Those Who Need A Friend

by Nocturnal Derp

Rating: mature
Tags: Slice of Life, Sad
Length: 28549

Sane, an average every day stallion to most. To those who don't know of his unfortunate past and the disorder that plagues him and controls most aspects of his life. Every day he struggles to overcome this demon.

Life isn't always fair.
Sane knows this first hoof… Has experienced this first hoof.
Still he can't help but wonder why.
Why him? Why did he have to go through this?
Everyday without fail he contemplates the aspect in hopes he will walk into a fix to all his problems.
Everyday he tries to escape them.
Today is no different.
However an unexpected guest shows up with a promise to help.
However he can't help wondering if there was hope to begin with… Even with help.
Maybe… Just maybe there is hope.

Rated Mature For: Self Harm, Mild Language, Brief Alcohol Reference, and References of Abuse.

CAUTION: Do not read if you are sensitive to foal abuse, self harm, or behavioral disorders.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-12-05 04:43:51 UTC

Hope?

Sane trotted down the well worn path of the Everfree forest as the sun began to rise above the treeline on the horizon. While there was already a warm glow in the sky the forest was still dark from the shadows of the tree wall. There was enough light to see where he was going however.

He had picked a time when he was least likely to run into anypony. He wanted to avoid everypony so he could be himself. To escape their judgmental gaze and criticizing views.

There was nothing wrong with Sane... Physically at least. Your average run of the mill Pegasus. Tan fur, and a short brown mane with matching brown eyes. In his own opinion rather plain but that was alright. In a world of all colors of fur, manes and eyes plain was unique. His muzzle was a little longer than most stallions as was his tail but really no reason to fret.

He was healthy...ish. He had a sloppy diet but a fast metabolism had saved him from becoming overweight. He kept himself in decent shape, flying and running almost everyday after dinner. He was not consistent but he visited the gym frequently enough. All in all his efforts earned him a modest build that was fairly toned. Nothing impressive.

No, nothing was wrong with him physically at all. So why did he prefer to avoid other ponies? He wasn't so delusional as to think that everypony actually took time out of their days to judge him with any significant thought. Yet for some reason he could not get the thought out of his head. Though in this matter he was hypocritical. For he judged everypony he met. He didn't mean to. It just happened. If they did something good they were good. If they did something bad they were bad.

Nothing was ever gray for him, always black or white. Again not something he meant to do. In his conscious mind he knew that just because somepony lied that did not make him or her a bad pony. However he could not help but to think this way and he hated it. Always having to rethink something just to make sure he had not judged a situation to lightly or to rash.

Social anxiety was as much a plague to him as the common cold might be to anypony else. He read too much into details that never really mattered, then based the mood of the environment off of what he saw. The problem being he focused on the bad details more than good because he didn't have to worry about the good.

For instance, if he were talking with somepony, and the conversation was a nice lighthearted one, but he said something to make the other pony sigh, or look away... He immediately felt as if he had ruined the whole experience. Which only made things worse. From there he would freeze up, stutter or say something completely off hoof or unrelated to what the conversation was about.

Another bad habit he had while trying to be social was overcompensating with jokes or being too playful. He was never really thinking during these times and often annoyed the group he was with. A few bad experiences later and he nixed this approach.

In all actuality he knew that nothing could be perfect, and a difference in opinion or a mistake does not ultimately ruin anything. Yet the thought was there. That negative view always there. He didn't have a chance to rationalize anything during the moment because he was always too worried about how he had fucked up said moment.

In lamens terms every problem became a train wreck.

He was no stranger to the feeling of alienation. Because of the way he saw himself he felt as if he could never relate to anypony else. He'd tried to explain his problem to others but they never seemed to understand. This he could not fault them for. Nothing about his problem was rational... Or so this is what he had convinced himself to be true.

After a while his social awkwardness and black and white view of the world led to depression. Even in the presence of all these ponies he still felt so alone, so lonely. He couldn't bring himself to trust anypony. The fear of betrayal was too great. One of his negative views.

He had once tried to drown his problems in alcohol. See if that would silence the pessimistic voice in his head. Not a real voice in his head of course, a hypothetical one. Fortunately and unfortunately he did not find much appeal in the activity. Especially the morning after. A few bad experiences later he had quit all together.

He sat in his room when he wasn't working. His room was pretty much the same as any other young stallions. He had a TV which as of late he rarely used for anything more than background noise and a game console that saw even less use. A full sized bed with a plain blue comforter, pillowcase, and sky blue sheets. On his dresser there sat a few candles that he lit on the occasions he chose to write. An activity he often took solace in since he was a young colt. That only object that shared the space on the dresser on a constant basis was a baseball from his colthood. The only thing he had kept from his younger years.

He was good at the sport. Almost too good. It was the only thing that ever mattered to him then. The smell of a fresh cut field, the sound of bats against balls and the cheer of the crowd when you sent one into the outfield and your hooves trampled the clay to first base and beyond. Sometimes he went to the park with nopony but his father and brother and practice just for the hell of it. His brother, being younger was not as good as himself but he seemed to enjoy it just as much.

At a time when he was too innocent too understand his condition. He didn't understand it and therefor, gave it little thought so it did not affect him then. He was able to focus on things like sports, friends and school. Until... The day he found out the truth about his mother and his father had left he and his younger brother alone with her. We'll get to that later.

The door that led to his closet had a full body mirror mounted to the outside of it. If he chose to groom himself, put on his socks or go to the gym he took the time to admire himself. Though he'd never admit it to anypony. If he was afraid of ponies judging him from nothing he couldn't imagine what they would say if they found out about that.

There was one large window on the far side of his wall that overlooked a great deal of Ponyville. A great view really in which he indulged in often during sunsets.

Last but not least his leather black roller chair he pushed himself around his room in.

All in all there wasn't much to his room, there did not need to be. He wasn't going to try and replace a relationship with material possessions. He considered this shallow. This was a positive aspect  to his way of thinking yet did little to make up for the bad.

He did occasionally buy himself a treat, like a game once in a while or a new pair of unique socks to try on. His infatuation with the garments alluded even himself yet he wasn't going to question it. On one occasion he bought himself a flute for the simple fact he used to play in elementary school. Mediocre at best but not without talent. He had actually brought the flute with him on his trip through the woods and he intended to play it once he stopped.

For now however he continued his self reflection. He took times like these to think back and analyze himself in hope that he would find the secret to his problem within himself and therefor, solve it.

Things only got worse with time.

Another thing he had taken an interest in was the world around him, and the evil that occupied it. The things he did not understand furthered his frustration. Why there was such things as disease, murder, death and a variety of other curses. Then there was the cruelty of some ponies. For example the ponies that picked on the gray mail mare. A Pegasus with unaligned eyes and bubbles for a cutie mark. He hadn't ever seen her initiate a confrontation but seemed to be the subject of many.

It had crossed his mind more than once to attack the ponies that mocked her but he knew that in the end. it would only make things worse for her. Besides... She seemed to take it well enough, pretending she did not hear the unjust criticism. He envied her.

In an attempt to replace one evil with another he picked up the habit of cutting. He'd picked up his craft razor meant to cut straight edges on paper and brought it to the inside of his right hind leg. He knew full well what he was doing and the general bad publicity of the stunt but he did not care. He already thought everypony judged him and it wasn't like he was going to tell anypony he had done it.

No pony would ever see it either unless they were poking around in places they shouldn't and even if they did, he would tell them he got caught on a fence or something with a loose wire.

So he brought the blade to his skin through his fur, took a deep breath and pulled the razor across.

To his relief and horror the feeling was good. Even as he watched the blood leak from the cut and eventually paint the floor with little red drops. He wasn't bleeding profusely, just enough to notice. He felt he had control at that moment. This was something he could control, his blood. He could make himself bleed. An overwhelming since of calm had taken him. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, bathing in the feeling he rarely experienced.

He wasn't irresponsible about it, besides the fact he did it to begin with. He cleaned the wound with alcohol and bandaged it properly. He was sure an infection wouldn't be as pleasant. He hadn't considered it a bad habit. He wasn't doing this for attention, he wasn't hurting anypony else, and he wasn't causing any permanent damage besides the two scars that were barely visible due to their location and his fur.

To save face he never cut anywhere other than over the two scars. His goal was not to see how many lines he could draw in his skin with his blade.

This wasn't something he did too often either, one because he knew somewhere in the back of his mind this was wrong, and two, if he frequently practiced cutting he would soon become used to the feeling and it would no longer provide him with the comfort it gave him the first time. No, this was something he saved for rainy days.

He wasn't going to pretend that he had never thought of misguiding the razor to a more vulnerable part of his body, or cut just a little deeper. He never did though. He was afraid of that last breath he would take, the last flurry of panicked thoughts as his body lost the battle of self preservation. Afraid that the last thought would be the answer to his problem. Most of all, he was afraid of the divine punishment of eternal damnation for the crime against nature. The sweet release from his mind was tempting but not worth the risk.

He was not always miserable. The pessimistic voice wasn't always so pessimistic. Juts more often than not.

There were times were simple things would fill him with unexplained joy. He fought the urge to analyze the reason seeing as it may ruin the emotion for him. He could not afford to have any of the few things that brought him happiness ruined. Be it a good book, a cute pair of socks, or a brainwashing game. Anything that took his mind off the troubles of the world.

Where it all started he couldn't be sure. Sane had gone for help before, seen a few psychiatrist and a couple of therapist. They had done little but attach a label to his deficiency.

Borderline Personality Disorder.

Other than that they did nothing but explain to him what he already knew. That ponies with the disorder typically saw the world as black and white, were vulnerable to mood swings, constant change in opinions, and a mess of other problems.

The one thing he wanted to know was whether the problem was developed or genetic. Maybe so he could signal himself or his family as the bad guy. Turns out all of them had unanimously agreed the disorder was could have been passed along genetically or developed. Of course this did not help Sane much.

Genetics is a real possibility for Sane. While everypony on his fathers side was fine as far as he knew... Everypony on his mothers side was diagnosed with one mental disorder or the other. Some of them even treated in mental hospitals for a while. No asylums. They were not psychopath killers just incapable of living normal lives.

Though development was also a theory with promise.

When Sane was ten his father had left them and he hadn't known why. No big deal right? Lots of ponies parents left each other, divorced or simply vanished with little more than an apology note.

His father had left him and his younger brother with his mother... Sane would not find out why until later. It started slow, things he'd never noticed before suddenly sprung to life. His mother had rules... Not the typical rules a mother would have for their young colt. Rules that never seemed to make any since.

There were words you were not allowed to say. Not any profanity or explicit words but normal everyday words. The list changed from time to time but there were a few consistencies. Anything with an x in it. The phrase down town. Any number with a six in it. Nothing could be repeated more than three times in a row. He could spend hours reciting the long list of phrases he was forbidden to speak while in her presence.

There were things you were not allowed to touch. Not like fragile or antiques but everyday items that for some reason considered evil in her eyes. Once it was a microwave, certain brands of items such as paper towels. There was a chair in the trailer that was never to be thrown out but never sat in also. Countless things to avoid that were in their environment.

She seemed... better in public but not well... There was many a time where she would storm off and leave him and his brother in the middle of a store if one of them had broken one of the strange rules. Other ponies would stare and mumble amongst themselves when they saw her stamp away as if Sane and his brother were not her kids.

Sane hadn't any idea how to react. He'd tried chasing her down but she would only turn and spit vile curses at him if he caught her. Leaving him crestfallen as a young colt, sobbing in public while his little brother just stared on, just as helpless as he. Eventually Sane got to the point where he would let her storm away and merely shield his brother from the onlookers.

She'd always come back to find them, only to ignore their questions and guide them back to the hell hole that was their home... No... Not a home, a place he stayed.

Breaking a rule was worse in private. She beat him, beat him until he was nothing but a withering mess on the floor, crying and begging for her to stop. Asking why over and over but never getting an answer. This was often the punishment for breaking a rule. Afterward she would lock herself in the bathroom for hours, only to come out and act as if she had never raised a hoof against him. Sane sometimes wondered if she herself knew she had done it.

Sane would not only take his beatings, but his brother's beatings also... Whenever his mind or body could handle it. Jumping between his helpless little brother and the snarling beast that called itself their mother. She didn't seem to care who she punished.

His brother always scolded him after, telling him he should not have done it. That he could handle it. He was meaner than Sane, less prone to emotion. Sane had no doubt his brother could take the beatings and the mental whips. However if he could help it he would shield him from these experiences.

Sane was no stranger to poverty as a colt. They moved into in a trailer, with a strange stallion his mother had taken a liking to not long after his father had disappeared. You would think he would intervene during her abuse of her foals but he chose to sit and watch. Sane never spoke much to him, nor he to Sane. There was nothing to be said.

There were two rooms to the trailer. The room his mother and the Stallion inhabited, and a much smaller room that had been turned into a closet for all of the stuff his mother refused to trash. So Sane and his brother ended up sleeping in the living room. His brother and the couch and he on the floor with nothing but a pillow and a thin blanket. The walls were thin and half of the windows would not open. No air or heat, and no insulation. Summers the trailer was an oven and Winters like a freezer.

There was no actual flooring in the living room. Just the plywood that had been laid down during its initial construction. If you opened the cabinets under the sink of the bathroom you could see the earth below. More than once animals had crawled through the opening.

The place was infested with roaches, and spiders alike. Sane was disgusted by the roach infestation but feared the spiders. They lined the seams of the house, casting their webs to and fro. For somepony who would not know any better they would think them to be Nightmare Night decorations.

Mold grew in every crevice of the kitchen, bathroom and window sills. The place actually stunk of it. Even as a colt he had wondered how they were able to survive in these conditions.

When Sane was twelve his mother had forced him to work. He couldn't actually get a job but he could cut grass. Now Sane never thought this would be a problem... How many ponies wanted a young colt cutting there grass? Well when your mother sends you at sunrise to go door to door in every neighborhood of a city and you can't be home till sunset it turns out there is a lot. So he pushed the lawn mower day in and day out. A small less than ideal machine that made the task so much worse. He often wished for it to break down but it never did.

All the bits he collected went straight to his mother, which went straight to bills such as the trailer rent, water, electricity, food and a variety of other necessities. It was peculiar to Sane how the Stallion never had enough money to pay for anything himself despite his steady construction job and the low cost of living.

To make matters worse his mother bore the child of the Stallion. A filly. A blessing to some, another curse to Sane. His mother would not care for her while she had him or his brother around.

His mother was crueler still. She would not cook for him or his brother, at times even the filly, and what young colt whom had never been taught to cook be able to provide for himself, his brother and sister? They ate out of a microwave, not the one mentioned before but another.

Often times Sane went without eating, saving food for his brother and little sister. They needed it more than he. His brother would often tell him he was full, so that Sane would eat. Sane shot him a warning glance every time that told him to eat. Sane ate only when was necessary or his siblings had had their fill.

On top of the rules, the beatings, forced labor, starvation and so forth, Sane was expected to maintain at least a B average in school. This was one manner in which he had little difficulty succeeding. Grades were not the problem. Everypony knew who he was thanks to the lawn care he provided across the city.

The other colts and foals were merciless. Picking on him from the poorly groomed state of his fur and wings to the fact they could see his ribs through his fur and skin. He had almost no friends. The teachers knew, they had to have known something was wrong. They asked over and over but again Sane lied over and over. He was too afraid of his mother not to. They eventually gave up out of frustration. There was nothing they could do  unless he wanted them to.

One night Sane remembered in particular was one were he had thought he had finally broke. Fourteen at the time. He had locked himself in the closet he was supposed to be sharing as a room with his brother and took an old buck knife he'd been given by one of his customers. He had hid it in his saddle bags when coming back from work so his mother would not take it.

He sat there, knife in hoof... Holding it to his stomach. Crying, willing the knife forward, to spill his blood and end the pain. He sat there and cried. Cried and sobbed until he passed out from exhaustion. He woke the next morning disappointed. Disappointed he had survived the night. Though the experience was not one he cared to relive.

Things continued this way for three more years. Then one night he finally snapped. He'd followed all the rules that day. It was Friday, so it was not a school night. He'd spent the remainder of his day working after school. Had taken care of the filly to the extent of his knowledge. He asked to go to a friends house. One of his few friends for just a few hours. She had told him no.

