The Eyes of Sherastol - Chapter 2

Rainbow was shaken up at the sight of her brother. He had a navy blue coat with a pure white mane. His cutie mark was a pair of silver wings with a circle of stars behind them. “Twilight, this is... this is my brother Star Strider,” she said with a hint of fear in her voice.

“Rainbow he told me his name...”

“Oh...Well still...” Rainbow nervously hugged her brother. Pinkie Pie and Ditzy Doo were standing behind the other three, wondering what was going on.

“Hey, Ditzy?”

“Yeah?” Ditzy was leaning forward a little, to get a better view, when her eyes went wide.

“Do you know who that pony is?” Pinkie asked, when a gray streak went soaring past her. leaving her a little dazed. Pinkie fell backwards on her haunches. The gray streak crashed into the pegasus that Rainbow Dash was hugging. When the dust cleared, Ditzy Doo, Rainbow, and the blue pegasus were tangled on the ground.

“Star Strider! I can't believe you're in Ponyville! What are you doing here?” the gray pegasus asked as she stood up. Star Strider stood up and shook the dirt off of himself, and Rainbow did the same.

“Oh you know. Just came to visit my favorite little sister,” Star Strider said as he patted the top of Rainbow's head. Rainbow gave a nervous chuckle. “You know stay in Ponyville for a bit.”

“Well maybe 'your favorite little sister' would also like to know what you are doing here,” Rainbow said nervously. This was not something she wanted to happen; It just had to be a bad dream.

“Look, Rainbow I-”

“HEY! I've never seen you in Ponyville before!” Pinkie Pie had shaken herself out of her daze, and had decided to bounce over and join in the conversation. “Which means you've never experienced a party, Pinkie Pie style! Which means you get a party! But first you have to be shown around Ponyville! And it'll be so much fun!” Pinkie had that wide smile on her face again. Rainbow looked at Star Strider's confused face, and laughed.

“Star Strider, this my gal pal Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie this is Star Strider my-”

“Your coltfriend!?” the pink pony cut off Rainbow Dash. Rainbow and Star Strider looked at each other an both made a retching noise, then both laughed. Rainbow's was more of a nervous chuckle.

“No, Pinkie. Star Strider's my brother. He lives in Cloudsdale with my other brother and my mom.”

“Oooohhhhh. Well he still needs a good old fashioned tour of Ponyville.”

“Pinkie Pie, It's 4 o'clock. Luna's raising the moon in a few hours.”

“All the more reason to get started!” Pinkie smiled and turned her attention to Star Strider, eagerly awaiting his answer.

“Well, I could go for a tour of Ponyville. I wouldn't mind seeing where my sister lives.” He smiled at Dash, and she smiled back nervously.

Seeing her brother made her happy, but she still couldn't bear to tell him about their father. Star Strider then leaned over to Rainbow. “But I would like to talk to you alone, afterward, and I assume I can stay at your house?” he whispered. Rainbow couldn't leave her own brother out on the street, so she nodded nervously.

“So it's settled,” Pinkie said. “Dashie, Ditzy, Twilight and me will give you the whole tour of the town!”

“Actually Pinkie,” Twilight cut in. “I have to head back to the library. I had an awful night of studying last night, and the place is a mess. I don't think Spike can clean it up all on his own.”

“Aww you're no fun Twilight,” Pinkie said with a slight frown.

Twilight walked over to Star Strider and extended a hoof. “It was very nice meeting you, Star Strider.” The pegasus took Twilight's hoof and shook it.

“A pleasure meeting you, Miss Sparkle. Maybe I'll take you up on that lunch offer someday.” He winked at the purple unicorn, which made her face go a light red, but she smiled.

“That sounds...nice.” Twilight realized she was blushing, then nervously smiled and changed the subject. “I'll see you later. Bye everypony!” Twilight galloped off as the others began discussing the tour.

“First things first,” Ditzy said. “I have to do my mail run. I'm late already.” She started to get up but Rainbow Dash stopped her.

“Ditzy...Today is Sunday.”

The gray pegasus blushed. “Oops...” All the ponies shared a laugh. “Well, I still have to get some muffins. They're good for snacking on during trips.”

“Honestly, Ditzy. With all the muffins you eat, I’m surprised you're not a pudgy pony,” Rainbow said making everypony laugh again.

“And I would keep eating them. Be right back!” Ditzy took off and accidentally flew into her closed door. The other ponies all laughed. “Oops,” she muttered under her breath, feeling embarrassed. She forced a little laugh. She opened the door and trotted inside, letting the other ponies talk.

