Song of Whispers

Chapters

Rosy Cheeks
Names and Lessons
New Friend
Unwanted Protection
Determination
Caretaker
Suspicions
Roar of a Whisper
Undeniable
Momentary Reprieve
Hopes and Fears
Very Best Friend
Song of Healing
Blind Faith
Exploring Home
Eyes on the Prize
Bonding Hearts Pt.1
Bonding Hearts Pt.2
Bonding Hearts Pt.3
Frustrating Family
Too Much, Too Soon
How to Have a Picnic
Prevention
Forward Motion
Rest
Trouble with Magic
Cause to Worry
One Night Changes Everything
Strengthening Resolve
Applescarred
Song of Broken Silence
Wake of a Whisper
Extra: Through Every Kind of Weather
The Greatest Gift
Butterflies
Preparation
Extra: Door Frames

Rosy Cheeks

Chapter 1: Rosy Cheeks

A place to ponder, a place the think; someplace where peace reigns and solace maintains order. For turmoil of the mind and heart, such a place is as desirable as cool water on a midsummer day, or the heat of a well stoked hearth on a chilly winter night. Such was the sole desire of a lone pegasus mare plodding one hoof in front of the other, having no particular destination other than someplace other than the home she couldn’t dare to face. Heartbreak was a heavy enough burden for somepony that couldn’t break six wing power, but to add town-wide humiliation to the point that she couldn’t even show her face in public, and you have a mare who simply wants to disappear.

The forest was calm. An oddity that was lost on Fluttershy, as any other time she would have noticed the lack of birdsong and the chatter of the many animals that lived in the wooded areas outside of Ponyville. Many of the animals knew all about her, how she would selflessly attend to any and every need of the many critters that thrived in the dense foliage, but none approached. Alarm was beyond the mare, her mind replaying her folly over and over, and there was no escape; how can one run from one’s own mind? Too mentally exhausted to fight it, she let it start from the beginning...

“Easy on the mead, there, Fluttershy. You’ve already downed two.” Applejack chuckled at her usually tame friend’s flushed cheeks, rosy with the delightful warmth of dissipation. To say that the pegasus had found a new favorite was putting it lightly, and her tolerance had grown to the point that she could handle a monumental five mugs before promptly passing out in a stupor, a whole one more since she started drinking at the opening of the tavern.

“Better be careful, Applejack. She’s gonna be out-drinking you soon!” Rainbow Dash chimed in, snickering as the earth pony became defensive.

“Not on yer life, Rainbow Dash. Just you wait till this foal comes t’ term, ah’ll drink anypony under the table.”

“Challenge accepted, Applejack. I’m sure you know where to find me.” Berry smiled sweetly at the mare’s competitive gaze, who sat sipping her Shockberry juice like wine. Being married to the resident brewer and yet unable to partake of the finer drinks in life was a heavy burden for Applejack, who had developed quite a taste for fine alcohol. Silver had joked more than once that the foal was going to end up drunk from her milk in the days immediately following the end of her term, and while she laughed it off, it was quite possible he was right.

“Don’t go thinking you’re just going to win. If Storm wasn’t forbidding me, I would take first in the Running of the Leaves.”

“Yes, Celestia forbid I want to take care of all three members of my family,” he muttered, coughing as he received an elbow in the ribs. The two foals in Dash’s womb had a quick discussion before reaching a consensus and, mimicking their mother, kicked hard, the sudden buck causing her to choke on her rainbow juice. “See that? They know I’m right.”

“Pipe down in there, no tag teaming!” she shouted at her stomach. “You know, I’m starting to understand why Twilight got so crazy.”

“What’s the matter, sugarcube, can’t handle a good buckin’?”

“I could match you in the orchard any day! Come on, let’s do it!”

“If there were apples on the trees, ah’d take you down mahself, but there ain’t gonna be fer a good month or two. So, don’t go ‘round makin’ claims you can’t prove.” Storm gently placed a hoof on the fuming mare’s shoulder and eased her back down to her seat, where she stewed for a bit before mellowing to a quiet sulk. It required less energy and, to be fair, she didn’t much like giving vent to her temper, volatile though it had been since inception. Applejack was bearing her burden in true earth pony fashion, making nary a fuss and, if one could believe it, enjoying the trials of motherhood, save abstaining from alcohol. While perhaps not quite as strong as Applejack’s appreciation for the wonders of ethanol, Rainbow Dash did miss her schnapps, leaving their longing for a good drink one of the few things that they could agree upon.

Sweetie Belle, as usual, was dominating the center stage, singing to her heart’s content while Scootaloo, still somewhat hesitant about displaying her grace and prowess, joined in only occasionally on the “cooler,” more upbeat songs where dexterity and speed took priority over poise. Applebloom, eager to expand her knowledge of beautification, had spent hours upon hours learning tricks and secrets from the local dressmaker who, at this point, was enjoying a nice buzz much the same as Fluttershy, despite having consumed twice as much. Applebloom sat at a table nearest the stage, only half paying attention as her attention was divided between the myriad of beauty tips she had left to try and her friends’ dazzling performance. The song drew to an end and, in desperate need of a drink, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle made their way over towards Applebloom and sat gratefully at the bench.

“Whew! I’m parched, you got anything to drink, Applebloom?” The filly continued staring at the stage for a few seconds before shaking her head a few times to refocus.

“Huh? Oh, sorry, you two. Ah was lost in thought again. Here, let me...” she started before Ruby walked over, a tray of four drinks levitating above her head.

“Since somepony can’t pull her head out of the glue long enough to get drinks, I thought I’d step in. Here you go!”

“Awww, come on, Ruby. Ah’m not that bad, am I?”

“You keep thinking that much and you’re brain’s going to explode. Either that, or you’ll turn into Twilight.”

“An’ what’s wrong with Twilight? Ah mean, aside from when she’s freakin’ out an’ breakin’ stuff fer me t’ fix.”

“Um... I’m going to go with the ‘freaking out and breaking things’ part.”

“Scootaloo, ah think yer brother is makin’ you right sarcastic.”

“It’s her mother too, Applebloom. There’s not a lot she can do about that.” Sweetie Belle grew a devious smile as the good natured laughter temporarily drew the spotlight away from her. “Of course, seeing how you’ve turned a new leaf and have gotten all girly on us, I bet my sister could give you a few lessons on...”

“Quiet, Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo hissed, covering her mouth with a hoof. “It’s bad enough that I’m a dancer, I don’t need any help being less cool.”

“Scootaloo, didn’t Rainbow Dash specifically say a few weeks ago that you had some ‘sweet moves?’ What’s cooler than that?” Scootaloo was about to answer Ruby’s inquiry when she fell silent, simply pointing as Fluttershy made her way towards center stage amidst rousing cheers from her friends. Stooping down, she browsed through the selections until she found a song she actually recognized. She hadn’t danced in quite some time, but that particular track was her favorite. She knew every lyric, and even in her inebriated state could remember every second of her routine. Sure, it would require some minor adjustment due to the lack of a pole, but she’d manage somehow. She punched in the selection, took a stance, and gave everypony a show. Ponyville was not ready.

“I see you watchin me sway,

I know I’ve caught your eye.

One glance at my flank,

And I know that you’ll die...

There’s no need to be coy,

And I just want to say -

I’ve been dreamin’ bout your plot,

So let’s go roll in the hay...

Keep it coming

rock me steady

I see it in your eyes

I know that you’re ready

You might think I’m nice

but I know you like me naughty

You’re the only one I want

In this whole damn party

Hold me tight,

smack my flank,

now kiss me deeper

deeper, deeper... Yeah!”

Not so much shellshocked as they were mortified, her friends watched the display in silence for a time before realizing that, yes, it was indeed Fluttershy singing. And dancing. Applejack may have calmed down about things of a more sensual nature since becoming active herself, but she couldn’t help but wonder why in Equestria Silver would even have such a song in a “family establishment.”

“Ah’ve got words fer mah stallion when he gets back from Canterlot.”

“Which ones, ‘rock me steady’ or ‘smack my flank?’” Applejack’s irate glare and none-too-friendly rebuttal were lost as Rarity screamed out encouragement to her friend who was too lost in the music to notice the attention of everypony in the room being focused solely on her. It wasn’t just because of her singing either. To label her dancing as “sensuous” would be like simply labeling Pinkie “happy.” It just wasn’t enough to do it justice. Pinkie clapped merrily with the tune, and not one for self restraint, joined in for the final repetition of the chorus, swaying her plot just like her confident pegasus friend and adding a heavy dose of potent confusion to the arousal pervading the room. The last of the bass faded out, and Fluttershy opened her eyes as if from a trance.

A small squeal was all she could manage to let slip before passing out. Every horn of every unicorn was aglow, and every pair of wings stretched tight. Nopony could resist, and Storm was very much aware of the dire position he was in, given that even a few inches away he could feel the heat emanating from Rainbow Dash as her mood suddenly turned “sour.”

“What the hay, Storm? Why are you looking at Fluttershy like that?”

“I wasn’t!”

“Yeah? Your wings say otherwise!”

“You’re one to talk!” he countered, pointing at her wings that were similarly uncooperative.

“Don’t go turning this on me, I haven’t had any in months!”

“Uh, yeah, me either, Dash. Kinda in this together?”

“Oh, would you two just kiss an’ be quiet? Pinkie, could you go help Fluttershy off the stage? Ah don’t think she’s goin’ t’ be too pleased when she wakes.”

“Okie dokie lokie!” Marital discord didn’t seem to register on Pinkie’s internal disturbance meter, so she left the two mares and downcast stallion to bicker amongst themselves as she cheerily hoisted Fluttershy onto her back and carried her back to the bench. Fluttershy didn’t stay out long, though upon waking she wished she had, because everypony seemed to want a chance with this new mare. After all, while physically identical, the devilish diva that had just stolen the show couldn’t possibly be the quiet, demure Fluttershy.

“Excuse me, miss. Are you single?”

“Will you go out with me?”

“You wanna come back to my place?”

“MARRY ME!” It was, admittedly, an overwhelming thing to wake to, and sensing her friend’s discomfort, Rainbow Dash cleared her throat and silenced the lot of them.

“If I hear one more lewd come on from some spineless slob that only wants his wings fondled, I’m going to seriously mess somepony up, so just leave her alone! Or her,” she added, seeing some mare’s face light up at the gender specific rebuttal.

“Freefall, don’t even think about it. Go back to the kitchen,” Storm commanded, culling the eager pegasus into submission with a stern scowl.

“Missy, that was a fine show ye gave us, but something tells me it may be your last.” Fluttershy was much too petrified from the dawning realization of what had transpired to pay Silent Gale and Cloudburn any attention as they approached.

“I would never have expected that coming from you, Fluttershy. Would you mind teaching me a few tricks?” Cloudburn laughed, nudging the unresponsive mare.

“Aye, there’s an idea I could get behind,” Gale chuckled, giving his mare a fond glance. Scootaloo agreed wholeheartedly that learning such a dance would be way cooler than the slow, ballet type things she usually had to put out for the more soulful songs, and thus found herself looking up eagerly into the mortified mare’s face.

“Me too, I want to learn. That was way better than...”

“Scootaloo, absolutely not. Don’t even think about it,” Storm muttered, clasping a hoof over his eyes.

“Fluttershy? Fluttershy, are you all right?” Not even Crimson, now one of her closest friends, could break the spell, the mare in question sitting ramrod stiff and staring straight ahead with both hooves covering her mouth.

“Sorry, lass, I think your friend may be a wee bit muddled in the head right now.”

“Eeyup.” A sharp gasp followed as she realized that she was not breathing, and that Big Mac had seen. It was over. It was all over. She would never be able to show her face in Ponyville again.

“I... I...”

It was just downhill from there. Cat calls, hushed whispers, jibes and howls of laughter followed her wherever she turned, despite her friends best efforts to stay the torrent of mockery. She’d been bullied and made fun of numerous times, and it never got any easier. Even with her success during the hurricane season and the respect she had earned then, not even that could stave off the encroaching feelings of doubt.

“Have I even... made any progress at all? I’ve been assertive, I’ve tried dancing, and still... I couldn’t even talk to Big Mac, before it... was too late.” She looked towards the sun, now at its zenith in late July, almost August, and was forced to consider her deteriorating physical condition. She had been walking for hours, eaten nothing that morning, and not a single drop of water had graced her now thoroughly parched throat since early that morning. Add a night of restless tossing and turning, coupled with a frail body unused to any extended physical activity, and she quickly realized that she would need water and a break very, very soon. That would have been fine, if she had any idea where the hay she was, as her deep thought had robbed her of any sense of direction.

Wearily, she lifted a hoof to wipe away the sweat beading her brow before continuing on, driven forward by the misleading hope that physical distance could somehow improve the mess she had unwittingly made. I wish I could just blame it on the mead, but I know I wasn’t. I mean, sure, if I thought about it a little more, I guess I could have seen it was a, um, dirty song. But I didn’t think everypony would be so... She shook her head as the heat rose to her cheeks. If I’m really that, well, attractive, then why... hasn’t anypony ever asked me out? I can’t remember a single one... I wonder... if the problem is me? I bet it is... But, then, what do I do? I’ve tried everything I can think of, it’s just... so... “Frustrating!” Rearing, she bucked a tree, causing nought but a few leaves to fall from the light rap to its trunk, and a lancing pain in her already tired hooves. She tried to continue on hoof but winced, her flagrant display of displeasure resulting in a bruise-like pain in her hind legs, throbbing at every step. With no option left, she spread her wings and took to the sky, ascending above the sea of arboreal green.

“Oh my, is that a pond? I hope it is.” The thought of fresh water and a place to escape the sweltering heat that caused the horizon to shimmer and dance was a tantalizing notion indeed, and without hesitation she made straight for it, landing gently and smiling at her stroke of good fortune. However, her imminent bath was halted as she spied a large, green mass at the far edge of the sizable spring. What is that? It doesn’t look like any plant I know if. It looks almost like... hair? But that can’t be right, nopony has a mane that... well, uncared for. Nervous to approach, she decided to try her best and ignore it, taking a generous drink and relishing the life giving waters as they trickled down her throat all the way to her empty stomach. She giggled quietly, the tickling sensation enjoyable in an odd way, and she gently lowered herself into the water and gave a contented sigh as her aching limbs and fatigued body drank in the refreshingly brisk cool of the natural reservoir.