The word was one he had heard before. This time however it pierced his skull. Drilled it's way into the back of his mind. He snapped. With a string of curses he ran away, taking only the time to apologize to his brother and tell him he would find a way to get him out of here soon enough. He hated to admit it but he had no real emotional ties with the filly. She was too young to remember him leaving anyway.

His brother offered no resistance, actually urging him to go. Sane took refuge at his friends until he was able to track down his father via phone whom he hadn't heard from in years. Not to his fathers fault he realized soon after. His mother had actually burnt any means of communication between him and his father.

His father was speechless when he heard of the horror. He knew she was bad but he never had imagined. He spent a good majority of the conversation apologizing to no end. Sane told him he forgave him but he never really did. Though he still loved him. His father lived miles upon miles away. However it tuned out Sane's grandparents lived not far away at all. His father got a hold of them and instructed them to pick him up until he could find his way to his father's house by bus three days later.

His only regret was leaving his brother behind. Though he was true to his word. Three weeks later his brother joined him in their new home with their father who proved to be a thousand times better than the witch they once called their mother.

For the last three years of his colthood he lived a reasonably average life despite the disorder that plagued his mind. At the age of eighteen he moved away, taking a job as a local guard for Ponyville where he currently resided. Most of that time was spent escorting troublesome foals to their parents or chasing off petty thieves. It was a quiet town for the most part.

He kept contact but barely with his family. He hated to admit it but he had become desensitized to the entire aspect of family. He loved them yes, but not the same as an average colt would love their family. Perhaps because he felt betrayed by the lot of them.

Even his brother had turned a cold shoulder to him once Sane had fulfilled his promise. Now that he no longer needed the shield his brother paid Sane no more mind than he would any other pony. He was cold that way, filled with hate and too smart for his own good. Sane was hurt, but it did not take long for him to all but forget his brother as well. When they spoke they spoke more like acquaintances than brothers.

Now nothing from his past affected him consciously at all. He didn't even remember it unless there was some sort of reference there. It was his subconscious he worried about. The part that seemed to make the decisions about what was good and what was bad in his mind. He honestly did not think his past had anything to do with it but he was not going to be so foolish as to say he was sure of it. Besides genetics it was the best theory he had. Unfortunately his problem grew worse with time.

For now he focused on coping with his problem. Which was another reason he had chosen to get away this morning. He was headed for the lake of the Everfree Forest where he would sit and play his flute. He had found it.

He took his time finding a particularly soft patch of grass close to the water, pulled his flute from his saddle bags that he sat beside him and began to play. He started with a tune he knew roughly to be named as, Lost Woods. A particularly happy tune despite the name. He liked to think it had something to do with enthusiastic adventurers who got lost in the woods and loved every minute of it.

Rainbow Dash soared through the sky at a fast yet leisurely pace for herself, making a game out of dodging the clouds that seemed to race toward her. Nothing to difficult but the exercise was nice. However she had gotten to use to focusing on the clouds and when there were no more she found herself staring straight into the sun.

She yelped, and stopped in mid air. She moved her wings only to keep herself suspended while she rubbed her eyes as she turned away from the sun. When Rainbow opened them she had to blink a few times to get the colors out of her eyes. “Geez.”

Then something caught her ear, a sound native to the forest she hovered above. She was sure she was a couple of miles out of town yet she thought she heard music. Her ears turned as she tried to isolate the source of the sound. Definitely coming from the forest.

With curiosity fueling her she dove down through the tree tops and landed on the forest floor below. She was close. Rainbow picked her way through the tree's and stopped as she spotted the Pegasus on the lake shore. She was to his back but she was sure he was the source. The stallion boobed his head with the tune and seemed to be holding something to his muzzle.

Now that her curiosity was quelled she took the time to actually listen to the sound. He was certainly no professional musician but was still pretty good. However Rainbow wondered why there was a stallion playing a flute in the middle of the forest. Of course he could just be somepony who likes the forest and likes the flute but she was not satisfied with this answer.

Whatever he was playing he certainly seemed drawn into it. Rainbow hadn't made much of an attempt to remain undetected and she was but fifteen hooves from him now. She waited until he seemed to be nearing the end of his little tune at which point she was startled by the sudden spring of his wings and the laughter that followed the last note he played.

“What's up?” Rainbow asked as she revealed her presence.

All in one motion Sane dropped his flute, retracted his wings, and spun to face his unexpected guest with shock on his muzzle. He'd seen this mare before and everypony knew who she was but the fact had yet to register itself in his mind. “H-how long were you standing there?” He sputtered.

Rainbow took a couple of steps back with caution. “Woah woah, calm down a second.” Rainbow replied. “I'm not here  to hurt you.”

Sane took a second to breath, having been startled seeing as this was one of the last places he expected to run into anypony. Slowly he relaxed his posture, taking a deep breath before sitting back in his spot. “Sorry.” Already he felt the anxiety kicking in. The only thing on his mind was whether or not the cyan mare had registered him as a threat with his little stunt just then.

“Hey, don't even worry about it.” Rainbow replied, regaining her lost ground. “I was here for about a minute. I was flying, heard your music and investigated.” The whole while she explained herself Rainbow studied him. She'd seen him before, but couldn't recall his name. She wasn't even sure if she knew it seeing as she had difficulty recalling a time they had ever had an encounter before.

“Sorry...” Sane repeated, feeling the heat rush to his cheeks. “Rainbow Dash, right?”

“The one and only!” She was pleased the stranger knew her by name, bringing one forehoof to her chest in pride. “I'm sure I've seen you before... I don't remember your name though.” Rainbow stated, replacing her hoof to the ground.

“I'm one of the local guards in Ponyville.” He shrugged. “You don't remember my name because you never knew it.”

Once he had jogged her memory she did remember seeing him before, but only in his armor, which was probably the reason she had trouble placing him. “Well... What is your name then?”

“I'm... I'm Sane.” No harm in telling her his name.

“Well heya Sane.” Rainbow took a couple of steps toward him but stopped when she saw him tense up. “Something wrong?”

“Wasn't expecting to run into anypony out here is all.” He admitted.

“That... That doesn't explain why you are so tense.”  Rainbow couldn't help but imagine the reasons why he would be so. Was he on drugs? Or maybe it was a guard thing. Maybe he didn't like her. He'd already proven he knew her but said nothing more.

“You startled me.” He shrugged. However he didn't know how much longer he could play that off. His breathing had quickened a bit and his ears were twitching with anxiety. She noticed, he could tell by the look of concern and confusion on her face.

“Are you alright?”

“F-fine.” He replied. He couldn't help but to think this conversation would be a whole lot easier if he hadn't spazzed out when she had shown up. Who wouldn't be startled though? It was only natural to be jumpy when you think you're alone and somepony appears to show up out of thin air. However his mind was not concerned with why but what. Right now that what was whatever he imagined Rainbow was thinking about him  at that moment.

“You're not fine.” Rainbow challenged. Her curiosity had evolved into concern. Half because he looked so afraid and half because he was one of the guards in Ponyville.

Now Sane had noticeably shifted his hooves, taking his tail in them and holding it tightly. “I promise you I'm fine.” He said quickly... Too quickly, avoiding eye contact.

Rainbow was not about to accept this as an answer but decided having a full blown debate wasn't going to get him to tell her anything. “Mine if I sit with you a while to make sure. If I leave I'll be worried.” She didn't know him but she wouldn't be able to fly with a clear conscious if she suspected the pony she left in the woods was in some kind of trouble.

Yes I do mind. “No, you can stay if you want to.” He replied although he wished she would just go away. What little he did know about her made him believe she was twenty percent ego.

Rainbow studied him indirectly as she made her way to his side, taking a seat beside him. She figured he couldn't be much older than she herself. Maybe even younger.

Lets try and change the topic “You're pretty good with that thing.” Rainbow gestured toward the flute that lay at his side.

Sane gave it a glance, removed one of his forehooves from his tail and picked the instrument back up. “Thanks.” He muttered. Again he knew his nervous tics were doing nothing but making the situation more awkward. Being stuck in the situation gave him time to think however and he relaxed just a bit but was still unable to look her in the eye. “I don't know too many songs though.”

“Coulda fooled me.” Rainbow smiled, hoping flattery would coax him into giving her some kind of explanation. It wasn't all flattery though. He was good with it. She thought she saw a ghost of a smile cross his muzzle but she couldn't be sure.

As of now Sane couldn't see much sign of nervousness in her posture and that helped relieve his mind. “I just recently picked it back up a few months ago.”

“Even better.” She stopped to think for a second. “What do you mean by back up?”

“I played as a young colt.”

“Why did you stop?” Rainbow tilted her head slightly with false interest.

“I don't want to talk about it.” He placed the flute back down and recaptured his tail, playing with it nervously.

Now Rainbow really was interested but she kept it to herself in favor of a more pressing matter. “What are you doing out her all alone?”

“It's quiet.” This wasn't a lie but it also wasn't the reason. She hadn't even known his name and now she was asking questions he didn't wish to give answers to.

“You don't have to go this far in the forest for quiet. Ponyville is quiet as it is anyway.”

For a moment he considered asking her to leave, or taking off himself. He didn't think she would bother chasing him. Though his mind wouldn't cooperate. Some part of him wanted to explain everything to this mare. She was known as the element of loyalty if there was such a thing. Couldn't do too much harm.

Might do him well to vent for a minute anyway. “I like to be alone.”

“All the time?”

“Most of the time.”

“Why?”

There was a question he could answer but really did not want to. However that would defeat the purpose of venting. He chose his words carefully. “I don't hate anypony... but I'm not really friends with anypony either.

It took a moment to register what she had heard. “Well... Why not?” She had a pretty good idea from what she had seen so far.

“I... I don't really know myself. I just don't get along well with others I guess.” He sighed.

“You fight a lot?”

“No no nothing like that.” He answered quickly, scolding himself for giving that impression. Then he caught himself. Don't start. “I-I just... It's hard to explain.” He waited for her to do something, say something, maybe even leave but she just sat there. “I-I guess I just tend to mess stuff up.”

“Like what?” Rainbow flicked her tail from one side to the other as she studied the Stallion's hard to read features. Something is definitely wrong. Soon it became apparent he was becoming nervous... Of what though? “Sane, what are you scared of?” The question was blunt but not delivered with malice.

Sane shuffled nervously from side to side, trying very hard not to lose his cool. It was one thing having a conversation with somepony where he might dismiss himself or just freeze up. However this mare was asking questions about the problem itself. She had already stated she wasn't going to leave him here... Would she stop him from leaving though? The option of fleeing seemed real at this point... Where he could go and lock himself in his room and curl up in bed.

Rainbow noticed him glancing off to the side in the direction of the rough path that led to the lake every few seconds or so. She wanted to calm him down, reach out and take his hoof or something, but she didn't dare make a move toward somepony so unstable. She knew she had inadvertently caused this, and that leaving him be might be best... Her conscious wouldn't allow it. She wanted to help.

“Hey, Sane... Look at me. I'm not here to hurt you. I'm not going to try. Just take a deep breath for me and tell me what's wrong.” She suddenly wished Fluttershy was here. She was good with nervous animals, and while Sane wasn't an animal, he was certainly nervous.

She's right Sane... Deep breaths. She's not going to hurt you, probably couldn't if she wanted to. Sane told himself. You're being a little colt right now... Just tell her!

To Rainbow's relief he took a deep breath and sighed. “Good, now... Can you please tell me what's going on? I want to help.”

“I-It's stupid.” He replied.

“I don't care how stupid it is. If its messing with you I want to know.”

“It's complicated.” Sane tried another dodge. No good.

“Dumb it down for me then.” She pursued.

Sane tried for another excuse but couldn't think of one in his state. “I-If I tell you-”

“I'm not going to tell anypony and I'm not going to laugh.” She cut him off, hoping to reassure him.

Sane gave a curt nod before finally making eye contact with her magenta colored orbs. As far as he could tell her concern was sincere. He hugged his own tail in his forelegs before talking. “I have a problem with thinking ponies are judging me. Thinking I'm an idiot or something. Thinking I'm something I'm not. Does that make since?”

Rainbow was both impressed and worried with how quickly his demeanor could change. He wasn't wrong in her case... She had been judging him, but with no hostile intentions. “So you care what other ponies think.” It was more a statement than a question.

“Y-yeah, kinda. I don't mean to but I can't-”

“Can't help it?”

“Exactly. How-”

“I get it, that's how. You know me by reputation right? How do you think I feel when other ponies think I failed at something?” She smiled with victory when Sane didn't correct her. The victory was short lived.

“It's not only that.” He found talking a little easier with his realization that she may actually understand something about what he felt.

“What else is there?” She wasn't exactly surprised there was more to it. She never saw anypony act quite like this. Though she was able to relax now that he looked a little calmer himself.

“I-I'ts a long story.”

“Do you have somewhere to be?”

“No.”

“Well... Neither do I.”

Sane let his tail fall out of his hooves as he looked to the ground. “Do you really want to know?” He'd explained it a hundred times to his psychiatrist and gave a brief explanation to put his guard commander at ease. What would be wrong with telling her?

“Yes.” She replied firmly.

“O-okay.” He took a deep breath before starting. His explanation started out rough, having trouble putting his past into words and all. He started at the beginning, trying his best to keep the events in order by their time development. After a few minutes of repeating some things and stuttering on others he was finally able to just spit it all out. The longer he talked , the easier it got.

He told her about his father, and how he left. About his mother, and how horrible a mare she was. About the abuse and beatings he received for himself and his brother. During the part where he explained how she beat him down, starved him and worked him like a slave Rainbow looked legitimately shocked maybe even angry, but she never spoke up. The suicide incident had her worried. When he got to his mother's special rules and the punishments that followed she looked confused and horrified, as any pony would be who didn't deal with it first hoof.

After he summarized the five year stint he had with his mother in about ten minutes he proceeded to tell her what it was like for him in society. How he viewed everything in black and white without meaning to. How he always thought somepony was judging him. At this point she looked sympathetic but still she sat and listened instead of talking.

How he froze up talking to anypony, even ones he knew from time to time and how he made it worse when he tried to fix it. Sane explained that that was one reason he kept to himself.

He told her how he was desensitized to his family and the reason why. Again more sympathy which made him wonder but he stuck to telling his story. He was relieved to see that she didn't look impatient or upset... Well, upset with the story, not himself.

He left the part out where he still cut himself, seeing as if word got our he might lose his job as a guard. That wasn't the main point anyway.

She stayed silent for over a minute after he finished his story. “Wow... I'm sorry you went through that as a colt.” She managed.

Sane waived a dismissive hoof. “Don't be. It doesn't bother me anymore, or at least as far as I can tell.”

“Can I ask questions?” Rainbow was confused about a few things she wanted to clear up.

This was something that Sane registered as good. If somepony, specifically Rainbow in this case, wanted to ask questions then that made him think they were generally interested which made him smile. “I encourage it.”

“Okay...” Rainbow looked down to the ground as she decided what to address first. “If... If you freeze up talking to other ponies sometimes, especially in awkward situations how are you a guard? It's gotta be awkward accusing ponies of crimes or running them off and stuff like that.”

“Well... The job ultimately has a goal. The goal is usually what is on my mind when I am doing anything like that. Besides... A lot of the ponies I deal with while on duty aren't exactly the kind I want to like me. So I don't care if they think something I said is dumb or anything of the sort.” The question was a valid one to him.

“That makes since... I think. Your father... If he knew about your mother, then why did he-”

“I don't know.” Sane shook his head sadly. “I know he knew... He left anyway... He claimed he had other problems he didn't want to drag my brother and I into. I can't imagine what would have been worse than her though.” While his past with his mother did not bother him... The idea that his father had left him there did. It made him feel like he was just given up on.

“I'm sorry... That was probably a little too personal.” Rainbow felt bad for making him re-live everything. She wouldn't have prodded if she knew before hoof.

“No... No it helps to talk about it sometimes.” Sane admitted.

“You don't mind if I-”

“Ask away... You already know too much.” He forced a smile as he looked back up into her eyes. However he realized how his statement had come off when Rainbow shook her head. Damnit. He scolded himself. Think before you speak dumbass.

“If I know too much then wouldn't it be better if I leave it alone?”

“No... No I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant you knew a lot now anyway, there wouldn't be any harm in you knowing anything else.”

“You're sure?”

“Yes.”

“Alright... I don't understand your brother as you explained him. Why would he just cut ties with you?”

