Opus

Chapters

Deep Magic, An Equestrian Guide to Nightmare Night Costumes
Missing
De Principio Novi
Friends Forever
Vita Aeterna

Deep Magic, An Equestrian Guide to Nightmare Night Costumes

Deep Magic, An Equestrian Guide to Nightmare Night Costumes
By: Travis Kingsley
Edited by: Eric Pellegrino

In the days before Princess Celestia and Princess Luna ruled Equestria; The early years of the earth when their parents, the King and Queen ruled a noble rule. The magics of the earth were fresh from their beginning, and sorcery lived along side magic in harmony. In this time there existed a tribe of ponies who, with much diligence, befriended the deep magics, and inherited their powers. This tribe was known simply as the Guardians, for the clan served to protect the King and Queen from any threat that should surface. For in this early time, there were many creatures known today only as legend, neigh, some even lost to the darkness of time itself, and completely forgotten except to mythology.

This tribe, the Guardians, vanquished many dreaded foe who threatened to wreak havoc on the peaceful citizens of Equestria. The Guardians were identified by a single marking on their flanks, a Mark of Rites as it was called, and they pertained to their specialty in the deep magics. Some were dark magic, some light magic, some were even what we would call forbidden magics, but the one I am telling you of today is that of the elemental magics.
In this section of elemental Guardians there existed some ponies who could conjure up the ancient elements and the elements would obey their every whim. Others could bend the elements around them to their will. And still others could draw on the dark elements and void anything they willed. Many great warriors came from the Elemental section of the Guardian tribe, but not all Guardians were great warriors, and indeed many were resigned to remedial tasks such as baking for the not-so-skilled fire ponies, and so on. But today our concern is not of the chef-ponies, but one particular pony, with wood bending abilities (though not very strong) who very much wanted to be great.

This pony tried everything she could think of to sharpen her abilities, but after years of training she was only able to bend small branches and shrubberies...Then one day, a great plant-warrior pony known as Shere (pronounced as the word share) Woodbender came across this humble pony while she was training and took pity on her, and indeed was honored by her courage and willpower. He watched her in secret for many weeks along with some of his most trusted kinsmen. They all admired her for her stout heart, but none would dare say that she had great ability, for she did not. Instead, these great woodbenders, led by Shere, would devise a plan to help this pony, and perhaps encourage her. They could tell that her heart was weary from her lack of success and so they wished to help her. “Since she has great heart, and much training, but little ability” they thought “let us make her bending easier for her, so that she may excel at is as much as she can and perhaps lighten the load on her burdened spirit.” So they took wooden planks, and thinned them. Making them lightweight and easy to move. They presented them to the pony, who could indeed control them quite easily, but quickly saw that there was no great and noble application for them, and again became downhearted.

Shere was saddened by this, and set out to see the King and Queen, who could perhaps help devise a use for the thinned wood, and indeed they did. As it would be, they were searching for something other than stone to keep written record on, something that would be easy to transport by most any pony, even if they had no magic. The King and Queen were delighted to have the thin wood for records, named it “paper,” and quickly developed ink and quills for writing on it. When Shere returned, he found that the pony had embraced this bending, despite thinking it nonsensical, and had been training in the art of bending paper. She could even sheer paper from the fallen trees, and could do so quickly and easily, creating them so thin that you could roll them up into a scroll.

Shere reported this to the King and Queen, who summoned the pony, and asked her if she would be their head scribe, and teach the other ponies to control this paper in such a skillful manner as she did. She agreed, and they have her the honored title of Paperhoof. Though ponies often had titles, no other pony had such an honor in all of Equestria as being titled by the King and Queen themselves. And this pony was quickly raised to greatness as the best scribe to ever serve in the royal house. She also devised many other uses for paper. In fact, she was rumored to make paper “birds” that could soar on the winds, and even to make paper catch fire.

This pony, who had a lowly start, had risen to fame and honor due to her own hard work, and the help of a few faithful friends. Or so the legend goes....

“Awesome!” Thought Ditzy as she closed the dusty book of ancient Equestrian history and legends “maybe now I can prove to the town that I’m not stupid! This would make a great costume and everypony would know that I am well read and stop calling me stupid names like ‘Derpy’....gahhh!!! But hmmm....what kind of costume would I even make? after all, it doesn’t give a description of Shere OR Paperhoof in this legend... Paperhoof...? PaperHOOF!!!! I can wrap my hooves in paper to symbolize the name ‘Paperhoof’ and thereby show everypony once and for all that I am well read, creative, ingenious, and NOT ‘Derpy’....stupid eye...” she faded off with some sadness in her voice. “Anyway...” she said, and started gathering supplies for her costume. A costume of legendary stature! Tape, scissors, and of course PAPER! she had everything she needed, and had quickly wrapped her hooves in paper. “But it’s not a very obvious costume” she thought. “You can barely tell I even HAVE a costume on. What can I do?..” And then the idea hit her. Paperhoof was a Squire, and Squires wore hats to signify their position! “I’ll make a paper hat as well, and TRUELY be the traditional Paperhoof, Squire! Well muffins and macintosh this is working out better than I expected! I’m really going all out on this! Nopony will be able to deny my knowledge now!” She quickly finished her costume, and not a moment too soon for it was already dark outside, and the festivities had begun to commence.

She quickly trotted outside, and headed toward the town square and the main festival when she heard a voice. “Hey, there goes Derpy dressed as a paper bag! Haha! She’s sooo....Derpy!” Her heart sank a little, but she didn’t stop to correct the young colt who had spoken, but did shoot him an angry glance as she passed. “Bad idea...” she sighed as her eye started acting up again. “Of all the times...” she trailed off in thought, scolding herself for being so stupid, but quickly forgot her worries as she arrived at the town square.

