The Blue Spark Diary

Chapters

Chapter One- Aftermath
Chapter Two- A New Beggining
Chapter Three- A Brighter Spark
Chapter Four- The Accident
Chapter Five- Pony Stripes
Chapter Six- A New Talent
Chapter Seven- Spikes 'Problem'
Chapter Eight- Welcome Home
Chapter Nine- Celebratory Advances
Chapter Ten- Recalling the Past
Chapter Eleven- Return to Sender

Chapter One- Aftermath

Chapter one- Aftermath

Dad gave me this diary to help with my emotions. I guess better late than never. He used to say that all the time. Before the fire. Its been days since. I think. I can't remember. It feels like yesterday, hurts like yesterday. I wonder if any pony is looking for me. Or, more likely, have given up. I guess now that my parents are gone, I have to take things into my own hooves, but what things? I have nothing, besides what is left of the hair in my mane, my diary, and my once-functional wings. Maybe the matter of responsibility isn't physical, but more of a decision, and a permanent one at that. After all, I miss them so much, and what's the point in wandering through this seemingly endless forest if there's probably no chance of surviving anyway. All I hope is I don't fall asleep. My nightmares have been getting worse.

It feels like two parts of my sanity are fighting to maintain control. I'm trying all I can to keep sane, but the voice in my head is telling me to find the nearest cliff and try again. Maybe it will work this time. Maybe this diary is helping. Maybe I can supress the thoughts I am having by writing in this. It would have come in handy when mum died. Or when Shadows died. After all, I made much more sense then than I do now. My eyes are heavy. I am starting to feel hungry, and its getting dark.

I must have passed out. I thought I was in the afterlife, but to my dismay, I was dreaming. I was dreaming about getting chased. I don't know what was chasing me, or why, but all I know is if I stop, I'm probably dead. The voices were also there, in my dream. Well, nightmare. I was trying to piece together what the voices were saying. I couldn't. Until the last word was uttered.

It said, in a strangely familiar voice

"It's ok, were here now."

I then gained clarity of the dream, and I somehow knew I was in my own head. I turned to see what was chasing me, but it had vanished. Then I saw two silhouettes. One mare, and one stallion. Who were they? Before I could find out, I hear another voice, this one unfamiliar. Then, darkness. I had awoke. The voice was from outside the dream and had intended to wake me up. My eyelids lifted, which was a task. I was so exhausted, I could barely see or talk, or do anything properly. So this voice was incomprehensible. I could, however, see that the pony who had found me was light blue in colour. Everything else besides the leaves on the trees and the pony was gray and too out-of-focus to recognise. I tried to get up, but I collapsed back to the floor. This pony gets me onto her back and shouts something. A name maybe? I couldn't have known.

After falling asleep once again, I woke up on a pile of hay. I had little strength, but I gained my vision and my surroundings came into focus. One mare stood in front of me. She said something to me, but I didn't catch what. I had no idea who she was, but I did know I was on a farm. I started to feel uneasy, my stomach started to rumble and I felt like throwing up. I did. I had no energy to even avoid throwing up on myself. I'm surprised I even had anything inside of me. Sound became clear.

"Oh my. Im so glad Rainbow found you. Celestia knows how long you could have been there.", the mare spoke. "Let me get you cleaned up."

The mare had took me into a barn and filled up a small bath of water, so I could clean myself up with. I cautiously stumbled into the pale. I then finally spoke up.

"Who are you?"

"I could ask the same thing. Names Applejack." She replies.

"I have never seen anypony like you round these parts."

"I have never been here before. By the way, where are we?" I asked.

"Why, your in Sweet Apple Acres! On the outside of-". She was interrupted by a plethora of voices coming from outside the barn.

"Ah, that must be the girls. Be right back." she stated.

Just as Applejack was walking outside the barn, I said

"my names Ember Sparks..and thank you for this."

She smiles an me, then proceeds to get the 'girls'. Applejack returns with 4 other mares. One of which looks distinctively familiar, but I don't know why.

"Here she is." says Applejack. "Says she is called Ember Sparks."

I was still sitting in the pool of water, silent and shy.

"So, this is who I found. Why in Equestria were you wandering through the Everfree Forest ALL alone and in the dark?!?" one of the girls said.

I started to tear up, knowing the answer to the question, and worrying about my situation.

"Rainbow! Calm your voice! That's not how we treat guests" Applejack affirmed, "she ain't in the best of ways at the moment. The last thing she needs is to be shouted at, even not to intentionally hurt her."

Applejack continued "Sorry about that Sparks."

Another one of the five spoke up.

"So your the pony Rainbow has been talking about? That's soooo cool! I LOVE meeting new ponys! It means I get to make new friends, and I LOVE making new friends! I'm Pinkie Pie!"

Baffled by the enthusiastic pony, I was stuck for words. But before I could say anything anyway, another pony spoke.

"Calm down Pinkie. Sorry about her, she is just exited as always. I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle. Pleased to meet you, Spark."

Trying to kneel to her royalty, I attempt to stand up in the water and bow, but my legs give in and I fall back into the water.

Panicking, I say "I'm so sorry, my legs can't hol-"

"You don't have to bow, I don't mind. Plus the state that you are in, I can understand." Twilight interrupted.

"Thank you, Princess."

The next pony clears her throat, and introduced herself.

"My name is Rarity and I am the owner of the Carousel Boutique down in Ponyville."

"Does she really need to know that?" exclaimed Rainbow.

"Well, no, but..." Rarity struggled for words.

At this point, Applejack had gone to pick some apples for me to eat. I can't believe how much this pony is caring for me. For all she knows, I could be a criminal. Is everypony around here like this? My thoughts were cut short by Rainbow introducing herself.

"The name is RainbowDash. Probably the coolest flier in all of equestria."

Rarity was about to say what Rainbow said to her in a sarcastic manner, but I unintentionally stopped her.

"Heh, nice to meet..flier...my wings! They were in the forest you mentioned!" I shouted.

Everypony was confused, because how could I loose my wings? I stumbled out of the water, then with a thump I hit the ground on my chest. It was painful, and I was already out of breath. I couldn't move at all now. Rarity tried to help me up. Applejack came in with a few apples.

"How's Spark holding up everypony?"

"She is just talking nonsense Applejack." spouted RainbowDash.

Applejack ignored her and quickly trotted over to me. She dropped a few apples in front of my head. As quick as I could, I ate one after the other. It wasn't much, but it was enough for me to stand up somewhat straight.

"So, what exactly did you mean by you left your wings in the forest?" Asked Rainbow.

"I...I have...I can't explain..." I said.

"Don't trouble yourself, sugarcube. You can explain later."

Another mare came into the barn with some towels.

"I got those towels you asked for Appleja-" she stopped talking when she saw me.

"Thanks a bunch, sugar.". Applejack said, taking the towels from her.

"Oh yea, Sparks, this is Fluttershy."

"...um...he...hello..." spoke Fluttershy in a soft voice.

Applejack passed me the towels. It was embarrassing, because usually a pony can just shake off the water to get dry, but I was too weak even attempt this.

As I dry myself, Twilight says.

"so, do you have any where to stay at all? Like a house, or something?", to which I denied.

"So your like a mountain climber? A trader? How about a farmer? Oh oh oh, a gypsy pony?" Pinkie says enthusiastically.

"No, none of them. I don't have a job, and I don't have a home...any more."

Out of curiosity, RainbowDash says "Any more? What happened?"

"An accident." I bluntly replied.

"Well you can't stay in here. It'll get freezing during the night. And I have got no space for anypony in the house." Applejack stated.

Twilight looked as if she had found a solution.

"You could stay at the library with me! I have spare blankets you could borrow."

At this point, I became to feel like I am being treated too well. I have never been cared this well by anypony other than my parents.

"Are you sure I wont get in the way?"

"Of corse you won't! It will be fun to have a guest."

Twilight seems more exited than what I'm vaguely familiar with.

"Well, if you're ok with this. Oh, and thank you. All of you. I probably would be dead if you never had done this."

As this point, my emotions became too much to handle, and I cried. In a hushed whisper, Applejack told Twilight something.

Maybe my luck had changed.

Chapter Two- A New Beggining

After getting some more energy, I informed them that I needed to find the 'wings' I had previously talked about. Rainbow and Twilight went with me. Rainbow took us to the spot, and it turns out that she was the pony who found me, too. I rustled through the leaves, and then I found them. I was so glad to finally have them back.

"Mechanical wings? That's so awesome!" Stated Rainbow.

"Thanks. I built them, with my dad."

I put them on, but the wings were bent and twisted. This was an annoyance, but I was just glad to have them back.

"Why in Equestria do you have mechanical wings?" Asked twilight.

I responded with "I will explain when we get to the others."

Twilight probably considered this wise. When we got back to Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie, they were all curious as to what I was looking for, and what we had found.

"When you said wings, you actually weren't kidding!" Said Pinkie.

"Well, whats left of the wings. They look like they could do with a fix-up." explained Rarity. Fluttershy stayed quiet, but Applejack didn't seem too impressed.

"Y'know, you don't need fancy-schmansy wings as an earth pony. Just because you don't, or didn't have wings doesn't make you less of one."

Applejack was angry at me. What could I have possibly done? She continued.

"Or, do we all have to be like some super fast, spell casting pony? Were just as good as our peers!"

Applejacks voice raised. "Or is not having a horn or wings a bad thing?"

She began to walk towards me, and I could feel the anger in her voice.

"Applejack..." Fluttershy says under her breath "...please...", though Applejack didn't listen.

Regardless, Applejack continued.

"I always considered earth ponys to be equal to the other sorts! But no, obviously not. We are worse off than the others, just 'cause we don't have some extra special ability! 'Cause we are stuck to the ground, an not able to reach the sky! Cause we do things by ourselves, and not using a darned horn-"

"APPLEJACK!" Twilight shouted. "Look at what your doing to her!"