“I haven't put too much thought into it. I guess he might see me as the last pony that reminds him of his terrible life before we got away. Though... He might just be a cold pony. I don't know and I don't care.” There was a hint of anger in his voice.

“You feel like he abandoned you?” Rainbow asked.

“I did so much for him. So much... I was there for him when nopony else was, not his mother, his father, his friends... Just me. Now that he no longer needs me I am just another pony on the back burner of his life.” He struggled to calm himself, having just noticed he was becoming exceedingly upset. Enough so that the look of caution returned to the cyan mare's eyes. Though she didn't shy away.

“As the element of loyalty... I think I get it. I'd be devastated if one of my friends just up and started to ignore me for no reason one day. Especially after all we have been through together. I'm sure he doesn't mean anything by it though.” She added the last part quickly, not wanting to feed his negative emotions.

Sane let out a deep breath. “I'm sure he doesn't” He agreed. “Even still... Just one more pony that has pretty much abandoned me. I... I just don't feel like I can trust anypony anymore.” He admitted, his eyes beginning to burn from the tears that welled up inside. He looked away, fully aware she was still watching him... He didn't care. Not a moment later the tears began to fall to the ground between his forelegs.

Rainbow's heart wrenched at the sight. Maybe that's why he was so awkward, and cared too much about what other ponies thought. He was afraid if he got too close to them and he somehow disappointed, angered, or upset them that they would just hurt or abandon him. That would explain desensitization as well. No pony ever stood by his side, and without knowing it he had only made it worse. She took into consideration that she may be wrong however. Either way... He needed a friend.

She smiled warmly with compassion before placing a forehoof on his shoulder. “You can trust me. I'm not going to judge you and I don't care what other ponies think of you. Their opinions are meaningless to me as they should be to you.”

The words mixed with the confidence in which they were spoken enticed him to look back up at her. Rainbow thought she saw the faintest ghost of a smile. “I-I'ts not that simple... I told you how I think, even when I don't mean to.”

Despite his words she could hear the hope in his voice. She removed her hoof from his shoulder and gently wiped a tear from his cheek. “I don't care... I don't care how long it takes, I'm going to show you just how loyal I can be.”

Sane hated himself for it, but he decided to give her a chance... The worst that could happen would be she abandoned him. He replied with a smile. “Do you really mean it?”

She placed her hoof back to the ground and mirrored his expression. “I promise.”

Persistence

With little reluctance Sane agreed to Rainbow's request of flying back to Ponyville with him. They flew side by side just a couple wing spans apart. Rainbow  wanted to test him out a bit so she steadily picked up speed, half her attention on Sane and half on the air before her. He seemed to keep up with no visible effort, as if he didn't realize they were going faster.

Rainbow was impressed, not to mention the saddle bags he wore. While they shouldn't weigh too much every little bit of weight counts. Once she reached about half speed she quit accelerating. Rainbow knew that if she wanted to she could dust the stallion in a race... However she didn't want him to catch on to what she was doing.

A short while later they arrived at the gate where they landed, Sane after Rainbow. One of the two guards at the gate nodded to Sane as they passed by, Sane returned the gesture without stopping.

Once they were out of earshot Rainbow decided to ask about it. “Is that some sort of guard thing or something? Like a personal salute?”

Amusement flickered across his muzzle. “No, we don't really have any secret salute's or anything. I was just acknowledging him.”

“Oh... yeah. that would make more since.” Rainbow blushed for being so naive.

“We're not always so serious or professional... Most of it is just an act for our superiors or for the local Equines. We're just like everypony else really.” Sane explained. “Well... Besides me.”

“I never really thought about it to be honest. I don't really talk to or about the guards.” Rainbow chose to ignore the last comment, not wanting to enable his negative outlook on himself.

“That seems to be the popular opinion.” Sane replied.

“I didn't mean anything by it.”

“I know, don't worry.” Sane offered her a look of understanding.

Rainbow smiled but could not help but to think she was no good at this. None the less nothing bad had happened yet and it wasn't in her nature to quit anything she started. “Want to go to HayBurger?”

Sane was hungry and the sun was already high in the sky.  He couldn't think of a reason why not and so he agreed. “Sure.”

Just as the two pegasi walked through the doors Rainbow scanned the room for anypony she knew. In a booth on the far right wall of the restaurant she spotted Pinkie and Fluttershy sitting across from one another. Fluttershy was staring in awe at Pinkie who was muzzle deep in a plate stacked with burgers, tearing into them with seemingly no end.

“Come on Sane.” Rainbow began to make her way through the isles lined with tables and chairs filled with noisy eating ponies until she reach the booth. She slid into the spot next to Fluttershy who had already scooted over to make room for her once she had seen her coming.

However she noticed that Sane hadn't even made an attempt to take the seat next to the oblivious pink mare. He just stood there, eying the other two.

Rainbow sighed. “They don't bite Sane... Or at least Fluttershy doesn't.” The joke had no affect on him but seemed to entertain Fluttershy for a moment.

“P-Pinkie. If you don't mind could you slide over?” Fluttershy asked.

“Hmm?” Pinkie looked up from her meal with a mouthful of burger before turning to look at Sane. “Yea, Sure.” She mumbled through her food as she slid her plate closer to the window.

“You shouldn't talk with your mouthful.” Fluttershy added, but sighed when she realized Pinkie had already buried herself in the burgers again.

Reluctantly Sane sat in the seat next to the pink mare, dropping his saddlebags next to the booth and making sure to keep his distance. He went to rest his forehooves on the table but stopped when he saw that it was covered in the crumbs of Pinkie's lunch.

Fluttershy took notice and quickly took a napkin from it's holder to wipe them away. “I'm terribly sorry, s-sometimes she lacks manners.” She discarded the napkin on her empty tray.

“Sane this is Fluttershy, Shy this is Sane.”

“H-hello.” Shy stated.

“Nice to meet you.” Sane replied, then shot Pinkie a sideways glance.

“That's Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow shook her head.

“Does she normally do this?” This was another pony he knew by reputation. He has had to crash a couple of her parties that had gotten out of hoof before.

“She has done this a couple times before. We're still trying to figure out where it all goes.” Rainbow answered.

“That was my next question.”

“Pinkie!” Rainbow snapped.

“What Dashie?” Pinkie looked up from her meal once more, swallowing her mouthful.

“You're being rude.”

“I am?” Pinkie looked over to Sane and smiled. “Hi! Are you our new friend?”

“Um... Y-yes?” No sooner did the answer leave his muzzle Pinkie had already squealed with delight and wrapped him up in her forelegs. Sane's discomfort was obvious to everypony but Pinkie. Even worse everypony in the restaurant was staring at them. After a few seconds of struggling he was able to pry her off of himself.

Rainbow looked from Sane to Pinkie with caution. Maybe I shouldn't have introduced him to Pinkie yet. Before she was able to say anything Fluttershy spoke up.

“Um... Pinkie, I think you might want to give him his space.” Fluttershy spoke as softly as she could so her tone did not come out as scolding or upset.

“Why? Did I upset him?” She looked over to Sane. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. I didn't hurt you did I? I was just happy to see you!” She flashed him her best smile but the feeling wasn't exactly mutual.

She was still being a little too loud for his liking and a lot of the ponies where still staring, even if they did try to hide it. “On second thought... I'm not that hungry.” He didn't wait for an argument before sliding out of the booth.

“Sane, come on.” Rainbow chimed.

“It's alright Rainbow. I'll talk to you later okay? Bye everypony.” With this he trotted to and out the door.

Rainbow let her head fall to the table in her own disapproval.

“Is he okay?” Pinkie asked. “Hmph., and you said I was being rude.”

“Yeah... He's fine.” Rainbow sighed. She almost wanted to be mad at her but she knew she didn't mean to upset him. That was just Pinkie. She picked her head up from the table. “He's just shy.”

“H-he didn't seem to shy to me.” Fluttershy replied.

“Not that kind of shy.”

“I'm sorry... I don't understand. How many kinds of shy are there?”

Rainbow gave an exaggerated sigh. “He doesn't talk to a lot of ponies.”

“Why not? I-if you don't mind me asking that is.”

“Is he scared of how super awesome we are?” Pinkie pipped.

“Pinkie ju- nevermind...” Rainbow shook her head. “He... It's hard to explain. He thinks that we think he is stupid or something like that. I don't know.” Her agitation was making it difficult to remember anything. “He thinks he is going to say something stupid, and if he says something stupid that we won't take him seriously. I promised I wouldn't tell anypony anything though.”

“W-well Rainbow... I-I don't know but, if you weren't supposed to say anything... Should you have told us that?” Fluttershy inquired.

Rainbow blinked a couple of times at Fluttershy. Fuck. She didn't have to worry about Fluttershy saying anything, they were both so shy neither would initiate a conversation even if they did run into each other, but Pinkie was loud. “Pinkie, if you so much as say a-”

“Don't worry Dashie, I won't say anything.” Pinkie smiled.

“Piiinkie.” Rainbow repeated.

“Dashie?” Pinkie giggled. “I Pinkie promise. There, see? All better.”

Rainbow spared her a warning glance before looking over to Fluttershy with a softer gaze. “Shy?”

“Oh, no you don't have to worry about me.”

“I know Shy. I got to go though, see if I can catch him.” Rainbow slipped out of the booth and made her way to the door, disgruntled. Way to go Dash! You told the first ponies you saw. Loyalty, hmph. Rainbow scolded herself until she was out the door.

When she took a moment to look around she was disappointed but not surprised when she didn't see him anywhere. She almost wanted to take off and look for him but he probably needed his space, however she couldn't shake a feeling of unease. I really am no good at this. She kicked the ground in front of her.

SANE'S HOUSE

Sane kicked his door open a little harder than he would have liked but at the moment that didn't matter. “Way to fucking go Sane. All she was trying to do was help!” He threw his saddle bags down and trotted into his room. “Why? Why do you always freak out over nothing. You're fine now so what the fuck was wrong then?”

Sane was close to tears now. This was so frustrating. He knew it was nothing, he knew nothing was wrong now, and he knew nothing was that serious. However none of that seemed to come to him during the moment. Just fear, anxiety, but no reason. None. All the pink mare did was hug you and greet you with a little enthusiasm. Everypony knew that Pinkie was over zealous, everypony.

“Something so simple.” He growled. “She was trying to help. Trying to help, and all you did was make yourself look stupid... Just like you always do. She probably thinks you really are crazy now.”

“Only if you keep talking to yourself.”

Sane rolled over quickly and nearly fell off his bed in shock as he scanned the room. His window was open, and in it was Rainbow. “H-how did you find me?” It was the first question that came to mind.

“Sorry.” Rainbow scratched the back of her head as she hovered outside his window. “I probably shouldn't have, but I followed you. I was lucky you walked back... If you would have flown I wouldn't have been able to find you.” Her blush deepened. Geez that sounds creepy. Though her mind was put to ease when she saw him relax. “I was just worried.”

Worried? “Come in.” He gestured with his forehoof. In all actuality he was glad she was here. He managed a smile when he saw her climbing awkwardly through his window. “I would have opened the door.”

“N-nah, I'm fi-whoa!” Her rear hoof slipped on the sill and she crashed to the floor with a thud, a low groan followed after. She heard Sane laughing and blushed. Smooth Dash, smooth. She recovered quickly and hid the pain in her shoulder which had hit the ground first.

“Are you-You okay?” He giggled, suddenly feeling a lot better.

“I'm fine.” Rainbow cleared her throat. “Anyway, I kinda heard quite a bit.”

“Oh?” Good feeling gone.

“Yeah, but... I don't know why you're upset. That's not the worst reaction anypony ever had with Pinkie, and I don't think you're crazy, stupid or anything.” She didn't know what else to tell him but what she thought about the situation and how she felt. “You should have seen Fluttershy the first time.”

“You're probably right about Pinkie. I don't know her too well but her reputation precedes her.” Sane replied looking down. “Still, I shouldn't have just trotted off like that.”

“I actually think that was smart. You said that if you stay in an awkward situation like that you only make it worse. So leaving was probably best.” Rainbow smiled in hopes he would mirror the gesture. Her hope was in vain.

“Nopony leaves a restaurant like that without reason, and everypony was staring.” Sane growled under his breath.

“Don't worry about what they think. You could have had something important come up. Even if you didn't, who cares?” Rainbow replied.

Sane said nothing, but growled quietly in response. She's right. “I'm sorry. You should probably just go.”

Rainbow was taken aback for a moment and shook her head. “What did I say?” She couldn't hide the offense in her voice.

“Oh no no it was nothing you said.” Sane replied quickly, immediately feeling bad for the way he rubbed off on her. “I'm just not worth the time. You just met me this morning and I've done nothing but offend you and waste your time.” He sighed.

“Don't make assumptions. If I were wasting my time I wouldn't be here, and I do not get offended that easily.” Of course that second part was a lie but the first was nothing but the truth. If she were going to waste her time anywhere it would be on the branch of one of Apple Jack's trees, asleep.

He believed her, much to his own surprise. The smile returned to his muzzle. “I really appreciate that. Seriously.”

“You're welcome.” Rainbow replied.

Sane kicked the floor with a forehoof and sighed. “I know you want to help, and I'll give you a chance... However I want to be alone for now.”

“Are you going to be alright?” Rainbow asked hesitantly.

“Y-yeah, I'll be fine.” Sane replied. “This is just a bit different for me. It's been a while since I explained any of this to anypony and I want to think things over.”

“Okay, if you're sure.” Rainbow started for the window. “So... I'll talk to you later then?”

Sane smiled. “Yes, yes you will.”

Rainbow giggled and climbed out the window.

“You can use the-” He wasn't able to finish the sentence before she was gone. “...door.” He shook his head with amusement. He'd judged her to harshly. She had an ego sure, but she was actually pretty nice. With one last sigh he jumped atop his bed, resting on his side while he ran the day's events through his head. Who knows, maybe she can help.

Loyalty?

Sane woke the next morning with a drawn out sigh of contempt. It took him a minute to even want to get out of bed, but eventually rolled off, landing shakily on his hooves. In his closet sat his discarded guard armor he kept locked up when he didn't need it. He loathed it, and hated wearing the damn thing. A job is a job though...

Once he secured the last piece of his armor, his helmet in place, he picked his sheath and sword and strapped it around his waist. He scolded himself momentarily for waking up at the last minute as per the norm. Though he did so, so that he didn't sit in his room for thirty minutes bent up over the fact he had to work before he actually went to work.

Today wouldn't be so bad though, he was an escort, meaning he was a roving guard. He wasn't stuck at some gate all day staring at a dusty road for eight hours. His job wasn't really all that bad but his pessimistic side wouldn't let him register the fact.

Another good thing was he was to meet his relief at the Sugar Cube Corner Pastry Shop, which would be opening around the same time he arrived. Technically he wasn't supposed to become distracted or buy anything on duty but who was going to stop him? Hell none of the guards followed their procedures. Their Captain didn't much care either as long as their shenanigans didn't result in any collateral damage or hurt Equines. The Captain was quite lazy himself really, and never actually showed up anywhere he didn't absolutely have to be.

The Ponyville guard was a small off the grid unit, mainly for local protection. The main body force barely cast them a glance in their monthly reports. Which was just fine to the Ponyville guard force. This just meant they could do pretty much whatever they wanted. Now you would think this would lead to guards abusing their power but you'd be wrong.

If there was one thing the majority of the guard hated it was insubordinate guards. Sane remembered one time in particular where a new guard named Silver Oar, from somewhere he couldn't really remember had tagged along with their group. His first day of duty he caused a disturbance at some fruit stand over taking an apple from their cart.

Sane had been the second guard to arrive once he had heard the commotion. What he had seen had bewildered him at first. A big red stallion he had come to know as Big Mac was standing over Silver who was cowering at his hooves, having been beaten since less.

Naturally Sane had drew his sword and advanced on the monster of a pony but another of the guards stopped him, and spit in the dirt before speaking. The guard was an old one, nick named Rusty Shield for his rust colored coat and old gray mane. He was one of the meaner guards, even to this day.

He'd told him, “Steady your weapon colt. The trash got what he deserved.”

It was only then did Sane see that Rusty had Silver's sword. “What happened?”

“I'll tell y'all what happened.” An angry looking orange mare with a cowcolt hat stepped from around the bigger stallion. “That varmint right there came up and took one of our apples, refusin to pay because he said he was a guard. He's lucky Big Mac got him before I did or it woulda been a hell of a lot worse.”