For the first time since the dreaded occurrence of the evening prior, and not counting the scant sleep she had attained during the long night that followed, her mind emptied itself. The distant cry of a woodthrush echoed through the small glade free of trees, a light breeze rustling the grass and offering its soothing whisper. It was simple, clean pleasure, and Fluttershy cherished the peace as she drifted across the surface, using her wings to gently propel her in a slow circle around the rim.

She had almost fallen into a shallow doze when she bumped up against something soft. Cracking open her eyes as she leaned her head back to take a look, her vision was suddenly obscured by a sudden mass of wet hair, and with a soft shriek she leapt back, splashing slightly in her haste to get away. Her trepidation grew as the same material or whatever it was wrapped around her hooves underneath the water, and she stepped even further back as her the pounding of her heart became audible. Why am I so nervous? I don’t understand, it’s not alive, so... A small, almost imperceptible noise came from behind the wall of emerald strands, and despite her rising fears, Fluttershy swallowed them down and edged closer. Oh my goodness, what am I doing? Why am I... reaching toward whatever this is... I’m... I’m afraid, but I can’t stop myself...

Of its own accord, her hoof slowly stretched out, and she shook softly as she made contact with what felt like the finest laces of silk. Pushing just a little deeper, she pulled back the hair to see a closed eye and part of a muzzle. What she had once thought was simply a furled flower she now found to be a horn, and she yanked back her hoof, realizing that she wasn’t alone. The mass of hair was indeed the unicorn’s mane, though he or she seemed to be fast asleep. Summoning what remained of her courage and berating herself the entire time, she attempted to get a better look, stepping closer and pulling back more of the massively overgrown mane. As fine as it was, it was extremely knotted and stuck out at crazy angles, giving the unicorn an almost lion-like appearance, but his face... He looks... so peaceful and gentle. The gut twisting fear slowly ebbed away, being replaced by a feeling of calm. I don’t want to wake him, but... I want to at least know his name, or something.

She took a moment to forestall the eventual meeting by giving him a more thorough examination. He wasn’t brawny by any means, but he was tone, the sinews in his legs clearly indicating that he traveled often and far on hoof. He, as a whole, was colored in varying shades of green, from the bright, almost yellow-green of his coat to the vibrant, foliage colors that made up his mane and tail which, admittedly, could use a good grooming. And a trim, for that matter, as the last pony she had seen with such bountiful hair was Celestia herself, or perhaps Dawn when she grew older. “You... you’re really, um...” she whispered, dropping her hoof down to his cheek. A single, fleeting second of tranquility remained before his eyelids snapped open and she found herself looking into the bright, scarlet eyes of a pony that conveyed one thing and one thing only: terror.

Names and Lessons

Chapter 2: Names and Lessons

I’m scared. That singular thought was all the unicorn could manage, being just a few hoof lengths from the delicate flower of a mare that dared to gaze upon his beastly form. Logic bid him run, but his limbs were unresponsive. Experience bid him flee, but no movement came. No, the only thing that the unicorn could really do is stare back at the luminous, aquamarine eyes that beheld him not in fear, but in wonder. He told himself to look away, that even gazing upon her might cause more harm than good, but after being alone for years, years that he had lost count of, the sudden presence of such a beautiful creature robbed him of the strength to escape, leaving him enchanted and immobile. His attempt to quiet his heart overcompensated, stopping completely for a moment as the mare’s voice drifted over the waters, softly gracing his ears like feathers to his face.

“I’m... I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

She’s... worried about me? It was a ridiculous notion, one that was utterly irreconcilable with all that he had come to know. Ponies... usually run away just from seeing me. But she’s... worrying about me? He snapped to attention as she made as if to move closer, lifting a hoof from the water and freezing in place as the stallion flinched, screwing his eyes shut and shaking heavily. Don’t... please don’t... He heard a faint splash, evidence that the mare was indeed moving closer. This is the part... where you run away... “Please don’t... don’t come any closer.”

Oh goodness! Fluttershy stopped her curious advance, staring in shock as green letters danced on her vision, flickering like flames and remaining for just a few seconds before fading away. That was really, well, strange. I wonder how he did that? Seeing the stallion begin to shake, her first inclination was to go try to cheer him up, but given what he had just shown her, she instead took a step back, sitting down in the hopes that he would know he was safe. “I’m... really sorry for scaring you. It’s just, I was so hot, and tired, and thirsty... and then I saw your pond, and, well... I didn’t know you were here.”

How can she... talk to me like I’m normal? It... feels so nice, but it also hurts... in my chest. He could never hope to blot out his fear completely, but a growing compulsion bid him draw his mane back once more, peering cautiously out at the mare who was now submerged up to her shoulders. “Aren’t you going to run?”

“I... oh dear... I guess, if you want me to go, I will. I’m... really sorry for making you upset.” Why... why does it hurt so much? I don’t even know him, but I don’t... I don’t want to leave. But I can’t stay, not if it’s making him this way. That’s just not nice, and I... couldn’t possibly be mean to him. Poor dear, I really... just want to reach out to him. She felt tears begin to rise, and she quickly dropped her head, allowing the pink veil of her mane to hide them. If he was so worked up, then seeing her cry wasn’t going to help. With no excuses left, save her own desires, she rose slowly, making as little noise as possible as she turned to walk away.

I don’t... understand, why is she crying? Stop... don’t cry... You shouldn’t... have to cry, not for me. “Wait.” The mare came to an abrupt halt as the message filtered in, before she slowly turned to face the silent unicorn, waiting for him to continue. On one hoof, he knew that simply being near another pony was dangerous, that they would likely come to harm if he opened his mouth. But then... she was the first pony who had ever bothered to treat him with kindness, and he couldn’t turn her away. If all she wants is to stay, then I... please, don’t let ill come of this... “Please... don’t cry. If you want to stay, you can. Just please, keep... keep away... I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Don’t want me...” she murmured, watching the stallion as he alternated between shooting her quick glances and staring back at his reflection. Clearing her eyes of the unwanted moisture and slowly edging back to her place, she lowered herself into the refreshing water and continued staring intently at the unicorn. Fluttershy hadn’t thought it possible, but the quiet pony before her looked more fragile than she saw herself. I really like the colors of his mane. It looks very natural, like plants or vines. And his eyes are such a pretty red. I mean, on another pony they might look scary, but I think he’s actually kind of cute. Oh dear, where did that thought come from? But... it’s true. I want to know more about you, Mr. “Um, could you, maybe, tell me your name?”

“Monster.”

“Monster? Oh, I don’t believe that. Nopony would name their child Monster.”

“I don’t know any other name. That’s just what other ponies call me. Most of the time they just scream and run away, though a few throw rocks. Rocks hurt.” The very idea of such cruelty initiated the inner angry Fluttershy, and the stallion’s fear suddenly became not just on account of being near the mare, but how terrifying the dainty mare had become at a moment’s notice.

“Just tell me who threw rocks at you! I’d give them an earful, two even! Ooo, that kind of behavior, just... just...” Unable to contain her frustration, Fluttershy took it out on the pond, splashing water everywhere as she gave it an undeserved beating. She allowed herself a good huff until she noticed that the unicorn was now shaking harder, and again hiding behind his mane. “Oh, I’m sorry! I really didn’t mean to scare you more. I just... can’t stand ponies being mean like that. I’ve been bullied a lot too, so I... I know how much it can hurt.” Her apologetic smile weaved a spell on the stallion’s heart as he slowly drew back his mane, staring intently at the mare who was quickly whittling away the inhibitions that had been carefully constructed over years of painful learning experiences. “So, you don’t have a name, then?”

“I told you, Monster is fine.” Were the water alive, it would have taken a moment to plead for mercy as the stallion’s message bid her rear, bringing both hooves down and blasting them both with water. Her boundaries forgotten, she made it two steps forward before her mind was flooded with his silent pleas that she keep her distance, whereupon she immediately scooted back, sighing as she let her frustrations trickle away with the water that dribbled down her coat.

I can’t let this go. He needs a name, something nice like him. I mean, I can’t really say for sure if he’s nice or not, but... he’s no monster. I can tell that just by looking at him. “I know that we don’t know each other very well, but I’d like to get to know you more, if that’s ok. But first, you need a name. A real name,” she quickly added, noting the slight shift in his facial expression.

“Let’s see...” Her eyes roamed his form, from the various hues of forest green that made up his mane and coat to his deep, scarlet eyes, to his toned form devoid of unnecessary fat though not overly built, to his face that could easily be mistaken for that of a mare’s, so fine were his features. A name, however, isn’t just something to label a pony’s looks, and thus she thought harder. The unicorn flinched as she let out a soft squeal of glee, leaving him to wonder for but a moment before she changed his life forever. Regardless of how their meeting ended, he would wander nameless no more. “Whisper... From now on, your name is Whisper.”

As anypony that’s anypony knows, Angel is the center of the universe. So when the caretaker of the eminence of Equestria decides to callously spurn the rumbling in his stomach for what could only amount to some feeble request of yet another needy animal that can’t help themselves, he felt wholly justified in booby trapping the front door. Oh, Fluttershy would learn, he would make sure of it! Unfortunately, the intelligent though the self-absorbed bunny fell just short of omniscience, and thus couldn’t have anticipated the next pony coming through the door would be not Fluttershy, but Crimson. While, perhaps, not the prissiest of ponies, being suddenly ensnared in a net slathered in honey and filled with feathers tends to make one slightly uncomfortable.

“Angel? What the... why?” Heaving an appropriately loud sigh of exasperation, he stomped over and pointed directly at his emaciated gut, which gave an audible rumble right on cue. “I can understand that you’re hungry, but don’t you think this is a... achoo! Ugh, I got honey in my nose! Angel, this is going too far.” Tiny arms folded firmly across his chest, he turned his snout to the air as his stomach again cried out in anguish. “If you think for one second that I’m going to bow to your whims like Fluttershy, you’d best think again. And at the rate you’re going, I see nothing but a basic garden salad in your imminent future! Now let me down before I... I... achoo!”

Garden... salad? She wouldn’t dare. Unfortunately for the obstinate, pampered pet, he didn’t know Crimson well enough yet to know that she was quite serious, being secretly annoyed with his often callous treatment of one of her closest friends. So when he turned to saunter away, a sudden red aura and momentary sensation of weightlessness allowed him but a single moment to recalculate before he too found himself smothered in honey and face to face with the scarlet mare that was anything but amused, and just a hair short of furious.

“You have thirty seconds to let me down and start cleaning up this mess before you find yourself earless, mister.” Angel’s eyes screamed back his challenge as he stared back defiantly.

Somepony taking me ears? Preposterous! Nopony would dare lay a hoof on me, not if Fluttershy has anything to say about it! If this mare so much as...

“Fifteen seconds.”

She’s still going on about this? What, like she really...

“Ten.”

She wouldn’t.

“Nine.”

She couldn’t.

“Eight. Seven. Six.”

Her horn is glowing.

“Five.”

She might.

“Four.” It was at this point that Angel decided that, as much as he loved a battle of wills, he liked his ears much, much more. Crimson paused as the bunny, now covered ears to tail in honey and feathers, pried opened the area of the net that he had been ripped through and made a break for the pulley that suspended the mesh. Suppressing a smile so as to maintain her commanding atmosphere, she watched the muttering critter scamper into the kitchen, likely to find something adequate to cut the thick rope, and continued. “Three.”

What?!? She’s still counting? I’m going, I’m going! Not bothering to search thoroughly due to the proverbial axe that was waiting to fall, he grabbed the biggest knife he could find and bolted back.

“Two.”

You have no idea how tempting it is to misuse this...

“One!” A swing, a snap, and Crimson was free, slopping out of the mess and glaring daggers at the bunny who hid the knife behind his back, offering what he thought looked like an apologetic smile. Such a thing didn’t exist for him, though, and Crimson knew it. “Angel, what the hay are you doing with something that dangerous?” Pulling the knife away with her magic and setting it back in its place, she returned her attention to the irate bunny before her who was quickly coming to the conclusion that Fluttershy was the balancer that kept the mare’s closet psycho factor in check. He was partially right, as Fluttershy wouldn’t allow such a harsh reprimand, and seizing the opportunity to the fullest, Crimson set out to teach him a lesson in tough love, or maybe just long overdue punishment. It was hard for her to say which it was for sure.

Even if Night Light hadn’t been forced to concede that Cerulean was a fine stallion the day of his daughter’s wedding, he would have then and there if only for the simple reason that his grandchild was every bit as adorable as Twilight was as a foal. That’s not to say she wasn’t as a newborn, but now almost a year old and finally mastering the ability to walk on her own with minimal risk of personal injury, the beaming filly regarded the speechless stallion with curiosity. In fact, Dawn’s reintroduction effectively banished any lingering resentments that may have been hiding in the shadows. Twilight allowed herself a moment of pride as her father stared helplessly at the filly, who was already analyzing his susceptibility to her wiles, before stooping down and grabbing her daughter’s attention with gentle nudge.

“Dawn? This is Night Light, my father.”

“Hi, mom’s dad!” Yes, it’s working already, I can see it. Dawn looked back at Cerulean for a moment before turning back to Night and using the most dastardly form of foal magic imaginable; the dreaded squee. It was a dark magic, for no male could resist, and Night Light was no exception. “Win!”

“Do not think for a single second that you have free reign, Dawn Starshine.” Velvet took a step forward and assumed her mother eyes, perhaps the only force in Equestria strong enough to battle such deviousness. Dawn cursed her luck, her hopes at playing benevolent dictator dashed in the face of Velvet’s quiet resolve.

“And that’s my mother, Dawn.”

“Duh.”

