodged at Fluttershy's house because I'm in no shape to work until the day after tomorrow and my replacement needed a place to stay."

She shakes her head in disdain. "Isn't it your house? Why are they openly letting--"

"To be fair, the weather factory's head manager had the house bought for my time here. Admittedly I was being kind of a... hard-flank when I..." Zephyr trailed off as he recalled how he acted upon first arrival, a fresh wave of guilt washing over him.

Pinkie quickly broke the silence with a quick hug of her own. "Don't worry about what happened back then, Zephy. The past is in the past, you only need to look forward into the future."

Zephyr gives her a small smile, most of his guilt eased by Pinkie's optimism and kindness. "Thanks Pinkie. You really are a true friend. One I never realized I had until a while ago."

"Don't dwell on it silly!" She gasps loudly. "Oh that's right I still need to plan your reunion party! See you later Zephy and Harp!" With that, she speeds off.

Noticing Harpsong's bewildered look as she was trying to figure out Pinkie's actions, Zephyr let out an amused chuckle. "Firstly it's Pinkie Pie, don't question it. Secondly, parties are her specialty, though I'm still antsy as to how the rest of the town will react to my secondary wings and the fact I'm somepony's long-lost brother."

Harpsong puts a comforting hoof on Zephyr's withers. "Just try and hold onto the fact that your friends will be there for you. As for your relations, I managed to get that cleared with the mayor of this town, including your real name."

Realizing it must of been a lot of work, Zephyr nuzzles her in the side of her head. "Thanks mom. I'm lucky I have you."

She hums. "The feeling's mutual. That's besides the point, though. What did you actually do yesterday?"

"Oh right. I intended to go to Rarity's boutique to repair my suit, but Twilight wanted me to go to the library with her so she could give me the research papers you guys found at the labs yesterday. My reactions when I had a run-in with Rainbow and Applejack were... unkind, I suppose is the word I'm looking for.

"I kept acting like they would lash out at me, not realizing that they were trying hard to make amends with me, only to be met with fear. It took a visit with Rarity to make me finally realize what I've been doing. It... admittedly made me feel even worse about myself, but I also told myself to try not to act so scared around them."

She sighs. "Again, trust in the fact that your friends just want what's best for you. As hard as it may be, try to forgive yourself as well, otherwise everypony else won't be able to forgive you."

Zephyr shuddered. "Well... doing that and trying not to act scared is so hard for me..."

"No-pony changes instantly. Give it some time and you'll be alright."

That's just like mom, looking out for me in more ways than one.

With the life advice out of the way, Harpsong lets out a low cough. "I just have one last question. Where does Fluttershy live?"

This caught Zephyr slightly off guard. "Oh, uh... she lives near the entrance of the Everfree Forest. Why?"

"I just figured that I would get to know my adopted son's younger sister better." She gives a coy smile.

"Right... letting you know now, she most likely won't be there as she mentioned going to the spa with Rarity today. You could try there if you're antsy about it."

She nods. "I think I will. I wanted to unwind after everything that's happened, so a spa visit sounds lovely. Oh, and before I forget, your band members wanted to see you at their leader's place. You should probably fly by and say hello." With that, she trots off.

Zephyr facehoofed hard upon the realization that he hasn't seen the other band members for a while after the Gala.

Better late than never, I suppose. I just hope they aren't too mad at me for... again, why is this so hard? Shaking his head to clear it, Zephyr headed over to where the group practiced everything for the Manehatten Concert.

Almost as soon as he knocked on the door, the next thing he noticed was the the death-grip on his mid-section by a yellow mass. "Geeze you doink, you had us bucking scared!"

"Hi, Snare." Zephyr noticed the other band members at the entrance with surprised and relieved stares as he patted Snare on her head.

Electron spoke up, almost in a low squeak. "Where were you? We heard something happened to you from Strings and... and..."

Burst sighed. "We were all worried for you, even Snare."

Snare quickly let go of Zephyr with an awkward cough. "I-I wasn't scared or worried about you. I was j-just worried we would be down a singer once again." Zephyr gives her a disbelieving look and she looks away with a flustered blush.

After thinking on it for a second, Zephyr thought it was strange. "I thought I was just a temporary singer for you guys and that's it. Sure I was your 'best' pick, but it's not like-"

Now Burst shook his head. "Would we really of did anything for you if we didn't care about you?" Iron nodded in agreement as Burst sighed. "You're a part of our little family, Zephyr. Even when you were just a replacement before, we still cared about you."

"I'm sorry I worried you guys like that."

Snare snorted. "You better be..."

All Zephyr could do was give an amused shake of his head before he noticed something off in Burst's wording. "What do you mean by "even when I was just a replacement"?"

Burst opened his mouth to speak when Electron cut him off. "Clear Octave recently wrote to us saying he won't be able to sing for us anymore."

"Wait so that would mean..."

She smiles. "Your the official lead singer of our band now! Burst became the offical leader after being a de facto one for so long, since you're still new to the industry." This got an extremely surprised reaction out of Zephyr, as he never expected to be promoted to 'official member' so soon after everything that's happened recently. To him, it felt like everything was going a little too fast.