Worse? Sane thought to himself. Two other guards had arrived in time to hear the mare's explanation and picked silver from the dirt who had begun to rouse.

“Oh Thank Celestia. There, the big red brute, seize him!” Silver sputtered.

One of the guards laughed a bit and shackled Silver's forehooves together who didn't seem to have caught on yet.

“What are you doing? This is treason! I'll have you know I am from one of the princess's highest courts!” Silver struggled but was much to sore and weak to fight. “The Princess will have your heads!”

Once Silver had been drug off far enough so as to not be heard any longer Sane approached the red stallion and orange mare. He felt the need to apologize as this was something he was afraid would have happened sooner or later. “I'm sure I speak for the whole of the Ponyville guard when I say I'm sorry for that problem. I can't say for certain but I'm pretty sure you'll be facing no charges, as you were defending your property.”

“Well I can say for certain.” Rusty added before walking off to disperse the crowd that had gathered. Sane was relieved to hear this. Rusty was quite a bit higher ranked than he himself.

The stallion said nothing, and walked off, though with a noticeable smile on his muzzle while the orange mare stayed.

“Don't worry bout it. We're just glad nothing worse happened. I think Big Mac actually enjoyed that anyway. Here.” She tossed him the apple in question. “Figure y'all might need that as evidence? You should probably taste it, make sure it's really an apple.” She winked at him, not giving him a chance to refuse before trotting back over to her cart. Sane rather enjoyed that apple.

The Ponyville guard force was later recognized by Celestia and Luna for their moral upbringing.

Yeah, a little laziness was just fine to the Captain as long as his guards acted when it mattered and didn't start too much trouble of their own. He just pretended not to see them napping in corners or playing card games in small groups at park benches or restaurant tables.

So once Sane had relieved the escort guard he entered the bakery without worry of repercussions. Then his heart sank. He had forgotten the Pink mare worked the counter for the bakery, and she'd already seen him. Who wouldn't see an armored pony?

Though she didn't pipe up when she saw him, instead she looked sad, almost worried. She didn't say anything to him as he approached the counter.

“Um... could I have just a bagel please?” Sane asked awkwardly. “Maybe some coffee?”

“Sure!” She replied with false enthusiasm. If she were trying to hide that she were upset she wasn't doing too good a job of it. “I have to get it out of the back though. Sorry, I haven't brought anything up yet.” She didn't wait for a response before she left.

Sane had his forehooves propped up on the counter as he waited in silence for the pink mare to return. He started to feel bad that he had left in such a hurry the other day. He could only imagine how he made her felt. Sane, having practiced so long, was good at hiding his emotions, and wore a smile that he hoped would cheer her up.

“Here ya go!” Pinkie dropped the paper bag with the bagel inside atop the counter and placed a hot cup of coffee beside it. “The sugars, and stuffs re over there.” She pointed toward a small island in the middle of the shop, with the condiments and what not organized about.

Sane pulled the money and placed it in her hoof, and turned to walk away. He wasn't going to need any sugar today. He just wanted to get out of there. He didn't make it halfway.

“Sane? It's Sane right?” Pinkie called.

When he turned he saw she no longer tried to hide her distress. “Yes?” Though he still acted as if he didn't notice.

“I'm really really sorry, I didn't know you didn't like being touched or anything, and I was being soooooo rude and I don't like upsetting ponies, and I was only trying to be nice, and it's my fault, an I'm sorry and and... I don't know...” Her breathing had grown rapid and she looked as if she were hyperventilating which worried Sane a bit who trotted rather quickly back to the counter.

“Pinkie, Pinkie it's fine. I'm not mad.” He wanted to calm her down before she passed out. How would he explain that? To his relief she did seem to slow down a bit.

“Oh Thank Celestia, I don't know what I'd do if anypony were mad at me. I'd have to move, or change my fur color or-”

“Pinkie! Please.” Sane couldn't listen to another outburst. Again she calmed herself.

“I'm sorry, Rainbow just told me-”

“Rainbow told you what?”

Pinkie flinched at the stallion's sudden change in demeanor. Her eyes grew wide as she realized her mistake. “Nothing, Rainbow told me nothing.” She shook her head, and replied with a higher pitched voice than usual. Again her breathing became rapid when Sane's glare didn't seem to lift. “Oh no! I just lied to a guard, please don't arrest me. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to! I just promised and and...” She burst into tears on the spot and let her head fall to the counter.

Sane was mad, but not with her. Pinkie hadn't done anything. So he put away his anger for the time being. He shouldn't have even let it show in the first place. “It's okay Pinkie.” He prodded her shoulder gently with a hoof. “I'm not arresting anypony. You were being a good friend.”

Pinkie lifted her head and sniffled. “Really?”

“Yeah, I would have lied to me to if I were trying to help somepony. It's fine.”

“B-but what about Dashie? Are you going to arrest Dashie?” Pinkie whimpered.

“No. I'm not going to do anything to her. Your friend will be fine.” Sane wasn't lying. He wasn't going to have anything to do with her now.

“I still broke a promise.” Pinkie whined.

“No you didn't Pinkie.” Sane reassured her. “You didn't tell me what Rainbow told you, and I don't want to know. So you haven't done anything wrong. Okay?” He surprised himself with how calm and well mannered he sounded. Then again he was always most calm when he was angry... Until he snapped.

“Oh?” Suddenly she sounded like her old self again. “You're right I didn't. So You don't know?”

“Nope, not a thing. Have a nice day Pinkie.” Sane turned away from the counter with his coffee and bagel.

“Bye, you too!” Pinkie waived.

When Sane got outside he tossed the bagel in the trash. He was too angry to eat, but he kept the coffee. He wanted something to drink to distract him from his thoughts. One day... She couldn't go one day without talking to somepony about me. How much did she tell her? Enough to upset Pinkie... It's your fault Sane. You knew better and you told her anyway. He scolded himself and took a seat on the curb around the corner. How many other ponies know now? How many did she talk to? Who cares. His anger grew apparent at the last thought. “Yeah who cares?” He asked aloud and shook his head.

Luckily there wasn't anypony else around at this time. A slow morning. His favorite kind of morning. He drew his sword and began to draw in the dirt with it, taking another sip of coffee as well. He grimaced at it's taste seeing as he had neglected the sugar or creamer, but the warm liquid felt good down his throat so he continued to drink it anyway.

However an hour passed by with little warning and the streets began to buzz with the early commute of hungry, or busy ponies. Once he had received one too many curious glances he sheathed his sword and got up from his seat on the curb. After discarding his cup he decided he would actually conduct his rounds. Not that he needed to really.

The streets of Ponyville were often uneventful, especially in the morning. Every Town or City had it's darker side but Ponyville's dark side was a watered down version of any other, and Sane wasn't even posted in that sector. Most of their threats came from outside ponies thinking they were going to make the town their own through street cred or some other nonsense they thought mattered.

Sane was more than happy to confront these idiots. Mostly because it gave him a reason to vent some of his frustration without seeming like he was over reacting. Unicorns gave him trouble though. More often than not any unicorn who wanted to start trouble was a piss poor magic user, and could barely move anypony with any spell. However on rare occasions, only one Sane could remember, there'd be a unicorn that was potentially dangerous. So there was always a rule that at least one Unicorn had to be on guard at all times.

However today was not going to be one of those days. Sane could feel it. It would be boring for the next seven, he checked the time and flinched, okay six hours of his shift. Well at least that was working in his favor. Where is the time going? He wondered.

Then time stopped. Rainbow Dash had landed just a few hooves away and spotted him. He pretended as if he didn't see her and trotted down another road toward the library. No good.

“Hey Sane,” came Rainbow's voice from beside him.

Sane bit back any venom that may have been in his voice long enough to reply. “Hey,” he grumbled.

“Going to the library?” She asked merrily.

“No, not if nothing is wrong there.”

Rainbow wasn't great at taking hints, but she did detect a bit of malice in his tone. “Having a bad day?”

“No.” Sane began to trot a bit faster. “I have things to do,” he called over his shoulder.

“Um, alright. I'll talk to you later then.” Rainbow called back but made no move to keep pace, actually stopping. Something is wrong. She thought then shook her head. “I guess it's best not to bug him while he is working though. Speaking of working.” Rainbow looked up to the sky and took off toward the weather station.

Seeing as Rainbow had a very off and on job she encountered Sane twice more that day before his shift was done. Though she'd only made one more attempt to speak with him. That hadn't ended well.

When she saw that he looked visibly, yet subtly worse than before she had pursued the subject. They weren't really any obvious tells. She guessed that once you know somepony has a habit of being upset and you look for the tells you can find them. Kinda like Flutershy. However when she persisted he had turned on her. Had all but shouted for her to leave him alone. Luckily there hadn't been many ponies around at the time and none that had taken notice. All except Rarity.

Once the guard had left Rarity trotted up to meet her with haste. “Rainbow dear, did you get into trouble?” The typical over dramatic hint in her voice.

“What? No.” Rainbow shook her head, very confused and a little upset that Sane had done that.

“Then, what was that about? Should we report that guard to the Princess?” Rarity seemed offended for her. Like all the rest she paid little attention to the guards and considered them just that, guards.

“No, no it's fine really.” Rainbow shrugged. “It was my fault.” She grumbled. Probably should have left him alone the first time.

“I thought you said you were not in trouble Rainbow.”

“I'm not.”

“Then-”

“It's complicated.” Rainbow cut her off, but made sure to give her a weak smile to try and mend any hurt feelings she may have caused with the gesture. “I'll talk to you later, k?”

Rarity sighed. “Okay Rainbow, but if you have any trouble you had better come and find me.” She stamped her hoof for emphasis.

“I will, I promise.” With this Rainbow took off again, leaving a disgruntled drama pony in her wake.

At last Sane made it back to Sugar Cube Corner where his relief was already waiting for him. He didn't even make it all the way there before the guard waived him off. Sane raised his hoof to acknowledge him before turning toward his house. He took a deep relaxing breath when he got through the door.

He made his way to his closet and took off his helmet, casting it against the opposite wall of the space. “Fuck that thing.” He muttered to himself before removing the rest of his armor. Once his sword hit the floor a knocking echoed through his room from the door. “What?' He'd all but forgotten the day's events...

Until he opened the door...

“What the hell has been wrong with you today?” Rainbow huffed.

All at once Sane became angry, but he caught himself before replying. “Get away from me.” He muttered.

“What!?” Rainbow stamped her hoof and suddenly looked bewildered. “For what!? If you don't want to talk that's fine but what the hay is your problem?”

It was obvious she wasn't going to leave unprompted, and her refusal to leave his personal space enraged him. Out of primitive instinct he crouched and his wings spread wide. “I said leave.” He growled.

Rainbow mimicked his pose. Not the reaction he wanted but if she wanted to fight then Sane was all to happy to oblige at the moment. “Not until you tell me what the fuck has gotten into you.” She spat.

“Last chance.” He growled between clenched teeth.

“Fuck that.” Rainbow replied, her anger getting the best of her.

That was all it took, Sane took a step in her direction. He didn't make it a second before Rainbow lashed out with uncanny speed, catching him on the side of the muzzle. He hadn't underestimated her, she was just simply fast. However one strike wasn't nearly enough to discourage him. Being a Stallion he was much more naturally built than a mare and his training had included taking a beating.

He wasn't going to allow her to press the assault. He ducked a second swing from the blue hoof, then rammed his shoulder into her exposed chest, knocking her off balance. She didn't fall, but stumbling left her vulnerable and Sane's forehoof caught her on the side of the head.

The only thing that saved her from another direct his was that she expected it, and just had time to block the strike. He was strong despite his size, stronger than Rainbow considered. She may have stopped any real damage but the blow still staggered her. She jumped back to regain her balance, flapping her wings for more ground.

Sane was reckless in his follow up and it cost him. His next attack wasn't accurate, and he wasn't fast enough to bring his hoof back up. As punishment he took another shot to the muzzle, causing his eyes to water. He also thought he tasted blood. Another crossed his cheek.

He drove through another hit and rammed her into the wall she had gotten too close to on her evade. She hit it with a cry but never stopped swinging. She tried body shots to try and back him off, and because she was too close to effectively hit his head. However Sane was not at this disadvantage.

After taking a few hits of her own she decided she needed to get off the wall. Being smaller and faster she ducked under his forehoof and slipped around him, turning back around before Sane even realized what she had done. He needed to move, couldn't have his back turned to her. However he blindly turned and lunged at her again. Another costly mistake.

Rainbow knew she couldn't over power him, but she knew all about momentum. She used his against him. Just before he hit her she jumped off to the side and pushed him farther along his path. Sane couldn't stop himself, nor land on his hooves. He crashed down to his side and slid until her hit the counter with a thud. When the rain of blows he expected never came, he got up.

He turned to face her. She was ready for a retaliation in the same aggressive stance she'd started in. However Sane had had enough.

“Your friend.” He conceded, wiping the blood from his muzzle.

“What?” Rainbow was confused, not thinking straight through the adrenalin, anger and heavy breathing.

“Y-your friend Pinkie. I talked to her this morning.” Sane replied, still trying to catch his breath.

“So what?” It hadn't hit her yet.

“What did you talk about after I left HayBurger?” He asked coldly.

All at once Rainbow visibly relaxed but she looked distraught. “S-Sane I can explain.” Her anger replaced with guilt and fear.

Sane relaxed now that the threat of violence had been neutralized. He spat more blood on the floor and glared at her. “Explain what? Huh? I knew I shouldn't have trusted you, trusted anypony. You told me you wouldn't tell anypony.” His voice cracked and tears welled up in his eyes. “I trusted you, when I knew I shouldn't have. I was fine dammit! Just Fine!” He exclaimed.

“Sane please.” Rainbow would have hated herself if she could hear herself right now. She never begged anypony for anything. However she wasn't thinking clearly.

“No! You told the first ponies you talked to. How can I trust you? You didn't make it one day.” Sane turned his head away as the tears began to fall. “Get out.” He growled.

“S-Sane.” Her voice came out a whimper, and a tear fell from her eye. “You have to understand. I just didn't catch myself. I'm so comfortable around them. I tell them everything. It was an accident. I trust them.” Her voice grew more and more desperate with every word.

“Must be nice to be able to trust somepony.” Sane muttered.

“Sa-”

“Get out.” Sane growled.

“Sane ple-”

“I said get out!” He shouted, loud enough for Rainbow to flinch.

“Fine.” She replied flatly. She trotted to the still open door and stopped just before it. “I'm sorry.” Not a moment later she took off into the evening.

Sane slammed the door to his room shut and stomped his way into the bedroom. As he passed by his dresser he swept a book of it's top in a impulse of rage. “Why why why?” He collapsed into his chair. “Why couldn't she just leave me in those woods? I was fine dammit” He let his head fall to the desk as he began to openly sob. A couple minutes later he started to recover. However he felt worse than ever.

Then that thought occured to him. His razor was hidden in the back of the first drawer. He hesitated only a second before opening it slowly, moving the contents around until he saw the blade. He removed it and placed it on the table. Such an evil instrument. However every evil had it's perks. This one offered peace.

He reclaimed the razor and sat back, looking down at his rear leg. He brought the blade down until it was pressed against his skin and through his fur. He just couldn't hold it steady. This was wrong. He knew it was wrong.

Though that had never stopped him before. He started to drag it across, a second later a small pool of blood rose from the wound. He stopped. For some reason this sickened him now. Made his stomach turn. “Fuck!” He threw the razor across the room without any further progress. “Why Dammit?” He jumped up from his chair and onto his bed.

He slammed his head into his pillow and began to sob anew He lay there and cried. Cried until he passed out from exhaustion

Guilt

Once Rainbow was far enough away to where she couldn't see the house she landed atop a cloud and collapsed. It wasn't her injuries from the fight that made her cry, but the vice that seemed wrapped around her heart. She'd broken her promise out of sheer irresponsibility. She didn't mean to do it.

No, I shouldn't be upset. Rainbow reasoned with herself. He overreacted. I didn't even tell them anything... Maybe a little... Still, to attack me? She got angry quick, and punched the cloud she lay atop, then it wore off. She couldn't justify this with anger.

No... No I hit him first, and I was in his home. She sighed. Maybe Twilight can help... She's smart. Rainbow got up and took off for the library.