“Miss Starshine, I’ll not have you speak to my daughter in such a manner while you are under my care, are we clear?” Velvet ignored the pouting and turned her attention back to Twilight and Cerulean who were doing their best not to exacerbate the issue by giving vent to the giggles boiling within. “Do not worry, Twilight. Dawn shall be perfectly fine here with us for a day. I hope your presentation goes well.”

“Thank you, mother. Dawn? You be a good girl, ok?”

“Ok...” She lent Cerulean her ear as he whispered something that significantly brightened her disposition, and she sat down with a smile, peering up at Night Light as her parents began to walk away. Twilight was curious, but didn’t have the time to wonder as a brief glow from Cerulean’s horn signaled the completion of his end of the deal. Dawn promptly followed through, pelting Night Light with a snowball that had appeared in her waiting hooves before dashing into the house.

“You know, you keep encouraging that behavior and she’s going to end up just like...” Twilight started, before realizing the destination of her statement and, rather than finish, simply shook her head with a smile.

“I’m not that bad, am I?”

“Only with Dawn. Come on, let’s hurry. Silver’s already waiting for us there, I’m sure.” With a sudden burst of speed, Twilight broke into a gallop, and Cerulean eagerly gave chase, making a note that scholastic excitement seemed to translate directly into happiness and physical prowess for his beloved egghead. Ever since receiving the invitation to speak at the School for Gifted Unicorns, Twilight had been talking about it nearly non-stop. While she had admitted that it didn’t conjure the best of memories, the idea of being given free reign to talk for as long as she wished about magic, in a room full of adept unicorns that desired nothing more than to learn, filled her with ecstasy on par with Pinkie in the full swing of a party.

Silver greeted them cheerfully, a small cart of various drinks with which to display his alchemy resting beside him, along with a jewelry box that had a few of his mother’s creations as well. They took a moment to catch their breath, gratefully accepting some of his Everfrost Peach Soda to cool themselves down, making a mental note to avoid racing in the summer heat.

“Whew, thanks Silver, I needed that. I’m sure that’s going to be a big hit with the kids.”

“Thanks, Twilight. They’re going to need it after tasting the Phoenix Cherry Juice.”

“Ugh, you even brought some? That’s just mean, Silver,” Cerulean chuckled, imagining a classroom full of panicking unicorns. “You know, just because he spends a lot of time in the mountains doesn’t mean Discord won’t notice you causing an uproar.”

“After coming face to face with Celestia in her... um... ‘altered state,’ I don’t think over-heated foals will be enough to drag him back.” A cheer from inside followed by the sound of many hooves signaled the mass exodus of the class, who gathered outside in neat rows as their somewhat stern teacher, Miss Lecture, made sure that proper order was maintained before turning to the three guest speakers.

“Thank you for coming. It’s been quite some time, hasn’t it, Twilight?”

Her voice is every bit as nerve wracking as when I studied here. But I’m not a student, so I shouldn’t have to worry... I hope. “It has. Thank you for the opportunity to be here.”

“Celestia assured me that it would educational, and as such I have no qualms. Stay on task and we won’t have a problem. Go ahead and introduce yourselves.”

Stay on task? I was the most studious unicorn in the whole school, so what the hay is that supposed to mean? No, calm down, I can’t start thinking like that already. “Hello, class. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I’ve been studying magic since I was your age.” She nodded to Cerulean, who took a step forward.

“Is anypony hot out here?” There was a low murmur of confirmations and complaints, which quickly turned to squeals of shock and relief as a thin blanket of snow fell atop their heads. “There, that should take care of that. I am Cerulean Snowgleam, and I’m...”

“A massive showoff,” Twilight muttered. Stealing the spotlight like that... It wasn’t quite the reaction Cerulean was hoping to evoke, so he drew silent and gave a nod to Silver, who was standing beside his creations with a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

“Good afternoon, kids. My name is Silver Moonshine, but due to a lengthy discourse from my lovely wife, you lot ain’t getting any liquor. I do, however, have a number of different examples of alchemy to show you all. Twilight, how do we want to do this?”

“Hmmm, even with the enchantment Cerulean put on the casks, it would likely be a good idea to serve either the Rainbow Juice or Shockberry Juice first, just in case they get warm. Go ahead and start dishing them out.” Silver had planned ahead, bringing more than enough cups for everypony, and whether just a cruel stroke of fate or poor choice on his part, he decided on the Shockberry to start. Twilight found it difficult to give any kind of oration as one by one her audience devolved into a fit of giggles, and after numerous attempts to calm the class, she bid Cerulean and Silver look away as she cast the “Want it, Need it” spell on a cup and held it over the class who now sat entranced by the overwhelming beauty of the simple earthenware chalice. A fragment of her rising frustration was dispelled as her teacher joined in on the mad scramble to build a pony tower high enough to reach it, before canceling the spell and leaving a very confused mess of students and teacher in a heap.

“Now then, as I was saying... I thought for a very long time that magic only happened when you wanted it, how you wanted it, and only with the appropriate spell. However, I know now that there are many types of magic, and simple spells are only one piece of something much greater.”

“That’s not what my textbook says!”

“Yes, but...”

“Teacher told us something different.”

“Well, that may...”

“Teacher, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about!” Twilight had once thought about being a teacher, but her patience was wearing dangerously thin under the close-minded, uninformed miscreants that were taunting her. It was the teacher that broke the pony’s back, though, and Miss Lecture soon saw a side of Twilight that she vowed never to dredge up again.

“Twilight, I’ll not have you polluting the minds of my students with your far-fetched and unfounded ideas. Now, would you...” Cerulean stood his ground as the tone of Twilight’s coat began to change, and he couldn’t help but shoot the teacher a cheeky grin before his mare forced Lecture to re-evaluate her position.

“Un... unfounded?!? I’ll show YOU unfounded!” Twilight wasn’t naturally what would be called an angry pony, but due to the events over the last few years, she had gained some small degree of control over her somewhat combustible temperament, which she took malicious glee in venting to the full degree of her vexation. “All right then, class. What spell am I using now? Huh? What, nopony knows? Oh dear, I think I’m going to have to call on somepony. How about you, Miss Lecture?” Cerulean could almost feel sorry for the ponies, but they did bring it upon themselves, so he let his wife rant a bit more before cautiously approaching and stepping between the two.

“And you called me a show off, Twi. Come on, calm down, or there will be no kids left to teach.” Heeding his gentle words, the flames extinguished as fast as they had come, after which Twilight sat down and stared miserably at the crowd of now thoroughly frightened ponies. “I do believe that my wife has silenced any dissent concerning her theories on magic?” There was much nodding, and no talking as they sat ready to absorb anything the trio had to say. “What you just saw there was what I call ‘Soul Magic,’ as there isn’t any set spell that triggers it. Really, it’s making emotions manifest in magical form, as evidenced by Twilight’s frustration. There are also unicorns particularly skilled with specific displays of magic, even if they can’t translate it into a specific spell. Basically, their heart writes the spell as needed. That is the case with my ice magic, and why I can do things that are out of the ordinary.”

The class watched with wonder as Cerulean summoned his wings, extending them a bit further than normal and doing a few fly bys before landing beside Twilight and wrapping her with a wing. “Silver, floor is yours. Seeing as how we’re on the subject of fire and ice...”

“Right. Now, how many of you have heard of alchemy?” Only one or two ponies raised their hooves, which was expected. “Alchemy was a branch of magic that was long thought a dead end, as what was meant to be accomplished through alchemy could be done much easier, and with much less danger, with regular magic. However, what you drank earlier, and this creation as well,” he said, holding the barrel aloft, “is something that no conventional magic could hope to produce.” Eager chatter erupted as he poured them all servings of the Phoenix juice, though they soon found themselves much too hot to do anything other than gasp for air and fan themselves as best they could.

“In alchemy, the ingredients put in are every bit as important, no, perhaps more important than the magic that goes into it. Think of it as combining science with magic. The drink which you are all finding to be quite out of place in the summer heat, is imbued with the essence of fire from the feather of a baby phoenix.”

“I feel like I’m on fire, make it stop!” Similar cries arose and Silver decided it was time to give them some relief, and then broke ranks as he explained the icy peach soda that brought immense relief, each taking two helpings to counteract the cherry juice. After they had all calmed down, he began passing out a few of his mother’s creations, explaining that alchemy wasn’t just used for drinks, but had many different applications.

“That’s so pretty! I want to be an alchemist!” Silver shook his head sadly at the filly’s enthusiasm, shooting an apologetic look at the teacher before pulling down his shirt so they could all see some of the scars.

“Alchemy... is dangerous, and it comes with a price. Nopony that practices the art walks away unscathed, and as I’ve learned, nopony should practice it alone. And,” he continued, cheering up so as to dispel the growing gloom from his revelation, “that’s why you’re not allowed to even think about trying it until you’re all much, much older.” The simple change of voice wasn’t enough, and he turned to Cerulean and Twilight with pleading eyes.

“Ok, sad time over! Time for a song.” Cerulean hopped up onto the cart and struck a pose, smiling down at the class as the area around him began to shine, an cheerful melody carrying on the breeze as he sang. Twilight found herself involuntarily tapping her hoof to the ditty, but even through his smile she could tell that his mind was no longer on anypony present, but the pony who had taught him the spell so many years ago.

Simple happiness is easy to detect, normally by slightly squinched eyes and a telltale grin. Elation normally results in some kind of shout, eyes closed and mouth open as joyous noise bubbles forth. But, as Fluttershy soon found, even in silence some ponies can display rapture without a word. She couldn’t have possibly known just how mightily she was influencing the newly appointed Whisper, but even in the quiet of the forest, she could tell without any shouts that the tears beading his eyes for those of gratitude, and not of sorrow. It seemed like something so simple, but as she looked into the single scarlet eye that was visible, she knew it was something more.

Not having spent any time with ponies, but rather being driven away from them, Whisper had no label with which to describe the feeling rising in his chest. After running, one becomes exhausted, whether emotionally or physically, and it only grows worse with time and further exertion. For Whisper, even though he had forgotten the exact amount of time that had passed since he woke up, alone and abandoned on the coastline, it had been sixteen years of isolation and rejection. He couldn’t say for sure if he had finally found rest, but he wanted to hope that maybe, just maybe, this was the start.

New Friend

Chapter 3: New Friend

Whisper. A manner of speech that could take all manner of meanings, from the alluring whispers of the night to contained anger. For Fluttershy, the stallion before her that refused to speak verbally simply made her think of a soft, gentle voice of comfort, even as he still kept her at a distance. Regardless of what he thought of himself, she couldn’t imagine him ever willfully hurting another pony, and thus she allowed herself a small amount of forwardness, posing a question.

“So, um, Whisper? Why do you think you’re so dangerous?” What had once been overflowing joy turned to anguish as he bowed his head, obscuring his face completely. The pegasus instantly regretted her inquiry, as the quaking in his shoulders informed her that any tears that remained were no longer born of happiness.

I don’t... want her to run away, but she deserves to know... If she’s going to be near me, then what right do I have to keep... my shame to myself? “My magic... hurts ponies. It makes bad things happen, and I’ve hurt... I’ve hurt ponies before. I never meant to, but...” He chanced a glance at her, pulling back his hair for just a moment before letting it fall back in place. No... don’t look scared, I... I knew it. I am a monster...

“You... poor thing...” The unexpected comfort chipped away at the doubt clouding his mind, and he realized what he incorrectly assumed to be terror was actually horror at his own condition. “You’ve been pushed away... and hurt... and on top of all that, you’re so scared of your magic that you... live all alone? You’re not a monster, Whisper. You’re just not.” Whisper couldn’t understand the mare’s logic, completely disregarding the disaster he had just confessed and focusing solely on him. He wanted to believe it, but pictures of an unconscious pony partially buried under rocks danced through his mind, followed by the remembrance of fear in a young filly’s eyes as she saw him near the edge of a forest, and many others thoughts like these rose from the depths of his mind. The memories flooded back, and he couldn’t accept what she said.

Desperate to cleanse his mind from the thoughts, Whisper glanced at the sky, signalling Fluttershy to do the same. Sunset drew nigh, and clear blue turned to deep pink, matching the mare’s mane and tinting the color of the pool. Whisper couldn’t help but stare, awed by the mare that repeatedly fought back against every notion about himself that he contained. It was with disappointment that Fluttershy stood, realizing that she had quite a trip to make, tired, relaxed limbs, and a gnawing hunger that had been attempting to satisfy itself with her stomach lining in the stark absence of food. It would also soon be dark, and while she didn’t know of any inherent dangers lurking in that particular forest, it was still quite scary at night.

“I need to be, um... going home now...”

But... I don’t want... no, I can’t think like that.

“Do you think that, maybe, you could walk with me? I mean, if you don’t mind, that is.” It was the first time she had seen the stallion move, and quickly at that, standing bolt upright and waiting for Fluttershy to lead the way. With a giggle at his eager motion, she pulled herself out and trotted a short distance, looking behind her to make sure he was following when she found herself staring very much the same as he had been just moments before. As he stepped out, his mane reached towards the grass below, just a few inches too short at the longest point to make a connection, while his tail was similarly overgrown, trailing behind him like a snake in the grass. He stopped, what Fluttershy thought, was just a little closer than he had allowed in the pond, and with a faint smile she flew into the air, got her bearings, and landed again, beginning her trek as her silent companion plodded along behind her.

As many questions as Fluttershy had swirling around in her mind, what she couldn’t deny was that she found herself drawn to the strange pony for reasons she couldn’t realize on a conscious level. However, despite his feral appearance and strange mode of communication, rather than feel intimidated, she felt comfortable. Certainly, that likely had to do, at least in part, to the lack of any visible desire to relocate to the nearest bed and engage in blush-inducing activities for which her mind, body, and heart were not prepared. It also helped that he was about as approachable as herself when Twilight first appeared, well, before she had learned to be more comfortable around other ponies. The correlation struck her, and her soft giggles at meeting somepony more shy than herself drifted back to the stallion whose curiosity was soon rivaling his trepidation.

“How come I don’t scare you?”