Applejack, still fuming, had failed to notice I was lying on the ground with my hooves over my head, crying. She took a few steps back, still angry at me. I look up, and try to talk.

"I..I..I have *sniff* wings because my parents thought I was going to be a Pegasus,*sob*..bu..but I was..b-born *sob* without my wings...*sob*...they already booked me...*sniff*...me... a place in a Pegasus school......it *sob*...it cost them there life *sniff*...savings...*sob*...I didn't mean...*sniff*...to offend anypony...I...I just...I...I"

At that point, I just burst out crying. I look up at Applejack and notice that she was completely rid of her anger, and her eyes were tearing up. Fluttershy started to cry over Rainbows sholder. Twilight and Rarity had maintained composure, but you could tell that there hearts had sank. Pinkies' eyes were flowing with tears and she babbled incomprehensible sentences.

Applejack spoke "I..." She gave a long pause. "I didn't mean that...I'm sorry..."

I said nothing.

"How could you say all that to her, Applejack?!? Do you know how cruel that was?!?" Shouted Rainbow, still holding Fluttershy.

"I didn't mean it! I wasn't thinkin straight! I let my pride get the best of me!"

I tried to say something to her, but my voice was too choked to understand.

"Rainbow is right. That didn't even sound like Applejack. I don't know what has gotten into you." Rarity said.

"Why do you have to be a meanie, Applejack!? What did Sparks ever do to you!?" Said Pinkie.

"I...I don't know." said Applejack under her breath.

Slowly, everypony left Applejack. She went completely silent. She was on her knees staring at the ground. She was plagued with guilt. I was the last to depart. I didn't want to make the situation worse, so I didn't speak.

Great, now I'm breaking up friendships. I wish I wasn't so unlucky.

I was walking out of the farm, when I overheard crying and squeaking coming from one of Sweet Apple Acres orchards. I investigate, only to spot Fluttershy under one of the many apple trees. I slowly made my way up to her. When I got to her, she looked up to see me. She said nothing, put her head back in her folded arms and continued to sob.

"Fluttershy?...whats wrong? Is it about me? I didn't want to make you sad. I didn't want to make anypony sad." I said slyly.

Without looking at me, Fluttershy speaks "Your *sniff* story...*sob*...moved me...and I don't like to see ponies angry at others...*Squeak*...especially my friends..."

I sit down beside her.

"Look...I don't know you ponies as much as I would like to, but I don't. And its my fault this is all like how it is. This wouldn't have happened if I never wandered through that forest. So, I want to make it up to you ponies." There was a lengthy silence.

"You don't talk much, do you?" I said. Fluttershy continued to sob.

"Sparks...?" She eventually says.

"Yeah?"

"Could you talk to Applejack? I don't want her thinking this...*sniff* ...is all her fault..." She requests.

"Sure. Anything to help."

Before I left her, I try to offer comfort. "My dad always used to say, 'when in doubt, figure it out'...so if you need someone to talk to, look for me, Fluttershy.".

Fluttershy lifts her head and looks into my eyes, slowly sits up and turns to hug me. I could feel her tears dripping down my back. She lets go and smiles at me. Then, Fluttershy sits up against the tree as I leave.

I move back up the path through the farm. The weather looks like it's going to take a turn for the worst. Applejack wasn't where I last saw her, though she left her hat.

I proceed to pick it up.

Then I hear the voice of a stallion, which spoke "And who are you?"

I turn to see where the voice came from. He was standing on the other side of the nearest fence separating the land I stood on with an orchard.

"Ember Sparks."

"Never herd of you." he swiftly replies. "And what do you want?".

"Do you know a pony named Applejack? I'm looking for her."

"Yup." he eloquently put.

"Applejack is my sister, but she is inside at the moment. She ain't in the best of ways."

I thanked him and asked if I could see her. There was an important issue to be addressed. He gingerly agreed, shows me into the house and up to Applejacks room. I knock on the door, which yields no response. What I can here though, is her quietly sobbing and trying to conceal it. I open the door to find her on the side of her bed, facing away from the door.

She was staring at the ground.

"Who is it?" She says with little emotion in her voice.

"It's Sparks.". She looks up at the wall in front of her.

"Im sorry about before. I shouldn't have act that way towards you".

Without a pause, I say "I should be the one who is sorry. All I have caused you is hassle, anger and guilt."

"Yeah, well I still got angry with you. And it was generosity, not hassle.".

"Call it what you want, but it wasn't helping.". There was a short pause.

"Take a seat." Applejack insisted.

"Thanks."

I started to talk.

"When you lost your temper with me earlier, I overheard Rarity say that 'this wasn't like you'. And even I could tell that you weren't acting normal, because you were acting so nice to me beforehand. Is there any thing troubling you?"

There was another pause.

Then, reluctantly expressing her privacy, Applejack slowly said "When you were searching for your wings, It reminded me of a time when I was just a little fillie. Me, my brother Big Mac, Ma and Pa were out searching for...oh darn it what was it? I can't remember. Anywho, we found a pony in the Everfree Forest, much like how Rainbow found you. No idea where he were from, he didn't tell us his name, not nothing. We then took him home, cleaned up his wounds, and we was gonna give him some food for the road."

At this point, Applejacks eyes became teary. Rain started to bounce off the window

"But, as I was putting some food together for him, I heard shouting and screaming coming from the living room. I ran in and saw that the stallion we picked up was holding a gun...he had already..."

Applejack began to weep, and the rain hitting the window was getting louder.

"He had already killed Pa...and he was gonna shoot Mama...*sob*...he did...twice...I...*sob*...I have never felt so horrible in my life. He was gonna shoot me too...*sob*...but he wasted his last shot on Ma. He ran...*sob*...my Celestia...*sob*...he ran out the front door...and I *sob*...I will never know why he shot em. Or where he got the gun from. *sob*...we didn't see it on him when we found him. *sob*...Big Mac ran in from the orchard to find that I was lying between em...*sob*...and he...he must've died inside, seeing me, a young fillie with her dead parents like that. He *sob*...he broke down into tears. Just like I had. Granny Smith followed in after. And she just couldn't believe what she was seeing. *sob*. But the worst part...*sniff* is I have a younger sister."

Her voice was breaking up.

"She was only a baby...*sob*...and...and she...never got to grow up with them..."

She then grasps onto me, hugs me as tightly as she could and rests her head on my shoulder.

"And I still miss them so much!"

She gives out a loud, heart sinking cry. Applejack was crying like as if she just witnessed them die right that moment. The rain had turned into a storm, and the clouds looked almost pitch black. She continued to cry over my shoulder for a while.

"*sob* I only said those things about yah because...I didn't want to risk what happened that night to happen again...*sob*...I love my friends too much...*sniff*...so I tried to turn them against you...to...to get them on my...*sob*...my side..."

I put my arms around Applejack to comfort her. Never in my life have ponies been so open hearted towards me. First Fluttershy, now Applejack. Do they feel a sense of trust in me? I was in tears with Applejacks story, helped by the fact that I have found somepony who has been through what I'm going through.

"Its ok, I understand, Applejack."

"You...*sob*...you do?". Applejack released her grasp on me.

"I do *sniff*...Im having those troubles affecting my life too, but I don't want this about me. This is about your life, not mine."

"That's...*sniff*... awful considerate of you Spark."

"Your parents...*sniff*...they sounded alot like you. Generous...kind-hearted...*sniff*"

Applejack hugged me once again, gently, this time. There was a lengthy silence. I felt the opportunity to make amends.

"So, what do you say, are we good?"

"*sniff*...Were more than good...*sniff*...were friends."

Words cannot describe how good it made me feel when she said this.

"Please don't tell the others about my troubles...*sniff*..I would hate for all of them to know, in fact...don't tell them about this whole *sniff*...event."

"You mean that you haven't told anypony about this, but...you told me?"

"Yeah *sniff*...yeah that's right."

Another pause ensued.

"That means alot Applejack...you know that, right?"

"I know"

I told Applejack to stay strong and to fight whatever Equestria had to throw at her, then that I had to see Twilight.

But before I got up to leave, I said "Oh, you left your hat outside, and I didn't want it to get wet."

I plopped it on her head. "It suits you", I mentioned.

She gave out a quiet chuckle.

"I best get moving, I don't want to be late for Twilight."

On my way out of the room, Applejack sat still, looking out of the window.

"Thanks...Spark."

"Anytime" I replied.

I walked out the room, to find the pony who shown me to Applejacks room sitting on the other side of the door. He had been crying. The stallion must have overheared us and decided to listen in. He started to blush and was embarrassed.

"You were listening to that, weren't you?" I asked.

While looking away, he quietly said

"*sniff* ...yup..."

He was trying to hide his tears from me.

"There's no shame in crying." I said.

He looks at me, and smiles.

This whole experience had changed my outlook on life. No longer do I feel pointless.

Chapter Three- A Brighter Spark

The storm had died, and now it was just small drops of hazy-rain beating down. Almost fog like. I made my way down what I thought was the path to Ponyville. I was in luck, it was the right path. I then had the fun of trying to find Twilights house. I asked a local passer-by to see if he knew. He seemed friendly enough, and pointed me in the right direction. I eventually stumbled upon her library and knocked on the door. Twilight didn't answer, but a young dragon did.

"Oh, hello. Is this the home of Twilight Sparkle?" I asked cautiously.

"Yup, the one and only. Say, who are you, anyway? I don't recognise you.".

"I'm new around here. My name is Ember Sparks."

The dragon is hesitant, but invites me in.

"The names Spike, by the way. I'm the Princesses loyal assistant".

"Its a pleasure to meet you, Spike." I replied, trying hard not to say too much or too little for fear of erupting another argument.

"Say, where is Twi-I mean the Princess?" I asked.

"Oh yea, sorry, she is upstairs. Also she is weirdly quiet and upset after going out today. Have no idea why. Say, you wouldn't have anything to do with it, would you?".

The answer was probably yes, but I kept it at "I dread to think so."

"Uhh...ok, follow me, I will take you to her." Spike replied.