All but one of it's lights were off. It was closed, which was a good thing for Rainbow. She didn't need an audience. She landed on the front steps and was about to knock when a loud crash erupted from inside, followed by the shouting of a small angry dragon.

“I said NO!” Spike's voice roared.

“Spike pleeease?” Twilight's voice followed. “I just need a couple.”

“Well you're not getting any.” Rainbow took a couple of steps back when he heard the dragon's footsteps approaching the door. She was glad she did.

The door swung open, and Spike stormed past her without even a glance in her direction.

“Spike come on. They'll grow back.” Suddenly Twilight was in the door way. “Just one then?”

“What part of no-” He growled and shook his head. “I'll be back later.” He turned and started to walk off.

“What's going on?” Rainbow asked bewildered.

“I'll tell you what's going on.” Spike snapped, turning back around to face her. “Twilight wants to butcher me!” He exclaimed.

“What?” Rainbow turned toward Twilight who rolled her eyes.

“All I want is a couple of scales. That's it.”

“No.” Spike turned and walked off into the night without further argument.

“What do you need his scales for?” Rainbow was curious.

“I needed to know if dragon scales have any magical properties I don't know about.” Twilight explained.

“Needed?” Rainbow replied with hesitance.

“Okay wanted.” She admitted. “Anyway, what brings you here?” Then she noticed her ragged appearance for the first time. “Rainbow are you alright!?” She exclaimed

“I'm fine Twilight. I'm not hurt.” Rainbow sighed.

“Yes you are, there's blood on you, and your fur, your mane.” Twilight exclaimed.

I'm fine Twilight. Just...Can we talk?”

“Of course, come on in.” Twilight stepped aside and closed the door after Rainbow had passed, casting her a sideways glace with obvious discomfort.

“What's up?” Twilight forced a smile.

“Um... I kinda need some help.” Rainbow admitted.

“Help?” Now she was even more worried. “Is everything okay?”

Rainbow sat and waived a dismissive hoof. “It's not an emergency. I just... I think I may have upset somepony.”

“Who?” Twilight looked relieved but still concerned.

“I-I can't say.” Rainbow looked away. She hadn't thought this through. She'd have to break her promise again in order to explain the situation.

“Huh?” Twilight cocked her head to the side. “Was it one of the mares? Who hit you?”

“No, not them. I'd tell you if it was one of them.” Rainbow replied without looking up.

“Then who is it?”

“I can't say.”

Twilight regarded this for a moment and shrugged. “Okay, I guess who isn't important. You can tell me what happened right?” She needed to know what had happened to her friend.

“Yes.” Rainbow met her gaze again. “Yes I can.”

“Good.” Twilight smiled again. “I'm gonna get us some hot chocolate. It's chilly out tonight. I'm also going to bring something to fix you up.”

“That'd be nice.”

“Make yourself at home.' Twilight made her way to her kitchen, leaving Rainbow on her own.

Rainbow trotted over to the fireplace that was idle for the time and considered lighting it, but thought better of it. If Twilight wanted it burning she'd have lit it by now.

“Hold on, let me get that,” came Twilight's voice from behind her a minute later, two mugs and a small first-aid box levitating in front of her.

Rainbow turned to see Twilight's horn spark and a fire roar to life.

“Better?” Twilight sat across from Rainbow and placed the mug at her hooves and the other at Rainbows but kept the box in mid air as she opened it.

“Yeah.” Rainbow took a sip from the warm liquid and purred when it made it's way down her throat. Then flinched when something touched her head, enticing a small spike of pain.

“Hold still Rainbow. It's just a little alcohol.” Twilight concentrated on her task of cleaning the cut she found on the side of Rainbow's head.

“Sorry.” Rainbow blushed.

“Now what happened?” Twilight asked before taking her own sip of coco.

“I.. Well I sorta betrayed somepony. I broke a promise.” Rainbow started.

“What promise?” Twilight didn't seem upset by the news, but neither was she amused.

“W-well...” Her voice trailed off.

“Well?” She pulled the gauze from her head and sat it down. “It's not as bad as I thought. I don't think you need stitches.”

“I don't even need a band-aid” Rainbow retorted.

“Don't change the subject Rainbow.” Twilight snorted.

Rainbow sighed. “I met somepony yesterday. I can't tell you his name. I found him in the woods and he didn't seem... Right, for lack of a better term.”

“Right?”

“He was really jittery. Kinda nervous when he saw me. So I asked him what was wrong. He told me he was just startled, but he didn't seem to get any better. So I kept asking questions and eventually, and for reasons I can't explain, told me everything. It's bad.”

“Bad? Is he okay?” Again Twilight became anxious.

“Yeah yeah, he's fine.” Rainbow answered quickly. “He just told me some personal stuff, after making me promise I wouldn't mention it to anypony. I wasn't going to leave him there, at least with a clear conscious. So I took him back to Ponyville with me and we went to Hayburger. Pinkie and Fluttershy were already there. There's where it all went to hell. Pinkie upset him.”

“What did she do?” Twilight asked.

“Just bein Pinkie.” Rainbow shrugged.

Twilight nodded. “So what happened?”

“He left, and without thinking about it I kinda told Pinkie and Fluttershy more than I should have. Somehow he got into a conversation with Pinkie between then and now, and Pinkie told him. When I tried to talk to him all day he avoided me. When I did get his attention he yelled at me and I didn't know what at the time. So I left him alone. He's a guard and I didn't want to cause a scene.”

“A guard?” Twilight cut her off. “Sorry.” Twilight apologized when she saw agitation on Rainbow's muzzle. “Please, continue.” She took another sip of chocolate.

“Well, I was worried. So when I saw him go home I went to his place. He wasn't happy about it. When I wouldn't leave he attacked me.” Rainbow let her voice trail off.

“He what!? A guard?” Twilight's face now resembled anger.

“Twilight please. Being a guard has nothing to do with it.”

“Either way, who is he? We should tell somepony. I can write Prince-”

“No!” Rainbow snapped louder than she had meant to and lowered her voice. “No... I, I kinda hit him first.”

“But-”

“I know. I said he attacked me, but he didn't necessarily hit me. I hit him when he advanced on me.” Rainbow admitted, hiding her muzzle in the cup of hot chocolate.

“Then you had a right to hit him.” Twilight debated.

“No... No I didn't. I should have left. He told me three times to leave.” Rainbow's voice grew soft. “After we stopped fighting he told me Pinkie had told him what I did.” Now her voice cracked and she looked away, but she held her composure.

Twilight sat in silence for a moment. “So... You're saying it was your fault?”

“Yeah.” Rainbow met her gaze. “I feel bad for it now. I want to help him, but he won't talk to me now. What should I do?”

“I-I don't know.” Twilight admitted. She wanted to be angry that Rainbow had started a fight. With a guard none the less, but she didn't want to make Rainbow feel any worse. She obviously felt bad about it, and Rainbow wasn't the type to feel bad about anything like this. “Just give it time I guess. Maybe he'll come around.” She didn't like the idea of Rainbow talking to this pony again but she knew suggesting that would get her nowhere.

“What if he doesn't?”

Twilight just sat in silence. She didn't want to use the words, I don't know, again. That never made anypony feel any better. “Rainbow... You're just gonna have to wait and see.” Twilight sighed and let her head hang down. Though a thought occurred to her. “What did you tell Pinkie that was so bad?”

Rainbow shook her head. “I can't tell you that.”

“But Rainbow.” Twilight started. “You're fighting over it.”

“It's not about what I said Twilight.” Rainbow was becoming agitated rather quickly with Twilight's over protective nature. However she couldn't fault her for it either, and calmed herself.  “I promised I wouldn't say anything.”

Twilight frowned but argued no further. “You'll be okay right? No more fighting?”

“No more fighting.” Rainbow assured her.

“Promise?”

“I promise.” Not that my promises mean anything anymore. She shook the thought away. Stop it.

Twilight smiled and stood up. “Good. I want you to stay here tonight though. It's cold, late, and you're hurt.”

“Twilight I'm not-” Then stopped when she saw Twilight's glare. “Fine.” In truth, she was glad Twilight had taken the decision out of her hooves. She was sore, was cold, and really didn't want to be alone tonight. “Thanks...”

Fate and Realizations

Thump

Thump...

“Rainbow, Hey! RAINBOW!”

“Who? What, AHH.”

Crash.

Rainbow groaned as she made impact with ground. “What happened?” She groggily looked up into the amused eyes of Applejack.

“You okay there sugar cube?” Applejack asked, offering a hoof to help her up which Rainbow graciously took.

Rainbow looked around in confusion. It was nearly dark. “How long have I-”

“I don't know, I just found ya here.” Applejack giggled. “It's gonna be cold tonight, you might want to get on home before your wings freeze to your sides.”

“Yeah... Yeah I guess you're right... I'll see ya later Applejack.” However a hoof caught her shoulder just as she was about to turn away. Rainbow looked away when she saw Applejack studying her face.

“What happened to you?” She asked flatly.

“Nothing.” Rainbow replied quietly.

“Nothing? Don't lie to me.” Applejack growled.

“Just a little scuffle Applejack.” Rainbow shrugged.

“Do I need to go get Big Mac?” Applejack asked.

“No, no it's over.” Rainbow sighed. “I'm fine. I just want to go home and get to bed.” In truth she wasn't tired, she'd slept too long in the tree to be tired, plus the night was still young.

Applejack gave her a skeptical look but released her. “Be careful now Rainbow.” She warned. “I don't want to see any more of those bruises on ya.”

“Is it really that bad?” So far Twilight and Applejack had been the only ponies to notice, but then again they were the only two ponies she had talked to since.

“No, it's not bad. I barely saw it. I don't want to see it again though. Else me and Mac are gonna go look for a pony to blame.” She warned.

“Thanks Applejack, but I'm fine really. I can handle my self.” Rainbow smiled meekly.

“Now I know that Rainbow.” Applejack replied. “I'm just sayin I'm gonna help whether you like it or not next time some pony gets to puttin their hooves on ya.”

“You don't need to worry about that.”

“If ya say so Rainbow.” Applejack managed a smile. “You want to stay with us tonight anyway?”

“Oh no no, that's alright. I can be home in fifteen minutes. Nothings gonna happen in fifteen minutes.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “You're a little over protective.”

“Call it what ya like.” Applejack retorted. “I ain't gonna let anything happen to you or any of the mares though. I'll leave ya alone now. Have a safe flight.”

“You to, I mean... Well, have a good night.” Rainbow blushed with her mix up in words. Applejack didn't seem to notice. She can't have a safe flight. She won't be flying. Duhh. Rainbow laughed at herself and began to trot away.

She got a running start before taking off into the cold evening. Really cold once you could feel the wind through flight. She shivered but sped up anyway. Sooner she was home the sooner she could get warm.

Within minutes she arrived at the gates and landed just inside. She was going to try and catch Pinkie before she closed up shop so she could ask her what had happened with Sane. She'd made this decision without a second thought but now found herself wondering why she even cared. Why didn't really matter at the moment. All she knew was that she did care and asking wouldn't hurt much.

She was only a few blocks away when something hit her on the side of the head, causing her to stumble and yelp. She shook her head and crouched out of instinct, looking for what had hit her.

Not what but who.

A short earth stallion with dark gray fur stood just a few feet away from her with a smug expression on his muzzle.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” She growled, advancing on him. Rainbow was bewildered and enraged when she saw him turn tail and run. “Big fucking mistake.” She growled to herself. He wouldn't get too far away before she caught him, even on hoof.

His laughter only fueled her rage as she chased him down one road, then another. A couple of ponies still out and about stopped to stare but nothing more. Rainbow ignored them in favor of keeping her target in sight. She was gaining on him, but much too slow. If she flew she'd risk losing him if he ducked under a cart or into a dark alley.

Which is exactly where he turned next. Without thinking twice she followed him, got half way down the alley, and could see him no more. “Where are you, you stu-” she cried out when something crashed down on her back, sending her to the ground.

“Shut her up!” Somepony exclaimed in a hushed tone.

All of a sudden there were three of them, and one smashed her muzzle in the dirt, holding her still. Her eyes watered and she tried to back away but one of them had her pinned to the ground by a wing. Rainbow thrashed wildly, but was no match for the three ponies. When struggling seemed a waste she abandoned her efforts in favor of identifying her attackers. Her heart sank, the large brown stallion from earlier today was standing off to one side, eying her.

She went to yell but couldn't open her muzzle and the sound came out as nothing more than loud frustrated mumbling.

“I bet you didn't expect to see me so soon did ya sweety?” The stallion laughed.

“Mmuck yu” She growled through her clenched jaw.

“Aww, don't be that way.” He replied with false hurt. Then he looked over to his friend who still had her muzzle. “Let her go. If she screams, break her muzzle.”

Rainbow's heart began to race. The pressure from her muzzle let up but the pony behind her, probably the one she'd chased still held her down by one of her sensitive wings. If she struggled he might break it. “What do you want!?” She did her best to sound confident, but choked on the words.

“Me? I'm just taking some advice.” He closed the distance between them and glared at her with an unreasonable hate.

He got too close. Rainbow spit in his face and growled. A swift crack of her muzzle punished the behavior. The colors didn't even leave her eyes before she was hit again. She hit the ground hard and squealed. The noise was cut short when something pinned her by the throat.

When she could see again the stallion was standing over her, with his two friends sitting off to the side with amusement. Her chest heaved with each breath she managed with what little room her windpipe maintained. What was worse was the stallion was smiling. “P-please,” she choked. She was suddenly deftly afraid she wouldn't make it out of this with just a beating. The sick fuck laughed down at her.

“Please what? Now you're begging? Fucking pathetic. Fucking pegasi, think you own the place. You all talk like you do too, up until you realize you're in trouble. Shoulda just went and got my drink you stupid bitch.” His smile faded into a scowl.

Is He Serious!? The Drink? Her mind raced for a solution. She couldn't scream, could barely breath. The light from the sun had all but went out and she couldn't see anypony else in the alley. “Look, I-I'm sorry, p-p-ple-”

“Shut Up!” He shouted, then looked down the alley nervously. Too loud, but nopony had heard him besides his friends. His smile returned when he glared back down at her. She whimpered and this pleased him. “What was it you told me to do? Get laid? I just might.”

Her eyes grew wide with the realization. “N-no let me go! Don't fucki-” The hoof pressed further into her throat, causing her to cough and sputter.

“If you play nice, I might let you live after I am done with you... After I cut out your tongue of course. Can't have you telling stories now can we?” His sick twisted grin widened as he gazed down her body. “I'll give you pegasi mares one thing. You know how to maintain a figure.” The stallion looked over his shoulder. “Get her hooves.” He barked.

No! No he isn't serious. No. She willed herself to wake up from a nightmare she wasn't in. With nothing to lose she swung up at him, connecting with the end of his muzzle and again in his eye. He didn't back down however, just growled shook his head and put even more pressure on her throat. Before she could strike him again the two remaining stallion each took a forehoof and forced it to the ground.

Rainbow kicked and bucked in vain to escape. They were all just too big. Earth ponies, and stallions at that. She was just the opposite. A small mare pegasi. She would have trouble with one, much less take all three.

She wasn't sure where the tears came from, the lack of oxygen, the pain, the helplessness. She just knew she was sobbing at this point. She closed her eyes and turned her head as far as the hoof on her throat would allow, she couldn't watch this. Rainbow whimpered as she felt the hoof that pinned her throat gently begin to slide down her body. She didn't dare scream now. They'd kill her.

However a loud crack shook her back to reality. Several shouts followed afterward and all pressure was released from her. Without missing a beat she jumped up and looked around frantically. A tan furred Pegasus was grappling with one of the stallion while the pony that had been atop her lay unconscious just a few feet away. Unfortunately there was still another.

Sane growled and ducked a swing from the big clumsy pony and struck him twice, then drove his shoulder into his chest, knocking him back. Something crashed into his side, sending him to the dirt a moment later with a cry. He couldn't stay down though, and quickly jumped back up in just enough time to sidestep a follow up attack. By this time however the other had recovered and clipped the side of his head.

Sane didn't go down, but instead returned the favor. However he was still slightly smaller than the smaller of the two and suddenly wished he'd had his armor and weapon. He spread his wings and tried to take flight to gain an aerial advantage but something took hold of his left wing as it spread. With it he was tossed into the wall of the alley.