“But now for some fun!” She thought “I’ve needed this for ages! Delivering mail can be so stressful, and with the ponies in town teasing me too...Seriously!? Ponies can be so critical sometimes! Oh look! Apple bobbing! That looks like fun!” she thought, and trotted quickly to the bucket full of brightly colored fruit. “Hi Applejack!” she said cheerily.

Howdy Miss D!” said AJ “nice...costume?”

“Thanks!” said Ditzy, oblivious of Applejack’s misconception. “How much for an apple?”

“One bit! See if you can get a good ‘un!”

“Thanks!” Ditzy said, tossing a coin to applejack.

She walked over to the bucket full of brightly colored apples. Red or green, take your pick! She leaned over the bucket, straining, looking for the perfect apple, which didn’t help with her eye any. But there it was! The biggest, brightest red delicious she had ever seen!

She leaned forward, bracing herself and taking careful aim. Which was all the more tedious given her eyesight. “One swift motion Dee, that’s all you need. Grab that apple!” she thought, psyching herself up. Ready....Aim.... [THUNDERCLAP] A huge peal of thunder out of nowhere just as she launched at her perfect prize. She would have stopped if she could have, but it was too late, she was already lunging forward. With the sudden surprise of the thunderclap, and the aid of a frightened pony behind her, she dove face-first into the tub, and instead of grabbing the apple her mouth tightened around something else, something odd feeling. But she had no time to think and only gasped up out of the water, choking with the mouthful of water and gasping for air, her eye twitching from the sudden surprise and stress of it all. As she sat there catching her breath she noticed what was in her mouth, caught in her teeth unwillingly “A plug?” She puzzled “oh great...” as the water started to swirl and drain. “Great...” She thought “just great... My costume is ruined, I look like a retard and I’m soaking wet...And I didn’t even get that apple! So much for having a nice, fun night... and so much for proving I’m not retarded, in fact, this is JUST the opposite...” a tear forming in her eye.

"Haha, look at Derpy! She's such a weirdo" She heard somepony say. Everyone was laughing. Even AJ let out a little snicker.

“[THUNDERCLAP] all of this! I’m going home!!!” she yelled, dashing off. Her soaking costume peeling off her as she ran, tears streaming down her face. She rushed inside, locked the door, and collapsed onto her bed. Her pillow quickly stained with tears as she buried her face deep in it. “I just want them to like me!” She screamed “is that too much to ask? I just want to fit in, to be normal...why can’t they like me!!!... Maybe I’d be better off gone....Maybe I’d be....maybe I should just....should just....” she sobbed, soon fading into a dark and restless slumber. She clutched her tear-soaked pillow tightly, her only friend in the world, giving in to the embrace of darkness, and weeping in her restless sleep...

...Ditzy tossed and turned all night. She was restless as dark dreams filled her mind. Dark thoughts filled and clouded her mind as she woke during the early morning hours. The sky had started to become light, but the sun had not yet peeked over the hills. She rolled over, and stared out the window, watching the sunrise and feeling it’s beams strike her as it rose over the hills lighting all of Equestria with its glory. But there was no warmth, not for her...

After hours of lying there empty minded, she finally managed to drag herself out of bed. Her eyes were hollow and lifeless, her normal bubbly personality gone, a mere shell of a pony remained. It wasn’t like her, she didn’t even go into work. She couldn’t bring herself to leave the house, to face those who had mocked her the day before.

Hours later she finally set out from the house taking flight as fast as her wings would allow, not even knowing where she was going or why. She just wanted to get away from everything, far away. She headed away from the city, out into the country, settling down in an open field far from any spying eyes. She wandered slowly with her head hung and her eyes downcast. She had no destination in mind, well perhaps one...but she tried not to even think about it. Her mind raced behind her foggy eyes. Was she really meant to live like this? Surrounded by shame with no friends?

The ground wasn’t to her liking anymore so she took off and found a nice looking cloud nearby. She settled down on it and continued her questions into the deep and dark parts of her own mind. She couldn’t even believe what she was thinking about. Was she really supposed to go on like this? And more importantly how could she go on like this? She could move again, but that hadn’t helped that last 4 times. Or she could...end it all right now.

A tear fell as she thought about it. “Would anypony miss me? Would anypony even notice?” She thought “well the post office would but only because they’d have to find a new currier.” She had no special stallion in her life, no friends, and few acquaintances even. “No...no one really would miss me” she concluded. That thought was haunting, and yet freeing at the same time. She laid her head forward on the cloud and watched the grass sway in the breeze below. She began to cry again. Watching as her gentle but steady stream fell out of sight toward the ground. “Like rain from a grey cloud” she thought “how fitting for me...”

This thought only made her cry more. She was breaking down. Losing it. And she couldn’t take it anymore. The pain of rejection was more intense than any physical pain she had ever felt “or ever could” she thought, and with that, she took flight. First flying only away from Ponyville and further into the country, but she soon began to climb. “Let the wind blow away my tears and all memories of my existence” she thought, and took off in a powerful climb. She climbed, higher and higher until her wings could carry her no more. The air was thin but her spirit was thinner still. The air was cold, but her heart was colder. “Fuck everyone” she screamed, closing her eyes and her wings...

And she fell...

TO BE CONTINUED

Missing

Missing
By: Travis Kingsley

“Hey Spike, did you bring in the mail today?” Twilight called out, not even looking up from the book she was reading.

“Nope! I checked, but there wasn’t any!” Replied Spike from another room. He was busy dusting, and reorganizing a few of the books Twilight had a habit of leaving strewn about.

“That’s strange. It would normally be here hours ago, I wonder what’s up?” Says Twilight, putting her book down and heading outside to check for herself. She found the mailbox empty, just as spike had said. “I wonder what could have happened? I was expecting a catalogue and some letters today” she wondered out loud. “Oh well, life goes on.” And with that, she returned to her book and her studies on magic.