Ditzy just let out a sigh as she closed the door. She trotted over to the pantry and brought out a tray of freshly baked banana walnut muffins. It's not like I try to be clumsy on purpose. Ditzy didn't mind being clumsy, she knew it was just part of who she was. She loved all of her friends and would never do anything to hurt them, but it hurt when they laughed at her clumsiness. Especially seeing Rainbow and Star Strider laugh at her. She shook her head and put on a smile. At least it gives everypony some entertainment! she thought happily as she emptied the tray of muffins into her saddlebags. She picked up the saddlebags with her mouth (considering all they were full of was muffins, they weren't that heavy,) and happily trotted out the door. She walked over to the others and placed her saddlebags on the ground.

“We ready to go?”

“We're mapping out the route. Pinkie, Ditzy, any ideas on where we should start?” Rainbow asked.

“Why not in town square,” Ditzy suggested.

“How about Sugarcube Corner!” Pinkie bounced up and down at the possibility of getting more sweets.

“Pinkie, you always want to go to Sugarcube Corner,” Ditzy said.

“Well why not,” Dash said. “We could stop in, get some pastries for lunch, then head out, head off to Carousel Boutique, then Sweet Apple Acres, the library, Fluttershy's place, then end it at my house.”

“Sounds awesome!” Pinkie was jumping up and down again.

“Then it's settled, off to Sugarcube corner!” The four ponies stood up and made their way from Ditzy's house to the sweet shop, which wasn't that much of a distance. Ditzy lived relatively close to the shop, so that she could buy ingredients for her muffins, which she either sold from her house, or gave to Mr. and Mrs. Cake for them to sell. Pinkie burst through the door of the sweet shop, looking at all of the pastries, licking her lips.

“Well hello dearie,” said Mrs. Cake from her spot behind the counter.

“Hi Mrs. Cake! This is Rainbow Dash's brother, ummmm....” Pinkie Pie thought for a second, then turned to Star Strider. “What was your name again?” Rainbow and Ditzy stifled a laugh at the pink pony's forgetfulness.

“I'm Star Strider. It's nice to meet you Mrs. Cake. Pinkie Pie has been going on and on about how this is the best sweet shop in town.”

“Well I don't know if I’d say that,” said Mrs. Cake.

“Don't be silly, Mrs. Cake! Sugarcube corner is the bestest most super awesome sweet shop in Equestria!” Mrs. Cake laughed.

Mrs. Cake laughed. “Now, would any of you like to buy anything today?” The bakery owner smiled.

“Hmmmm I'll take, some apple cupcakes, and one of those blueberry pies please,” Star Strider said, pulling out some bits.

“Nothing for me, I have some muffins in my bags.” Ditzy smiled.

“I'll just take some cherry tarts, Mrs. Cake.” Rainbow went to get some bits out of her bags, but Strider stopped her.

“I gotcha covered sis.”

“Oh, Thanks.” Rainbow forced a smile. She didn't understand why her brother was being so nice to her.

“No problem.”

“Anything for you Pinkie?” Mrs. Cake asked. Pinkie took a big breath to say a whole bunch of things, but Rainbow shot her a look.

“I'll just take five cupcakes, Mrs. Cake!” Pinkie pulled the bits out of her bag also and placed them on the counter.

“Alrighty, dears. You go wait outside and I'll bring these to you real soon!”

“Sounds good, Mrs. Cake. Thank you.” Rainbow and her friends walked outside and waited at one of the tables.

“So, Star Strider, how long are you planning on staying here in Ponyville?” Ditzy asked.

“Oh I don't know, maybe a couple of days.” Star Strider suddenly whipped his head and turned his attention onto his little sister. “Oh Rainbow, I need to know where Dad is. I need to talk to him.” Rainbow's eyes went wide at this.

“Oh...Well...” Tears began to form at the corners of her eyes. “You see... Oh look foods here!” She was glad that Mrs. Cake came out with the treats; she didn't need everypony seeing her have a breakdown. Mrs. Cake placed the plate of cupcakes, tarts, and the single pie on the table.

“Have a good day dears!”

“Thanks Mrs. Cake,” Pinkie said. “I'll be back at work tomorrow!”

“That's okay Pinkie, you just have fun with your friends.”

“Will do Mrs. Cake!” The older pony walked back into the sweet shop smiling. The group of ponies outside quietly ate their “lunch”. After the group finished eating they talked about their tour plan.

“So it's off to visit Rarity then?” Pinkie asked.

“That was the plan,” Ditzy said.