His vision blinked for a moment and the ground started to spin. As he stood he stumbled and fell right after. His breathing was labored and the only sound he could really hear was the heaving from himself. He was surprised he had enough time to get shakily back to his hooves and for his vision to clear. Then he saw why.

Rainbow had jumped the pony who had hit him, and was beating him with reckless abandon as she screamed in rage. Her efforts were made vain however when the other took her by her mane and tossed her into the wall as well.

Sane went to defend himself again but was cut short by the sounds of more shouts from down the alley. He'd never been so glad to see his fellow guards.

“Get On The Ground!” A voice shouted, and even more rapid beating hoofsteps echoed throughout the alley. The two stallion suddenly looked very afraid and took off in the opposite direction. Four armored ponies ran past Sane, giving chase. Two more pinned the third stallion who was just now coming to, muttering something incoherently. A last guard stepped in front of Sane. It was Rusty.

“Sane? What happened here colt?” He asked with a calm you only gained with experience.

Sane sat and took his time to catch his breath, clear his head and calm himself before speaking. Rusty waited patiently. Once Sane thought he had a pretty good grasp of himself he started. “I-I was flying when I heard a commotion down here. I was only curious at first but when I landed atop this building,” He pointed to the building across from him. “Saw him atop of her, while the other two held her down, so I jumped down to defend her. That's all I know.” Sane finished, and looked uneasy when Rusty smiled.

“Ahh youth, reckless but effective. You should have waited for reinforcements. Though I believe she is glad you didn't, and I'm sure you wouldn't have either way. Are you hurt?”

“No sir, just shaken I think.” Sane replied a little calmer.

“Well,” Rusty spat. “You ain't bleedin. Nothing look broke. What about you?” Rusty turned to Rainbow who had set herself up and was trying to wipe the left over tears from her eyes.

“I'm fine.” She replied with an overcompensated confidence. The guard didn't seem to notice.

“Sane, get out of here. We'll take care of this. Take a couple of days off too. Somepony will cover down for you.” Rusty stated.

“But si-”

“I said git dammit.” Rusty barked.

“Yes sir.” Sane replied and turned away, but looked back to Rainbow. “Come on.”

Rainbow's only response was to trot quickly up beside him as they left the alley. She didn't know what to think about the gesture but was all too relieved. Then again she didn't know what to think at all at the moment. She was still shaking from the experience and had trouble controlling her thoughts.

Sane led her to his place through the most direct route. If anypony paid Rainbow even a second glance they would know something was wrong and he knew she didn't need the publicity with her reputation and all. He could care less what they thought of him when they saw him, he didn't talk to most of them anyway. At the moment nothing mattered but getting Rainbow to safety.

Though his mind did contemplate the events that had unfolded in mere minutes. Behavior like that? In Ponyville? He shook his head with grief. He hadn't witnessed anything like that before, it unsettled him. There were petty thieves, juvenile delinquents, a few fights here and there but Rape? At least... That's what it looked like to him. He hoped it was just a fluke.

Then a thought ran through his mind that made him feel better. Barbaric as it may be, maybe Rusty wold make an example of them. He didn't ask for details... How much had he seen? Wait! He never even asked to talk to Rainbow. The realization hit him. He wasn't following protocol. Rusty was too experienced to have made such a stupid mistake. Which meant... That was intentional.

What did he mean when he said they would take care of it? The possibilities brought an unexpected smile to his muzzle as he trotted quickly along, if only for a moment.

Sympathy for the Rainbow maned mare brought him back to reality.

He was just glad he'd gotten there in time. Luck? He wondered. Seemed a little farfetched but their wasn't much of an explanation that wouldn't involve some pathetic hero's fantasy, nor did he want one to play out. If he had his way with it this wouldn't get out to anypony who didn't absolutely need to know, and those who already knew.

Rusty would keep the other guards quiet, and he didn't think Rainbow would advertise it. At worst she'd console in her friends, which he figured she had every right to do as soon as he knew for sure she was alright.

Then again... He needed to make sure he himself was okay... He felt sick... If he hadn't turned her away earlier that day... She wouldn't have been there... Or he would have been with her from the start. Is this my fault? Did I let my stupid fucking head do this? Always so scared of what others thought... Now look... Over a petty secret... He didn't let it show, he was good at hiding his emotions, but this one threatened to break the dam.

Along the way Rainbow's mind began to clear, and her breathing regulated. She started to put things into perspective. It certainly scared her, that anypony would do anything like that in Ponyville. The fact that that stallion may have done something like that before made her sick to her stomach. The only thing that comforted her was the fact that she'd been able to rely on the guards to save her before things got too far.

No... Not the guards... Sane. She should have felt good about it, but she didn't. Guilt encompassed her mind, relieving her of the fear but replacing it with a burdening sadness. She'd acted like a filly before. First, not being able to control her mouth and second with invading his privacy, even after he had explained to her his mental condition. She shook her head to clear the thoughts. She decided she would talk to him once they got to his room. She had to thank him.

“Come on.”

Sane's voice broke her from her thoughts. They were standing in front of his house, with Sane holding the front door open for her. She trotted by him, avoiding eye contact with the disgruntled stallion. She turned when she heard the door close. “S-Sane-”

“Rainbow please... Not now.” His tone was soft, and his look apologetic as he trotted by her into his room. He hadn't shut the door, and Rainbow didn't want to be alone, so she followed him in. She was relieved when he made no move to protest. She watched him sit in his chair, and roll over to his bed where his laptop sat, which he opened.

Music began to play, soft electronic music. Then Sane began to shudder, and he couldn't hold it. He burst into tears, pushing the computer away and letting his head fall to the bed. “Rainbow... I'm sorry... It's my fault!” He choked through his sobs.

Rainbow rushed to his side, not knowing what else to do she sat on the floor beside him. “What? No, no it's not. You saved me.” This was not what she had expected.

“No!” Sane lifted his head and looked to her. “No, it's my fault. I chose to console in you, then I got mad at some petty shit, then turned you away. If I hadn't done any of those things this would have never had happened. You wouldn't be hurt.” This was the only way he could rationalize it... As his own fault.

“S-sane listen to me!” Her voice came out much more forceful than intended, but it got the job done. Rainbow continued when she was convinced he was paying attention. “You couldn't have known that would happen. I made you talk to me in those woods dammit. I wouldn't leave when you told me. You saved me. Period!” She stood up and stamped her hoof to emphasize her already forceful tone.

Sane just stared at her for a moment... He didn't know what to say. “B-but-” Quicker than he could see a stinging pain shot across his cheek as Rainbow's hoof crossed it.

Rainbow was near tears herself as she lowered her forehoof. “N-no Sane. That's enough.” She stammered. “Please... I don't need you to blame yourself. I need you to... to... I don't know.” She looked down to the floor in frustration. She didn't even know what she was feeling, but it didn't mix well with the cocktail of emotions from the night. Something soft brushed against her cheek, Sane's hoof. She looked up, Sane was out of his seat and meeting her eyes with his own.

“I'm sorry.” He whispered. “Not for earlier.” He added quickly. He didn't want her to misconstrue his meaning. “For now... I should be helping you... You're the one that's hurt.” He took a moment to notice the fresh marks, barely visible through her fur but there nonetheless. “You shouldn't be worrying about me right now... You did that already, proved I had a friend in those woods... Now it's my turn.” What scared him the most was how easily the words seemed to flow... There was no doubt now.

That did it... Rainbow broke and fell into his forelegs sobbing. Sane sat down on the floor to better support her weight. Rainbow wrapped her own forelegs around him and cried into the fur on his shoulder for an undetermined amount of time.

For once Sane felt he did something right, and the feeling warmed him as he held her. He felt foolish for even thinking about himself during all this. All he wanted now was for Rainbow to be okay. She had barely known him when she had met him a few days ago, but had been the only pony to ever make a solid attempt to help him... No... Not an attempt.

Slowly Rainbow began to come back to her senses. She pulled away from him and sniffled a bit as she wiped a tear from her eye. “Sorry... I just... Yeah, that wasn't cool...” and looked away. She earned a quiet chuckle from the stallion which made her smile a bit herself.

“Are you alright though, he didn't-”

“No... No he didn't.” Rainbow cut him off, and was glad to see him sigh with relief. “You got there before anything got too bad...”

“You're not too worked up though... Right? I mean that can be terrifying...”

“I was scared, was. I'm fine though. I've been scared before, especially crashing during my stunts. This was nothing,” she tried to convince him, or maybe herself.

Sane nodded his head to himself in approval. Good. “You're sure?”

“Sane.”

“Right... sorry.” He looked away, blushing.

Rainbow smiled at him. Then she shook her head. What is wrong with you? She scolded herself. Why are you acting like a filly? Geez, how will I ever get my reputation back... Then it hit her. Reputation? Seriously... All of this and I'm worried about what ponies will think of me, but that sounds like...

She looked back up at Sane who had scuffled away in favor of messing with his laptop after embarrassing himself.  He's like me... Okay maybe not exactly like me but... Still...  That's why I am so stuck with wanting to help him. If he can get over his fear of another pony's opinions despite his problems, then so can I...

She felt awkward, but warmer with coming to this conclusion, yet also very vulnerable. Though she wasn't scared of this vulnerability. In her mind Sane was safe. He'd proven that he would put his life on the line for her.

No... He'd have done that for anypony I'm sure, but... He's still a good pony. Rainbow thought to herself.

For a moment she was content with wondering about this while watching him mess with his computer, with a coy look across his muzzle.

The music was still playing...

Safe

The music was still playing. Sane seemed to be focusing on it. Maybe this was one of Sane's things he did while he was upset. It wasn't slow music but not fast either, it was electronic, maybe considered indie. She'd never heard it before because it just wasn't her typical sounds.

However she did find it alleviated some of her stress, if only a little. A thought made her recoil a bit. Nothing bad, or extreme... Just different. It made her a bit uncomfortable but in a good way, an idea that could help them both to take their minds off of things. Though she worried what Sane would think if she told him.

There lies the problem however. Worrying what other ponies thought. Again something she needed to work on. So just ask... What's the worse that could happen? But... I don't... I want to though... She growled to herself and shook her head. Buck it, I'm trying.

Sane looked over as the weight of the bed shifted and saw Rainbow propped up on the bed with her forehooves, looking at the computer. “Do you want me to turn it off?” He hadn't taken into account that she may not like this.

“No, no I don't actually.” She replied sheepishly. “How long will this music play?”

“Um... well this song is only three minutes long.”

“You have more like it?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah, a lot.”

“Over here.” Rainbow pushed off the bed, trotted to the center of the room and turned to face the confused looking pony who had just gotten off the bed himself. “Come here, leave the music on.” She motioned with her hoof.

Sane did as he was told and stopped a few hooves away. “You alright?”

“Yes, I-I'm fine. Give me your hoof.” Rainbow stated quickly.

“My hoof?” That's... odd.

“Yeah.” She outstretched her own forehoof toward him.

Sane didn't refuse her and took her hoof awkwardly, then jumped a bit when Rainbow pulled him up to his rear legs.

“Calm down.” Rainbow giggled, but felt a little awkward herself as she reached and took Sane's other hoof. “D-do you know how to dance?”

“No, n-no not really.” Sane blushed when he became aware of her intentions.

“Good, I'm not that great either.” She sighed and stepped a little closer to him. “Is this okay? You're not too uncomfortable are you?” Her cheeks lit up.

“A little, but it's fine.” Curiosity kept him in place.

“Okay.” She took a deep breath and let his forehooves go in favor of resting her own on his shoulders. “Take my waist.” She instructed. While she had no problem with it she still had to be the more confident of the two or this would never work.

“Rainbow don't make yourself uncomfortable to make me feel better.” Sane replied with uncertainty, breaking eye contact.

“Sane, I was the one that suggested, now please.”

Sane did as he was instructed, placing his forehooves a little high on her waist, then blushed when Rainbow released his shoulders and pushed his hooves down just above her flank, then resting her hooves back on his shoulders.

“Like that.” She smiled sheepishly. Rarity had briefly taught her a few things on dancing. She had said something about the lower you allowed a stallions hooves on your waist when you danced, the more it showed you trust them. I hope he understands. She thought to herself. Her only consolation was that Sane was more nervous than she. This made her feel better due to the fact she knew she was in charge.

“Alright, but... I still don't know how... I mean I know some, but I c-can't lead.” Sane stuttered.

“Don't worry about it, just relax.” She breathed, then listened to the rhythm of the music for it would set the pace. It wasn't actually dance music but Rarity had also told her that as long as the music had a steady rhythm, you could dance to it. She raised one of her rear hooves and nudged Sane's to get him to move.

Sane had to look down to keep his rhythm. To his amusement she had to look down every so often too. However it was barely a minute before Sane made his first mistake, accidentally misplacing a step and raking Rainbow's shin.

Rainbow bit back a yelp.

“I-I'm sorry, I knew I shouldn't have done this.” When Sane let go and tried to pull away, Rainbow held him in place. He looked back up at her confused.

“Don't be such a filly. I'm fine.” She giggled. “Come on, put your hooves back.”

Sane took a moment to think. Not what you expected. I'm worrying too much like I always do. Just relax. He took a breath and replaced his hooves back on her waist, again a little high.

Rainbow gave him an exasperated look. “Sane... relax.”

Sane knew what she meant and lowered his hooves to where Rainbow had moved them before with a coy smile. “Sorry. I just, haven't been close to a mare in a while. What made you want to dance anyway?” He decided he was going to turn the tide of the conversation.

Rainbow blushed and looked away. “Just because I'm considered a tomcolt, does not mean I'm not a mare.” She sighed. “Ponies see what I want them to see, sound familiar?” She looked back up at him.

“Y-yeah.” He got the reference. “I guess, I didn't really stop and think that other ponies might think that way.” He sighed.

“It's fine.” She smiled, then gently kicked one of his rear legs. “Lets try again.” She was glad to see him smile.

“Okay.”

It took the two of them another three mistakes, one on Rainbow's part, to get the simple step down. However, once they had and were able to focus on things other than where they were stepping, their feelings with the situation got involved.

Up until then they had pretty much avoided eye contact. When Rainbow looked up into his eyes a warmth seeped through her body. She didn't understand it at all. It was that vulnerability again, but without the fear. She was definitely safe now.

He was so gentle, so timid. She'd seen what he could do, what he was capable of, but she hadn't experienced him being so soft. The way he held her so lightly, it made her feel good. The thought confused her, but gave her the sudden desire to be closer. Would he mind? Get upset? She wouldn't know until she tried.

In one smooth but deliberately slow motion she stepped closer to him, wrapping her forelegs around his back, under his wings and pulling him close, resting her muzzle on his shoulder and closing her eyes. She'd done this slowly as to give him a chance to pull away if he was too uncomfortable. Too her relief and joy he hadn't, and had only tensed up a second before relaxing again.

Sane hadn't expected this. He hadn't taken her to be the affectionate type. Maybe she just needed some consolation after what had happened. Whatever it was, it made him feel good, though he couldn't really form a thought and did the only thing he could do.

Sane wrapped his forelegs around her, and under her wings in return. He didn't know why he did it but he nuzzled the top of her head. He thought he heard her purr and squeeze him a bit as he did this. She was warm, her fur soft against his own. He wasn't as uncomfortable as he thought he would have been.

For a moment the two couldn't believe this was the same pony they had met only a few days before, shared secrets with, fought with... Though it didn't really matter to either of them now. Right now they were two ponies who needed a little affection, and somepony to make them feel safe. Safe from the world, safe from themselves. Being in each others hooves made them feel just that.

While the dance and their embrace seemed to last forever, in reality it was over in a little more than five minutes, when the music changed to something a bit more upbeat. They stopped moving, but still held each other for a while until Rainbow pulled away slowly, staring into Sane's eyes.

A not so familiar urge flooded her mind. She wanted to kiss him, for what she did not know. She just knew she wanted to, but she didn't. No Dash, you barely know him, he might freak out... Too much can go wrong.

Sane backed away a couple of paces and dropped to all fours. He sudden;y became very afraid. He panicked a bit. No, no I can't get attached... But... I won't turn her away. If she stays... I won't be able to keep myself from wanting her. I don't know what to do.