The next day was very much the same with Twilight continuing her studies; reading about, and practicing magic. Spike continued his never ending task of keeping the library clean and organized. The two gave little thought to the mail, because this day it came as normal, several days worth in fact. In the mail was a letter from the Post Office “one of our main mail-mares has recently quit so we have been behind on our routes. We apologize for the inconvenience it may cause, but the mail will only be delivered to our customers 2 days a week until we can hire a new currier. If you need your mail sooner please feel free to visit us and pick it up in person. Sincerely, you’re hometown post office.”

“Well that explains things” Twilight thought as she headed back into her house. “But I DO need my mail more often than that, so I’ll have to go down there tomorrow and pick it up. Hey Spike, read this” she said, handing him the letter from the Post Office. “It’ll explain the whole thing with the mail these last couple of days. Seems that we will have to pick up out mail a couple times a week for a while.”

“Why is that Twilight?” Asked a naturally curious Spike.

“Read the letter silly! It’s easier than me telling you!” She says with a chuckle, smiling at the baby dragon.

“Why would anyone quit the Post Office?” Asked Spike a moment later after quickly scanning through the letter “it seems like a pretty good job from what I hear.” His young mind was obviously very puzzled about this.

“Well, there’s any number of reasons somepony would quit, but if it makes you feel better I can ask when I pick up my mail tomorrow” Twilight consoles him. He nodded his agreement and smiled “thanks Twilight, that'd be great.”

“Now lets get back to our chores, okay?” She prompted him “We have a lot to do today before we head over to Pinkie’s later, remember?”

“Awww...Okay...” he said rather reluctantly.

“Rarity is supposed to be meeting us there too” Twilight adds with a wink. And it was true of course, Twilight would never lie to Spike, or anyone else for that matter, but that doesn’t mean she couldn’t use this information as a little motivation for Spike. And it worked of course. Spike's demeanor changed noticeably when he heard this, and was definitely happy rushing through his portion of the chores since it meant seeing Rarity that much sooner. Twilight chuckled at the dragon’s crush on Rarity, still unsure what she really felt about it. The day carried on just as planned. The chores were quickly finished and the two set out for some fun. The friends had a good time of at Pinkie Pie’s chatting, munching on snacks, and doing all sorts of things that young mares do. It was Pinkie Pie after all hosting the little get together, so there was some dancing and games too. Spike enjoyed gawking at Rarity as much as he could allow. While Twilight enjoyed chuckling at Spike’s behavior...

Twilight arrived at the Post Office the next afternoon to get her mail. After all she needed it on a daily basis as she was always getting new books, magazines, and pamphlets on magic, not to mention the letters she frequently received as well from various sources. “Hello there, I’m here to pick up my mail!” She said the the colt working behind the counter.

“And your name is?” he questioned politely.

“Oh how silly of me! Twilight Sparkle.”

“Okay then miss Sparkle. I’ll be back in just a second” he said as he disappeared into the mail room, only to reappear a few moments later with a small sack of letters and a single, book-shaped package. “Here you are! Sorry again for the inconvenience.”

“That’s quite alright! I understand that stuff happens you know!” Twilight smiles and turns to walk out the door “thanks again! Oh wait! Hey, do you mind telling me why the mail-mare quite? My assistant was wondering.”

“Well...” the colt’s face drooped “too be honest she didn’t really quit. We can’t find her! She hasn’t shown up to work in days, no pony can find her, and we don’t know what else to do! We said she quit because we didn’t want the town to worry, we’re certain there’s a logical explanation for it all...”

“What?” exclaimed Twilight “are you looking for her? Where is she? What happened?!”

“Well if we knew all that we wouldn’t be in this situation Miss Sparkle. All I know is that I haven’t seen her since Nightmare Night, and that was several days ago.”

“Oh no...” says Twilight “that’s terrible! Whats she look like so I can keep an eye out for her?”

The colt shows he a picture of a grey pegasus with golden hair and a crooked eye. Under the picture was written “Dee” in magic marker. “That’s Derpy!” Shouted Twilight “oh no!”

“Derpy? She hates when people call her that. You do know her name is Ditzy, but she goes by Dee, right?” The colt corrected her.

“Oh? I’ll try to remember that. Anyway, I saw her at the Nightmare Night festival, but something upset her and she took off in tears shortly after arriving” said Twilight. She was growing a little concerned with this new bit of news, as was the mail-colt. You could see on his face that he was now worried about her.

“It isn’t like her to cry, and it isn’t like her to miss work. She’s normally so perky, so bubbly and full of life...” he says, trailing off into silence. “I hope nothing’s happened to her.”

“I don’t know. I hope not either” says Twilight “I’ll be looking for her, and I’ll be sure to let you know if I see her. Thanks again for my mail, and take care” she smiled, and with that she left the Post Office. She needed to get home and take care of her studies, but also wanted to take some time to look for this missing pony. She knew that ponies around here didn’t exactly treat her with love and kindness all the time. In fact, she frequently heard the foals around town teasing her for her eye. It was all adding up, but Twilight didn’t like where it was going.

Twililight arrived home shortly. There wasn’t much distance between her house and the post office, and her nervousness only sharpened her pace that much more. She walked through her door, dropping her package just to the side, and called for Spike. “Spike! We need to talk.”

“Coming!” Her assistant replied from a distant room. But just then there was a knock on the door. Twilight moved to answer, but before she could whoever it was knocked again more frantic this time. She rushed to the door and swung it open. There stood a very frantic looking Fluttershy, panting, shaking, and visibly shaken up.

“Fluttershy! What’s the matter?” Said a very concerned Twilight.

“I....There’s... I.... its..... I.....I....” Fluttershy tried to speak, but nothing would come out, and she quickly faded off with a single squeak. She just stood there panting and shaking. Something was obviously wrong, but she couldn't get her nerve together enough to explain. Gasping for breathe she finally managed to get out “I....can’t..." she gasped for air "come...quick...” and took off running towards her meadow. “Spike! Change of plans! Meet me at Fluttershy’s place. And hurry! This is important!” And with that, Twilight took off back out the door and toward the meadow where Fluttershy had her home. The frantic running and the information from this morning continued to wear on her mind, and is starting to take a toll on her. She arrived at Fluttershy’s looking a little worse for wear. Her mane was a mess and her tail needed to be combed, but she is not one for vanity and focused on the task at hand.