“Then off to Carousel Boutique,” Rainbow said. The group stood up and began walking down the road to the boutique. “Hopefully she won't feel inclined to give us a makeover...”

“Aw come on Dash. Who knows a makeover might be fun. I know Star Strider here could clean up a bit.” Ditzy snickered a little, and nudged Star Strider's shoulder with her hoof.

“Well I'm not the one who smells like muffins.” The group, including Ditzy all laughed . Ditzy stuck her tongue out at Star Strider. Most of the group just walked and talked about average things. Ditzy and Star Strider talked about how life in Cloudsdale and Ponyville had been. Pinkie popped in asking random things. The only pony who wasn't enjoying the company was Rainbow Dash. She silently walked and kept her head down. Ever since Star Strider had arrived she dreaded the fact that she was going to have to tell him about their father. She managed to dodge the bullet once already, but she didn't know how many more times she would get lucky like that.

“Rainbow Dash, are you okay?” The sudden noise made her jump a little. She looked over at her brother, who had just asked her the question.

“Um... Yeah I'm fine. Just... thinking.”

“'Bout what?”

“Oh nothing. Just... thinking.”

“Alrighty then.” Star Strider didn't sound like he was buying it. He could already tell there was something wrong with his sister. He could tell there was something wrong from the moment he saw her. He knew it was odd he hadn't seen his father. All he really cared about was talking to his sister, but he figured maybe if he gave her some time she'd give up on her charade.

“Look, we're here,” Pinkie shouted. The group of ponies walked into the building. A little bell rang as the group stepped inside.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique,” said a voice. “How may I help you today?” A white unicorn greeted them.

“Rarity, it's us,” Dash said, slightly annoyed.

“Well I know you three, but who is this stallion, I don't think I've ever seen him around Ponyville before.” Star Strider held out his hoof.

“My name's Star Strider. I'm Rainbow Dash's brother. It's nice to meet you Ms...”

“Rarity,” said the purple maned unicorn. “And the pleasure is all mine.” Rarity now turned to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow Dash you never told me you had a brother. And you certainly failed to mention the he was so handsome.” Rarity turned her attention back to the now blushing Stallion. “Now, are you here to purchase something? I have a wonderful selection of stallions clothes.” Star Strider smiled nervously, he wasn't used to attention like this.

“He's fine, Rarity,” Rainbow cut in. “Actually I think we were just leaving.”

“Oh but you simply cannot leave without telling me something about yourself.”

“Well..” Star Star Strider paused. “Like what?”

“How is Cloudsdale this time of year? Are any of the ponies fashionable there? Do you...”

“Cloudsdale's fine. And know I don't think so. Just the Wonderbolt's costumes, but those aren't made there.” Star Strider answered quickly. He saw an expression of pain on Rainbow Dash's face when Rarity mentioned Cloudsdale. “But Rainbow is right. We were just about to get leaving. They have to finish the tour and all.”

“Well I hope you keep Rainbow out of trouble. That sister of yours is quite rambunctious.”

“Pardon me Miss Rarity, but keeping her out of trouble would take one of nature's miracles.”

“Hey!” Rainbow objected playfully.

“Just kidding around sis.” Star Strider smiled at her. She smiled back, only this time it wasn't forced.

“Well then I'll let you be on your way then. Have fun in Ponyville, Star Strider. I do hope to see you again.” Rarity blushed a little when she said this. I really hope to see you again, she thought.

“Goodbye, Ms. Rarity.” The group exited the Boutique.

“Alright, when did you become such a gentlecolt?” Rainbow jokingly asked her brother.

“I've always been one. You've always had your head up in the clouds, so you just never noticed it,” Star Strider teased. The siblings shared a laugh. Star Strider was happy to see his sister in a good mood. All the ponies resumed joking and talking.

“Rainbow, I like this tour of Ponyville and all,” Star Strider said after some time had passed. The group was probably a few 100 feet away from the farm. The trees could be seen on the horizon. “But I really need to talk to dad. Where is he?”

“He's at home. Drop it,” Rainbow had a definite tone change. She sounded angry and bitter when she said this. She instantly realized what happened. “Strider I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... Dad's at home. You can wait for a little bit can't you?” She hated lying, but as before, she didn't need to have her best friends watch while she turned into an emotional wreck.

“Yeah I can wait,” Strider said skeptically.

Rainbow sighed. At least she bought herself a little time to actually think about what she was going to say. The group walked over a hill, and a big apple orchard awaited them. There was a big red barn amongst all of the trees. A large, red-coated earth pony was working in the fields. He was pulling a plow along the ground, while a little yellow earth pony trailed behind him, putting seeds in the ground. An orange earth pony wearing a cowboy hat walked up to the group.