“Well, that’s a silly question, Whisper. You’re cute. Oh goodness! I mean...” How’d I let that slip out? I wasn’t even thinking about his pretty mane or face or... oh. I guess, maybe, I was. Just a little...

Cute? Really? Whisper stopped and examined himself, the action requiring multiple attempts due to the jade veil that repeatedly spurned his attempts at creating a good mental image. Fluttershy glanced behind her as he broke into a trot to catch up, coming just a little closer. “I don’t get it.”

Doesn’t get it? I don’t want to have to explain it, it’s so embarrassing! But... if it makes him feel better, I guess I”ll just have to deal with... oh, my cheeks are already flushed. Ok, then. “Well, you see, I really, um... like your mane. And tail. Oh, and your face, too, when I can see it.”

“So... you like all of the things that make ponies run away and call me ‘monster?’” Oh no, I made her angry again! Fluttershy came to an abrupt halt, her hoof still poised midstep, hovering a moment before slowly lowering to the ground as she turned a half circle, stomping as she went.

Ooo, that’s it. Whisper, I’ve tried to be nice, but it’s time for assertive Fluttershy to come out! “Ok, I’ve had just about enough of all this 'monster' nonsense! I don’t care what other ponies have said. Your name is Whisper, you’re a nice pony, and I don’t ever want to hear you say that word again!” He cowered for just a moment before glaring back with childlike defiance that gave way to dejection.

If what she says is true, then maybe... would it be all right if I... Assertive Fluttershy beat a hasty retreat as normal, kind Fluttershy gave her the stare. Whisper took a single, hesitant step forward, followed by another, and then another. He stopped just a few hoof lengths away, and Fluttershy could see in his one visible eye that he struggling to overcome his fears.

“Whisper, it’s ok... don’t be afraid.” Like salve to a wound, her words urged him forward, and he stopped just a few inches away. There was no desire within Fluttershy to run, or hide, or defend herself, but simply to see Whisper experience kindness.

If I’m really not a monster, then please... just let... let me... His hoof was trembling before it left the ground, drawing first to his chest before slowly reaching out, stopping a few inches from her hair. Please don’t run. Just... just a touch. I don’t need anything more... Fluttershy ignored the palpitations of her heart as the stallion turned his face away, withdrawing his hoof just a little as his fear fought for dominance over his desire. There was a sudden warmth against his hoof, and he opened his eyes to see the mare pressing her cheek softly against it, not the slightest bit afraid.

“I told you it was ok, Whisper,” she murmured, bringing her own hoof over his own and holding it loosely in her grasp. “It’s ok...” Her warmth, her words, and her presence seemed to soothe the raging inhibitions that, with anypony else, would have been nigh crippling. But there, in that moment, he could almost believe that she was right, that everything was going to be ok. “You know,” Fluttershy started, her voice wavering a little as she cradled the stallion’s hoof in her own, “I really... don’t want today to be the last day I see you. Would you maybe... let me see you again tomorrow?”

“We can... meet back at the pond at noon.” I’m scared, but this warmth... I don’t want to let this go. Who’s there? In a flurry of green, Whisper yanked his hoof back and dashed away, quickly melting into the forest and disappearing from sight as a rustling sounded from the bushes behind Fluttershy.

“Wait, Whisper!”

“Fluttershy, is that you?” She ignored the voice, continuing to scan the forest for any sign of Whisper, but it was pointless. How could she expect to spot a green unicorn in a forest?

“Thank you, Fluttershy. I’ll see you tomorrow.” The words lingered on her vision even as she closed her eyes, dancing like flames before slowly drifting away. She could still feel his hoof on her cheek, and she mimicked the motion, placing her own where she wished his still remained.

“No, thank you, Whisper.” As the snapping of branches and rustle of leaves grew louder, she turned to face her concerned mare friend.

“Fluttershy? Oh thank goodness, it is you. Are you all right?” Crimson asked, looking her over to make sure she wasn’t injured. While not abnormal for Fluttershy to spend time in the forest, staying out this late and not having any idea where she’d gone worried Crimson, who had been wandering for nigh an hour by the time she was fortunate enough to hear Fluttershy’s exclamation.

“Yes, I’m fine, Crimson.”

“Who were you talking to?”

“A new friend.” Crimson shared Fluttershy’s smile, grateful to see her recovered after her unwitting destruction of her reputation. “Come on, Crimson. I’m hungry, and I wouldn’t mind something to drink.”

“You sure you want to head back to the tavern so soon? You should see the pile of love notes on the table, and I’m pretty sure Rose Luck made a fair amount of bits this morning, judging by the new garden of roses springing from your doorstep.”

“I’ll simply tell them that I already have somepony special.”

“But you don’t, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy was usually quiet, so not receiving a response in and of itself wouldn’t have invoked any suspicion were it not accompanied by an immediate blush and a swift retreat behind her hair as she walked, narrowly avoiding a somewhat painful collision with a tree that wouldn’t have budged even for angry Fluttershy. “Oh? So he’s that kind of friend?”

“I... I didn’t mean, um... what I meant was... oh dear.” As curious as Crimson was at the groundbreaking statement, she contented herself knowing that Fluttershy was unharmed, happy once more, and ready to face life with a smile.

“Tell you what, let’s get you home first. I think Angel would like to be let down, anyways.”

“Let down? What do you mean?”

“You’ll see.”

Dawn had come to the conclusion that her grandmother was, quite possibly, the most unreasonable, immovable, aggravatingly uncharmable pony to ever walk Equestria; even the princesses were no match. After an afternoon without cupcakes, nor the ability to eat outside the kitchen, or make messes, or even color on the walls, Dawn had learned a valuable lesson, and thus was overjoyed to return to her parents upon their arrival early that evening. After spending a rather dreary afternoon under the iron rule of the task master named Velvet, Dawn ran to the door at the sound of the knock, clinging to her mother’s horn like a comfort blanket the moment it was visible.

“Dawn? Did you have...”

“No fun! Your mom no fun! No cupcakes, no juice, no ladybug... no cupcakes! Wanna go home!” Cerulean nodded sagely as he looked at Velvet’s calm expression, not doubting for a second the validity of his daughter’s assessment.

“Where’s dad?” Twilight inquired, doing her best not to laugh at her daughter’s plight.

“Time out,” Dawn muttered, shuddering as she remembered her own dark corner.

“Your daughter is quite the troublemaker, Twilight. You should really try to expand her palette a little, as the only thing she seems to have a taste for is sugar. Have you been letting Pinkie Pie foal sit?” Velvet inquired with a condescending look.

“No, mother, we already talked about that,” she said with a sigh, blowing a few strands of Dawn’s mane from her face. “Thank you for taking care of her, mom. We’re going to stay the night in the castle, but I really do appreciate your help. Love you, mom. Oh, and father too, wherever he is.”

“Dear? You can come out now.” Night Light dutifully trotted over and threw his arms around his daughter, whispering into her ear.

“Help me.”

“Dad, you’re not good at whispering,” she whispered back, watching her mother raise an eyebrow. “Mom, give dad a break. I think he’s had enough for today.”

“I suppose I could allow myself to relent a little. Very well, come, Night Light. Apologies must be made.”

“Does that mean...” Cerulean started before he was abruptly shoved away from the entrance.

“Yes it does, and we’re leaving. Bye!” Slamming the door and trotting a short distance, Twilight waited for Cerulean to catch up before they both continued on towards the castle where they were to dine with her brother and the princesses. Silver was, naturally, in charge of drinks, the princesses paying for the transport of not only liberal amounts of his current lineup but also the first few barrels of Dragon Liquor. Twilight and Cerulean walked into the banquet hall just in time to see Silver tapping the first barrel, Celestia having cast aside her usual regality in exchange for eager anticipation of a night of revelry.

“Sister, staring at thine cup won’t make it fill any faster.” Celestia ignored Luna’s observation and returned her pouty face towards the chalice that yet remained unfilled, partially due to Silver’s inability to both laugh and knock in the spigot. Affixing the nozzle was equally challenging, and the eager Celestia gladly assisted without consent, pouring herself a glass and guzzling her first mug in a matter of moments. Twilight and Cerulean sat down across from Shining Armor and Cadence, who were both amused and slightly worried at the ruler’s behavior. Unfortunately for, well, everypony, a certain Draconequus stole a taste of the fabled dragon liquor, decided that Silver was the greatest pony since Celestia, and promptly laced everypony’s drinks with a small amount of the potent alcohol. Besides, if even he, as highly tolerant as he had become after thousands of years, could enjoy such a delicious treat, how could he not share?

Crimson was indeed true to her word. There were, at a glance, no fewer than fifty roses in a heap near her door where Crimson had shoved them prior to beginning her search in the forest. Fluttershy knew instantly what she was referring to upon entering her house, finding a very miserable, angry Angel stuck quite firmly to the ceiling. His wild paw motions were, in a word, ineffectual, due largely to the fact that the only part of his body that he could still move were his eyes and nose.

“Crimson, what happened?”

“Well, seeing as how flour and water make paste, I decided to see what happens when you mix flour and honey. I must say, I’m surprised it lasted this long. Hey, Angel,” she called out, meeting the murderous eyes with a grin, “are you going to be a good bunny now?”

If you slept here at night... Pouting and faking tears, Angel pleaded silently with Fluttershy who was already working on pulling him down. Unfortunately the mixture had already partially set, and it took Crimson pulling on her hind hooves to finally yank him down, leaving a rather offsetting, discolored ring which Crimson was sure would serve as a constant reminder to better behavior.

“Angel bunny, what did you do to make Crimson so angry, huh?” Angel muttered a steady slew of animal curses before falling silent as he entered the dungeon. “Oh, sorry, I know you hate baths, but you’re really dirty, so um... tough.” Any attempt to dissuade the mare were lost, along with the sticky mess clinging desperately to his limbs, under the warm flow of water from the bath tub. Fluttershy had seen Angel upset, but the look that he was giving Crimson bid her look at the clock, and, noting that it was past opening time at the tavern, hurried her friend out the door.

Starfall Tavern, as expected, was packed, with Storm and Pinkie, of all ponies, handing out drinks left and right while Berry waved frantically at Crimson for assistance. Fluttershy waved as her friend started her shift, heading over to the relative safety of her friends who were sitting near the stage, not wanting to be any closer to the temptation of alcohol. Rarity happily scooted over to make room as she sat down, but she didn’t even make it through a full sentence before she found herself receiving all manner of unwanted attention. Rarity looked like she was about to go crazy in Twilight’s stead, horrified at some of the utterly perverse things being hurled at the pinnacle of purity, so Fluttershy decided to save somepony’s life and grant, perhaps, the most requested wish.

“Ok, everypony. You want another show, right? I guess one more song couldn’t hurt.”

“Fluttershy? You can’t be serious, encouraging this kind of behavior!” Her exclamation was lost amidst the throng of cheers as she waited near the edge of the stage for Sweetie Belle to finish up. “Oh, I need a few more in me before I can enjoy another song like the last. Honestly, our sweet little Fluttershy...”

“Ah know exactly what you mean, sugarcube. Ah ain’t partial t’ hearin’ such things unless it’s from my own mouth, an’ only t’ my stallion.”

“I don’t see what the big deal is,” Rainbow Dash muttered with a shrug, causing Applejack to turn a disapproving eye to her overly eager friend.

“Lemme get this straight, Dash. You’re completely ok with Storm bein’ stimulated by our friend over there?” Swiftly excusing herself to go take over Storm’s serving duties, Rainbow Dash bid him kindly remove himself to the storeroom and stay put until such a time as Fluttershy had finished whatever wing provoking song she had planned for the evening. “Huh, ah didn’t think so. Ah swear, that mare ‘as a one track mind. Oh Celestia, it’s time.” Rarity quickly downed her cider and turned bright red well before any word was spoken, her still very active mind writing its own song as Fluttershy took center stage amidst howls, leers, and laughter.

Not having yet had any mead, Fluttershy was still very much intimidated by the crowd before her, as she once again found all eyes trained on her. But she was on a mission, and with luck, it would only take saying it once. She tapped the microphone once or twice to make sure it was still working and everypony quieted down, eager to listen and watch.

“Um, good evening, everypony.” Apparently she had said something right, as the room erupted into cheers and whistles as she tried to continue. It was frustrating, and it soon outmatched her fear and caused a slight alteration to her original plan. “I wasn’t going to sing, but you’re all so supportive that I think I might be able to give you a song. This is one I wrote just for you. Ahem...” Seconds creeped by and everypony leaned in. “I’M TAKEN, SO GET OVER IT!!! Oh, and, um, thank you for the flowers.”

The sound that followed was the shattering of many ponies hopes, dreams, and perhaps a few glasses as the already colossal and unexpected shout was amplified, partially deafening everypony present, save one particular stallion who had taken refuge in the pantry. Storm’s booming laughter in the silence that followed spread first to Rainbow Dash, and then to the rest of Fluttershy’s friends as she trotted off stage, her snout pointed in the air and entirely unconcerned with the ponies picking up the pieces of aspirations and mugs.

“Fluttershy, that was magnificent the way you handled yourself!” Rarity exclaimed, gleefully looking around at the downcast stallions and, to a lesser extent, mares.

“Ah gotta give it to ya, Fluttershy. Ah didn’t think you had that kinda strength in ya. Sure proved me wrong,” Applejack added, shaking her head.

“Oh, don’t be so surprised, Applejack. Fluttershy is much stronger than she gives herself credit for. Now, Fluttershy, what’s this about you being taken?” Rarity inquired, turning her attention to the mare seated beside her.

“I... um... you see...” Fluttershy wasn’t the only pony that knew how to be assertive, and there was simply no way Rarity was about to be kept out of the loop on gossip as juicy as her demure friend’s mystery stallion.

“Fluttershy?” she cooed sweetly before dropping her voice to a low growl. “Tell... me... everything!”