“So what’s the problem Fluttershy?” She asked, worry in her voice. But Fluttershy still couldn't talk. At the sound of their talking, Rainbow Dash emerged from Fluttershy’s house. Her eyes were downcast and she refused to look up. But gestured for Twilight to follow her. Which Twilight did. The three of them entered Fluttershy’s cottage home and the site that greeted Twilight’s eyes explained everything in a single, horrifying instant...

De Principio Novi

De Principio Novi
By: Travis Kingsley

Twilight entered Fluttershy’s cottage first, with the other two following right behind her. The room was lit only from the light of the windows letting the outside sun shine in. The sight that greeted Twilight came as a shock. It make sense, but was a shock nonetheless. On the far side of the room lay a figure, a pegasus. She was bandaged in several places, and appeared to be unconscious.

“What happened?!” Twilight gasped as she rushed to the pony’s side. It was Dee (or Derpy as everyone called her). Twilight could tell this from the picture she had seen at the post office. She turned around to face the two ponies behind her “will some pony tell me what happened?” She said with sadness in her voice. Rainbow Dash stepped forward to meet Twilight “I’ll tell you everything I know.” The two moved away to the other side of the room so as not to disturb the sleeping patient.

“I was out practicing my routine a couple days ago, ya know, to keep sharp and everything. It was a clear day, with nothing big scheduled for the weather, so I took the afternoon off. Well, I was between runs taking a break, just chilling on a cloud ya know? When I saw Derpy here [“her name is Dee” corrected Twilight.] Oh, well...Dee here flying past me. She stopped on one of the clouds out there just like I was doing, but something didn’t look right. She was crying a lot, and looked really sad. I was about to go up and see what was the matter when she took off with a vengeance and started climbing. She flew really high, higher than I even like to go, and then she just....stopped” the blue pegasus hung her head in sadness.

“She just...started falling out of the sky. It took me a minute to realize what she was doing, but I couldn’t let her just fall! I flew as fast as I could, but I didn’t think I was gonna catch her in time... I barely did. We were both diving so fast...She was in a free-fall, and I was catching up to her as fast as I could. I wrapped my hooves around her, spread my wings out far and they would go and pulled up, hoping and praying for the best. Well...I didn’t pull up completely before we reached the ground, and we hit pretty hard, but not enough to kill either of us luckily.”

“I’ll be okay Twi” said Rainbow Dash when she noticed Twilight looking her over for injuries. Twilight hadn’t noticed before, but there were a few bandages on Dash as well, and she had a splint on one of her wings. “But I’m not sure about Dee over there... She should be ok physically, but for somepony to try to pull something like that....I just don’t know...anyway...I managed to carry her here to Fluttershy’s. She’e been unconscious this whole time though.”

Twilight nodded knowingly, as did Fluttershy who had just been listening this whole time. “Maybe we can talk to her when she wakes up” said Fluttershy softly.

“Talk to me? No one ever wants to talk to me...” came a quiet voice.

“Well...Ummm...Oh....” said Fluttershy, not knowing how to respond to this.

Dee had woken up, well, she was still in the process of waking. She was conscious, but still groggy. It was all coming back to her...well...most of it was. She had passed out from a combination of exhaustion from climbing to the height she did, from lack of oxygen in the thin air, and of course the stress of the entire ordeal. Hitting the ground as hard as they did didn’t help any either.

“Why...? Why am I still here? What happened?...” Asked Dee in a daze.

“Rainbow here saw you falling and saved you!” Said Twilight cheerily.

“Why did you save me? I’m not worth anything to you...You should have just let me die!” Said Dee with frustration and anger in her voice. If looks could kill, the wall she was staring at when she turned away would have been dead many times over from the anger in her eyes. But her complexion changed to one of sadness, then her emotions simply went cold.

“I couldn’t let you die! No pony in MY town is gonna go down, and especially not like that.” Responded Dash assertively. Several seconds went by and there was still no response from Dee. The silence was deafening.

“What she means” said Twilight gently “is that we care about you. And we couldn’t let you do something like that.”

Still no response.

“She almost died to save you” the other two looked on in amazement and surprise as Fluttershy spoke up. “Rainbow Dash was hurt pretty badly, and could have died! All to save you. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

“She doesn’t even know me” shot back Dee.

“That’s right” continued Fluttershy “she doesn’t know you and yet she was willing to die for you! Does that mean nothing to you? I think you should be thanking her, or at least you shouldn’t yell at her.” Her speech was gentle, but firm, like only Fluttershy could be. It was a verbal version of her famous ‘stare’ that could stop almost any animal in it’s tracks.

It finally started to sink into Dee that there was more at stake here than just her. She injured, and nearly got somepony else killed by her actions. She felt even stupider now, but she felt gratitude toward Rainbow Dash starting to grow. Her heart was so cold that it would take more than a little candle to warm it. But that little candle, that small but deep feeling of gratitude did something. It broke down the first layer of ice on her heart.

“I...I’m sorry. I should be thanking you. I know. But...I just...No pony has ever done anything nice for me...let alone risked herself for my sake...I’m sorry. Thank you Rainbow Dash...” said Dee still facing the wall. Her face and complexion remained emotionless, but her words were sincere. Fluttershy had made progress, as only Fluttershy was capable of.

“Now Dee” said Fluttershy “you were still injured. Dash caught you, but both of you still crashed pretty hard. I fixed you as best I could, but I want you to stay here... If that’s alright with you...” she said instinctively “...well...I mean...you should stay here” she corrected herself.

“Why...why did you call me Dee?”