Snare snorted again dismissively. "See? I was merely concerned about the well-being of our band."

Burst rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you were totally concerned to the point of freaking out over Zephyr never returning to us."

"I told you that was not--"

Their bickering was cut short when Zephyr let out a massive groan. "As much as I appreciate it, sadly I'm a wind manager first and foremost. I don't think I'll be able to--"

Snare cut in this time, already over her embarrassment. "Did you forget the first week or so we spend working on songs for the concert? Our band is primarily situated here in Ponyville, though don't say that too loud."

"Wait so that means...?"

Electron smiles and hugs Zephyr again. "You won't have to worry about any sort of commute for this job!"

"W-what about my appearance? my extra wings--"

Snare gives the offending appendages a curious look as Electron lets go of Zephyr. "Seen you around town yesterday with those. I'd say you look more awkward with them than without."

Despite it being out of left field, Zephyr felt it was a very 'Snare' response. "I haven't used them for over ten years outside of bare-bones basic maintenance. 95% of the time they've been covered by my bandages."

That revelation got a shocked reaction from everypony, Snare especially. "Sheesh, that long? No wonder you look so awkward with them." She shakes her head. "Kind of a waste if you ask me. I say be proud of the fact that you have more wings than anypony else, especially if it gives you more wing-power."

"So this doesn't... bother any of you?" When all Zephyr got were shaking heads, he couldn't believe his eyes. My foalhood fears are being dashed each day now...

"Though I should bring this up." Burst cut in. "I don't know if Strings told them or not, but the higher ups for our band apparently want us to take an extended break on account of your ordeal--"

Way to make me feel like an invalid...

"-- and String's "business trip" to Canterlot. We won't be doing anything for a while now."

Zephyr felt relief at those words. "I guess I won't have to worry about that for now. Not quite sure I'm ready to start writing new songs again."

Snare gives Zephyr a flat look. "That doesn't mean you don't have to see us. Swing by and talk with us once in a while."

"I know, I know. Building relationships further being a key thing."

Burst and Iron nod while Electron rolls her eyes at Snare, who gives her a confused look.

Checking his watch and noting that school's almost out on account of it being a Friday, Zephyr knew it was high-time to go. "I need to get going, some ponies are expecting me soon."

Burst chuckles. "Busy already? Alright, we'll see you around."

Snare nodded. "Yeah, and make sure you whip those secondary wings back into shape ASAP. I know I would." Zephyr waved her off right before take off, waving at the other members of his band as he flew away.

Becoming an actual member of a band like that? It came so fast I also need time to process it...

"Ah have to ask... how come ya acted weird around mah sister earlier today?" Applebloom gave Zephyr a questioning, yet slightly worried look.

When Zephyr went to meet up with the crusaders, he had found Applejack wanting to give her a little something for all four of us while watching over them. After fighting with himself before biting the cannonball, Zephyr finally apologized to her for the way he was acting yesterday, stating that it wasn't fair to her, Twilight, or Rainbow.

"Sugahcube, no-pony expects you to simply buck up and act like nothing happened right away. Just... let us carry some of yer burden instead of trying to shoulder it all yerself. Believe me, ah know what it's like to do something like that..."

Zephyr sighed as he thought of a way to explain it to the fillies. "Well... metaphorically speaking, I was trying to fill my plate with more burdens than I can handle. Burdens that my... friends could help me with." Applebloom gives him a confused look, but didn't comment on it. "More importantly, you girls don't really seem to... crusade whenever the four of us are together."

Scootaloo pouted. "Isn't it obvious why? We just wanted to be with you after so long of being apart."

While it did hurt his heart a bit, Zephyr felt warmth from the trio as he smiled. "You girls are too good to me..."

Sweetie Belle kicked the ground a bit, looking a bit guilty. "Well... I also wanted to--"

"Zephyr! Girls!" They all look over to see a prettied-up Fluttershy flying over to them from Ponyville. "There you are, I've been looking for you."

Zephyr gives her a confused look. "What's going on?"

She shakes her head. "I don't know. Rainbow wanted us to go to Sugar Cube Corner for a treat or something."

At the mere mention of Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo started buzzing her tiny wings in excitement. "Rainbow Dash wants us to go there? Race you all there!" With that, she takes off.

"Scootaloo, wait up!" Applebloom takes after her pegasus friend.

Zephyr and Fluttershy were about to follow when they noticed Sweetie Belle lingering behind. "What's wrong?"

She sighs. "I... just wanted to apologize for throwing you under the carriage." Seeing Zephyr's confused look, she clarified "A few days ago, I told my sister I've 'washed my hooves of you' because of how frustrated I was with you. I said this... exactly one day before that tape-recorder with your confession came to us..."

"I understand but... why are you telling me this now?"

She shudders in self-disappointment. "I suppose hearing your conversation with Applejack brought it to the forefront of my mind." She shakes her head. "The thing is... all three of us were devastated over you not seeing us again for the second time. I think Scootaloo was hit the hardest back then, although I don't know why."

That explains why she was the one to start punching me in frustration when she saw me again...

Fluttershy had a worried look. "Is... she okay now?"