Silver had, at Applejack’s insistence, brought a good deal of the sobering agent just in case things got a little crazy. As they finally managed to wrest Celestia from the table and force her to take the shot, he silently thanked his wife for clearly thinking things through more thoroughly than he had, and having had enough, gave his warning about further consumption and trotted back to his room to promptly pass out. Cerulean and Twilight ignored the warning, snagging a little bit more before following after him, stumbling not from lingering inebriation but the memories of everything that had happened, the mirth robbing their tired bodies of what little dexterity they had. Utterly exhausted and glad that Dawn, in all the chaos, hadn’t managed to get her hooves on any of the copious amounts of alcohol consumed that evening, set their daughter to bed before flopping down themselves.

“I can only imagine... what kind of trouble Silver would be in if Applejack were here to see all that.”

“Ugh, don’t make me think about it. I still can’t get it out of my head. I wouldn’t have guessed that about my brother...” she muttered, shivering and drawing closer to Cerulean.

“Shining Armor? What about Luna?”

“Should Celestia retain any memory of tonight, I fear Luna may never live it down.” She cracked open a weary eye and found her stallion grinning, eyes closed and horn glowing softly. “Tell me you’re not...”

“If it’s about you, I can think whatever I want, though in this case it’s not my imagination, just a vivid memory. I knew you had a wild side, but... wow.”

“Can we just go to sleep?”

“What, already? That’s not Canterlot tradition.” She was about to comment when she felt his lips press gently against her forehead, and her sigh of exasperation turned to one of contentment. “Get some rest, Twi. It’s been a long day.”

The star strewn skies lit the forest below with shadows, and through years of practice, Whisper made nary a sound as he followed the critter before him. While perhaps not able to spell or read, he found communication with animals to be a simple matter, and since every single one knew of Fluttershy, he only had to ask but once to be led to her house. He stopped at the edge of the forest, staring at the cottage in the distance where the raccoon was pointing.

“Thank you for leading me.” Eager to begin his rounds, the raccoon simply nodded and scampered off, back to the forest and its bounty that remained uncollected. Glancing left and right, he took his first shaky step out of safety and into a world he had avoided for many years. Putting one hoof in front of the other, he slowly made his way towards the structure, his eyes making note of his surroundings in detail, from the chicken coup to the many birdhouses hanging from the trees, to the bridge that ran over a shallow stream. Throwing his tail over the planks, he tread softly, the fibers softening the fall of his hooves. Excitement beat out his fear as a singular thought propelled him forward.

Just one more time, I’d like to see her. I won’t bother her, I just... want to look. Drawing up beside her house, he cautiously raised his head up to the window, peering into the darkness and seeing nothing. Oh... I guess she’s not home right now. Falling deep in thought, he didn’t pay any particular attention to where he was wandering until he came to, standing in front of her house with a hoof half raised to the door. He immediately yanked it away, taking a few steps back as his heart rate increased at his audacity. No, I can’t just walk in... What would she think of me, snooping like this? And yet, even as he told himself these things, his hoof stretched out once more, coming to a rest the door. Maybe... just a little peek.

It was strange the way fate could answer questions before they’re asked, and sometimes, if one was lucky, grant wishes before they were uttered. Unfortunately, how it goes about doing such things is entirely beyond the control of the recipient. So, while Whisper was secretly hoping to see Fluttershy inside, perhaps asleep, or at least at some point that evening, this wish was to be granted. However, the price he paid was walking straight into a certain furious bunny’s trap. Whether Crimson or Fluttershy, Angel was adamant that somepony was going to receive the same treatment he had that afternoon, and so he set about crafting the perfect reprisal.

It worked like a charm, and he watched with glee as whoever had dared enter was promptly yanked to the ceiling and into a rather large mass of what remained of the stock of honey and profuse amounts of flour. Not bothering to check who it was, he returned to bed and settled in for a restful night’s sleep, though he was hoping to hear at least some shouting in return for his efforts. This wish, as fate would have it, was fulfilled no more than an hour later, and it wasn’t the lullaby to his ears that he had hoped it would be. No, it sounded a little more like...

“Oh my goodness, what is this mess? What on... Whisper, are you all right? Wait, honey and... flour? ANGEL BUNNY, YOU GET OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!”

Unwanted Protection

Chapter 4: Unwanted Protection

When somepony thrives on being assertive, one can’t help but notice it in the world around them. Iron Will had experienced not one, but two shivers run down his spine that day, the second waking him from sleep, and he couldn’t help but silently cheer for whoever was using the power of assertion to such a degree, while also taking solace in the fact that he wasn’t on the receiving end. Angel, on the other hoof, was receiving the dressing down of his life, which he was fairly certain was over, while whatever strange, effeminate stallion had walked in remained firmly glued to the ceiling, terrified on multiple levels as his suspicions of the origins of the shout he heard earlier were proved correct. This sweet, gentle mare had a side that he never, ever wanted to evoke. Ever.

“Now, go... to your bed... and don’t let me see you again tonight, Angel. You are in a lot of trouble.” No further goading was necessary, as Angel bolted out the door and into his outdoor house, eager to be away from the burning teal eyes that he was pretty sure would have roasted him alive if he had stayed a second more. Fluttershy took a moment to try and calm herself before turning back to Whisper, who was watching her every move. His mane and tail were hanging down, and Fluttershy was again impressed with how long they were, though she didn’t take long to stare as she hovered a short distance away. “I’m so sorry about my pet bunny. He’s been very bad today, but I didn’t think he’d do anything like this. Are you alright?”

All right? Her voice is almost as dangerous as mine. “I’m scared. Please, don’t yell at me. I know I shouldn’t have come inside, but I just... wanted to see you again.” Fluttershy couldn’t adequately describe her elation at his unspoken words, but she became quite aware that Whisper was in a position where he couldn’t run away.

I wonder if maybe it would be ok if I... no, it’s too soon for that! What would Rarity think... And everypony else? I mean, dancing is one thing, but kissing somepony on the first day? Not even Rainbow Dash did that. But... as scared as he is, I... don’t want to miss the chance. She beat her wings just a little harder, closing the distance and stopping just inches from his muzzle, staring into his eyes that could see the war being fought within her mind. He could feel her breath brushing against his face, and it was as enthralling as it was terrifying, letting somepony be so close. I... I can’t, I just can’t do it. Not like this...

“H-here, let me help you down.” Blushing furiously, she turned her attention to digging him out, the mixture only half set and fairly easy to scoop away. Curious, she paused and gave the mixture a lick, noting the sweet taste of honey and resuming her work before nearly falling to the ground as the idea of eating him out passed every so briefly through her mind.

“Um, are you ok?” Her answer came out as an unintelligible squeak, as she herself blushing much too hard to do anything other than stare at the floor. “If it’s a problem, you can just leave me here... It’s not that uncomfortable, I’ve slept in worse.” Shaking her head a few time and taking deep breaths, Fluttershy calmed herself enough to resume working. How Angel had managed to stick such a large amount of the gooey paste to the ceiling was a mystery, but then again, he had also devised the trap to get Whisper up there in the first place, so she didn’t dwell on it too much. She did, however, notice the rope still leading to what she guessed was a hoof, and she momentarily left her post to grab a knife and cut through the cord. She waited a moment or two, but he stayed put, so she returned to the kitchen in time to hear a rather wet sounding thud come from behind her, the unicorn coming free and landing face first.

“Ouch... my nose.” The pain soon drifted to the back of his mind as he rolled over, finding himself staring up at Fluttershy who was sitting beside him with glassy eyes.

“I’m... sorry you fell, I didn’t mean to make that happen.” Whisper pried one of his hooves free and slowly brought it towards her, before watching a rather messy blob of honey glue drip down, causing him to halt for fear of getting her dirty too. His hoof’s retreat was again halted as Fluttershy caught it, bringing it to rest upon her cheek, savoring the warmth despite the sticky substance that now caked one side of her face. Whisper was helpless to do anything but stare in awe, his view of himself clashing with the unmerited kindness he was being shown and failing to overcome it. His eyes closed, bringing the sensation in his hoof greater clarity as he treasured the moment, sweeter than the honey that caked his coat and mane.

I don’t know anything about this stallion, but I... really would like to know more. He’s so gentle, so kind... I don’t have any trouble speaking to him at all. I think... I like him. Oh dear, what am I thinking? It’s only been a day, Fluttershy. You can’t be thinking like that. But... he’s so soft. Fluttershy had watched a few old romance videos, but even she knew that they weren’t real. In truth, she didn’t really know much about relationships at all, not having talked with anypony about her feelings until recently. All she knew is that she felt something, and she didn’t want to be shy about it. Being afraid had robbed her of so many joys, and she wasn’t about to let this one slip away.

What is... Whisper opened his eyes, his wonder turning into something he hadn’t experienced before as she began rubbing her face against his hoof, nuzzling it and quite obliviously making a rather sticky mess of her face. The sweet taste of honey tempted her tongue, and her wings slowly stretched out as she delicately began cleaning the hoof now held in her own. What’s... happening to my body... my heart? And what could this beautiful mare see in me that would make her... oh no. No, please... Regardless of if a unicorn understood their own physiology or not, their body would react to stimuli all the same, and as his horn shone with a brilliant green light, he yanked away and fled to a far corner, trembling as he fought to stem the slow build of magic in his horn.

Oh no, I scared him again! “I’m... I’m sorry, Whisper, I didn’t mean...” she started, beginning towards him when the glowing green letters again flashed across her vision.

“Stay back! I don’t... want you to get hurt...”

“Whisper, I don’t understand...”

“My magic destroys everything! So please, just... stay back until I... have myself under control.” Dang it, why is she still walking over? “I said stay back!” She came to a stop, staring at the quaking stallion with sorrow.

“Why...won’t you let me help you?” For the first time, she became afraid as the stallion whirled on her with blazing eyes, grief running down his cheeks in the form of tears.

“Because I don’t want you to die!” I knew it, I shouldn’t have come. I shouldn’t have let her near me, because she’s wrong. I am a monster, even if she can’t see it. Fluttershy fell back with a soft cry of shock as he bolted out the door and into the night, the faint glow of his horn disappearing amongst the trees and leaving her alone in the womb of silence. Her own tears began to fall as she looked at the remnants of the honey on her hoof, before pressing it to her cheek and wishing her hoof was his.

“Whisper... I just wanted to help... I’m sorry. I’m sorry...”

It was odd, to Dawn, to hear her parents wake with a groan after sleeping late. If sleep really was so important, then why were they clutching their heads, and stomachs, after she graciously let them sleep an extra hour? It was conclusive evidence for staying up later so as to avoid such side effects from being too well rested. Were she a little more learned about alcohol, she would have been able to recognize a hangover, but alas she still had much to learn. Silver stopped by their room first, greeting Dawn and continuing to the couple that were doing their best not to moan too loudly for fear of hurting the other’s head.

“I take it you two aren’t acquainted with hangovers.”

“Ugh, Silver, I thought that stuff we took last night was supposed to fix everything.”

“Did you drink anything afterwards?” Twilight cracked an eye open to look at Cerulean before responding.

“We might have snagged a little more...”

“I seem to recall explicitly tell you both no more after taking the sobering agent. No wonder you both look so trashed,” he said with a chuckle, levitating two vials towards them which they gratefully received, downing instantly and laying back to wait for them to kick in. “I will admit, I’ve never given anypony the hangover cure after they’ve taken alcohol with the sobering agent, so this will be interesting to see.”

“A warning next time would be nice.”

“What, you’re still my test subjects, aren’t you? Now pipe down and tell me how you feel, it should be kicking in.” It was indeed, and having never felt the hangover cure, they both found the sensation thoroughly unnerving, like someone had stirred up a whirlpool in their stomach while putting their limbs to sleep, their outer extremities tingling as the substance worked through both the sobering agent and what remained of the alcohol. Were it just a single drink it would have been fine, but as Silver hadn’t served any more that night, it was clear they had taken in more Dragon Liquor.

“Cerulean, remind me to teach Discord a lesson when we see him next.”

“Only after I’m through with him,” he chuckled half heartedly, before rolling to face Dawn who was watching with piqued interest. “Dawn, are you hungry?”

“Brekkist! Me wants brekkist!”

“But that means I have to move,” Twilight pouted, burying her face in Cerulean’s mane and holding him close. “Silver, could you take Dawn with you? I’d like a bit more time in bed.”

“Sure thing, Twilight. Come on, missy, I hear Luna has a thing for pancakes.” The thought of syrupy goodness prompted the filly to abandon her analysis and scamper after the stallion. Cerulean lay his head back down, content to simply spend a few more minutes wrapped in Twilight’s embrace, but a shift and a song bid him roll over, matching the tempting smile of the mare standing over him.

“Sunshine, sunshine, Cerulean’s awake...” The view was just as pleasant as she turned around to finish the chant, though he couldn’t help but comment, not being one to place many restraints on his speech.

“I’m having flashbacks of last night.”

“Yes, well, Cadence isn’t here so I don’t have to worry,” she quipped.

“Clap my hooves...” he continued, bringing his hooves swiftly to her flanks, enough to make a sound but not enough to cause any kind of pain.

“Do a little shake...”

“Celestia, I do declare Dawn to be my favorite foal. Her appreciation for pancakes almost surpasses my own.” The filly had already downed ten, ignoring her slightly distended belly and piling liberal amounts of syrup upon an eleventh. “Silver, where are her parents?”

“Likely otherwise engaged, as is tradition in my castle, it seems,” Celestia answer for him, laughing softly as her sister cast her gaze to her plate.

“Yes, well, her brother certainly seems to think so. I find no faults in Shining Armor, save his inability to lock a door.” Having said her piece, she applied herself to her pancakes, not about to be outdone by the sugar fiend that was finally beginning to show signs of slowing. After powering through twelve, the overstuffed filly flopped down on the bench, sucking on a syrupy hoof and snoring around it. Shining Armor, Cadence, Twilight, and Cerulean entered at the same time from opposite ends of the hall, and a room wide blush ensued as silent confirmations met unspoken inquiries.

“Cerulean, if you were with anypony else, I’d give you a high hoof, but since you’re with Twili...” Shining Armor began, trailing off as he dared not speak on the subject in any greater detail than embarrassed allusions.

“Understood. I won’t feel offended, not after...” Cerulean replied, shaking his head.