“Twilight corrected us. She said you preferred to be called Dee, but that you name is Ditzy. I’m sorry I ever called you Derpy...I thought that was your name...” she faded off.

“Yeah...I’m sorry too” “Yeah me too” said Twilight and Dash.

“We didn’t know” said Twilight “I’m sure you didn’t like it, I don’t know how we could have been so insensitive, so stupid. I’m sure we hurt you. We’re really sorry Dee...”

“You really thought that was my name?” She said “no wonder no pony calls me anything else.”

“We did. Maybe if we would have taken time to talk to you, and to get to know you, we would have acted differently. We should have taken the time” Twilight said.

“You should rest now” said a concerned Fluttershy “I’ll see Twilight out and then make you some soup. You should rest until the soup is ready, you’ve been unconscious for a while now” and with that she moved toward the door.

“I’ll talk to you later Twilight, okay? I hate to ask you to leave like this...but...”

“I understand! Your patient needs you!” Twilight responded. “I completely understand! Let me know if you need anything?”

Fluttershy nodded “okay Twilight” she said “Thank you.”

“Yeah, same here Fluttershy, let me know if ya need me!” Said Dash as she was trotting off.

“And just where do you think you’re going?” Said Fluttershy firmly.

“I was just going to um...going um... huh?” Dash’s voice cracked.

“You’re not going anywhere until you’re better. You fell pretty hard too, remember? You’re in no shape to be alone, let alone be flying home” Fluttershy pointed to Dash’s wing.

“Oh yeah, that” said Dash nonchalantly. “I guess you’re right. I guess a couple more nights couldn’t hurt” And with that she walked back inside, followed by Fluttershy.

“I’m going to go make that soup now” said Fluttershy quietly as the trotted toward her kitchen. “You should rest too until I finish, it won’t be long!” And with that, Fluttershy left the blue pegasus to go prepare dinner. You could hear typical kitchen sounds of vegetables being chopped and water being boiled, but she did a good job of keeping the noise down so as not to disturb her two patients.

Meanwhile in the other room the two pegasi were relaxing, not wanting to fall asleep completely for fear of missing dinner. It was already smelling amazing just a few minutes after being started. So they both moved to the table in preparation for the coming meal.

“So...Rainbow Dash?..” the shy Dee started to speak.

“Yeah Dee? What’s up?” Dash responded.

“I...I want to apologize for yelling at you earlier...and to thank you again for saving me.” Said Dee.

“Awww it was nothin’.” The proud blue pegasus responded. “I was just in the right place at the right time, ya know?” She blew off the compliment, but was enjoying the attention of course.

“No. I was stupid of me to do what I did. You risked your live to save mine. No one has even been that nice to me before. I’ve never had any friends, and what little family I have doesn’t understand me...” Dee trailed off into thought for a moment, lost in her own mind. “Thank you Rainbow Dash” she said a few seconds later “thank you so much.”

Dash just blushed. She had no response to this, but finally managed to say “Anytime,” smiling, embarrassed now at all the attention. Luckily Fluttershy broke the awkward silence that was building when she came out with soup and bread.

“Who’s hungry?” She said softly “it’s my secret recipe! I hope you both like it.”

“I’m starving! Thanks Fluttershummsn!” Dash said, mouth already full. Fluttershy had barely set the bowl down and Dash already had her muzzle buried in it, chowing down.

“Thank you Fluttershy, you’re too kind.” Said Dee gratefully as Fluttershy set her soup down in front of her. “This smells delicious!”

“You’re very welcome Dee. With all you’ve been through you have to be starving! There’s plenty more where that came from, so don’t hesitate to ask for more!” Said a smiling Fluttershy.

“I’ll have more!” Said Dash. She had already finished her first helping and was starving for more, as usual.

“The soup is on the stove Dash, you know the routine!”

“Sure thing Shy” said Dash and she was off to the kitchen, bowl in her teeth.

With that, Fluttershy sat down with her own soup, joining Dee who had already started eating.

“I should thank you” Dee started “for your kindness. And for this delicious soup” she said with a smile.

“Oh you’re very welcome. I always love helping out, and I always love cooking!” Said Fluttershy with a smile.

“No...it isn’t just that. You’ve shown me more kindness in the last hour than anyone has shown me since I was just a filly. I mean...It means a lot to me, and I don’t know how I can ever repay you and Rainbow Dash”

“It’s quite alright” said Fluttershy smiling “this is what I do.”

“Well thank you Fluttershy. Thank you Rainbow Dash” she said as Rainbow arrived back with a fresh bowl of soup in her teeth, promptly digging in again like she hadn’t eaten in days.

“Hey, no problem” said Dash.

“You’re welcome” said Fluttershy with a smile. “What are friends for, right?”

“Friends?” Said a surprised Dee. “You guys...are my friends now?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t we be? I mean...if you want to be friends that is.” Said Fluttershy.

“Yes” said Dee with a grin “I would love that.”

Friends Forever

Friends Forever
By: Travis Kingsley

It was nighttime. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Dee had all gone to bed after an amazing meal (thanks to Fluttershy’s cooking). Fluttershy was in her room, and Dee and Dash were in the living room on extra beds that Fluttershy kept around for when guests. The night was calm. A gentle breeze blew through the window, which was just open a crack. A few crickets outside chirped their soothing melody and the sound of the breeze through the grass and trees kept them harmony. The world was calm.

Dee lied there in her bed, comforted by the presence of her newfound friends. She was tired, and had drifted quickly off to sleep, but dark thoughts and a lifetime of loneliness don’t easily abandon you even before the warmth of friendship. The memories of her life up until today still haunted her dreams. She tossed and turned, her sleep had become restless. Still asleep, she tried to force away the darkness in her heart, but with little success...

She woke suddenly, gasping and panting, covered in sweat. She was terrified of something, but couldn’t remember what. A shadow hung in her mind, of ice and fear, but it was quickly fading. The dark night calmed her nerves, and the starlight and gentle breeze caressed her sweetly. All was calm again, but still she couldn’t go back to sleep. She knew she was loved now, but the stains of loneliness from years past don’t just wash away in an instant. She sat up, sat deep in thought for a moment before laying back down and trying to sleep.