He shook a bit and sat in place. This might be a chance... What's wrong with accepting some help? What's wrong with a little hope? I can stay, and have a chance of becoming happy, or getting hurt. Or... I can go, and spend the rest of my life in limbo with my emotions. Stay in this safe, lonely world inside my head... Do I really want that? No... No I don't. If you want anything you have to take chances. He sighed.

“Sane... Are you okay?” Rainbow took a few steps toward him before taking a seat herself. Why does he look so sad?

He looked up at her “Yeah... Yeah I'm fine. Just a little confused. I don't know what's going on.”

“What do you mean?”

“This... I feel funny. I feel... I'm just being me, don't worry about it.” He sighed.

“But, this is what I said I'd help you with... Unless you still don't want my help...” The last words came off as sad.

“No, I... I do. I'm just scared. I'm being a filly. I feel like my emotions are the only thing I can't protect.”

“Protect them from who? Me?”

Sane didn't answer, only turning his head away.

“You don't need to. If I want to help... I'm not going to try and hurt you.” She put her forehoof on his shoulder. “I mean it, it won't be like last time.”

“What did you tell Pinkie?” He asked suddenly, but his tone was absent of anger.

Rainbow replaced her hoof to the floor. “All I told them was that you were a little shy, and different. I didn't tell them any of your history... I swear.” Instead of the relief she expected to see, she saw grief in his eyes.

“I should have asked... I should have gotten the whole story before I got mad. I let fear control me and anger protect me. Knowing that was the wrong answer. I'm sorry.” You're an idiot. He scolded himself.

“It's fine. I was still wrong.” She smiled and raised his chin with a forehoof to meet his gaze. “I don't care about any of that.” There it was again, she wanted so badly to kiss him, but she suppressed the urge. He was already feeling vulnerable and she didn't want to put him in a corner he might not want to be in.

Sane smiled and took her forehoof from under his muzzle, holding it for a moment. “I trust you.” He replied simply.

Those three words made Rainbow feel ten times better. “You won't regret it.”

Then, as with all moments such as these, there passed an awkward silence until Rainbow cleared her throat and gently pulled her hoof away. “I guess I'd better get going, I'm tired, and I'm sure you are too.”

“Yeah... I'm pretty tired. Will you be alright though? Maybe I should take you to one of your friends houses.”

Rainbow giggled and stood up. “I'll be fine. I'm the Dash.”  Her attempt at humor paid off when she revived a humorous grin. “Besides... They were being chased down by the guards and they are all earth ponies. My house is in the sky, they wouldn't be able to get to me unless they had help from a Pegasus or a unicorn, and they don't like either.” Rainbow explained.

“If you're sure. You're wings aren't hurt right?”

Rainbow ruffled them a bit and stretched them out. “Sore, but I can still fly.”

“Okay, I'll let you go, but I want to see you take off, just to be sure.” He added quickly.

“That's fair.” He's so sweet.

They trotted to the door, Rainbow behind Sane. Sane got to the door first and opened it for her. He followed her out without closing the door. She watched as Rainbow was about to take off, but turn to face him again. “I'll see you tomorrow, right?”

“I'm not working tomorrow. So sure, just drop by and we'll get something to eat or something. Start on a new hoof.” He smiled.

“Sounds good... and Sane?” Rainbow paused.

“Yes?”

“Thank you...” She didn't wait for a response before taking off into the sky.

Sane's smile widened. “You're welcome.”

Surprises, Good and Bad.

Bang bang bang bang bang “Sane! Sane are you in there!? Open the door!” Bang bang bang bang bang “Sane! Sane open the door!”

“What in...” Sane shot up from his bed in alarm. “The hell is going on?”

Bang bang bang “Sane we're serious!”

“Guards? Why are they...” Sane jumped down from bed and trotted quickly out of his room and to his front door. On the other side he heard the shuffling of hoofsteps and murmuring voices. He opened the door to three guards, one on either side of the door with their weapons drawn and the third about fifteen hooves from the front of the opening. “What the fuck are you guys doing?” He was still half asleep, and not at all pleased with the rude awakening from what he thought was supposed to be a day off.

The guard that had been in front of the door, Edge, the guard he remembered the name of, trotted closer to greet him while the other two sheathed their weapons. “I'm sorry, but... We needed to make sure you were okay.” Edge sighed.

“And you were going to break down my door?” He shook his head. “Never mind, why wouldn't I be?” Sane rubbed one of his eyes with a forehoof. “It's too early for this shit.” He mumbled under his breath. His point only reinforced with the light blue hue that came just before the rise of the sun.

“Yesterday, those ponies.” He continued.

“What about them?” Sane suddenly growled, making the guard take a step back in caution.

“One of them got away.” Edge looked uneasy upon revealing the news.

“What!? Are you serious? How?” Sane was fully alert now, his ruined sleep forgotten for the moment.

One of the guards he didn't know too well, a white earth pony with a blue mane stepped in front of Edge. “From what I heard, the two that had the head start split up when they got out of the alley. When the guards got their and searched they barely caught site of the one they did catch turn a corner. Rather than losing both searching for the other they chased the one they saw. After they caught him they sent out a hasty search party of a few Earth guards and a couple of pegasi to find the remaining one. As you can tell... They didn't have much luck. When we took over on shift the Captain caught wind of this, our whole shift was briefed on what we knew and the one's we caught are being interrogated. We got a name, and we're they came from... Cause they are not from Ponyville, but that's it.” The guard took a deep breath upon finishing his explanation to a now distraught looking Pegasus.

“So... Well. Fuck.” Sane kicked the dirt. “That still doesn't tell me why you're here.”

Your the reason these ponies got caught in the first pace. If Rails... The pony that got away... If Rails knows anything about you, he might try and find you. So the Captain sent us here to see to it that you were fine.”

“Well, I'm fine... What about Rainbow?” Sane asked quickly. “Have you-”

“Yes, she's okay.” Edge cut him off.

Sane sighed and visibly relaxed. “Good.”

“There ya are!” Came a mare's voice who had just turned the corner. The first two guards were too bewildered by her appearance to stop her as she ran by them, slamming into Sane who hit the ground with a thud. He wasn't even able to recover before she was on him.

Luckily however the third guard that had been on the other side took her down before she could do any more damage. The orange furred mare kicked and beat at the guard's helmet furiously before the other two pinned her forehooves. Sane got back to his hooves, checked to see if his muzzle was bleeding, it wasn't and trotted over to the still struggling mare.

It was the orange farm pony from the apple cart a while back. She probably didn't recognize or remember him. Edge looked up at Sane. “Another friend of yours?” The sarcastic pitch in his tone made Sane sneer. Edge looked back down at the mare. “You're under arrest for-”

“No.” Sane stopped him, surprising the farm pony enough to cease her struggle. Though she still looked mad as a boar.

“What did you do to Rainbow?” She growled, trying once more to pull one of her forehooves free.

“Apple...Applejack right? Another of Rainbow's friends.”

“Way to go, you're a regular detective.” She spat.

“How did you find me?” Sane asked.

“Buck you you no good piece-”

“Rainbow's fine. I helped her. Now how did you find me?” Sane stomped a hoof in impatience.

The orange mare didn't look convinced but sighed. “Two of yer guards came to my farm just last night searching for a stallion that had gotten away. When I told them that I hadn't seen anypony but Rainbow one of them looked awfully nervous all of a sudden but refused to elaborate. They asked to search the barn and the grounds around and found nothin. I knew they wasn't going to tell me a thing so I came into town my self. I checked in with a few ponies and a couple of em said somethin about a tan furred Pegasus named Sane that she had gotten into a scuffle with. Early last evening she was in one of my tree's and looked a little beat up and had told me it was over. Just a minute ago I heard these guards shoutin your name and beatin on your door so I came to investigate." She growled. "I knew I shouldn't have believed her."

Applejack struggled once more but quit when she found it vain. “Y'all shouldn't be holding me y'all should be holdin him!” She exclaimed.

“So you talked to Pinkie then?” Sane asked, and let a small smile turn the corner of his muzzle when she looked up at him  in shock. “Let her go.” Sane instructed.

“Sane we can't jus-” Edge started

“Just let her go.” He repeated with obvious frustration.

The guards reluctantly released their hold, but loomed close in case she jumped again.

Applejack growled at them but sat up slowly so as to not trigger another scuffle. “You have my attention.”

“If you jump again, I won't be able to stop them from arresting you. Technically they have all the right now but I understand your confusion. Now listen.” Sane sat and sighed. “Yes, me and Rainbow did get into a fight, but I am not who the guards are looking for, that was two days ago. After she left, I'm guessing your farm... She was attacked in an alley by a few Earth stallion. Luckily I was out and about and stumbled upon the situation and jumped down to help her.” He didn't go into detail for Rainbow's sake, if she wanted to tell her she would. He didn't like explaining what he had but it was the only way he could think to calm her.

Applejack studied his face for a moment then kicked at the dirt. “Damnnit who am I lookin for then? You!” She pointed a forehoof at the the guard who had explained the situation to Sane. “You said something about a pony getting away, what were you talking about?”

“Applejack that's enough.” All of a sudden Rainbow landed just outside the circle.

Applejack pushed past Edge who was still dumbstruck and ran up to Rainbow. “Rainbow are you okay? Why didn't you tell me somepony was after ya? Why didn't you come back to the farm after all that? I was worried sick, all the mares are worried sick. All cept Fluttershy, I hadn't gotten to her yet.”

“Applejack please... I'm fine. I'm a big mare, I can take care of myself.”

Applejack looked a little hurt at the comment but perked up when Rainbow nuzzled her side.

“He's telling the truth.” Rainbow told her. “He saved me, if anything I owe him.” Sane averted his gave when she smiled at him before turning her attention back to the farm mare. “I'm okay.”

Applejack grumbled a bit and kicked the dirt again. “I'm sorry Rainbow, I was just worried.” She turned her attention back to Sane. “I'm sorry to you too, I shouldn't have ran up here like that without knowin my facts. I ain't hurt you did I?”

Sane looked up at her. “No. Don't worry about it.” However he frowned when he saw the mare's face harden.

“That still don't explain why you was fighten with Rainbow in the first place.” For a second it looked as if she was about to attack him again.

“I started that.” Rainbow stepped in front of her.

“Rainbow?” Applejack looked shocked. “I know you ain't the subtle type but a guard?”

“It's complicated.” Sane finally said.

“Hey!” Edge snapped. “I don't know what's going on and I don't care. All I know is we have a guard fighting a mare, supposedly in defense because the mare attacked him, a mare who just assaulted a guard and resisted three others, and a guard who is defending them both. On top of all that there is still an escaped convict who could quite possibly be looking for you two.” Edge pointed an accusing hoof at Sane and Rainbow. “What the hell am I supposed to do here?” He threw his hooves up in frustration.

“That's easy.”

Sane turned his attention to the speaker. The one stallion who had yet to speak the entire time. A dark gray furred pegasus stallion, probably just a bit older than Sane who kept a clean cut, black colored mane and never spoke much. In fact, Sane couldn't remember him ever speaking. Even Edge looked a little uneasy upon hearing his voice.

The stallion cleared his throat. “You, you and me are going to report to the Captain that Sane is fine as is Rainbow, then go about our day.”

“But they-” Edge started.

“Sane, did Applejack assault you?” The expression on his face was unreadable.

“Nnnno?” Sane answered carefully.

“Rainbow, all of those bruises came from the three ponies that cornered you in the alley right?” Again, unreadable.

“Umm... yeah sure.” She nodded with a dumb, knowing grin.

“And Sane, your injuries came from defending her, am I correct?”

“Yes.” His answer was much more confident this time.

“Well, as far as I see it... The only problem we have left to worry about is the escaped suspect.”

“You can't be serious.” Edge retorted.

“Did you see anything?” The stallion asked the remaining guard.

“Nope.”

“Trale! You're seriously going along with this?” Edge barked.

“I have no idea what you're talking about.” Trale gave him a stupid grin.

Edge growled and stomped the ground. “Fine, whatever.  One more thing before we leave.” He turned back to Sane. “Rusty told me I probably shouldn't bother askin, but he wants to know if you want an escort until the suspect is found or proclaimed to be long gone.”

Sane spat on the ground and bit back an angry retort that wasn't meant for Edge. “No...”

“I figured... Rainbow the offer is extended to you as well.”

“No, I'll be just fine.” For the first time in a while her self righteous attitude was back.

Edge sighed and let his shoulders slouch for a moment. “No offense, but I think that's mighty foolish... However this is a free country.” Edge turned and began to trot off, exhausted with the situation. The dark furred pegasi's expression was still blank, however the one Edge called Trale had a smile across his muzzle as they followed him. Probably enjoyed the show.

Rainbow sighed with relief but jumped when Applejack stepped in front of him. “You have some explaining to do.”

“Applejack I told you, he didn-”

“You do too.” Applejack turned her attention on Rainbow. “Now usually I wouldn't pry but ponies are starting to get hurt and I want to know why. Specially when one of those ponies is a close friend.”

Rainbow looked over to Sane with dismay. “Sane, I'm sorry, but... She's gonna find out one way or another.”

Sane looked down to the ground. This was exactly the type of thing he liked to avoid. He just reminded himself that there was no point in getting upset with something he couldn't do anything about. Now was not the time anyway. He sighed. “It's fine.”

“Don't worry Sane.” Applejack could tell something was wrong. “So long as you ain't hurtin anypony I'm not one to judge, neither are the others.” Referring to Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity and Twilight of course.

“Hey, wait a second. What do you mean others? No pony needs to know that doesn't know already.” Rainbow replied.

“Well Rainbow, I already have the lot of em worried, cept Shy. Twilight and Pinkie nearly lost their minds. Rarity would have killed me if I hadn't of told her something after speakin with Twilight.”

“Why did you even talk to Rarity?” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Like I knew what was goin on Rainbow.” Applejack stomped her hoof. “I was lookin for you and thought the best places to start would be our friends.”

Sane shook his head and raised a hoof to stop Rainbow from saying anything she might regret. “Rainbow, I'm fine. Thank you but you don't need to worry about that stupid promise anymore. It's hurting more than anything right about now. Especially since the rest of the guards have their muzzles in this business because of this stupid stallion runnin about.”

However, Rainbow was already agitated and didn't stop to think before she spoke. “Why do you assume I'm worrying about you? Do you think I want everypony knowing what happened to me?” She looked upset the moment Sane flinched at her words. “Sane...”

Sane shook his head. “I-It's fine...”

“Sane... I'm sorry.” Her ears folded back. “I'm just...”

“No, Rainbow... Seriously it's fine. I understand.” Sane smiled to reinforce his sincerity.

Rainbow closed the distance between them and nuzzled the side of his neck before hugging him. “Thanks.” She was surprised to feel him return the hug briefly, especially in front of Applejack, who even she herself had almost forgotten was there.

“Alright, what in the hay is going on?” Applejack sounded frustrated and confused.

Rainbow backed away from Sane quickly, trying to hide the red in her face.

Sane sighed and decided to go for broke. “Rainbow spent quite a bit of time listening to... a few of my problems. Well, I made her promise not to tell anypony anything. She slipped up around Pinkie, and Pinkie told me... Or slipped too I guess. We got into an argument, that got out of hoof. Later on I told her  I didn't want to talk to her anymore. Well, I'm just guessing but I assume that's how she ended up at your farm...

Which is where the whole situation with Rainbow and those stallion came into play. I happened across the commotion, and when I saw what was happening I did the only thing I could think to do and like I said, jumped down there with her. Long story short we were in trouble until the rest of the guards showed up.” He sighed

“I was sent home, but I took Rainbow with me.” He continued. “I wasn't going to leave her alone after that. I apologized for being so close minded, and for brushing her off when she'd tried to apologize. In a way, you have every right to be mad at me. It's my fault she was caught up in this mess.” He betrayed nothing but a straight face to the farm mare.

Though his face was masked, Rainbow could hear the faint depression in his words. He still blames himself...

Applejack didn't know what to make of his explanation, looking over to Rainbow who nodded to her. “Well, I can't really be mad at ya. The way I hear it you helped her.”

Way to go Applejack! Rainbow was thrilled to hear her tell him the same thing she had said the night before. Even Sane looked a little surprised to hear her response. You don't know my friends Sane. She thought happily.

“And Rainbow. They have to know. They're all worried sick and would be mad to find you hid somethin like this from them. If something happens to you later because of all this they'll kill me, but... If you really want to keep it quiet...” Applejack trailed off. She wouldn't betray her friend's trust if she didn't absolutely have to.