For a Princess may I add, this library was pretty unprotected.

We walked up a small flight of stairs and came up by a bedroom. We were both looking over to Twilight, who was lying on her legs, reading a book.

"Twilight, there's a visitor here for you. Uhh, Ember Sparks?" Spike said.

"Spark!" Twilight exclaimed. "Please, come on in."

I proceeded to walk into the room, with Spike beside me.

"Oh, Spike, you don't have to stay if you don't want to." stated Twilight.

"Yes ma'am!" Spike replied, exiting the room.

"So, this is where you call home, huh? Cozy." I said.

"Well, it is maintained. Are you ok now? I felt horrible not being able to say anything to you, because if I did, Applejack might have thought I turned against her, so I stayed quiet."

"I'm fine now, thanks."

"Oh good. I just so confused as to why Applejack would say all those things. Its just not like her."

Remembering what Applejack told me, I replied with "I'm sure there's a logical answer for her outburst. I mean, she proved herself to be a loving and kind pony when she took care of me."

"True. There must be a reason other than pure spite."

The young dragon comes rushing in. "Yes Twilight?"

"No, Spike, I said spite" Twilight said, amusingly.

"Aww come on! Why spite? Why couldn't you have used hate? Or even spitefulness? You know how many times this happens!"

Twilight laughs "Sorry Spike, it was an accident, I swear!"

Spike mumbles something and exits the room.

"He is quite the character, isn't he?" I say.

"That's Spike. Always has been, always will." Twilight replies, with a chuckle.

We talk about what happened, and some other stuff. Time quickly passes, and it began to get dark. We were on the subject of dreaming, so I saw it appropriate to ask

"Twilight, have you ever heard of the ability to gain realisation that your dreaming before?"

"Actually, I have. It's called Lucid Dreaming. It happens from time to time, but mostly when Princess Luna enters your dream."

"A pony can enter your dreams? That is awesome." I respond.

"It's Luna's duty as Princess. That, and to guard the night. Why'd you ask anyway?"

"Because it happened to me. I was dreaming, then I realised I was dreaming. It felt amazing! But it was brief."

"I, for one have never had a lucid dream before." Twilight added, "But when you have one, you can control the dream too."

I was fascinated with every word Twilight had to say. I could listen to her for ages, immersed by her knowledgeable wisdom, but light was gone, it was night. I settled in the blankets Twilight had laid down on the floor next to her bed for me. I finally felt at peace.

Chapter Four- The Accident

Celestia knows what thoughts must have been running through there minds. I hope they know it wasn't intentional, and I did want to tell somepony about my sleeping problem, but my mind has had so much to cope with, I forget things easily.

I really didn't mean it. Everything was going so well.

At about 5 in the morning, I was acting weird in my sleep, according to Spike. He overheard rustling and knocks coming from near Twilights bed. He awoke to check what it was, and that's when I started to speak, I said things like

"no, I didn't deserve it" and "leave me alone" repeatedly.

This scared Spike to the point of crying in terror. My speaking became louder, and more angry. This is when Twilight woke up. She had thought she was dreaming, untill she came to her senses. It was dark, but she could see Spike, backed as far as he could away from me, crying with fear.

"Twilight...make it st-stop..." Spike begged.

My voice became louder still, and Twilight was trying to wake me up. Poor Spike must have been mortified. I was now at the stage of shouting these chants. Twilight was calling my name, though I couldn't hear it. The words I was saying became cries, and loud ones at that. Eventually Twilight managed to wake me up, but this only made things worse.

I started to see things, like ghosts, or shadows. Twilight was what looked like a pony that had been burnt and badly deformed and her eyes were hollow. This made me scream at the top of my lungs and throw Twilight off me. She hits a book shelf with force, damages her wings and takes a knock to the head. I continued to scream and erratically spasm on the floor. Both Twilight and Spike were crying in fear at my bizarre screaming and movements. Although I could move at my own accord, not without every part of my body shaking and having multiple spasms. I tried to run away from the library, but Twilight must have thought otherwise, and instead assumed I was running towards her and Spike. She threw me at a mirror using her magic, smashing into it and falling onto the floor. This completely drained Twilight of energy, and she passed out. The screaming stopped. I was cut badly. Spike must have thought Twilight was dead. He told me how his efforts to wake her up brought no results. The petrified dragon gave out a heart-crushing cry at Twilight. Spike then walks over to me. I am laying face down on the floor. He rolls me over, I was not dead. I could barely move a muscle, and I couldn't feel anything. I looked up at Spike, who was shaking and had tears filling up his eyes and rolling off his face.

"I...im...sorry..."Is the only thing I got to say before I fainted in exhaustion.

I woke up in hospital. I was in extreme agony. I could only move my eyes with ease. All the movements I did when I went from being idle, to being active happened way to soon for my muscles to adjust. I was lying alone.

In the stall to the left of me, I could hear Spike asking questions to a doctor about Twilight. If she could ever fly again, and, even if she would pass away in her unconscious state. This dragon cares deeply for his sleeping friend. The doctor moved the curtain and I saw a glimpse of Twilight. Her breathing was being assisted by a machine. I did this. And after all she did for me.

"Right, so, Ms...what is you name?" The doctor asked.

To which I replied "Sp...Sparks."

"Ok Ms Sparks, the incident you have had with Spike and Twilight has traumatised you all considerably, and understandingly. So, it won't be strange to be a little jumpy, even after the 'all clear' has been reached."

I could hear Spikes sobs from the other side of the curtain.

"And your physical injuries...Uhh...ah, here. You main problem is your muscles. They really took some abuse. The quickest method to getting fixed up is rest. That's all we...well, you can do. Other than your muscles, you have some minor cuts and bruises."

I didn't give a darn about how I felt, I just wanted to see Twilight.

"Doctor..." I asked. "h-hows Twilight?"

"Are you entirely sure you want to know? You aren't in the best emotional state, anyway..."

It sounded like the worst could have happened.

"Please..." I pleaded.

"Well...she has broken both her wings in multiple places and taken a nasty knock to her head. She is currently unconscious, and we don't know how long it could last. It could last from a few more minutes, to at least half a week."

My actions had yet again left someone hurt, and guilt was descending over me. "can I see her?". The doctor proceeds to pull the curtain back. Which reveals a weeping Spike, his head resting on his folded arms, which, in tern, were rested on Twilights bed.

"I will leave you three alone." The doctor announced.

"S-Spike?"

"*sniff*I don't want to speak *sob* t-to you." He replied.

"I can understand. But...please...please don't think that...I..."

I could bear the burden of guilt no longer. "*sob*...don't think I did it...*sob*...on purpose...*sob*"

Spike turned towards me, but I couldn't look at him, physically, and emotionally. I just stared at the ceiling. Maybe everypony is better off without me.

"You sc-scared us *sob* Ember...*sniff*." Spike told me.

"...I...I know...*sob*...I'm...*sob*...im...*sob...a m-monster...*sob*..."

"Your...n-not...a monster." Twilight spoke, with a broken voice.

"Twilight! Your ok!" Spike exclaimed.

The young dragon was, yet again, in tears. But this time, with delight. His best friend was still with him. He holds onto Twilights hoof.

"Twilight..?" Spike asks.

"Spike...?"

"Can you promise me *sniff* something?"

"Oh Spike...what is it...?"

Spike was looking onto the bed Twilight was rested on. Quivering, Spike gave a deeply emotional statement.

"Please...*sob*...please don't leave me like that again...*sob*...I couldn't-"

Twilight put her hoof on Spikes head. "...I promise...". Twilights eyes were full of tears. "...to the end..." Twilight finished.

They took Twilight...somewhere. They didn't say where, but they did say Spike could not follow, much to his dismay. He agreed though, so Spike stayed with me. The ability to move properly had become easy once more, so I sat upright. There was a silence, the tension over Twilights well-being was unbearable.

Then, Spike says

"Y'know...I used to think I was a monster...and I am, really. I'm a dragon."

He looks up at me.

"Someponys are scared of my kind. So, when I'm alone, I can't help but dwell on these thoughts. It gets me really down. I think about things. Things that may stop the..."

He stopped and looked back at the ground. Changing subject, he asks "Do you think I'm a monster?"

Before I could answer, Applejack ran in. She had been running and was out of breath.

"..Ember...Spike...where's...Twilight...accident..."

"They took Twilight somewhere...they didn't say where..." Stated Spike, while Applejack still struggled for breath.

"...Is she...gonna be fine...?"

"She is going to be ok." I responded.

Applejack lay on the ground in exhaustion and light relief. RainbowDash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie now had entered the room.

"Applejack, I don't think you really should be here." Rainbow stated.

Before Applejack was able to respond, I say

"It's ok, Rainbow. Were fine now."

"Well, if you say so." replied Rainbow.

Applejack smiled at me, in gratitude.

"Oh my goodness, Ember! What happened?" Spoke Rarity. "Are you badly hurt?"

"Don't worry about me." I assured Rarity and the group.

"But what happened? How could you end up in hospital this early in the morning? Wait, what time is it...". Rainbow then looks for the nearest clock.

"yeah! Its like *yawn*... 5 in the...mo-"

Pinkie Pies ranting was cut short by her tiredness. She fell back into a chair and drifted asleep. (note that was actually 12 pm. What Pinkie had done to be so tired is beyond me). Spike proceeded to tell the group what happened. The guilt had completely engulfed me. I just sat on my bed, looking at my hooves, as a single tear fell from my eye onto the bed sheet. Everypony was completely speechless about the ordeal. Besides Pinkie, who was happily snoring away.

"It's a problem I have had for a while." I quietly announced.

"I didn't mention it because my emotions and thoughts have been distracting me. And my memory hasn't been up to scratch, either...but I promise...even if it takes me to the four corners of Equestria, I promise I will make up for everything I have done, for everything I have ruined...things must have been fine around here, before I intervened-"

"Now hold your tongue for one minute!" Applejack interrupted.