“Hey Dee, you okay over there?” Said Dash quietly from across the room. Her voice was raspy and Dee could tell she had just been woken up, and knew it had been her stirring that woke her.

“I...I had a really bad dream... I’m sorry I woke you up Dash.” Dee apologized. “But I think I’ll be fine. Go back to sleep and don’t worry about me.”

“Are you sure?” Asked Dash, her voice still tired, but showing her concern clearly.

“I...well...I don’t know... It’s just that all my feelings are coming back and haunting me. I feel so alone right now” Dee said sadly, shedding a tear into the darkness.

“You’re never alone, not now” said Dash, crossing the room and standing by Dee’s bed. “You have friends now, and we aren’t gonna leave you.” And with those words, she slid into bed next to Dee, comforting her new friend.

“You’re not alone anymore Dee. Now try to get some sleep. I’m right here and I always will be.” She said, putting an arm around Dee in a loose hug.

“Thank you Dash.” Said Dee, tears of joy forming in her eyes. “Thank you so much.”

And with that, the two friends drifted off to sleep together. Dash’s presence chased away all fear from Dee’s mind and her dreams were peaceful and pleasant. The two slept soundly through the rest of the night.

The next morning the two woke up to the smell of muffins. Delicious muffins! Fluttershy was baking them for breakfast! She poked her head out from the kitchen. “Oh good morning sleepyheads!” She said softly “I don’t know what kind of muffins you two like, so I’m making two kinds! Cinnamon and blueberry, I hope that’s alright with you. How did you sleep?” The question was directed mostly at Dee.

“I had some really bad dreams and woke up really lonely” said Dee “but Dash here came and kept me company and I slept better than I’ve slept in ages after that.” She smiled at Dash and bumped her playfully with her shoulder “thank you again. You have no idea what that meant to me.”

“hehe, no problem” said a rather embarrassed Rainbow Dash. “I slept pretty good too Fluttershy. How about you?” She was anxious to shift the attention from herself.

“Oh I slept just wonderful, thank you for asking” Fluttershy responded softly. “Breakfast will be done in a few minutes. I hope you’re hungry!” She smiled sweetly.

“Of course! Well... I always am, right?” Said Dash with a yawn.

“I’m hungry too Fluttershy, and it smells delicious!” Said Dee happily. “I’ve always loved muffins, and especially for breakfast!”

“Well you two should get up and get ready for breakfast then! It won’t be much longer before the muffins are done” said Fluttershy. Just then she was interrupted by the timer letting out a pleasant, but very noticeable ding “Ohh! The muffins are done! They should be nice and warm when you’re ready for them.”

And with that, Fluttershy disappeared back into the kitchen to pull the muffins out of the oven and get the table ready for breakfast. Dash and Dee got out of bed and started combing their manes and tails, getting ready for the day ahead. This was a little harder than is sounds since they were bandaged up in some areas, and still very sore and tender in general. The two pegasi took to helping each other in the areas they couldn’t reach on their own. The bandages and sore muscles made it especially hard to preen their wings, so they preened each other’s, as is fairly common among pegasi. It’s often a sign of trust and friendship. And the two were quickly becoming inseparable friends.

After a breakfast of muffins and orange juice the three pegasi decided to spend the day outside. It was a beautiful day. It was warm, but with a cool breeze blowing off the the nearby ponds and rivers. The sun shown down brightly with an occasionaly cloud adding spots of cool shade. The weather team had outdone themselves today, thought the pegasi, it really was a perfect day.

Fluttershy had work to do with all the animals who needed looking after, so Dash and Dee were mostly left alone with each other. Fluttershy was never far off though, incase they needed anything. The two were still recovering. Wounds don’t heal in a day, and a lifetime of scars take time to fade away.

The two mostly just sat in the sun, wings spread out enjoying the warmth and enjoying each other’s company like old friends. The conversation was light, and the darkness that was in Dee’s heart was fading more quickly with each passing moment.

“Hey Dee” said Dash absentmindedly.

“yeah Dash?”

“Do you mind if I ask what happened to your eye? I mean, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want.” said Dash, careful not to insult the still-tender pony.

“No, it’s fine. I was born this way I guess. At least I’ve been this way as long as I can remember. People tease me about it all the time, but it doesn’t bother me. My eye that is...the teasing really gets to you after a while” she said sadly. “But I guess you figured that out already...”

“Wow... That’s awful!” Said Dash “why, if anyone teases you again just come to me and I’ll teach ‘em! I can’t stand ponies that do that! No one messes with MY friends and gets away with it!” She said passionately. After a moment she started again “But yeah, I know how you feel. I used to get teased a lot too.”

“Really? You?!” Said Dee in disbelief. “I can’t imagine you being teased by anypony! Everyone around town likes you and respects you so much!”

“Well here and now yeah, but back in Cloudsdale I used to get teased all the time. The guys would call me Rainbow Crash, and make fun of my voice, and my flying, even when I was way better than them. Ponies can be so mean sometimes, and it just bugs me” said Dash, her frustration still showing in her voice.

“Wow, I never would have guessed!” Said Dee “you’re always so confident! I never knew. I guess I’m not the only pony to get teased then.”

Dash just nodded and the two went back to napping in the sunshine.

The two laid there in silence for a while, just taking in the gentle kiss of the breeze and the soothing sound of birds chirping nearby.

“You know” said Dee “everypony has always just assumed I was stupid... I’m a little klutzy sometimes when my eye is acting up, but I’m not stupid. You’re the first pony to have cared about me Dash. You saved me, and I don’t just mean my life. You gave me a reason to live. I didn’t have that before....you know? I’ve barely known you for a day Rainbow Dash, but you’re my best friend.” A tear formed in her eye as she looked over at Dash. Dash just smiled back.