“Yeah, let’s just... not talk about last night.” The pact was made then and there, with everypony speaking in one accord, content to let what happens in Canterlot stay in Canterlot.

Due to encouragement, rigorous effort, and a newfound taste for Silver’s ethanol wonders, Rarity had managed to ease her frustrations while still maintaining her chastity. Sure, she would admit to anypony that waking up in the morning with a crippling hangover and the remnants of the previous evening's meal left unattended on the floor wasn’t the most ladylike behavior, but it was better than caving to her primal urges, at least to her. Besides, nopony had ever...

“Morning, sis, are you in... ugh, what is that smell?” Sweetie Belle called out, cracking open the door and spying the evidence of over-indulgence. “Oh, that’s just gross, Rarity.” Sweetie Belle was forced to cover her nose as she entered, her voice prompting Rarity to give a luxurious yawn and sit up, blinking sleepily before the scent caught her nostrils, drawing her eyes to the testament of her newfound vice.

“Yes, quite. Would you mind cleaning that up for me?”

“Wait, what? No way, do it yourself. Sheesh, what do I look like, a maid?”

“Oh, now that is a darling idea. Hmmm...” Her silent musings continued as she climbed out of bed and set about dealing with the mess while Sweetie Belle tried desperately to remember for what reason she had even intruded that early in the morning.

“Dang it, sis, I’ve completely forgotten why I woke up early now. It was important, too!”

“It doesn’t have anything to do with Applebloom’s attempts at makeshift style enhancements, does it? It took forever to get the glue out of your mane after last time.”

“No, I made sure she never does anything like that again. I mean, it did look pretty good, but still! I like being able to comb my mane.” It was quite surprising to suddenly be smothered with affection in the form of a well meaning hug, but she accepted it readily, returning the motion.

“Sweetie Belle, just know that I am proud of you. You may not have taken to fashion as I had hoped, but you’re still my little sister.”

“Thanks, sis, but... where did that come from?” she asked, pulling away.

“I was just happy that you care about your appearance enough to fuss over your mane.”

Right, I should have known. “Rarity, I’ve always cared about it, I just... can’t do anything right when it comes to fashion. I tried my best, but I can’t do anything with that dumb fabric or make up.” It was truly a tragic situation, to care so much about beauty yet be unable to help oneself. “Oh yeah, I remember now! Silver and the others are coming back today, so I wanted to sing something special! Would you be able to find the time to, maybe... help me look better?”

“Sweetie Belle, not even the largest diamond in the world could keep me from saying yes. Drop by whenever you are ready, and I shall make you shine like the stars. Without glitter glue.” This time, Sweetie initiated the hug.

“Thanks, Rarity. You’re the best sister I could ask for. But... if I may say one thing...”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Take a shower before I come back, ok?”

Fluttershy would readily have traded the sadness that hung about her shoulders for something as simple as a hangover in an instant, the feeling coming in swift upon her awakening. She went about her chores automatically, paying scant attention to anything, even Angel’s numerous attempts at apologies. Time went quickly while she worked, but as the clock struck ten, she found herself alone on her bed, wondering what it is she could have done better, and what it was that went wrong. Angel answered the knock on the door, letting Crimson in and pointing urgently at Fluttershy, who she immediately sat down beside on the bed.

“Fluttershy? Hey, what’s wrong?”

“I... think I hurt Whisper.”

“Hurt... what?” Fluttershy couldn’t help but cry softly as she recounted their meeting in the forest, the fears he spoke of and finally his late night appearance, where he ran away. Crimson listened intently, though she was just as confused as Fluttershy and not able to offer much advice, save the one thing that she knew quite a bit about. “Fluttershy, when a unicorn’s horn glows like that, and they aren’t casting a spell, it’s because they’re... well, aroused. The magic witihn begins to gather inside the horn, and...”

“I know that, I’ve tasted it before.” It was mentioned so casually that Crimson temporarily lost the ability to think. “Twilight’s was really, um... really good on scones.” Were she not so utterly dumbstruck by the mare’s nonchalant admittance to indulging what some ponies considered risqué, bordering a fetish, she would have commented that the mare’s statement confirmed her suspicions that Twilight was indeed delicious. Realizing she had gotten off topic, Fluttershy returned to the crux of the matter. “What I really want to know is why he thinks his magic can only break things and hurt other ponies. I thought magic was something unicorns did on purpose, and I just know he would never hurt somepony. Not intentionally, I mean.” After a false start or two, low level cognizant functions returned, allowing Crimson a coherent response.

“That’s something only he can tell you, Fluttershy. And from what it sounds like, it may take a while before he’s comfortable with that. In the meantime, you need some serious cheering up. Why don’t we go meet up with the rest to welcome my brother and the rest back?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t... I know he probably won’t be there, but I promised Whisper that I would meet him in the forest. If there’s even a chance...”

“Well, what are you sitting around here for? Why not get a head start? Don’t worry, I can explain to the rest, I’m sure they’ll understand.”

“Oh, thank you, Crimson.” They went their separate ways at the door, and Fluttershy made good time flying to the pond. She arrived early, and even though she didn’t expect him to be, her heart fell as she found the tranquil pool abandoned. It was quite cool, and with nothing else to do save bide her time, she lay back on the surface of the waters and prepared herself to wait. Not one hour, not two, but as long as it would take.

Determination

Chapter 5: Determination

The perfectly sung melody of the lark, the buzzing of the bees as they collected their pollen for the good of both the flowers and the hive, as well as the gentle breeze that caressed the leaves of the trees, giving the forest a voice: it was all lost on Whisper. He had made a promise, and even though he didn’t remember anything about his past, or really, about social convention in general, it gnawed at him to just walk away. He told himself, time and time again, that it was for the best, that if he didn’t show, she would leave after a time and go back to life as usual. That, if nothing else, she would be safe, and his magic wouldn’t go off like it was starting to in the house. And yet... he couldn’t shake the simple feeling that this was wrong. It had only been a day, less than twenty four hours that he had even known the mare existed, but as he watched the sun rise to the center of the sky and start its descent, he slowed to a stop.

It feels... like something’s missing. Why am I doing what I don’t want to do? It’s for her safety, isn’t it? But, if that’s really true, then why... He continued his aimless journey, trodding through the brush until a leafy branch brushed across his face, jolting his mind and leaving no doubt as to what it was he couldn’t put his hoof on; it was her hoof on his cheek. It belonged there, but he was walking away. An overpowering desire flooded through him at the remembrance of the first kindness he had ever been shown, and it sealed his fear away as he frantically searched around to gain his bearings. If nothing else, even if I can’t afford to stay with her, I want... to at least see her, one more time. Chancing another glance at the sun, he figured he was already an hour late at least, and the urgency boiling from within flared a little brighter, pushing him into a brisk trot.

“Twilight, can you take Dawn for a moment?” The foal was still sleeping quite soundly, and her mother willingly complied, levitating the foal over to her back and casting a curious eye at Cerulean. They were due at the train station soon to catch the morning train to Ponyville, and there were no detours planned. It was a spur of the moment decision on Cerulean’s part, but one that Twilight knew was important enough to allow. “I’d... like to check on Bangles, if that’s ok.”

“Of course, Cerulean. Just don’t miss the train, ok?” Bidding Twilight and Silver goodbye, he changed course, passing through the residential areas until coming to a small, single pony house. He had thought that with everything that had happened, he’d never be able to forgive, but all it took was seeing her after having Spikeflail ripped from her consciousness to see the depth of her brokenness, perhaps even greater than his own had been. And so, it was with confidence that he raised his hoof, rapping on the door a few times and listening as the telltale jingle of her favorite accessories signaled her approach.

“Ce... Cerulean? I... what are...”

“Do you mind if I come in?” She immediately shook her head, standing to the side as he entered and looked around at the bleak living conditions. There was a single, one pony sofa, a small wooden table near the kitchen, and a matching chair that looked like it had seen better days. There were no wall hangings, decorations, or color, really, the walls being painted a drab grey. It was like she had turned the place into a monument of depression, and it moved Cerulean to pry, just a little. “Bangles... you haven’t been well, have you...”

“I... have a place to live, and food to eat. I really shouldn’t...”

“Ponies need more than that, Bangles. Have you... made any friends at all?” She slowly closed the door, not wanting to face him.

“What right... do I have... to anything like that?” No, I can’t let him see me cry... I don’t deserve his sympathy, after what I’ve done... “Cerulean, everypony here knows... they know what I’ve done... Just getting groceries is enough of a task, let alone finding... somepony who will give me the time of day.”

“So, you’ve been all alone these last two years?” She flinched as his hoof descended on her shoulder, and despite her half hearted attempts to resist, turned to face him with small streams flowing from her eyes. “Come back to Ponyville with me.”

“Freefall, hurry it up! Come on, man, we’re gonna be late to welcome back the boss!” Snowdrift’s shouts were seemingly ignored until a very miserable, very tired looking pegasus dragged himself over to the door, cracked it open and peered at his grinning friend with eyes that conveyed nothing but loathing. “Late night with the mares?”

It’s just not fair. I’m the one who’s good with talking, who knows what to say and when to say it, so how come he gets the prize and I’m stuck trying to snag whoever date I can find? It’s just not right! “That... is the last time... I try dating twins. It was horrible.”

“Scarred for life, eh? Aloe and Lotus, who knew?”

“They’re monsters! They act so sweet, but... but...”

“Ok, come on, maybe Silver will throw a mini-party at the tavern when he gets back. Speaking of, you could always ask...”

“Don’t even mention that pink bundle of crazy. Contrary to appearances, I do like a mare to have at least some capacity for rational thought.”

“Whatever, Freefall. Come on, let’s get going.” Allowing himself one more groan, Freefall complied and plodded wearily beside his friend. Berry was, predictably, waiting outside with Ruby, which only served to deepen his jealousy as he watched Snowdrift banter back and forth with his fillyfriend, making the most glaringly obvious verbal blunders only to have Berry laugh them off and reward him with kisses. It was simply unfair. The rest of the gang was already there, with Applejack at the forefront next to Spike. It was just past noon, and Freefall was certain that no amount of booze, soda, sugar, or any other substance known to ponykind would be able to yank him from his dejected funk. The train pulled up, the ponies filed out, and then he saw her.

Cheerful chatter broke out all around as Twilight, Cerulean, and Silver stepped out into the sunlight, but the mare that followed after commanded all of Freefall’s attention. With beautiful emerald bangles adorning her legs, also matching her scilliant eyes and gleaming hair, complementing the lemon yellow coat and cute freckles, he made true to his name and fell with a thud, his legs deciding that standing was much too audacious in the presence of such beauty. Snowdrift, looked back and forth between the two and rolled his eyes.

“Just can’t resist a new mark, can you.”

“No, Snowdrift, this is for real. I think she’s...”

“Don’t even say it, ‘cause I’ve kept track. At least, since flight camp.”

“She’s the one...”

“One hundred and forty two, my over-eager stallion. Congrats.”

True to her inner commitment, Fluttershy sat at the edge of the pond, eyes closed and hind legs hanging over the edge, sending ripples across the surface with each soft kick. She didn’t bother looking at the sky, as she had done countless times that afternoon, because it didn’t matter. Even if it took all night, if it meant she’d get to say she was sorry, to see Whisper again, it would be worth it. Whisper... even though you’ve broken your promise, I forgive you. Please, come back. I want... to feel your hoof on my cheek. She mimicked the motion with her own, smiling as she began to sing. The tears came, slowly at first as she simply spoke what was in her heart.

“You think you’re a monster...

I told you I knew better...

but still, you ran away.

All you’ve ever known is pain,

I see you hide behind your mane,

just as I do, every day...

All I want is a Whisper,

All I need; a gentle touch.

I long to hold your hoof once more,

feel the warmth I miss so much..."

As she opened her eyes, she turned her gaze slowly to the sky, where the sun was no longer visible and pink was fading to deep scarlet as the last of the daylight faded away. Her hoof slowly dropped from her wet cheeks and to her chest, as she managed one last verse before being too overcome to speak.

“Oh please, I ask you, wind;

won’t you carry this song to him?

I know he could use a friend...

So even if he never shows

my care for him, he’s always know...

Even if... this is... the end...”

What... what is this... Whisper slowed to a stop as an incredible feeling of sorrow washed over him. He hadn’t been thinking about anything other than finding his way back to the pond, but it was growing darker and he was becoming more and more lost by the moment. But this feeling... Fluttershy... this is... you, isn’t it? Please, hold on, I’m trying! Closing his eyes, he focused every sense, every fiber of his being into the emotion flooding his heart. It was faint, but he could swear he heard something, deep in the forest. Glancing up as the last of daylight faded and stars came into view with the rising of the moon, he followed the tug within his chest, his hope to see her again driving away what remained of hesitation.

His usually silent canter, his stealth and precision were cast aside as he barreled through the undergrowth, ignoring the whipping branches and roots that floored him time and time again. It took all his effort not to cry out in pain as he jumped a fallen tree only to land in a briar patch, covering his body in inflamed, raking scratches. It never occurred to him to stop and question the urgency with which he fled, and if he had, the answer would have been simple. No matter his reasons, this anguish that was echoing through his soul was because of him, and it couldn’t go on. That mare... doesn’t deserve to feel like this. Not the one pony who treated me like I'm normal. No, wait, come back! Like the receding of the sea, the silent call slipped away, leaving him without direction, lost in the night. What could... please, just let her be safe... Offering a silent prayer to the wind, he pressed on as the last of the feeling drifted away.

“Freefall, what is this?” A glance revealed it to be, by his best guess, one of many severely botched orders that he had put out that night, his somewhat limited mental capacity entirely consumed with thoughts of the new mare in town. She was, at a glance, one who kept herself presentable, quiet, and perhaps most importantly, “smoking hot,” as he put it. Snowdrift could handle an appreciation for beauty, but what he couldn’t handle as head chef was one of his kitchen staff consistently pumping out sub-par food. If it weren’t for the fact that a good buzz would likely worsen the infatuation, he would have allowed it in the hopes of temporarily removing extra thoughts from his mind.