"Yeah, so what if bad things have been happening since your arrival? so what if things ain't gone according to plan? These things shouldn't tear us apart! They should bring us closer! And right now, Twilights gonna need us more than ever. For crying out loud, she is probably on the verge of breaking! And I dunno about you, but that, in of itself, would break me too."

"Now, THAT'S the Applejack we have all come to know and love." Exclaimed Rarity.

They all shared a group hug around my bed. Rainbow was trying to hide her teary eyes, which was surprising, considering her nature.

"It's ok, Rainbow, you can cry. Were not gonna judge you." Applejack told RainbowDash, to which Dash cried.

"Oh come on!" Shouted Pinkie, suddenly awoken from her sleep. "I missed out on a group hug?!"

"Come over here." I said. "You didn't miss out."

She gleefully bounced over to us, and joined.

A new leaf has been turned.

Chapter Five- Pony Stripes

The group stayed for a long time after our little hug. So after everypony had said there goodbyes, it was around about 3 o'clock. We discussed...I can't remember what. It wasn't important though, so nevermind. I was bored. And tired. But I couldn't sleep. I didn't want to have the nightmares and risk waking up. Hour after hour passed. Eventually, I was told I have visitors. It was Fluttershy. I was glad to see her, my boredom would be quenched.

"Fluttershy! Boy, am I glad to see you. It's getting quiet around-" I suddenly went quiet "here..."

A...well...a pony with markings I had never seen before walked in after Fluttershy.

"Who are you?" I quietly asked.

"Sparks, this is Zecora."

I stayed quiet.

"I told her about a pony with a nightmare-problem" Fluttershy continued "she was passing through town, so I asked her about a possible cure, and she told me she was collecting herbs for a dream medicine, so I helped her look."

"Wow...I...I can't believe you would do that for me Fluttershy..."

She blushes, and then Zecora began to speak.

"So you are the pony with the troubling dreams, to which I may have a remedy."

"Uhh, yes, that would be me."

She walks over to me and passes a woven pouch of pills.

"Take one with water, every night, and your dreams will come without a fright."

"You would do this...for a pony you don't even know?" I asked.

"Fluttershy seemed saddened by your unfortunate woe, and as a freind of mine, how could I say no? To help a friends troubles come to pass, an important lesson, I may amass. The fact of who your helping doesn't change a thing, but its the happiness gained, and the glee it brings."

Zecoras wisdom left me lost for words.

"I'm sorry, my little ponies, I must make haste. The hunger for food, I'm beginning to taste." Zecora announced.

"Zecora?" I ask, just before she leaves.

"Hmm?"

"What is with the stripes over you? I have never seen anything like them."

"Haha!" She replies. "...I am a zebra, my pony friend, but I can understand you weren't trying to offend."

Zecora proceeds to leave.

"A zebra?" I asked.

"Don't worry, I didn't know what one was either." an amused Fluttershy says.

"Thanks for all this, again...it really means alot to me." I said.

"Its ok, Spark. After all, I had to return the favour."

A doctor walks into the room. He proceeded to tell us about Twilights condition.

"So, I have good news about your friend." Fluttershy took a quick breath.

"Twilight is in a sustainable condition. She is going to be fine." Fluttershys breath had subsided.

"Oh thank Celestia." said Fluttershy.

The doctor continued "Would you like to see her?"

"I...I don't know. I wouldn't want to leave you on your own..."

"Go see Twilight, Flutters. She could do with the company..." I suggest.

"Ms. Sparks" the doctor added "You are due to leave tomorrow, and you have already fully recovered. So, you can go, too...I wouldn't want to keep you girls apart in such a situation."

The doctors generosity touched us, both.

His voice became quiet.

"Twilights probably going to want to see somepony."

I climbed out of my hospital bed, and stood up for the first time in what seemed like a decade.

"...follow me, girls."

The doctor took us to Twilights new location. It was a more private room. The doctor and I walked into the room first, with Fluttershy slowly making her way in behind me. This soon changed when we saw Twilight. She was lying face-up and her wings were spread out across the bed. They had metal bars in places to keep her from moving them in the wrong way, causing pain. She was barely awake, so she didn't notice us at first. Fluttershy was already in pieces at the sight of her damaged friend.

"She is extremely lucky we didn't have to amputate her left wing" the doctor said quietly "or both, even....she have minor breakings along each of her wings and two concerning major ones. One in the middle of her right wing, the other where her left wing connects to her body."

With every detail the doctor gave of Twilights condition, you could see Fluttershys heart breaking. Suddenly, Twilights wing twitched, and she gave out a heart sinking yelp.

"*gasp* Twilight!" Shouted Flutters.

She ran over to Twilights bed and began to weep over Twilights injuries. At this point, I had made my way to the foot of her bed.

"Il leave you girls alone..." the doctor said. He left the room.

"F...Fluttershy...?" whimpered Twilight. Fluttershy looks up at her.

"Please...don't cry..." Twilight continued.

She puts her hoof on Fluttershys cheek. "Don't...don't cry..."

At this point, I heard hoofsteps coming from the doorway behind me. I turned to look, and it was the girls, a misty-eyed Spike and a tall, white Alicorn. She had a mane that looked like it was flowing in the wind, but, no wind was present. She wore a crown atop her head.

"Twilight..." She spoke.

Twilight and Fluttershy hadn't noticed them walk in, so they were in shock.

"...Princess Celestia." Muttered Twilight.

I was in a room with two Princesses...I could never have imagined even seeing just one back in the day.

, "I came to see if you were ok. Spike wrote a letter to me that said you have had an accident, and I couldn't refuse to offer comfort" the Princess says.

Oh was I scared when it dawned on me that she looked like royalty. If she found out I did this to Twilight, I could be put into prison. Or worse.

Celestia sat besides Twilights bed, next to Applejack and Pinkie (who was surprisingly quiet), Rainbow stopped next to Flutters, and Rarity stood with me at the end of the bed.

"I was thinking about it" Rarity says, ", and how do you propose you will 'make it up to us', Ember?"

I nodded my head in the direction of the doorway, gesturing her to follow me. We proceed to make our way behind the doorway, then I sat on the cold floor.

"I was thinking we should have a little celebration of Twilights recovery, when she does" I whispered "not a party, I don't think Twilight would want too much hassle, so just...a get together, at the library. Just us."

"That's...very thoughtful of you, Ember. I..i think Twilight would appreciate that. Shall I tell the others? Besides Twilight, of course."

"That would help, thanks." I replied.

At this point, Celestia was making her way out of the room.

"Girls" she says as a greeting.

Celestia is about to turn around the corner, but instead, stops, turns to me and says

"Oh, how rude of me. I never asked for your name!"

"its Ember, your highness. Ember Sparks."

The Princesses eyes widened, and silence adorned.

"Is...is there something wrong, Princess?" Rarity asked.

"...no...no it's fine." Celestia leaves without another word.

"What could that have been about?" Questioned Rarity.

"It looked like she recognised my name. That, or I have no idea." I replied.

Rarity shrugs it off, I, however remained intrigued. The doctor returns to the room and announces that Twilight needs to get some sleep, so we should say our goodbyes. This, I could understand, was necessary. Twilight could barely keep her eyes half open, and she was unable to speak. Movement, even in her neck, was too exhausting to achieve. The accident had taken its toll. One by one, everypony wished her well and left, besides Spike.

"I can't wait for you to get back to your old self again, Twi. I...I just want things back to how they were...at the library...you, me, Owliscious..."

I took this the wrong way for a moment, until he said

"I don't blame Ember for what she did though...she is a nice pony, and all..."

Unable to respond, Twilight shed a tear. Noticing this, Spike responds.

"Sorry, Twi...well, I guess I will have to see you tomorrow."

Spike kissed her gently on the forehead, then proceeded to the exit. I saw Twilight trying to say farewell, but she couldn't, she only gave out extremely quiet whimpers. Her heart must be in pieces. Spike stopped in the archway of the door.

"Goodnight...Twilight."

She just looked at us, mouth slightly open and crying more than I have ever seen her cry before. I nodded to her, then Spike slowly shut the door. Spike was walking away, when I said

"No...your not a monster, Spike."

He stops once again and turns to me, weeping. Spike walks up to me, and hugs me. He lets his emotions free, and bursts out crying. Twilight probably heard this. I didn't want her to, because she would be kicking herself if she did. It breaks my heart to see Twilight in such a state. She probably is blaming herself, for something even she may not know.

Spike stays in my arms for a few seconds. He doesn't say anything to me, but I didn't care. I let go of him, and he lets go of me. Staring at the ground, Spike proceeds to slowly walk away. I, lost in my thoughts of guilt, stare at the floor where Spike was. Shortly after, I continue to follow Spike so I could get to my bed. I briefly stop and look through a window peering into Twilights room. Although it looked like she was trying to give out loud cries, Twilight was silently lying down, eyes closed in her bed bed, tears streaming down her face. Her voice box must be completely worn out. This probably made her feel even worse, nopony being able to hear her cries. Just silently suffering. I look away, and continue to walk to my room. A doctor walks up to Twilights room and notices her state, so I say

"Doctor...promise me you will take care of her".

To which he responds by nodding.

He goes into her room.

That was one of the worst experiences of my entire life, but Twilight...Celestia knows she didn't deserve this.

So I tried the tablets Zecora had gave to me. That night, I dreamt I was at a party. I recognised nopony, but I was enjoying the time I was having. Then, everything went gray, and everypony was staring at me, silently. I said nothing. But I hear a voice coming from behind me. It spoke "finally". Suddenly, I gained control of my dream. I was lucid dreaming. I turned to see who was behind me. It was another Alicorn. Her mane was blue, and her hair was like Princess Celestias, only blue. Could this be another Princess? Sure enough, she was.

"I have much to show you, but not enough time to do so, so be silent, and pay attention". I complied. "I am Princess Luna, guardian of the night".