In those few short hours the two had become fast friends. Best friends. Dee’s fight wasn’t over, but the ice the shrouded her heart was melting quickly with the warmth of Flutterhy’s kindness and Dash’s friendship.

Rainbow Dash had no words for Dee. She just shifted closer and wrapped an arm around her. Dash wasn’t known for being soft and ‘girly,’ but even she could tell when a pony just needed a hug. When somepony just needed love. Dash snuggled close to Dee, and Dee did the same back, but to Dash’s surprise Dee nuzzled her neck and kissed it softly.

“I’m so sorry” said Dee, feeling Dash tense up “I just...I don’t know what I was thinking...I’m so stupid...now you’re going to hate me and I just... I’m so stupid...”

“No, you’re not stupid Dee” said Dash, cutting off her apology and relaxing again “don’t ever put yourself down like that” she said smiling. And she leaned in and gave Dee a gentle kiss on the cheek. Dee’s face lit up, and they both blushed bright red at this unlikely happening. They snuggled back together together and relaxed in the sunshine, Dee’s head on Dash’s shoulder, and Dash’s arm around Dee. An unlikely friendship had suddenly sparked. Perhaps it was more than friendship? The two laid there, enjoying the feeling of the other one being so close, but also pondering silently what had just just happened. Neither of them were really “filly foolers” but maybe? Perhaps this is what they both needed? No...it couldn’t be. Could it?

Vita Aeterna

Vita Aeterna
By: Travis Kingsley

Twilight Sparkle was just walking up the path toward Fluttershy’s cottage when she saw Rainbow Dash and Dee lying on the grass. But she stopped dead in her tracks, jaw hanging open. “Did....did Dash just kiss Dee?” Thought the astounded mare, her eyes wide with astonishment. “I.... ummm....ok then.” She thought as she continued toward the house, brushing away the momentary panic that comes from walking into an unexpected situation.

“Hey there girls” she said nonchalantly as she walked up to them “how are you two feeling today?”

“I’m feeling pretty good!” Said Dash “Maybe in a few days I’ll see if I can still fly, haha!”

“That’s great! I’m glad you’re making such a quick recovery” Twilight said with a smile “and what about you Dee?”

“I’m doing very well, thank you. Dash and Fluttershy have taken really good care of me. And I’m happy to call them my friends now.” Dee said, grinning at Dash. “Especially Dash here.”

“Well that’s great! I’m really happy for you!” Said Twilight with a smile. She still wasn’t sure what she thought about this whole thing unfolding before her, but she was happy for Dee and Dash. It was great to see Dee smiling so soon after such a tragic attempt, and she knew for a while that Dash had been getting a little depressed without someone special in her life. Twilight sighed. She herself was content to wait for her own stallion, but still there was that little nagging in the back of her mind, making her want that special love with somepony. She sighed again to herself “So where’s Fluttershy?” She asked with a smile, forcing herself out of her pondering.

“I think she over there by the garden” said Dash, pointing in the general direction.

“Thanks! I’ll catch you two girls later. Be sure to take it easy!” Said Twilight as she trotted toward the garden looking for Fluttershy. She arrived at the garden a few moments later and found Fluttershy there, just like Dash had thought.

“Hey Fluttershy!” She said.

“Oh hi there Twilight. How are you today?” Said Fluttershy softly.

“I’m fine. Thanks for asking. What about you and your two patients?” Twilight asked, secretly hoping for more information about Dash and Dee, and what was going on there.

“Oh I’m just fine, thank you. The two of them seem to be getting along really well too” said Fluttershy, gesturing toward Rainbow Dash and Dee.

“Yeah, I’d noticed” said Twilight, a hint of sarcasm showing in her voice. “I’m not sure what I think of it yet. I’m happy them, but I don’t know.”

“What do you mean?” Asked Fluttershy “everypony needs friends!” She said smiling.

“Well yeah, but....wait. You didn’t know?” Said a puzzled Twilight.

“Know what?” asked Fluttershy, just as puzzled as Twilight, but for different reasons. She really had no idea what Twilight was talking about.

“Well Fluttershy...I think... I think I saw them kissing a few minutes ago.” Twilight finally spit out.

“What? Are you sure Twilight” asked Fluttershy in disbelief “I’ve never taken Rainbow Dash for a ‘filly fooler,’ have you?”

“Well no. I even remember her saying something a while back about thinking it was weird. But what I saw was pretty...convincing otherwise. I think I’ll talk to her” Twilight continued “sometime when I get the chance. It’s not my place really, but I don’t want to assume things about her without knowing the whole story.”

“I’ve learned better than to assume things” Fluttershy commented “so that would probably be best.”

“I’ll just ask her sometime when it’s convenient. It’s really not that big of a deal. Well...I really need to get going, but I’m glad you three are doing okay! You let me know if you need anything Fluttershy!” Said Twilight, turning to head back toward town with Fluttershy following by her. They continued talking about the nice weather, Fluttershy’s animals, and just small talk in general until they got to the gate. They stood there for a few more minutes chatting until Fluttershy finally said “well, It was great to see you Twilight, but I really should finish up my gardening.”

“And I have to get the library, Spike is expecting me back soon and I need to stop by Sugarcube Corner too.” Said Twilight, turning to walk off. “By Dee! By Dash” She said to the two, still cuddling together, wings spread out in the sunlight and a look of contentment on their faces.

“Bye Twilight!” The two responded almost perfectly in sync before breaking out in laughter over how funny that was. The two lay their giggling as Twilight trotted back to town. Fluttershy lingered a moment longer, asking the two if they needed anything. She also returned to her gardening when they both said they were fine.