“I know Applejack. I didn't mean what I said before about not wanting them to know. I'm just a little, eh... on edge.” Rainbow looked over to Sane. “I can keep you out of it, if that's what you want.” She knew this was the opposite of what he was comfortable with but with what she heard she hoped Sane would surprise her.

“No.” He replied quickly then took a step back. “Sorry. I mean no... This will be good for me. If you trust your friends... Then I do too.” What am I doing? He shook his head. What I need to. For me and for Rainbow. I can't just leave her alone in this either, especially after she stuck by me, especially with that idiot on the loose.

Rainbow didn't hold back her smile, and trotted up to hug him again. He didn't stop her, in fact he shared the moment with her and hugged her tight. They pretended not to see the still very confused farm mare staring at them.

Comfort

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Panic

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Suspense

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

After Thought

Sane woke early the next morning and looked over at his clock with hazy eyes. Four forty seven? What? No... A few seconds later he passed out again. He awoke next around seven thirty. He didn't have to be at Sugar Cube Corner until ten today and snoozed a bit, last night's events still hadn't caught up to him and his mind was still a peaceful fog.

However it wasn't like his mind to stay serene for very long and the thoughts came slowly but surely. He looked down at his leg where the dry blood matted his fur. It wasn't a lot but it still served as proof of what had happened. Surprisingly his head didn't hurt as bad as he thought but the places where he had been hit were sore.

He wasn't going to let himself get worked up, but he needed to go over what had happened now that he was calm, and had a surprisingly good night's sleep.

Did I really... Did I really hit her? I did warn her... How else was I supposed to make her leave? And she hit me... Well... She knew what I was about to do... I would have hit me too... Then again, she wouldn't leave... I should have just explained to her though. Fuck this is annoying. It's what I get though.

I knew better...

Sane shook his head and growled. No... I'm not gonna mess with her anymore, but... She didn't mean any harm... Just... She messed up... I can't take that risk though. Not again... If everypony in this town finds out about me... I don't want everypony looking at me. I can't... I won't. Just... She was only trying to help...

Thinking about this is dumb, there's nothing you can do now anyway.

Sane sat up on the bed and shook his head of the thoughts. Right now all he wanted was to get cleaned up. He forced himself to jump down from his bed and make his way into the bathroom. He purposely avoided looking in the mirror. He didn't want to see the blood on his face, he just wanted to wash it off.

He turned the nozzle and stuck a hoof in the water, stepping into the shower only when he was satisfied it was hot enough. He sighed happily when he felt the water run down his back, through his feathers and fur, and run past his hooves.

This was one of those days where he was just going to sit in his shower forever. What was it now? Seven forty somethin? Seven fifty maybe? He could easily sit there for an hour and still make it to Sugar Cube Corner with time to spare.

The water stung his bruises at first, but he held fast and eventually it became soothing. Sane shook his head, bit back a sneeze and giggled. Whenever the water ran down his snout in just the right way it always tickled. It was good to laugh, even if it was at himself. Seemed to put him in a better mood even.

After ten minutes of doing nothing but soaking in the warmth he grabbed the bottle of shampoo and stared at it for a second. “Buck it.” He popped the cap and turned it over on his head, letting it ooze all over him, down his back, through his fur, through his feathers and around his muzzle. When he was satisfied he was covered in the blue gooey substance he turned it back over, closed the cap and set it back on it's little shelf.

He ran his hooves all over himself, lathering it all in his fur as best he could, paying special attention to the areas where blood stained his fur, before grabbing the long handled scrub brush he used for his wings and back that hung on a little hook beside his soap.

“Ohhh, there it is.” He purred when the brush grazed his back, paying special attention to the space between his wings, luckily they weren't sore from when he'd hit the counter. Probably not a place to pay too much attention to. He caught himself before he even got started. “Geez, not before work Sane.” He giggled after scolding himself, hanging the brush and blushing to himself.

He was now convinced he smelled like flowers, or whatever his shampoo smelled like. Last but not least he made sure to run his hooves through his tail a couple of times to get it clean too. He knew some ponies who didn't bother to wash their tail. He was not one of them. He liked his tail.

After all was said and done, the soap washed thoroughly from his fur, mane, tail, and feathers he decided it was time to get out. First he shut the water off and shook himself to minimize the amount of water that was about to end up on his floor.

Excess water gone he stepped out, took his towel and dried himself off the best he could. Only then did he look in the mirror to inspect the damage. Relief washed over him. It wasn't that bad. Difficult to see through his fur, especially since it was wet, but still there was a good sized light brown bruise on the left side of his muzzle, and another on the right side of his head.

He explored the inside of his mouth with his tongue until he hit a sensitive spot along the top right corner of his muzzle. She'd busted that at some point during their scuffle. He shrugged it off. Definitely not the worst injury he'd ever come across.

It did sting and start to bleed a bit when he ran his tooth brush over it but nothing he needed to pay any attention too. A few rinses and gargles later and he was out of the bathroom and in his closet, where he stared down at his discarded armor. “I hate you, buuuut... You probably don't care do you?”

Once everything was fitted Sane checked the clock. A little early but he could take the scenic route. His shift was later in the day today than yesterday so a lot of ponies were already out and about. Though that might not necessarily be a bad thing.

He was a little giddy this morning, as he always was after a bad night. It wouldn't last but he'd enjoy it for the time being. He opened the door and was greeted by the morning sun... The blinding morning sun. “Geez.” He covered his eyes with his forehoof and giggled. It was a little chilly, but the sun had been up long enough to take the bite out of the frost.

Sane took the route around the library, nodding or greeting nearly everypony that cared to look his way. Not only because it was good to keep a positive appearance with the public but because he wanted to. Nopony seemed to notice his injuries, or maybe they thought it was on the job. All except the librarian... Who stared at him intently, not even returning the greeting he gave.

Once he was out of sight he shook his head. Alright then.

A few minutes later the shop came into view. There was a small crowd of ponies there, including the guard he was about to relieve who looked asleep on his hooves. He didn't even realize Sane was walking up until he punched his shoulder. “Hey.”

The guard jumped back a second, looking shocked for a moment until he saw Sane. “Oh... Sorry...”

“Tired?” Sane asked laughing.

“Yeah.” The guard grumbled. “It was a long morning.”

“Go home.”

“You don't have to tell me twice.” With that the guard was off, trotting clumsily in the opposite direction.

Sane shook his head and looked at the shop behind him... He wanted a snack, but... Didn't want to confront Pinkie again. Would she notice? He wondered. If she noticed his injuries she may ask questions. If she asked questions... Maybe she'll be to busy with other customers to notice. His stomach won over his mind and he was already trotting through the door.

It wasn't as busy as he thought, but there were a few ponies sitting amongst the shop, eating and talking merrily. There wasn't a line to wait in so he trotted up to the counter that nopony was attending. “Um... Hello?” He turned to look around but couldn't find Pinkie or either of the Cake owners.

“Hiya!”

“Huh?” Sane looked back to the counter. Pinkie was there. “How did you... Never mind” Where did you come from?

“Good morning Saney. I was waiting on you to get here.” Pinkie squeaked.

“Waiting on me? How did you know I was going to be here? I've only-”

“You've only talked with me twice here, buuuuuut you've been in here a lot. A lot of the guards like sweets... Hmm... Maybe that's why so many of them are fat.” Pinkie sat and looked down to the ground in thought.

“Fat?” Sane questioned, looking down at his belly. “Hey, I'm not fat.” Sane grumbled.

“I didn't say you were silly. I just said a lot of the guards are.” Pinkie chirped, snapping out of her trance.

Are they? Sane wondered. He hadn't been to any formations in a while, mostly because nothing had went seriously wrong and nopony important had visited in a while. So he'd only seen a few of the guards he passed by on his rounds and the ones he relieved. Then he shook his head. Who cares. “Anyway... Can I have a crescent?”

“Of course you can.” Pinkie replied but never moved. She just smiled at him.

Sane shifted awkwardly and cleared his throat. “Well?”

“Well what?” Pinkie parroted.

“I asked if I could have a crescent.” Sane repeated.

“You can.” Pinkie looked legitimately confused for a moment.

“Aren't you goi-” Then it hit him, he rolled his eyes and sighed. “May I have a crescent?”

“Of course! Coming right up!” Pinkie disappeared behind the counter.

“Didn't have that problem last time.” Sane mumbled to himself. She is weird. He decided and giggled. Before he finished the thought a small paper bag was pushed in his direction. Sane pulled the bits from a small pouch on his armor and placed them on the counter before taking the bag. “You have a good day Pinkie.”

“You have a Super one!” Pinkie replied, bouncing in place.

The only feeling Sane felt when leaving was relief. She hadn't noticed, and if she did had said nothing about it.

Relief turned to agitation when he left the store and heard angry shouting from around the corner. He looked down at the bag in sadness. I hope this doesn't become a habit. He thought, referring to the second morning in a row his breakfast would be interrupted.

Without further hesitation he dropped the bag and ran around the corner where two ponies, a stallion earth pony with gray fur and black Mane was arguing with a white furred unicorn mare with a blue mane. What they were shouting about was a mystery. Quite frankly, Sane didn't care. He just wanted them to stop.

He pushed past a couple of bystanders and approached them.

“Well maybe you ought to be a little more aware of your surroundings if you don't want to get dirty.” The stallion barked.

“Maybe you should take better care of that rat's nest you call fur.” The unicorn shot back, stomping a forehoof.

“Rat's nest? Listen here you prissy little-”

“Enough!” Sane shouted, loud enough to stop the argument and gain the attention of the crowd, the majority of which making juvenile remarks to feed the situation as Sane arrived. Idiots... They really want to see a fight. Sane thought to himself before returning his attention to the two ponies who were no more than a wing's length apart. “What is going on here?”

“Him.” Rarity replied indignantly, pointing an accusing hoof at the stallion who growled.

“What about him?” Sane asked.

“This foul pony bumped me as I passed him and now my coat has his dirt on it.” She whined. “He didn't even apologize.”

Dirt? Sane couldn't see what she was talking about. Her fur looked fine. Maybe it was the other side.

“There is nothing wrong with her fur,” the stallion countered. “I am not dirty and neither is she. I was, waaas going to apologize until she insulted me.”

“I did nothing of the sort ruffian. I simply offered you the advice of taking a shower.”

“I did,” he replied flatly.

“Last year?” Rarity countered.

“This morning.”

“With what? Garbage?”

“Enough!” Sane shouted again to shut them up. “Are either of you hurt?”

“I'm fine.” The stallion replied.

“I will be fine once my fur is clean again.” The mare stated.

Sane ignored the comment. “Then I suggest you go on with your day.” Sane said this as nice as possible while maintaining a threatening edge in his voice.

“Hmph.” The unicorn pouted and trotted away without a word while the stallion just sat there, glaring at her until she turned a corner.

“Thank you, she's crazy.” The stallion told Sane.

“Don't worry about it.” Sane didn't wait for an answer before heading back around Sugar Cube Corner.

Where his bag was nowhere to be found. He sighed, expecting something like this to happen anyway. He debated going in for another but banished the thought. Chances are something would happen as soon as he did. “Buck it.” Right as he was about to trot away he heard somepony behind him.

“H-hey.” Rainbow said.

Sane's ears drooped when he heard her voice and turned around. She looked upset, and a little worried. Sane really felt bad when he could clearly see her bruises on her muzzle and the cut on the side of her head. “Hey.” He replied.

“Here.” Rainbow held a paper bag in front of him, which Sane took hesitantly.

When he looked inside he found his crescent, safe and sound. “Thanks... How did you know it was mine?”

“I saw you drop it when you went around the corner. Sorry about my friend by the way... She can be a bit dramatic.” Rainbow giggled  halfheartedly.

“The unicorn?” Sane asked.

“Yeah... Rarity.” She frowned when he didn't laugh along with her. “How are you feeling?”

“I'm fine. Are you?”

“I'm alright... Look, I'm really sorry... I screwed up. We can still talk though...”

“I'm sorry, but no. I shouldn't have talked with anypony to begin with. I don't want everypony to know me for the lunatic I am.” He spoke in a hushed voice as a small group of ponies passed by.

His words stung her like a bee. “I understand... You're not a lunatic though.” She replied with a frown. “I guess... Well I guess I'll just head out then.” With this she spread her wings and took off into the sky.

A strange since of relief washed over him. He was glad she was no longer angry, but guilt was at the door, and some of his anger lingered. She was only trying to help, but she couldn't even be careful enough to watch what she said for me... I guess not talking to her is for the best. He decided, and opened his bag. “Dammit...” He sighed... Once again he was too upset to eat, and discarded his snack in a nearby garbage can.

Rainbow didn't feel like flying. Once she was out of sight she dropped to the ground. At least he isn't too mad. No harm done... Two days ago you didn't even know him, don't be upset over this. There are more important things to worry about... Like what? She asked herself. She didn't have to work today, there weren't any clouds to break up this afternoon. Everything else was fine as far as she knew.

“I'll go take a nap then.” Just before Rainbow looked up she crashed muzzle first into something. Her nose stung and eyes watered and she shook her head to clear her vision.”Ow... What in hell.” She'd crashed into a large brown earth stallion who was holding his own muzzle. At his hooves there was a half spilt can of some kind of soda. He wasn't happy about it.

“What? Sky isn't big enough for you Dash?” He growled.

She had no idea who this stallion was and could only assume he knew her by reputation. However he didn't sound like a fan. “My fault.” She stated quietly, rubbing her own muzzle to help alleviate the pain.

“You're damn right it's your fault.” Another voice from behind the stallion, another earth pony with a green coat she hadn't seen before. “Stupid pegasi. You'd think since they could fly they'd stay in the clouds.”

“I said I was sorry.” Rainbow was already losing patience for these two.

“Sorry isn't going to get me a drink now is it?” The red one retorted.

“I'll pay for it.” Rainbow pulled a couple bits from her saddle bags and held them out to the stallion. She recoiled when he swatted her hoof, spilling the bits across the ground.

“No! You're going to get it and bring it here. Why should I have to go back for it?” He stamped his hoof indignantly and snorted.

“You heard him bitch, go get it.” The one behind him tagged along.

“Fuck you, it was an accident.” She replied and smirked when she saw obvious frustration on the stallion's face.

He had trouble holding his temper for a moment, until an uneasy calm took over. “I really hate pegasi, you know that? You're all the same, with the same stupid ego just because you can fly. You're worse than unicorns.” He growled.

Rainbow rolled her eyes and deadpanned. “Yeah yeah, go get laid.” She scoffed and walked around him without waiting for a response, picking up her bits as she passed by them. This was something she really didn't have time for. Surprisingly enough she heard nothing from the two as she left them behind.

Maybe Applejack's Orchard? She asked herself. “Yeah that'll work.” She didn't fly there though, choosing to walk instead. It might take her a while to get there but she had time to kill. Besides, it was getting colder every day and soon the tree's would lose their leaves and she wouldn't want to sleep in them then. This would also be one of the last days it would warm up to a nap friendly temperature.

The day dragged on for Sane from that point on. Nothing else happened that day which only seemed to prolong his shift. However the end of his shift finally rolled around. The sun was just about to set as he made it to Sugar Cube Corner. His relief wasn't there yet however. Sane checked a clock inside the shop through a window. Six-o-two. “Late.” Sane grumbled to himself and sat down.

Ten minutes later a bewildered guard ran to meet him. He looked a bit older and rougher than Sane himself but apparently not as responsible. Sane noticed he didn't even have his sword. “I-I'm sorry I'm late. I-” He stopped to catch his breath.

“Your sword.” Sane stated.

“Sword?” The stallion looked behind him at his waist. “Oh... My sword...” He trailed off and continued trying to catch his breath.

“Go get it.” Sane growled. He barely knew this stallion and hadn't worked with him before. Now he was glad he hadn't.

“Oh no no don't worry about it. While I am patrolling I'll just stop at my place and pick it up.” He smiled at Sane. “Just please don't tell anypony.”

Sane took a deep breath, then sighed. This wasn't his responsibility. “Fine, but if anypony ask, I told you to go get it.” Sane warned.

“Of course.” The stallion replied, looking relieved. “Have a nice night.”

“Yeah you too.” Sane turned and trotted quickly away, then spread his wings and took off in the direction of his house. The armor was heavy but it was a short flight.