At this point, it seemed like we were floating in nothingness. The room I was in had disappeared. A single door, already open, had appeared in front of me. Twilight was there.

"Sparks? Why are you here? Wait...im dreaming! Oh my goodness, this feels amazing!" Twilight says.

"Calm down, Twilight! Geesh."

I became curious as to if my mind was playing tricks on me, so I hatched a plan to find out

"Twilight, when you see me next, I will say the words 'it must have been' and you will say 'a pretty bizarre dream', ok?"

"Got it!" She replies.

I instantly wake up after this. What did Luna want to show me? Or was that it?

I rushed out to see Twilight, but I was stopped by the fact that she had visitors. Four of them. Two Unicorns, one Earth pony, and one Alicorn.

A Unicorn then swiftly rushed out, trying to hold back his tears. He sat down beside the door, covering his eyes with his hooves.

He was saying to himself "I can't take this" and "Why Twilight, she didn't do anything wrong", things like that.

He looks up at me. "Are you...*sniff*...a friend of Twily?"

"You mean Twilight? Yeah, a friend of hers." I reply.

"I...I don't recognise you...*sniff*...what's your name?" He asks.

"Ember Sparks."

"*sniff*...Shining Armor...Twilights brother."

Her family was visiting, it makes sense now.

"I'm...im terribly sorry about Twilight, Shining."

"*sniff* Thanks." Shining swiftly replies.

"So, who are you here with?" I ask.

"My wife, and our parents..." the stallion adds.

"Oh..."

The Alicorn comes from inside the room.

"Shining? There you are! What are you doing out here?"

"I...couldn't face Twily in the way she is...it's..."

"I can understand, but right now, Twilight needs you, just as much as she needs her parents...please Shining..."

Shining Armor replies with "I hate crying in front of ponies...it's embarrassing."

"There is no shame in crying, Shining." I add.

The Alicorn is confused at what contribution I was to Twilight, as this Alicorn has never seen me before.

"...Ok...il go in." Shining says, finally agreeing to go back inside. He walks back into Twilights room, leaving me and the Alicorn alone in the hallway.

"...Thank you...for that." she states.

"Its fine, anything for Twilight."

"Your a friend of hers?"

"Yeah...only recently though."

"Makes sense, I thought I should have known you...anyway, I have to get back to Twilight, she seems to be in a weird mood. Sorry"

"Don't worry about it, I understand" I finish off with.

The Alicorn re-enters the room, and, forgetting about Twilight, I carry on to make my way out of the hospital.

Chapter Six- A New Talent

I proceed to find my way back to the library, but instead, I get side-tracked and head down...well, somewhere. I end up at some kind of designer clothes shop. I thought I might as well take a look around as being as I'm already here. I enter the shop, and the bell above the door jingles.

"I will be down in a second!" A voice from upstairs claims.

"Rarity? Is that you?"

"Ember?*crash*" something had fallen on her.

"Are you alright?", I ask.

"Ow...yes, yes I'm fine!". She walks down the stairs with a pack of ice on her head, held in place with her magic.

"So, welcome to my boutique, Ember! Is there anything I can interest you with?" Rarity excitingly states.

"Well, not particularly, but I'm happy just to browse. Fashion isn't really my strong suit, so to speak."

"Ok then."

Rarity starts to bring out new 'lines' of clothes she has been working on, none of which particularly takes my interest. Until she shows me her last array of clothing.

"And last, but not least...well...I guess not least, my Olde Canterlot line. These aren't my best offering of style in the boutique..."

"Are you kidding me?" I say. "To my eyes, these are beautiful!"

"Oh...bu...re...really?!?" Rarity struggles to come to terms with my sense of fashion.

"Of course! But it looks like they may need a bit of a touch-up...I could help you...if that's alright" I say.

"Well...its not going to harm anypony. So I don't see why not." Rarity announces.

"Brilliant! You can try the dresses on me, but may I suggest working on one before we try the entirety of them? Just in case all doesn't go to plan?".

"That would be a wise idea."

Rarity proceeds to take a dress from the rack and puts it onto me. It isn't in the best of ways, some of the ends are ripped and buttons were falling off just from putting it on.

"It's quite an old line, I will admit." Rarity states, embarrassed at the tattered remains of her clothes.

"Don't worry, I think this will look amazing.", I said, trying to offer condolence.

We proceed to fix and edit the old dress. I don't think rarity and me see eye-to-eye on style, because in her expressions, it looked like she was helping a lost cause, but in my eyes, a beautiful canvas was beginning to take shape. Eventually, even rarity was starting to see light at the end of the fabric embroiled tunnel.

"Voilà!" Rarity exclaimed.

I looked into the nearest of probably one hundred mirrors.

"See? I told you it would look amazing!"

"Well, it's definitely an improvement, but I can't help but feel like some quality touches are missing" Rarity wonders.

"How about some gems? You seemed to love using those on your other lines."

"Of corse!" She exclaimed, and puts her hoof over her face. "How could I have not thought of that?!"

She pulls out a box of gems from seemingly no where.

"I think you should only use red and golden gems on this. Keeps the theme of olde royalty." I suggest.

"You certainly have a taste in gemstones, Ember."

She adds the gems. After a few nit-picking at where they should go, we come to a finish.

"Now, this is something I can appreciate!" Rarity concludes.

"One more thing, do you have a top hat, or something?"

She searches through a few draws, and sure enough, finds one. She throws the hat over to me. I take a red gem from the box, and stick it on the front of the hat.

"Perfect."

"Now all I need is a new name for it" Rarity adds. "Olde Canterlot has lost it's ring..."

"How about SteamPunk? That has a decent ring to it!"

"It does!" Rarity stands up on her hind legs and pictures a catwalk with her line as the main event. "I can see it now...'Lady's and gentlecolts, please give a warm welcome to Ms Rarity's new line, Steam Punk!'! The crowd will be dying to see what my genius-I mean our genius-has got to offer!"

"Don't jump the gun just yet, Rarity. We need to fix up the rest before anything"

"Right, right. Have you got any more ideas on this style of line?"

"I guess you could say I have!"

I told her they should all be somewhat alike, but with colour differences and different minor additions. The original line contained five dresses. Three for mares, two for colts.

"The first four should have colours that revolve around bronze, red, and gold. One bronze and gold, two bronze and red, and this dress, gold and red. The two colt suits should be posh-looking, with hats like this, one with a monocle, while the other mares outfit should be wearing goggles atop its head."

"And the fifth outfit?" Rarity questioned.

"That one will be, how would you put it, the icing on the cake?"

"Correct."

"Good, I am thinking a more futuristic looking outfit, compared to the others. The colours should be blue, a series of grays, and chrome, or white, your choice. It should be more smooth-looking, and come with a similarly fashioned headpiece, and a small, light blue visor, covering some of the eyes. You think you could manage that?"

Rarity's jaw was wide.

"Well I...I guess...I could give it a try." she reacts.

"I know you can make it work"

After wishing her good luck, she thanks me for helping her 'restore her old taste in fashion' and I exit the shop.

I made my way to the library, as I had originally intended. I walk into the quite literal tree house, to find it empty of anypony. Where could they have got to? It was dark and the blinds and curtains were all shut.

"Hello...? Spike? Are you here?"

No response.

At this point, I noticed a present on a table in the middle of the room. Even though I assumed it would be Twilights for her welcome back celebration, out of curiosity, I check the name tag to see who it was for. It was mine. I pick the box up, put it on the floor and sit next to it. Should I open it? Somepony opens the front door. It's RainbowDash and Applejack.

"Sparks!" Exclaimed Rainbow. "I didn't know you were admitted from the hospital today!"

"Your not the only one." Added Applejack.

"Oh no! This was a surprise! I'm sorry, I was just curious!"

"It's ok, Spark, we should have picked a better place to hide it. Well as being as your already here, you can open it."

"Are...are you sure?"

"Yeah. Go ahead, I think your going to love it!" Rainbow said, excitedly.

I carefully untie the bow, and then lift off the top of the box. It was my wings. They had been mended! I took a quick breath.

"You girls...fixed my wings? I don't know...what to say."

My eyes were watering up. I couldn't believe they took up there time to fix my most dearest possession.

"Aww, it was nothing, Ember! After all, we could see they meant alot to you." Applejack says.

"Yeah! And they are, like totally awesome! How could I refuse to help fix them?" Rainbow states.

I stay silent, in awe of the two mares kindness. I get up off the floor and hug them both.

"It's alright, sugarcube. Let it out."

"*sniff*...I love you girls..."

I let go of them, smile, in appreciation, and walk back to my wings.

"You...*sniff*...even polished the key..."

"That was a touch of mine" said Rainbow. "y'know, the little things and that."

"It was a mighty hard job, with all the little wires an things, but we fixed it." Applejack mentioned.

"They...they haven't looked this good...since me and dad built them...thank you so much girls."

They both smiled, Applejack a bit more than Rainbow.

"Say, you haven't seen Spike around, have you?" Questioned Applejack.

"No, sorry, I can't say I have." I replied.

"Darn it! Where could that boy have got to?"

"I don't know, but something tells me we better go and look for him. Poor kid, Celestia knows what he is going through." Rainbow stated as a concerning fear took hold of her.

Chapter Seven- Spikes 'Problem'

We looked all over town, giving me the opportunity to try out my wings for the first time in a while. It felt amazing, but the concern for Spike was my only priority. I came across Pinkie, who was, as I expected, gleefully bouncing to wherever she was going.

"Hi Sparky! Whacha doing?" She happily expressed.

"Oh, hello Pinkie Pie, I'm just looking for Spike. You haven't seen him, have you? He has gone missing, and I'm getting worried."

"Well...I did see a dragon, while I was making my way to see Twilight at the hospital (i wanted to make sure that the statement 'laughter is the best medicine' was true), so DUHH, of course I saw him, silly! Spike is the only dragon in Ponyville! Anyway, I shouted 'SPIKE! YOU WANNA COME SEE TWILIGHT WITH ME!?!', because Spike is like, the closest person to Twilight, so it wouldn't be very nice to not let him tag along, but he says that 'he has work to do'. I don't understand how you would let work get in the way of a situation like this, woah I just noticed your wings, but I thought it must have been a VERY important job! Come to think about it, he didn't seem ve-WAIT...SPIKE IS MISSING?!? OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH!!!"