“That... uh... was supposed to be... shoot, what’s it called?” Snowdrift didn’t even bother attempting to correct him, tossing the dish aside and storming out of the kitchen. If Freefall was unfit, then it was his duty to find a suitable replacement, even if it was only temporary.

“Cerulean, do you have some time?”

“Sure, Snow. What can I help with?”

“Ever since the arrival of your friend, Freefall has been, well, useless. More so than normal, I mean. I need somepony to help on the line, or Silver’s gonna take a hit to business after the dreadful dishes he’s turning out.”

“Wait a second... you mean he’s got his eye on Bangles?”

“Yeah...” Cerulean rose without a further word on the subject and into the kitchen, taking his place beside Freefall and getting right to work. The pegasus in question was, at that point, too enraptured to pay him any heed, at least until Cerulean raised the topic on his mind and gave him reason to speak.

“So, Freefall, is it?”

“Uh huh.”

Ok, first things first. If this clown is even thinking about double dealing... wait, would it be triple dealing, since he was with the spa sisters last I checked? Doesn’t matter, if there’s even a possibility... “How’d your date with Aloe and Lotus go?” He promptly dropped not a pinch of cayenne into the pot but the container itself, shuddering not for the ponies that would be consuming the soup, and likely copious quantities of Everfrost, but the horrors that filled his mind at the memory.

“Please, never mention those two by name... Worst night of my life, trying to keep those two happy. You wouldn’t believe... ugh, I’m not even going to mention the horn file.” Stepping in and fishing out the now empty container of pepper, Cerulean checked one worry off the list and moved on to the next item.

“Word around the tavern is a certain mare has caught your eye.” Cerulean quickly yanked Freefall’s hoof out of the way as his skills with a knife were called into question, likely saving the usability of the hapless stallion’s limb, or at least negating the need for stitches. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes.’ I happen to know her very well, so I’m going to ask; how much do you even know about her?”

“I don’t even know her name, yet. I’ve never had any issue chatting up the ladies, but I just can’t focus since seeing her.”

“Clearly.”

“You said you know her, right? Oh man, come on, you’ve gotta tell me about her!”

Ok Freefall, you asked for this. Let’s see what happens in the brain of yours when confronted with something serious. “What I tell you stays between us, agreed? I'm serious, you say anything about this to anypony and there will be pain.”

“Sure thing, whatever, now come on! I’m dying to know about this mare.”

“Ok, well, for starters, while under the influence of a split personality formed from early childhood trauma, she raped me, had me thrown in jail, and later tried to kill both myself and Twilight. But other than that, she’s real quiet.” Hmmm, just as I expected. I think his brain has just exploded, though his ears have done a great job at holding it in. Sorry, Bangles, for giving your secrets away so easily. But this clown clearly...

“But... she’s really pretty.”

Clearly... has a one track mind. Great, what the hay am I supposed to say to that? “Did you... even hear what I just said?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, that stuff. You said that was her other her, or whatever, right? Does she still get like that?”

“Well, no, but...”

“Ok then, what’s there for me to worry about?”

I suppose I really should thank you, Freefall. You’re making me feel much better about myself and my sometimes questionable intelligence. Still, one last test. Snowdrift turned at Freefall’s yelp, having been tossed to the ground and frozen up to his neck by a very serious looking Cerulean. “Freefall, you cannot possibly understand with that feeble mind of yours what she’s been through. She doesn’t need to be let down, or to have her heart broken anymore than it already is, so give me something to show me you’re serious.” Cerulean, not knowing Freefall all that well, couldn’t have understood how much it spoke to Snowdrift that he wasn’t backing out, nor pleading for mercy. That alone would have convinced the pegasus, but he knew that Cerulean needed something more substantial.

Oh man, this just got intense. What does he want me to say? No, screw that, what should I say? How much do I want this mare? “You can... take what’s left of my wings.” Cerulean narrowed his eyes for a moment, watching for signs of hesitancy before shattering the ice and helping him to his feet.

“That may be the smartest thing you’ve ever said, Freefall. What do you think, Cerulean?” Snowdrift murmured, thankful that his friend hadn’t come to harm.

“I think I need a drink. I’m starting to feel like a genius hanging around this guy, and I don’t want it getting to my head,” Cerulean mumbled, shaking his head in disbelief as Freefall looked from face to face.

“So, wait, do I pass?”

“You’re free to fall as hard as you want, given you stick to whatever boundaries she lays down. Treat her right, or you’ll lose more than just your wings.” True to form, he disregarded the seriousness of the moment and let out a colossal shout as Cerulean left the kitchen, going back to his work with newfound energy and purpose. There was still one problem lingering in his mind, but he would figure out some way to talk to her even if it killed him. Which, if he didn’t pay more attention to the knife, it just might.

No matter where Whisper looked, no matter how far he ran, their meeting place eluded him. His coat was matted with sweat and blood from the nicks and cuts, but he ignored the stinging sensation, pressing onward despite being short on breath. He had lost track of how many times he had fallen, but as yet another root brought him to the ground, he lay still, his chest heaving and the pounding of his heart being the only sound he could hear, save the crickets. Why is this so important to me? Just this afternoon, I was ready to walk away, to leave and never come back. It seemed so long ago, that night that he had experienced the warmth of another’s touch, but the memory was all the reminder he needed.

He could feel the urge to simply lay down and sleep growing with every labored breath, his fatigue reaching its peak while his muscles locked up from their cease in activity. Fluttershy, call out to me. Please, just a word. Something, anything to lead me back to you. I’m lost... can you bring me back? A stirring deep within caused him to shudder as he could feel magic accumulating within, and behind closed eyes he could see the increase in light as his horn began to glow. Magic was something he refused to use, as the only time it ever seemed to release was when he spoke, and the only thing that had ever brought was pain for everypony. He tried to squelch it down but stopped as his mind was suddenly flooded by a longing that wasn’t his own. Loneliness, regret, rejection: they whirled through his mind, pointing him towards the source.

Struggling back to his hooves, he tried to run but stumbled as a lancing pain shot through his right foreleg, bringing him to his knees. It was a sprain, and a bad one at that, each step feeling like his hoof was being broken off at the joint and no doubt caused by his last fall. Holding the throbbing limb to his chest, he made his way slowly on three hooves, stopping frequently to close his eyes reach out, grasping madly for the source of the despair. After another fifteen minutes, he emerged from the forest into a small clearing, back where he had met the beautiful mare that lay asleep, shivering and cold on the other side of the pond. It’s... coming from her, just like I thought... She waited... this whole time, just for me... I’m sorry... I’m sorry I’m so late, Fluttershy.

Caretaker

Chapter 6: Caretaker

Without the arboreal canvas, the light of the moon painted the clearing with its soft, gentle glow. The waters were perfectly still, and as Whisper cautiously limped towards Fluttershy, who lay asleep on her side, he could see her coat glistening from the perspiration that hadn’t evaporated due to the cool of the evening. He had spent years fleeing from everypony, not letting any close, but that fear was no match for the shame that he felt at that moment, looking over at the mare who had reached out to him despite his efforts to push her away. So, rather than give it any say in the matter, he fought back violently against the rising doubt, quelling it into submission and making his way over as quietly as possible.

A glance at the surface of the water bid him freeze. Branches and leaves were stuck in his hair, blood had formed grotesque blotches of mud on the scratches near his hooves, and there was naught he could do to hide the raking welts from the thorns he had haphazardly torn through in his haste to try and find her.

How could she... see me as anything other than horrifying? I don’t even want to look at this, this... thing that I see peering back. But, if she can accept me... then... would it be ok, to be near just one pony? Whisper sat down beside her. He may have beaten back the fear of being around her, but he had no idea what to do next. Should he wake her? Hold her? Try to light a fire? For a time, he simply observed her as she slept, admiring how somepony so fragile and delicate would deign to speak to him. To wait, through the day and even into the night... Fluttershy, I’m sorry...

Hesitantly, he used his good hoof and gently placed it on her shoulder. She was freezing. Remembering the warmth he had felt accompanying the rush of magic when she had suckled his hoof, he swallowed hard and lay down beside her, blushing violently as the mere thought of the action caused his chest to catch fire. No, I can’t do that, there has to be another way. There were, but none without any kind of physical contact, and he closed his eyes as he scooted just a little closer and gently, cautiously, fearfully draped a hoof around her shoulder. The heat within grew as she pressed into his chest, nuzzling him briefly before laying still.

She’s so soft... It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, these new sensations that were quickly taking control of his mind. Even with the slight stirring of the magic within, he couldn’t bring himself to run, not after she had waited so long just for him, but instead found himself exploring, in a sense. Not having spent any time around ponies since the last time his magic went off, Whisper had no way of knowing what was and was not proper between a male and female, and thus his hoof began to wander, guided solely by innocent curiosity and instinct.

Closing his eyes, he traced a path from her shoulder up to her hair, examining the soft rosen hue and stroking her mane. Her shivering stopped and she let out an airy sigh, pressing even closer and burying her face in his chest. Does that mean... she likes this? I do too. I don’t know why, but it feels nice. I want to make her happy, so if something this simple can help, then I’ll... I'll do it. The soft glow of his horn bathed her in a cool, emerald light, and curiosity guided his hoof down her hair and then onto her wings. They were soft too, and quite interesting to the unicorn who, to his knowledge, had never touched wings of any kind. Were he not so enraptured with the mare, he would have payed more attention to his own physiology which was reacting in more ways than just a slow build of magic.

However, there was something he couldn’t ignore. For some reason, when he stroked her wings, she made quiet little squeaking noises that were simply too endearing not to continue. His wonder turned to fascination as they slowly unfurled, and he grew even more nervous as he ran a hoof along the inside. I’m so glad that I found a way to make her happy, even in her sleep. Maybe, just maybe she can forgive me... Fueled by that singular, pure desire, he pressed closer and stroked the downy wing more firmly, pushing Fluttershy’s body to a point where sleep was no longer possible, and Whisper froze as her brilliant teal eyes snapped open.

Now, not having any idea that what he was doing was, by comparison, about what hornplay was for a unicorn, he didn’t do as would be proper and yank his hoof away, beg for forgiveness, and grovel to show the depth of his remorse. No, as Fluttershy awoke, warm, blushing, and far more aroused than she ever had been while being face to face with somepony that she was, quite assuredly, attracted to, neural activity was at minimal capacity as the sensation commanded her total attention.

Ohmyohmyohmy... what is... when did... why is... “W-w-whisper?” Any other pony would have received the full fury of angry Fluttershy for violating her in such a way, but she couldn’t possibly be angry at the unicorn who had, seeing her become so clearly uncomfortable, retracted his hoof and sat staring at her with fearful eyes.

Oh no, was I doing somthing wrong? “I’m... I’m sorry it took me so long to find you, Fluttershy. I searched for hours...”

Why won’t... my wings go back down? Oooh, this is so embarrassing! “W-why... were y-you t... touching me?”

I knew it, I knew I was doing something wrong! But... it made those feelings of sadness disappear. I can’t hear them anymore, so maybe... maybe she can... “You were... really cold when I got here. I just wanted to warm you up. I didn’t mean to make you mad!”

Calm down... calm down... He didn’t know any better, it was just an accident. Ok, well, not really an accident, but... Not wanting him to run and seeing the guilt clearly spelled on his face, she ignored the fire coursing through her veins and lightning shooting through her spine as she wrapped her hooves around his neck, holding him tightly for fear he would slip away. “Thank you, Whisper. Thank you for coming back. But, um, next time, try to be a little more punctual, if you can.” It feels... so nice to hold him. Thank you, Whisper. This was worth staying out in the cold. She attempted to run her hoof through his mane but ran into a rather large branch that was lodged quite deeply in the tangled mess. She pulled away and gasped in horror as she saw all of the welts, scratches and bruises that he had accumulated in his determination to find her.

No, please, don’t look at me like that, not like everypony else...

“Whisper, you’re hurt! What in Equestria did you do to yourself?”

“I was... scared you wouldn’t be here, so I ran. I ran as fast as I could to try and find this place, but I was lost until you led me here.” She looks really mad. I should probably just...

“Stand up.”

“What?”

“I said stand up, Whisper. You’re in a lot of trouble.” Fluttershy’s stern expression fled as he painfully struggled to his hooves, whimpering as body wide muscle cramps compounded with having eaten next to nothing, and all this on top of rigorous exercise and a sprained hoof which Fluttershy immediately gave her full attention. It was swollen around the joint, turning violet against his green fur, and rather than shove him forcefully into the pond as she had originally intended, she lifted his hoof and put it around her shoulder, walking him down into the water and bidding him stand still. Despite his many wounds, as she stood beside him in the water, cleaning away the blood and grit, she couldn’t stop her wings from spreading once more.

For all his talk of being a monster and as scary as he could sometimes appear, she felt more at ease with the stallion than most of the mares in Ponyville. In spite of herself, a gentle smile grew as she cleaned his wounds, secretly treasuring not just the moment, but the time she had spent in his embrace, even if he had been moving very, very fast. This she could excuse on the basis of his innocent ignorance, and the simple fact that it was really nice. I think I’m going to have to have a talk with him about that soon. If he really doesn’t know anything about, um... that kind of thing, I should probably tell him about it, I guess. But if I don’t, maybe he’ll do it again? Oh my goodness, what am I thinking?

“Are you ok?”

“Whisper, I... think we need to talk about something.”

“What is it, Fluttershy?” He turned to face her, noting her blush with adoration and her wings with curiosity. I’m not touching them, so why are they doing that? “Are you going to go for a flight, or something? I can stay here and watch.”

I can’t do it. I just can’t do it. “I’d... like you to come back home with me,” she whispered, wrapping her hooves around his neck and squeezing him tightly. “I want to be with you. I want to take care of you. Could you, maybe, um, let me do that for you?”

“But, what if I...”

Ok, I tried to be nice about it, but if he’s going to be stubborn, so am I! “It doesn’t matter! I’m not going to let you spend the night alone in a forest when you’re clearly hurt! You’re coming home with me, and I’m going to take care of you, got it?”