“Well howdy Rainbow. Ditzy. Pinkie. Though ah can't reckon I've seen you before.” She looked at Star Strider, who was standing next to Rainbow Dash. “Well Rainbow, ah never pegged yah for one to have a coltfriend.”

“Ugh! For the last time he's not my-” Rainbow paused, realizing what Applejack had said. “And just what is that supposed to mean?”

“What's what supposed to mean sugarcube?” Applejack smiled slyly. Rainbow sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Never mind. Anyways, Applejack, this is Star Strider, my brother.”

“Well, it's nice to meet yah Star Strider. Any friend, or sibling, of Rainbow Dash's is a friend o' mine. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres.” Applejack led the group of ponies through the orchards. Pinkie was munching on some apples she found on the ground. Ditzy was eating one of her muffins. Rainbow and Star Strider were walking on either side of Applejack. “We here at Sweet Apple Acres provide apples for the whole town of Ponyville. We sell the apples in the marketplace, or make sweets for Mr. and Mrs. Cake down at Sugarcube Corner.”

“Yeah they do!” Pinkie chimed in. “Applejack is one of the best bakers in town! She can make apple fritters, apple pies, apple cobblers, apple cupcakes..” Pinkie kept going on with the list of baked goods, but the others tuned her out.

“Anywho... It's been a pleasure, Star Strider, but ah'm afraid I hafta go help Big Macintosh out in the fields. It was nice meetin' yah!” Applejack shook Star Strider's hoof and galloped of over toward the red pony who was pulling the plow.

“Well sis, where to now?”

“To the library to see Twilight!” Pinkie shouted. “You know, your marefriend.” Star Strider blushed. Heavily. They all kept walking in the direction of the library as the mares began to tease the stallion.

“Pinkie Pie, quit teasing him,” Ditzy said. “We all know he wants to date Rarity.”

“You're both crazy,” Rainbow cut in. “He likes Flu.. urk!”

Star Strider jerked his sister back by the tail. “Enough out of you three.”

“We're just joking, Mr. Serious McSerious pants.” Pinkie smiled.

“Yeah, Strider. Calm down,” Rainbow said. “We're just poking fun.” Star Strider was a little angry at the group, but was relieved to finally see his sister having fun. They kept walking and joking through town, poking fun at each other. Strider brought up Rainbow's crush on one of the male Wonderbolts. The other ponies laughed as Rainbow defended herself. After ten or so minutes passed they arrived at the library. The ponies knocked on the door and twilight answered it.

“Welcome to... oh! Hey girls. And colt.” Twilight blushed when she saw Star Strider. “Can I do something for you.”

“Yep!” Pinkie said. “Star Strider here wanted to ask you on a date!” Twilight and Star Strider's jaws dropped, while the other ponies fell over laughing.

Twilight was blushing heavily, and managed to gather her thoughts together enough to speak.“P-Pinkie… are you… plea-please tell me you’re joking right now.”

“Yep!” Pinkie said, laughing. Twilight let out a sigh of relief and disappointment. “Nah. We're just visiting the library

“Well, like I told you before, I work and live at the library. Would you like to come inside?”

“Sure. That sounds nice.” Star Strider was still blushing from Pinkie's statement. The group of ponies walked inside the big hollowed out tree that served for the library. The walls were filled with shelves of books. “So you live here?”

“Yes. It's actually quite nice. I have all the books I can read here...even though I read most of them back in Canterlot. The library there had a lot of the same books”

“She doesn't get out much.” Pinkie whispered to Star Strider.

“Oh! I should have offered you something to eat..or to drink. I'm terribly sorry.” Twilight started to frantically rush around the room looking for anything that her guests could snack on.

“Don't worry about it. It's fine.”

“No no no. The book I read about hosting said I have to offer my guests something to eat or drink.”

“Twilight Sparkle. It's fine.”

She stopped running around and looked into Star Strider's eyes. They both blushed, and the other ponies snickered. Twilight broke her gaze and stammered out a response. “I... uhm... okay..” A small smile took over the purple unicorn's face. “So, is there anything I can do for you today.”

“Nope, not really.” Rainbow said, cutting her brother off from speaking. “Like we said before, we're just going around town.”

“And how are you liking Ponyville so far?”

“It's... different. Not as busy as Cloudsdale is.”

“Oh.” Twilight said with a disheartened sigh. Star Strider heard this, and quickly realized what he said.