I was practically blown over by the hyper active mare.

"Just breath, Pinkie! Tell me, do you remember where Spike went?" I ask, before Pinkie could scream at me any more.

"He went that way!" Pinkie responded.

At this pony, Applejack and Rainbow had came back to me.

"Pinkie! Have you seen Spike? He has gone missing!" Expressed Rainbow.

"Well...I did see-"

"Pinkie, you don't have to repeat yourself." I interrupted.

"Oh thank Celestia! Does anypony know how hard all that is to say?"

Before anypony could answer, I tell the group what needs to be done.

"Ok, everypony! Rainbow, you go and get Fluttershy, Applejack, you get Rarity, and Pinkie, you follow my lead!"

"Okey dokey!"

"Got it!"

"C'mon girls, times a-wasting!" Applejack concludes.

The direction in which Pinkie says we need to go is up a jagged mountain. I start to think that we need to go faster, because, I remember him telling me he thought of 'Things that could stop' something. This could be how he stops these thoughts, and with Twilight not at the library to keep him company, I don't blame him. He is only a kid.

We come across prints in the dust on a path. Clawprints.

"This way!" I tell Pinkie.

Her hair has gone from very bouncy, to flat, like it had deflated. We eventually come across a cave, with two entrances. One to go back to Ponyville, and one to carry on through the mountain. There was scratches on the stone walls, and pictures of Twilight with, and without Spike on the ground. The guilt was beginning to descend. Spirited on by the danger our friend was in, we continued.

"Over there!" Shouts Pinkie.

We see Spike, standing on the end of a cliff, crying and looking into the valley below. Unable to get there by foot, I fly as fast as I could to him, but not directly by him. I didn't want him to jump before he thought. I land on the ground gently, a few metres behind him. Below me, is a picture of a very young Spike, with a filly Twilight.

"That was when I met...*sob*...the pony who means everything....everything to me..."

"Spike...I know this isn't easy, but please, just tell me why your doing this."

"Dragons are strong...they are brave...and...*sob*...they could easily protect there family when needed...I let that happen to Twi...*sob*...and I did nothing...just...noth-*sob*"

"Spike...you did what you could..."

"Exactly! Nothing!"

I lost my temper. Not with Spike, but with myself. The guilt had returned "Your just a kid, Spike! Nopony expected you to have prevented that from happening!"

I let my guilt get the best of me.

"And I'm sorry, ok!? I didn't want to hurt you, or Twilight!"

A silence ensued, only to be interrupted by the sound of hoofsteps. Rarity and Applejack have arrived, but I was confused as to where Fluttershy and Rainbow were. It appeared that Rarity was already in tears by the situation.

I continue. "But you know what you did do? You got Twilight AND me help when the accident happened! You stuck by Twilights side when she needed you most!"

Spike was silent.

"Think about your friends down there, Spike. With all that has happened, they couldn't bare another tragedy! There still coping with the last! And guess who's fault that was?! Mine! Not yours! If I never got washed up on that forsaken forest, I would never have met all of you, and probably never got you in this state!"

I came to terms with the pitch of my voice, and after a short silence, softened it.

"But, I'm glad I did. I'm glad I met the girls. I'm glad I met Twilight, and I'm glad I met you, Spike. You, of all the 'mighty' or 'strong' dragons, have shown me that even the mightiest of creatures can have a heart of gold. Think about Twilight, Spike. She herself couldn't live without you. She needs you...she needs you to be strong. Not physically. You need to understand that"

My words scarred him. They scarred me, too. He begins to slowly walk back. I pick him up underneath his arms, and drop him off by the three girls. They all hugged and cried over spike. I just sat upside a rocky wall, crying over the words I spoke. I didn't think I had it in me. I look up, to see the three girls looking down on me, Rarity closest. She wraps her arms around me.

"*sniff* Thank you so much Ember...*sniff*...I could see that...that it wasn't easy for you..."

I didn't reply.

Teardrops constantly poured out of her eyes as she looks into mine. She looses the remnants of remaining composure, and so did I. Spike couldn't watch. It was killing him.

I'm still shaken by what happened now.

Chapter Eight- Welcome Home

After coming down the mountain, we see Fluttershy, holding hooves with Rainbow. Flutters must have come to the same conclusion as I had about Spikes disappearance, because she had been crying. As soon as she sees us walking down the mountain, she sprints as fast as she could. Spike was sitting on my back, the journey up had tired him out. I stop to let Fluttershy do what she does best.

"Spike! What were you thinking? Going up that dangerous mountain all by yourself! Your only a little dragon! You could have gotten hurt..."

Fluttershy rubs heads with Spike.

"Can I take him from your hands, Sparks? He looks like he could do with some care..."

"Good idea..." I affirmed.

I lower down, so the exhausted dragon can jump off. He proceeds to climb down, but slips, and falls with a thud.

I pick him up, dust him off, and tell him "Spike, promise me you tell Twilight about your...problem, when she recovers...Promise?"

"No, PINKIE promise!" Said Pinkie, who's mood had considerably lightened.

"Pinkie promise? What's that?" I asked..

"Cross my heart...hope to fly...stick a cupcake...in my eye." Spike says.

This little get up was quite the heart warmer.

Spike walked with Flutters to her cottage..

"What you did back there...was amazing, Sparks. You should consider being a psychiatrist." Applejack remarked, trying to make light of the situation.

"I should consider seeing one. And thanks." I replied.

"Anytime, sugarcube."

After this, we parted ways, Applejack went to her farm, Rainbow home, and Pinkie and Rarity had gone to see Twilight at the hospital.

"Pinkie? Rarity? Don't tell Twilight about this. She would have a heart attack if she knew Spike was suicidal."

"Okey dokey!"

When I got to the library, I just sat down on the nearest seat. I thought of what just happened, and what if we had gone the wrong way. Thank Celestia we didn't.

It was the day of Twilights return. I rounded up the girls and went over to see Spike and Fluttershy. We knock on the door, to which, strangely, a rabbit replies.

"Oh, hi Angel. Is Fluttershy home?" Rainbow asks.

'Angel' proceeds to show us to Fluttershys room. I couldn't face talking to Spike. So I stay behind the doorway.

"What's wrong, Sparks? Somethin troubling you?" Applejack quietly asks.

I just look away.

"...alright, stay here, if that makes you more comfortable..."

They proceed in, and close the door behind them. As soon as they shut the door, I cried. I couldn't bare to see the poor dragon. A few minutes come to pass. Eventually, a pony opens the door. It was Applejack.

"sugarcube, Spike wants to see you."

Well, I guess I have to go in now. I walk in, when everypony notices I have been crying. Spike sat on the side of the bed, staring at the ground. I don't walk in very far. I was braking up as it is.

"*sniff*...yeah...Spike?"

He doesn't say anything, but instead, gets off the bed, and very slowly starts to walk toward me. Then it turns into a run, as the tears increase. He jumps onto me, and makes me fall onto my behind. He looses control of his emotion, and hugs me.

Crying his eyes out, he says "...*sob*...th-thank...thank you Ember *sob*..."

I tightly hug him back. Everypony gives out an 'aww' of respect.

A misty eyed Fluttershy tells us what she and Spike got up to when we were gone. She talked about Spikes depression, and how this is the worst it has ever been. Flutters cleaned up Spike, and comforted him too. I brought up the aforementioned celebration, and we were going to make haste. Everypony did, except me and Fluttershy. She stood in the front of the doorway while I looked for the key to my wings. It must have fallen out it's place when Spike dove on me.

"Ah! There it is."

I walk down the wooden stairs to make my way to the library.

"Are we ready to go, Fluttershy?" No answer.

"Flutters? Is there something wrong?".

She began to squeak, and quietly sob.

"...its about Spike, isn't it?"

She nods, and finally speaks up.

"...*sob*...what he...he told me he...he had been...*sob*...planning to...to die-"

I put my arm around her. "Shh...it's ok...I get it..."

"*sob*...and...and I hate it when my...my fr-friends are...sad..."

"I hate it too...you did a good thing, Fluttershy. Spike doesn't mean to make you feel bad, but with Twilight in hospital, he needs somepony to talk to. So, he talks to us. I don't even think Twilight knows about his depression."

Fluttershy continues to stare at the floor.

"Tell you what, if you go and clean yourself up, I will meet you at the library, ok?"

"...*sniff*...ok..."

I get back to the library, where everypony was tidying up and getting the place ready for Twilights return. Everything was looking nice and welcoming, but at the same time, not too crazy.

"So, who is going to pick up Twilight from the hospital?" Rainbow asked.

I offered to go down, seeing as it wouldn't be a surprise anymore for any of the girls to go, and I put her in the hospital in the first place. I wanted to get her out. The girls thought this was a pretty good justification, so they let me. I left my wings on the table, seeing as I didn't particularly need them. I made my way to the hospital. I knew I would go back to that darned place, but it wouldn't be for long.

Twilight didn't know she would be leaving today, so she was still in her room, wings back at her sides and no longer spread across the bed. She looked to be in a happier mood than in my previous visits. I walk into the room.

"Twilight...!"

"Sparks! Good to see you again!"

Suddenly, I remember something.

I think to myself 'well, here goes' and say "It must have been...?", with an enthusiastic look on my face.

Twilight seemed confused for a few moments, but then it dawned on her.

"...a pretty bizarre dream! Oh my gosh, you were really in my dream! I can't believe it!" Twilight rants.

"It was real. I thought it was just my mind playing tricks on me. Wow..."

I wasn't too happy, all of the recent events have happened too quickly for me to be considerably uplifted.

Anyway, this was the topic for a while, until Twilight started telling me about her stay.