"Getting a lot better now that Zephyr is back. I know it's not my place to say this but... if I had to hazard a guess, while Rainbow Dash is her idol, Zephyr was the closest thing she had to a big brother. That's why it hit her harder than it hit me or Applebloom." That got a grimace from Zephyr, not realizing until now just how much damage had been done from his actions.

Fluttershy noticed his reaction and was quick to nuzzle his bad feelings away. "If she's getting better, then hopefully we won't have to worry too much about it. Just... be sure to be there for her when she really needs it."

Thanks to Fluttershy's nuzzle, Zephyr already felt better and gave a resolute nod. "On that note, let's hurry before those two eat all the treats or whatever Rainbow has in store for us."

The three of them didn't see the other two fillies on the way to the bakery. However upon entering the place nonchalantly, all three of them were startled by a shout of "SURPRISE!" from Pinkie and everypony else present. Zephyr blanched a bit while recoiling and flared his wings, Fluttershy hid behind said wings with a squeak, and Sweetie Belle backpedaled a bit with a cry of fright.

"Hey, Zephy, you managed to stay on the ground this time!" Pinkie bounced over with a grin.

"Cut me some slack! I didn't know this was going to be a surprise party."

"Well duh, then it wouldn't be a surprise!" That remark definitely earned a facehoof from Zephyr. "Besides, this party is in celebration for the reunion of you and Fluttershy!" She grins at his still startled sister.

P-p-p-please d-don't d-do that t-to me, P-Pinkie." Fluttershy was stuttering badly, so Zephyr started rubbing her back to help calm her down.

Pinkie looked sad now. "Sorry Fluttershy. I wanted to make it special but..."

"N-no, it is s-special. Y-you just s-startled me too much, that's a-all."

Pinkie 'poofed' back up after hearing it. "I'm happy to hear it! Now lets get this party started!"

Many of the other ponies congratulated Zephyr on his reunion with Fluttershy. After the first few, Zephyr definitely started thinking started he grew up in the wrong place all his life.

Zephyr made sure to talk with Harpsong, who really likes Fluttershy like a daughter now, and his fellow band members during the party. He also did his best to talk with the rest of his friends, but was having difficulty not flinching or recoiling in fear of retribution, much to Rainbow's apparent amusement. During the party, Zephyr made sure to keep an eye on Scootaloo from afar, Sweetie Belle's words still ringing in his head.

"Excuse me." Zephyr looked over to see a black pegasus mare with a black mane with a gold streak in it. "Are you the one I'm currently covering for?"

It took him a moment to make the connection. "Are you the replacement Wind Manager?"

She smiles. "Yes. I just wanted to apologize for taking over your house during my time here."

Waving it off with a wing, Zephyr gave her a small smile. "Don't worry about it. I was... tied up at the time and you needed a place to stay."

"That being said, the day after tomorrow is when my time here is done. You should be able to move back in and re-take over wind duties again."

"Thank you. I was wondering when I would get back to work... if at all."

A low cough was heard near the two amongst the noisiness of the party. It was Rainbow giving Zephyr an amused look. "Just remember to practice with those secondary wings, buck-o."

That just got an eye roll from Zephyr as the other mare takes her leave. "I'll get plenty of it if I'm paired with you."

"Is that so?" Zephyr, not helping himself, recoiled a bit thinking he accidentally made her angry. That got a snicker of amusement from Rainbow while Zephyr mentally berated himself for it. "Don't worry, Zephyr. I'll even help you with your training if you need it."

"Helping your opponent?"

"I like making sure my competition is at least at one-hundred and twenty percent efficiency." Zephyr let out an undignified snort of laughter at that.

The only other major event that happened was when Scootaloo suddenly asked Zephyr for his autograph as the singer for Three Night's Grace. When asked why when she spends plenty of time together with him, she mentioned wanting to get every single band-member's autograph and his was the only one missing. He caved and signed her autograph book, but Zephyr knew everypony was now aware he was the new singer after he got swarmed.

One thing Zephyr wasn’t able to do was talk to Fluttershy until after the party, when he found her quickly exiting. “Hey, Shy, where were you?”

It gave her a start, but she calmed down when she saw it was her brother. “O-oh I was… hiding. P-Pinkie Pie’s parties are nice and all, but I always get so nervous with so many ponies around.”

Nodding in understanding, Zephyr pats her on the head. “That’s okay, no-pony expects you to just instantly change for one occasion.”

Gee... sounds similar to what my mother told me earlier...

She sighs. “I’m so sorry for shoving all of that attention on you…”

“Don’t worry about it, okay? If anything, it was inevitable once Scoots asked for my autograph.” Zephyr shakes his head. “Regardless, I found out when I’m getting my house back.”

This oddly surprised her. “R-really? When?”

“The day after tomorrow is when my replacement is leaving. I’ll be able to move back into my house then.”

“Wow, so soon… I’m very happy for you.”

The tone of Fluttershy's voice sounded mostly happy, but it was laced with sadness too because she didn’t want Zephyr to leave so soon. Recognizing this, he puts a wing over her back and allowed her to cuddle closer to him.