“Oh I didn't mean that like a bad thing! It's just so quiet and peaceful. I do like it here, don't get me wrong.” Twilight smiled. She found it cute that he became so flustered around her. Of course she did the same with him. She knew it wasn't right that she hadn't even known him for a day and she was falling for him, but who was she to stop love? The other ponies could see the way Twilight felt.

“Pinkie, Ditzy.” Dash whispered to the other two.

“Yeah?” they said simultaneously.

“Why don't we go outside. I think we could all use some air.”

“Whaddya mean Dashie?” Pinkie asked

Dash sighed. “I mean we should leave the two lovebirds alone.” Pinkie and Ditzy giggled, but went out the door with Dash. Neither Twilight nor Star Strider noticed the others left. They were only focused on each other.

“So where all in Ponyville have you visited?” Twilight asked.

“Well, we went to..uhm....” Star Strider had to think to remember the names. “Carousel Boutique, Sweet Apple Acres, Sugarcube Corner, and here.” The two continued to talk about mundane things, but enjoyed each others company. Star Strider was particularly impressed when she said she was Celestia's protege.

“Well it sounds like you had an exciting day.” Twilight smiled. Then looked at the clock. “Oh goodness! It's getting late! Star Strider I am so sorry, but I have to get on some studying for a project I've been working on We can talk again sometime, right?”

“Yeah, in fact, how about I visit you for lunch tomorrow.”

Twilight smiled and blushed. “That sounds perfect.” '

“See you tomorrow Twilight Sparkle,” Star Strider said as he walked out the door.

“Bye!”

The sun was setting when Star Strider walked outside. Dash was laying on a cloud, resting. Pinkie and Ditzy were nowhere to be found. Dash jumped off her cloud and landed next to her brother. “You all done, lovercolt?”

Star Strider blushed, but smiled.“Oh, hush. I don't need any sass from you.”

“Hey I'm not saying anything. If anything at all, I'm happy for you. Twilight's a great gal,” she teased. “But anyways it's getting late. Pinkie and Ditzy already headed back home, and we should do the same.” Rainbow really didn't want her brother to stay, because as soon as they arrived at her house, she knew she would have to explain everything to him. He just nodded and the two took flight and headed towards Rainbow's house.

The siblings landed and stepped inside Rainbow's cloud home. Her house was, contrary to popular belief, quite neat and organized. Star Strider took a look around. “Nice place Rainbow.”

Rainbow chuckled. “Thanks.” Rainbow and Star Strider walked into Rainbow's living room.

It was a simply decorated room. Populated by only a couple of couches, a few pictures, and the tables they sat on. All of the furniture was made of clouds. Rainbow had flown up to her room, and grabbed Stormy Skies. Holding the doll comforted her, even if it was only by a little. She flew back downstairs and got onto her couch that had a small lightning bolt etched in the clouds. Star Strider got onto the other and the two began to talk. “Anyways, I must thank you for the tour of Ponyville. It was nice to see where you live. But I need to talk to dad. You said he was here. Where is he?” This time Star Strider noticed the tears forming in his sister's eyes.

She started sobbing. Trying to choke out words. She could barely speak. Tears were streaming down her face. Nopony had ever seen Rainbow Dash ever shed a tear, let alone sob. Including her brother. When he saw her starting to cry, he trotted over to her, and nuzzled her mane.

“Dash... what's wrong?”

She turned into an emotional train-wreck. She had begun to weep. All the pent up rage and frustration shed held for the last eleven years was letting itself flow out now. It was flowing in one big motion. Tears were streaming down her face. She was sobbing, saying “I'm sorry” repeatedly.

“Rainbow... What's going on? Are you-” Star Strider was cut off by a knock at the door. Star Strider turned to Rainbow Dash. She had lied herself down on the floor. She was still sobbing, but she shrugged her shoulders. She didn't know who it was either.

“Rainbow, do you want me to get that?”

“Yes...” Tears were still flowing from the young mare's eyes as the events of that day flashed through her mind. She watched her brother stand up to answer the door. She shut her eyes tight hoping that everything would just go away. That she'd wake up to Pinkie Pie yelling at her again. She felt helpless. Like the scared little filly she was over ten years ago. She heard her brother coming back into the room. Except he was with somepony else. Upon seeing him, her heart sank even more. She couldn't do this. Not now. She just wanted to fly away, but she was rooted to the ground by fear. This had to be a bad dream. There was no way it could really be happening. No matter how many times she went through this in her head, she wasn't prepared. She just stared at the pony standing next to her brother. “Thundercloud....” she whispered to herself.