"Rarity told me how you helped her with a new line of clothes?"

"Oh yeah! I completely forgot about that. It's called 'SteamPunk' line. I just hope everypony else likes it as much as me and Rarity do."

"I'm curious about what they look like. You wouldn't have any pictures, or anything?"

"Ah, no. Sorry."

"Nevermind. I can wait until they give the 'all clear'."

"Yeah, about that...your being released today, Twi. I'm here to pick you up. I didn't want you walking home by yourself in your state, and everypony else is probably busy with whatever, they don't know your being released today."

I tried to keep Twilight certain nothing was going on. Twilight was quiet for a few moments.

"I'm going...today? It doesn't feel like I have been in here for that long."

The doctors give Twilight the 'all clear' and make our way down to the library.

"Thanks for collecting me, Sparks. You seem a little...troubled, something wrong?" The lightened Alicorn says.

I had to lie. She couldn't handle knowing about Spike.

"There's no problem, Twi. I'm just glad that you are in a positive state, that's all."

"Good! I want everypony to be happy from now on. I don't like seeing how upset you, Spike and the girls got over the accident. Sure, I can understand why, but...oh I don't even know! Lets put the past behind us. I want my friends to feel better for the future."

"Even...even me?"

"Of course!..It was an accident, Spark! I know you wouldn't, and couldn't do that on purpose. Your my friend..." I smile at her, in gratitude.

We do eventually arrive at the library. I hope the girls don't jump out and say 'Surprise!' or anything like that. I wouldn't want Twilight to get startled. The doctor did say we would be jumpy, even after we got out. We walk through the door, and it's pitch-black. The girls had done a good job.

"The blinds are still down? Spike must be sleeping." Twilight says with a hush.

Through the darkness, we here footsteps coming towards us. I will admit, this is quite creepy. Twilight backs up a little. The footsteps got closer. The culprit? It was Spike. He couldn't resist seeing Twilight. He comes into sight, and Twilight notices he had been crying.

"Spike? Is somethi-"

Her question was stopped by Spike jumping up and clutching onto her neck. At this point, the lights were turned on, and the girls were standing close together. Twilights was speechless. I knew she suspected something, but it must be the re-uniting of the library and all her best friends that stunned her. After all, it is the thought that counts.

"Welcome home, Twi." Applejack says.

I walk over to stand by the girls.

"Happy birthda-I mean...aww darn it! I always mess that bit up!" Exclaims Pinkie.

Twilight is still in awe. Eventually, with Spike beside her, she walks over to us, eyes flooded, and tries to talk.

"...girls...you don't know...how much this means to me..." Her voice breaks. "I...I love you all!".

We all share a very gentle group hug, again. Twilight is still a frail pony, and luckily, everypony remembered that.

"Honestly? It's the least we could do, Twilight." Rarity says.

"Amare to that!" Responds Rainbow.

"Did you all...arrange this together?"

"Nope, well, not the idea" Applejack answered.

"Oh, how could I be so foolish? Of course, it was Pinkie Pie!" Twilight assumed.

"No, silly!" Pinkie says "it was Sparkys idea! Not mine! Although, it is weird how I didn't think of it..."

Twilight was, yet again, lost for words. She looks over to me.

"Sparks...? This was your idea?"

"Well, I really wanted to make it up to you...because of what I did..."

Twilights eyes widened.

"My Celestia. I don't know what to say..."

"Don't say anything. I know you are grateful. I can see it in your eyes."

Chapter Nine- Celebratory Advances

Everypony was in newfound high spirits. The celebration was going swell. But, Spike still hasn't told Twilight of his troubles. While the girls were catching up, I went off looking for him. He was in the kitchen, preparing something. Strange that. A dragon that can cook.

"Are you feeling alright, Spike?"

"Yeah, thanks. Rarity mentioned that you wanted to organise a party for Twi. It's very sweet of you, y'know."

"It's nothing" I reply ",you probably would've sorted one out if I didn't."

"But it's because you did it. We can all see that your sorry about...lets not speak of it."

I give out a small smile.

"And...im sorry, Ember. I shouldn't have put you through all that yesterday."

I didn't want to talk about the whole event, so I stayed quiet.

"I'm feeling much better now though. Fluttershy is really good at looking after dragons! Even though she is scared of them. Like this one time where Fluttershy and the girls went on what was probably an epic adventure to stop a huge dragon from polluting Ponyville with its snores! Twilight said Fluttershy was so brave when confronting it, and she saved the girls, AND Ponyville! For a shy, scaredy pony, she is amazing!"

I can tell Spikes mood is on the up.

"I have noticed! She is really caring for her friends." I bluntly respond.

There was an awkward silence.

"So...why did you want me?" Asks Spike.

"I was going to ask if you have mentioned your troubles to Twilight?"

"Oh, yea, I was-"

"Troubles? What troubles?" Twilight said from behind us.

This was quite startling.

"Ugh! Twilight! You scared us!" Spike says.

"Sorry..." Twilight blushes.

"But I was looking for you two, and overheard talking. Thinking it was you, I walked in. What's troubling you Spike?"

He looks at me, concerned, so I cover for him.

"I...don't think-"

"No. I promised you." Spike interrupts.

Twilight looks confused.

"Oh...well, I will leave you to it then.". I proceed to leave the kitchen because this was Spikes time to talk, not mine.

I make my way back to the others.

"Good gravy girl! Where have you been? Your missing out!" Says Applejack.

"I was making sure Spike was ok. He is talking with Twilight about his depression, like he promised me."

"Ah. Makes sense."

"Come join us, Sparks!" Rainbow shouts.

I wasn't paying attention to what the girls were talking about, all my concern was with Twilight and Spike. I just kept looking at the direction of the kitchen.

"Something wrong, Ember?" Asks Applejack.

"N-no. Nothing, I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You look worried" Fluttershy asks.

"Really. I'm fine."

"I'm not buying that. If something's up, you can tell us! We're your friends, you can tell us anything!" Offers a curious Applejack.

"It's just...". I sit on the floor with a thud.

"It's those two. Spike and Twilight. I can't stop thinking about them."

The girls looked at each other.

"Aww, did anypony tell you how cute you look when you are concerned? You're A-DOR-A-BLE!" Pinkie spouts.

"Pinkie...be serious." demands Rainbow.

"I am being serious! Just look at-ohhhh, you mean serious in THAT way! I get it! I know you care about them both Sparky, but you can't take AAAALLLLL responsibility for everything that happens! You just have to let things handle themselves! Otherwise, you will end up with too many problems that aren't even yours! I can understand, because I do it all the time without realising! Like when just this morning, before we went to go see Fluttershy and Spike, Mr and Mrs cake were wondering what their next big cake project should be, and I started to think of SOOOOOOO many ideas for what they could bake-"

"We get it Pinkie." Applejack says, annoyed.

"Sorry, I can't help it!"

"Pinkie is right, though. You relax a bit, y'know? You ain't long got out of hospital"

Before anypony could add, somepony was knocking on the front door.

"Oh oh oh! Can I answer it? Please?!" Pinkie exitedly pleaded.

"Well, yeah. If you want." Rainbow says.

Pinkie opens the door, to reveals Zecora.

"Pinkie Pie! A pleasant surprise!"

"Hello Zecora! Is there something I can help you with?"

"A question, I own. Tell me, is Twilight home?"

"Yep! You want to see her? Come right in!"

Zecora walks into the room.

"I see you ponys are having a celebration. What's the occasion?"

"We're welcoming Twilight back home." Applejack answered.

"She got released from the hospital today! Can you believe it?!" Pinkie exclaimed.

Zecora was dumbstruck.

"Zecora?" I asked.

"Nopony told me Twilight was ill...or that she had a hospital bill"

"Twilight had a hospital bill? Since when?!" Pinkie Pie worries.

Under her breath, Rainbow says "Pinkie, shut up! She had to rhyme something with ill! Its not as easy as it sounds!"

"Oooohhhhh....but she doesn't have a hospital bill, right?" "Pinkie Pie! Shhh!"

Unbeknownst to us, Twilight had made her way into the room, eyes wide. We all look over to her.

"Spike...I want you to come in here." she says.

Spike reluctantly made his way in. He sits down on the floor, and so does Twilight.

"I know this isn't easy for you. It wouldn't be easy for anypony. But I don't care if you feel better or not, I want you to tell me about your problem, as you call it. It will carry on if you don't tell me...I can help you..."

The girls had sat down by Spike and Twilight, but me and Zecora had stayed standing.

"Whatever it is Spike...you can tell me..."

"I..." Spike struggled to speak.

"...I haven't been feeling happy for a long time besides today...I can't remember the last time I was even remotely happy...".

Twilight became shocked. How could she not have realised?

Spike continued.

"And...I have been having bad thoughts...bad thoughts like I don't deserve to be...alive...and that I don't deserve to have all of you as my friends...I don't want to think these things, but I do. I can't help it. I want to get better, but I haven't had the courage to tell-".

Spike was cut off by Twilight breaking down into tears at her troubled friend.

"There there, sugarcube." Applejack says as she comforts Twilight.

"My oh my, I couldn't have guessed, that Spikes outlook on life was so depressed..." quietly remarks Zecora.

"I didn't want to see you like this, so I stayed quiet, Twi..." Spike adds.

"You did the right thing Spike. None of us like to see you upset..." Rarity says.

Spike stands up. He walks over to the broken Twilight.

"I'm sorry."

Suddenly, Twilight grabs Spike and hugs him. She has lost her composure, and bursts out crying.

"*sob*...don't be sorry...*sob*...it's not your fault..." Says Twilight, after some time

They let go, and Twilight kisses Spike atop his forehead, just like he had done to her at the hospital. Fluttershy was bawling at the situation. I almost was too.

"Just remember Spike" says Applejack "If you need us, for anything, were here."

After this, Zecora and I talked.

"I'm sorry, my little pony, I am ashamed. I forgot to ask of your name!"