The rest of that day and the evening went very similar as the day before. The three pegasi had a light lunch, and then went down to a nearby stream for some relaxation and fun. Even Fluttershy enjoyed playing in the water, and it was really a well needed treat for all three of them. Later that evening they had a nice dinner. Fluttershy made a different soup than before, but just as delicious. The conversation was light, and the mood was pleasant. They were all very much enjoying the conversation, but Fluttershy knew her two patients needed their rest. She managed to wrap up the conversation and convince the two that they should go to bed. Then she was off to her own room getting herself into bed, while Dee and Dash were left alone.

Dash jumped right into her own bed, quickly getting comfortable, but Dee lingered a moment, looking nervously as Dash.  “What’s the matter Dee?” Asked Dash.

“Well, it’s just that I...ummm...” was all that she could get out. Her eyes sank to the floor with sadness.

“Hey, spit it out!” Dash said chuckling “no use getting upset about it.”

“Well...I was wondering if you could sleep with me again? It was so nice last night with you beside me, and I haven’t slept that well in...well...I don’t think I’ve ever slept that well...” She said, hope in her voice but doubt in her eyes.  “Of course Dee” said Dash with a smile. “I thought it was pretty nice myself” she said as she got out of her own bed and walked over to Dee. The two climbed into bed together and snuggled up, much like the last time, only without Dee’s nightmares prior. The two slept soundly throughout the night, only waking once when Dash accidentally put her hoof in Dee’s mouth. Other than that minor incident, they slept soundly for the entire night.

The next morning came very much like the last. Fluttershy made muffins again, blueberry and cherry this time. And the conversation over breakfast was light and pleasant once more. They were just wrapping up breakfast when there was a knock on the door.

Fluttershy opened it to reveal Twilight standing there. She had come back today to check on her friends once more.

“Hey Dee, I should probably change your bandages and check on how you’re healing up.” Said Fluttershy, winking at Twilight.

“Hey Dash, come outside with me and let’s give them some privacy for that” said Twilight smiling. She had gotten the hint that Fluttershy was getting at. Dash agreed without any hesitation and followed Twilight outside. Once there Twilight started digging for more information.

“So ummm...you and Dee seem to be getting along really well!” Commented Twilight, not wanting to be too upfront, but not wanting to be too subtle either.

“Yeah, we really are, I never even knew who she was before, but she’s really great” said Dash “Look Twilight, I’m pretty sure I know what you’re thinking, so just ask it already! You know I don’t like messing around”

“Okay...” said Twilight hesitantly “well...I saw what looked like you kissing Dee yesterday when I was coming out to visit. I’m not judging you, but I never took you for a filly-fooler and didn’t want to jump to conclusions. So, I want you to tell me what’s going on if that’s alright with you.”

“I thought that’s what this was about. No, you’re right Twilight. All of it! But I really don’t know what’s going on either. I really like her...but I never saw myself as a filly-fooler either. I did kiss her on the cheek yesterday, she was really down and needed it. I really don’t know Twilight...I just don’t!”

“It’s okay Dash, don’t get upset!” Said Twilight, calming Dash before she got significantly agitated. “I’m not asking you to decide or anything I just wanted to know the truth. Thank you for telling me” she smiled, giving Dash a hug. Just then the door opened and Fluttershy poked her head out.

“Your turn Rainbow Dash!” She said sweetly. “It won’t take but a few minutes. Dee? Perhaps you can talk to Twilight out here while I change Dash’s bandages.”

Dee trots out happily, giving Dash a playful smile as she passes her before reaching Twilight further out in the yard. “Hey Twilight, what’s up? I want to let you know that you’re friends, my friends, are amazing! I’m so thankful to have them.”

“That’s great Dee, I’m so glad you’ve made friends, and I’m so sorry we didn’t get to know you sooner! But...about that, do you mind if I ask you something a little...personal?” Said a cautious Twilight.

“Yeah, ummm...I guess that’d be fine” said Dee with a smile.

“Well, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want. But... what do you think of Rainbow Dash? You two seem to have grown close” said Twilight, being a little more delicate with Dee than she had been with Dash.

“I like her a lot. She’s been really nice to me. I mean, besides saving my life and all. I owe here everything for that, but she’s really nice to me besides.” Responded Dee, not quite understanding what Twilight was hinting at.  “Forgive me for being so bold...but...do you like her? Like a friend, or more than a friend?” Twilight pressed.

“Oh!” Dee exclaimed, then after a brief pause continued “I don’t know! I ummm...I DO like her like that, but I’ve never thought of myself as that kind of mare, you know? I’ve always wanted a nice strong stallion to hold me at night, so I really don’t know how I feel about it all...”

“Well...I can tell you two care about each other a lot, so perhaps you should talk to her about it? I had my suspicions, but I’ve learned before that jumping to conclusions is not a good idea. So I wanted to find out from both of you before I formed much of an opinion” Twilight said with a cautious smile. “I hope you understand.”

“Oh, it’s alright! It’s not like I was trying to hide it or anything. When you get as much...attention as I do, you stop bothering with silly things like your self image” said Dee. “But I think I do need to talk about it with Dash...I need to know how she feels too, and I mean...it’s all so new and confusing...”

“I think talking to her would be best. Thanks for letting me into your life Dee. I’m happy to have a friend like you” Twilight said just as Fluttershy and Dash were coming out. Dee smiled at Twilight as she said that, she had another friend to add to her growing list of companions. And they were rapidly brightening up her life in ways she could not have imagined before. As Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash ran from the house to join them she realized just how perfect her life was now. She had friends and maybe even love... “This is definitely worth living for” she thought happily, as her face lit up like the sun. “This is an amazing life.”

---A note from the author (me): Life is a gift. Each day we are given is precious. Our friends are more precious than diamonds, and love is literally priceless. If you're going through a hard time in your life, remember there's at least one person somewhere that loves you, and values you so very much. If you do nothing else today. Tell someone that you love them.---

---I may continue this story though it seems to have reached to end of this chapter. We may yet visit these friends again. Let me know if you would like me to pursue this setting further. Thank you so very much for reading.---

~Travis Kingsley~