"That's ok. And its Ember Sparks." I replied.

"just so you know, those pills you gave me...they worked wonders. I haven't been sleeping this well since I was a fillie! Thank you, Zecora!"

"Splendid news, Ember! I had my doubts! I will make you some more before you run out."

I smile, in appreciation.

"So what did you want to ask Twilight?" I wonder.

"I thought Twilight knew, where I could find you."

"You wanted me? Oh. I'm gathering about my name and how was things going?" I reply.

"Uh huh." Zecora answers, probably trying to make speaking easy on herself.

"I must get going, I have much to do." Zecora announces to everypony.

"see you soon!" She concludes.

Funny how she does that rhyming thing.

Chapter Ten- Recalling the Past

Chapter Ten- Recalling The Past

The celebration went on and spirits were high once again. Twilights mood was significantly uplifted, probably because Pinkie had been accompanying her for a while and must have cheered her up. Eventually, after telling me about some crazy adventures they have had, Pinkie suggests we have a 'talent show', or something along the lines of that.

"I don't see why not!" Applejack says. "What could go wrong?"

Pinkie insisted she goes first, seeing as she was the founder of it. Well, I wasn't going to object. Pinkie quickly rushed out the door, only to come back in seconds later, with an uncountable amount of instruments. And she played them. All of them. How? That's beyond my knowledge. And fair play, she was good. When she was finished, Rainbow took the stage...well, we all went outside to see what she had to offer. At blistering speeds, Rainbow darted from north, to west, to south, to east. She was picking up clouds and arranging them in the middle of her flight path, where she wasn't flying through. Eventually, a picture came into focus. It was in the shape of a Pegasus, most likely herself.

She landed next to us.

"Pretty impressive, isn't it?"

She hovers infront of us.

"or should I say, aren't I?"

"No doubt about it!" Applejack responds.

"Its beautiful..." Pinkie says in awe.

Rainbow suddenly darts up to the sky, and ploughs straight through the cloud, destroying it, and sending pieces of cloud in every direction. She lands by us yet again. I will admit, that was quite the show.

Next up, Applejack. She performed tricks with a makeshift lasso, such as using it as a hoop to jump through, grabbing books Twilight named from the shelves of the library walls, and using her tail and hind leg instead of her mouth or front legs to hold the lasso. It's more impressive to see than to read, I will put it that way.

Twilight offered to go next. She mysteriously puts a cloak on that conceals her. She used her magic to levitate us into the air, which, to me, was impressive on its own. She proceeds to cast another spell. A flash of light occurs, and at first, nothing feels different, until we see that Spike was acting weird. He is staring at his hands, confused, and so was Fluttershy.

"Twilight, what spell was that?" Flutters voice asked, but it was from Spike.

Nopony really noticed this. They just assumed Fluttershy asked. Twilight didn't answer though, but instead, continued to giggle.

"I don't think the spell entirely worked, Twilight." I say, a tad disappointed.

Then, everypony looks at me. "Applejack?!?" They all say, not noticing there voices had changed to.

"No? I'm not Applejack, what are yo-"

I notice my hoof is orange in colour.

"What in Equetria?!? I'm tanned!"

My mane floats past my line of sight. It was Applejacks, so not mine.

"Ok, this is weird".

"Well, that's unfort-" Rarity spoke with Rainbows voice.

"WHAT THE HAY!?!" She continues.

Rarity had Rainbows body, vice versa, I had Applejacks body, she had mine, Fluttershy had Spikes body, also vice versa, and Pinkie has Twilights body, and I'm gathering vice versa there too. The cloak makes sense now. Not sure how we didn't notice Twilight there with us though. Before we could react any more, another flash of light engulfed us. We all changed back to ourselves, we thought, but no. We, with the exception of Spike, we had kept our respective colours, and morphed into little dragons, and Spike had turned into a fully grown stallion.

We all reacted fairly instantly, besides Spike who's reaction went like

"woah. I feel so weird! Ah! Oh, it's just a spell of yours. You girls look cute as dragons".

He sees his reflection in the window.

"Hehey, Rarity? Wha'dya think?", to which Rarity blushes.

The light flashed again, and we were back to normal. We all gave out sighs of relief. Quite impressive, I must say.

Rarity starts to pull pieces of fabric from every part of the room, creating a dress over each of us. This wouldn't have been too impressive, but it was the time she did it which was astounding. It would probably have taken days to plan and create for anypony else. And the dresses didn't look half bad, either.

Fluttershy was supposed to go next, but she was hesitant, so I filled in for her. I tried to think of something I could do. My mind was blank.

"You surely can do something besides your cutie mark, Ember!" Twilight remarks.

"Well..." I remember. "I am good at writing poems."

"There you go! Can you think of any now?" Applejack asks.

Then, I start to recall a poem about my brother that I wrote when I was a fillie, but it wasn't very good. Well, that's what I thought.

"Give me a second, I have to refresh my memory." I say, but this wasn't the case.

I remember all of the poem, why I stopped was because I didn't really want to say it. I wrote it at one of the worst times in my life. I reluctantly begin.

"I used to wander, through the trees

Watch as each leaf, hit the ground

I would think of the times you had with me

But look at me now

...

I would think about the games, we used to play

How we used, we used to laugh, everyday

Until, one morning, you left to fight

To guard, to protect, the Princess in your sight

...

You were brave, you were royal

You had a heart of steel

You were my idol, to you, I revealed

So when the mare came with the fatal news

I cried, and cried, and tried to refuse

...

And now I'm here, and your under

The ground on which I stand

You would be holding me so hard

And wouldn't stop to protect

But I won't demand

That you return into my grasp

Something, you may respect

...

But then I wander, through the trees

And reminisce on how much you made, my life so very happy

And if your up there

Shining down on me

I will love you

Forever...I hope you can see".

Everypony was silent for a good minute and a half. I had successfully held back my emotions, so I didn't mess up. They all just sat there, staring at either me, or somepony else.

"Was it good? I know it's only a poem, but-"

"It was beautiful, Ember..." Applejack says, in awe.

I give out a shy smile.

Oh Celestia, the emotions return.

Chapter Eleven- Return to Sender

Chapter Eleven- Return To Sender

Everypony thought my poem was amazing! Was it really that good? I didn't think so, but apparently, it was brilliant. Do they know who it's about?

Although composure was mine through the corse of the poem, the emotions crept back into my mind shortly after. I started to get teary, so, without anypony noticing, I walked into the kitchen, sat against a counter, and cried. I cried so hard. I avoided wanting to tell them about my troubles, because I wanted to avoid upsetting them. I could overhear the girls talking.

"No! I was the most talented!" Rainbow says.

"You got to be kiddin me right? D'you know how hard those tricks are to perfect?!" Applejack responds.

They continue like this for a bit, until I overhear Fluttershys take on the little dispute.

"Well, I think you all did as good as each other." She quiets down her voice, and looks at the floor, embarrassed slightly. "I personally liked Sparks though..."

"Say, where is Sparks anyway?" Twilight wonders.

"Sparks? Ember?! Ember?!" The group shout.

At this point, I couldn't stop crying and quietly whining. Eventually, after some panicking from the group, Rainbow walks into the kitchen, and catch a glimpse of me, bawling. She slowly walks up to me.

"Sparks?...whats the matter?"

I didn't reply.

"...is it us arguing? Because I can tell the others your a bit more sensitive than you look?"

"...*sniff*...no...*sob*"

"Do you wanna tell me what?"

I didn't reply to that, either. The intrigued pony sits in front of me.

"It's ok Ember...you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but..."

She stops, probably because I was about to speak up.

"...the...poem...it was about my...my brother...his name...was Ascending Shadows..."

Rainbows mouth opens.

"...he died...wh-when I was just a fillie...as...as a royal guard..."

"Celestia..." Rainbow quietly exclaims.

"He was my...my hero...my idol...I...I...loved him...and..." Rainbow was beginning to get watery eyes.

"...and I don't even know how...how he died..."

Rainbows bottom lip was starting to quiver.

"...I don't think anypony...knows...how..."

Dash erupts into tears at the tragedy. Never before had I heard a pony cry so loud. This attracted the attention of the others, pleading that nothing had happened. They all run in and find me and Rainbow crying in each others arms.

"What in Equestria happened to you two?!?" Pinkie exclaimed.

Still in Rainbows grasp, I deny wanting to talk about it.

After this, we all acknowledged that it was pretty late, so Twilight offered we all stay over the night. Saves everypony waking home. While everypony else was fast asleep, I started thinking. Is my dad even dead? How did my brother die? Was the house still burnt down? Or had it been re-built? So many more questions I have to answer, and that's what I'm going to do. I hope the others don't take it personally.

In the morning, I was awake before anypony else. I got up early to see if Zecora had anymore of those pills because she was still in town, and luckily, she had. My first lot hadn't run out, but I wasn't sure how long they would last. I return to the library, to see that Spike is awake.

"Hey Ember, you alright today?" The young dragon asks.

"Good...thanks." I don't think I could face the others and tell them I was leaving, so, like a coward, I pass the message through Spike.

"Listen, I have too many questions that need answers...so I want to go on an adventure, like the ones you tell me about! Don't take it personally, but I can't live much longer without-"

I look away, as a tear drips from my eye onto the ground.

"...without finding out if my dad is still alive...tell the girls, when they wake up this. And thank them. For all they have done."

The poor dragon was in bits. I make my way to the front door.

"...wait...before you go..."

"Yeah?"

"I...I will never forget you Ember..."

"...likewise Spike...if I can, I will come back to visit!"

"...*sniff*...yeah, you could..."

I open the front door.

"Farewell, Spike. Good luck with the 'problem'...I love you..."

I then look over at all the others, still snoring away.

"...I love all of you."

I walk outside...and close the door. I hear Spike burst into tears from inside. This is bound to wake the others up, so I ran. I ran through the forest that Rainbow found me in, and came across a stretch of beach...where I washed ashore.

I will see them again. I promise.