How can a mare so gentle scare me so badly? But for her... I can make an exception. I’ve made it this far without hurting anypony but myself, so maybe... this will be all right. “Ok, but... it will be a long walk.” He couldn’t stop the tremor of excitement that coursed through him as Fluttershy released him, stooped down, and gently kissed the injured hoof before taking her place at his side, supporting him as best she could. He blinked back tears at her gentle words, pausing and nuzzling her just a bit as she spoke.

“If it’s with you, then I could walk all night, I think.”

It was indeed quite a trip, and nearly two in the morning by the time the cottage came into view. Fluttershy eased open the door and led him inside. Having been either glued to the ceiling or staring at Fluttershy, Whisper hadn’t really taken any time looking around the house, which felt almost as welcoming as the forest due to the sheer amount of stuff that was everywhere. Bird cages, bird houses, miniature stairways for critters, bookshelves, lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and flower filled vases replaced ferns, foliage, trees and creeper vines.

“I, um, I’m sorry it’s such a mess.”

“I like it.”

“You do?”

“It feels more natural. I was kind of nervous about coming over, but it’s not so bad.”

“I’m relieved to hear that, I was a little worried. Wait right here, we need to...” she started, stopping to heave a yawn as exhaustion caught up to her. “Need to, um, bandage your wounds and... and clean your mane.”

“Not tonight. You need sleep.” He paused as it became his turn to yawn, inhaling deep and growing incredibly drowsy. “And me too. Um... Where do I sleep? I normally just find a bush or something, but I don’t see any plants big enough for that.”

“You mean you’ve never slept in a bed?”

Bed? That word sounds familiar, like I should know what it means. Maybe it’s something from my past? “What is this ‘bed?’”

“You’ve never slept in a bed before?”

“I don’t know. I remember... words in my head, and I feel like I should know what they mean, but it’s like... there’s no picture to go with them. Like ‘candle,’ and ‘fork.’ Oh, but I know what a bathroom is! I figured that one out all by myself.” He looked quite proud of himself for a moment before growing somber again as the actual memory came back. “Well... I was hiding from some other ponies and ran inside, at which point I, um... saw it being used. The mare wasn’t very happy.” Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle at the idea of somepony her age, or at least close to it, not knowing anything about something as simple as a bed or a bathroom, and she determined then and there to be the one to teach the stallion. She was about to speak when a muffled moan came from her own bed.

“What was that?” Crimson, having come to check on Fluttershy and not finding her, had grown quite worried and resolved to stay until she returned. Sleep had overcome her, but her friend's voice had roused her from slumber, and she gave a start as she spied Fluttershy standing next to... something else.

“Fluttershy? What is...” she started before Whisper spooked, forgetting his injury and attempting to run before falling to the ground with a small whimper of pain, scrambling to get away. Not wasting a second, Fluttershy instantly flew to him, wrapped him in her arms and began stroking his mane, disregarding the bits and pieces of foliage that still remained.

“Shhh, Whisper, it’s ok. Just calm down... calm down, it’s ok.” Fluttershy held out a hoof to halt Crimson’s approach, holding the stallion close as he contemplated fleeing the scene, sprain or no. Crimson was almost as frightened, not for herself but for Fluttershy. The pony, if that’s what it was, was truly frightening to behold, like a creature born purely of the forest itself, from the flora in his overgrown mane and tail to the wounds dotting his frame.

“Fluttershy... is that...”

“Yes, my forest friend. He’s very, very shy, so, um, stay there for now, ok?” She nodded and even took a few steps back, sitting down and watching with fascination as Fluttershy tended to him like a mother caring for a foal. “Whisper, it’s ok, there’s no need to be afraid. You aren’t in any danger, it’s safe here.”

No, it isn’t. Not with me here. But I... I want to believe you. “I’m scared.”

“I know. I’m sorry she startled you, but that’s just my friend Crimson. She’s very kind, so, um, don’t be afraid, ok?”

“I don’t want her to see my eyes.”

“Um...” Why would he ask that? I think his eyes are really pretty, but I couldn’t possibly argue with him, not with him this frightened. “Ok, Whisper, I understand. Is it ok if she comes closer?” She waited patiently for an answer while Crimson grew more confused by the second, trying to figure out what Fluttershy was even responding to.

“I’m sorry, I’m not ready to be around anypony else...”

“Ok then, don’t worry about it. Crimson?”

“Y-yes, Fluttershy?”

“Um, I really hate to ask you to leave so late, but you’re making Whisper very nervous. Could you possibly come back tomorrow? Or, later today, I guess.”

“Fluttershy, is it... really going to be all right, leaving you two here alone?”

“Yes. Whisper would never do anything to hurt me.”

Fluttershy, you’ve only known him a day or two now... Please, don’t let this just be a covering for your feelings for Big Mac... “I’ll trust you, Fluttershy. Just... be careful.” Chancing a glance out at the mare as she left, he caught a brief glimpse of her Cutie Mark before the door closed. He couldn’t put a hoof on why, but it disturbed him greatly. He stayed where he was, letting himself be held by the one pony who he could be near without being overcome by dread, her soothing words and gentle touch slowly dispelling what remained of anxiety.

“I’m sorry.”

“Oh, it’s ok. Come on, bed time for you. I mean, after I at least bandage your sprain.”

“Bed... time?”

A low, bass rumble welcomed Crimson back to her room as she lay down beside Big Mac who was quite contentedly snoring up a storm. However, his status as a heavy sleeper was revoked upon consistently sharing a bed with Crimson, and despite her best efforts, he awoke as she sidled in behind him. She was grateful, really, accepting his embrace and saying nothing, which was a rather alarming indicator that something was wrong.

“Somethin’ on yer mind?”

I don’t want to jump to any conclusions, but... “I think... Fluttershy is making a mistake.”

“What kind o’ mistake?”

“Big Mac, I don’t think she’s over you yet, not completely. Tonight, when she came home, she was with some stallion. I’m not trying to say anything about Fluttershy, but I can’t help but fear she’s just finding something to ease the pain, like I have so many times.”

“Well, were they doin’ anythin’?”

“She was holding him like a child, Big Mac. For Fluttershy, that’s a lot. And she met him two days ago.” That was, indeed, a lot by her standards. Even with her closest friends, physical contact was usually shied away from, so for her to be moving that quickly was cause for worry. Unless...

“Was somethin’ wrong with ‘im?”

“Well... he seemed absolutely terrified of me. And he was covered in wounds, though nothing looked...”

“That explains everythin’. Crimson, Fluttershy may not get very close t’ other ponies, but she don’t have any rules ‘bout helpin’ others. Ah think you may be readin’ a little more into this than it needs.”

“But... he looked so frightening, Big Mac. I’m scared for her.”

“Crimson, ah wasn’t there, so ah can’t say anythin’ fer sure, but ask yerself this; does Fluttershy seem the type of pony t’ push somepony away fer lookin’ a little unkempt?”

“No, I suppose not...”

"Appearances can be deceivin', darlin'. I heard from Applejack that herself an’ her friends ran into an angry manticore in Everfree. It was a frightenin’ creature, ah hear, and it was roarin’ up a storm. Do you know why?” Crimson shook her head, waiting for him to continue. “It had a thorn stuck in its paw. Applejack and the rest were preparin’ t’ fight fer their lives when Fluttershy stepped in, pulled the thorn out, and gave the dang thing a pat on the head. Had it purrin’ like a kitten ‘fore she left. Crimson, that’s the kind o’ pony Fluttershy is, so don’t be too quick t’ judge.”

“I feel really bad, suspecting her like that... I just don’t want her to end up like me, trying to run from the pain.”

“Ah’m sure Fluttershy would fergive you even if you had said somethin’. Get some rest, an’ ah’m sure things will sort themselves out just fine.” She needed no second bidding, giving him a heartfelt kiss before drifting off, her worries melting under the heat of his chest and beating of his heart.

Whisper was the pinnacle of skittish, somepony who needed constant reassurance just to be in contact with one pony, even one that was, unless she was yelling, about as intimidating as a butterfly. For this reason, it made sense to have Whisper share her bed for the night. However, not because of any contrived social convention, but her own lack of experience with anything other than the occasional plutonic touch or a smack from Angel, she was also hesitant to attempt such a thing for fear of, well, her wings. And her hooves, for that matter. The thought of him leaving during the night, overcome by some worry was the thought that tipped the scales, and she couldn’t help but blush as she explained that the square object in the center of her room was called a bed, and it was used for sleeping. Just sleeping. Not any of the other things that were clouding her mind.

Whisper eyed the bed with curiosity, nudging it with his nose and finding it surprisingly giving. He raised his good hoof to test it further and fell face first, not having his other hoof to support him, though it accomplished the same task and quickly brought him to a simple conclusion: beds are much better than bushes. Wincing slightly as the motion jarred his hoof, he hopped onto the bed and lay down atop the covers, towards the end. He didn’t quite have the capacity to be indignant as Fluttershy laughed quietly at his ignorance, but simply tilted his head to the side, wondering what he had done wrong.

“I like this bed. It’s comfortable and soft, just like you.” I still haven’t quite figured that out. When her cheeks change color, is that good, or bad? Fluttershy wordlessly drew back the covers, instilling yet more wonder in the unicorn, and climbed in, motioning for him to do the same. She gave him wide berth, staying towards one edge while he examined the sheets, smelling faintly of lemon, and mimicked her, edging in up to his chin. “Thank you for letting me sleep in a bed. It’s wonderful.” She slowly rolled over to face him, hesitating a moment before giving in, drawing him close and sighing softly.

“You’re... very welcome, Whisper. Thank you for staying.” Her worries of an overactive mind ebbed away as sleep wrapped them both in its gentle embrace. Two ponies that were inexperienced in the such things as love and romance, and yet enjoying it at its simplest, purest form, held each other close, each grateful to the other for simply allowing the other to be near. Just before she lost consciousness, Fluttershy nuzzled his cheek and drifted off with a whisper. “I’ll take care of you, Whisper. I will, no matter what.”

Suspicions

Chapter 8: Suspicions

Well rested, semi-exhausted, and ready for the day to go on as they stepped out of the shower, Crimson and Big Mac entered the dining room just past the kitchen. Big Mac went about rummaging around the fridge for breakfast while Crimson regarded Applebloom with embarrassed amusement, her expression of deep contemplation shifting to one of disgust as the couple entered.

“Applebloom, what’s that look for?”

“Ah was just tryin’ to figure out what t’ do today, but clearly ah need t’ check that book out from Twilight again so ah can see if there’s any way t’ soundproof somethin’ twice. It just ain’t natural, screamin’ an’ hollerin’ like yer dyin’.”

“An’ yet, ah feel so alive.”

“Big Mac, yer gonna have a mallet ‘tween yer ears if you say anythin’ else. Taintin’ mah ears, what kind o’ big brother are you?”

“Applebloom, we really aren’t that loud, are we?” Crimson received nought but a sullen scowl for her inquiry, at least for a time before the filly sighed.

“No, you ain’t, ah’m sorry. But ah can still feel it in the floorboards.” Again thankful for his red coat, Big Mac’s blush was nearly imperceptible as he set out various apple treats and some vegetables for Crimson to enjoy before taking a seat beside her. “Ah think I’m gonna try t’ find Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, see if they want t’ do somethin’. Sorry fer hollerin’ at y’all.”

“It’s all right, Applebloom. We probably could use a little more self restraint.”

“Eeyup.” The filly trotted off, and Crimson bantered back and forth with Big Mac for a while. She finished first, having a smaller appetite, and bid him farewell as she made towards Fluttershy’s cottage. After some sleep, some fun, and some food, she found her worries of Fluttershy staying the night alone with that stallion diminishing, and the scene that she was met with banished them completely as she made it to the house. Rather than knock, she chose simply to observe from the window, since whatever she saw would be the most natural, which, given that it was Fluttershy, was nothing short of adorable.

Jubilant was the word that came to mind to describe her pegasus friend as she groomed the timid stallion. She couldn’t see his face, as he had his back to her, but for him, who was so frightened just by her presence, to be allowing that kind of contact, it could only mean that Fluttershy and him shared something special. Fluttershy had to keep placing a hoof on his head to keep it from bobbing to the song, as the movement made it difficult to continue combing, but sure enough, shortly after she pulled her hoof away it would start again. From where Crimson stood, it seemed much more like a mother and son relationship than anything romantic, but if it was truly making Fluttershy that happy, then she resolved not to speak against it.

Fluttershy glanced up as a knock sounded at the door, and Whisper instantly scrambled under her bed as quickly and painlessly as he could on three legs. Rather than let whoever was outside in, she trotted over and gathered up the stallions sizable tail and pushed it under the bed to aid in his disappearing act.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell where you are.”

“Thank you!”

“You’re welcome, Whisper. Just stay here for a bit, ok?” Trotting over, she found a beaming Crimson on the other side of the door. “Good morning, Crimson. Are you here to help feed the animals?”

“Well, actually, I was just coming to check on you. I was a little worried, leaving you alone with some stallion you hardly know, but after watching you two this morning...”

“You were watching us?” Crimson was about to nod and continue on to say how she didn’t expect anything of the two, but as the dainty mare’s cheeks flushed pink at the thought of everything that had happened since waking, she became rightfully suspicious.

“Fluttershy? Is there something you need to tell me?” Ok, well, that squeak speaks more than her words would. There is definitely something going on. “What kind of relationship are you in, exactly? What’s going on between you two?”

Oh dear, what do I say? I don’t even know the answer. I mean, we both like eachother, but I don’t know if he even knows what that means. “Um... I don’t...”

“Is he still here? Maybe I can ask him.”

“No, you can’t!” She hadn’t meant to shout, but she really didn’t want to have to chase him through the forest, especially given how much time she’d spent getting the last of the debris out. Unfortunately, raising one’s volume typically indicates secrets or anger, and seeing that Crimson was not upset but rather eyeing her with greater suspicion, Fluttershy knew which it was. “I’m sorry, he is here, but he’s too scared of you. Please, leave him alone. I’ll answer any questions you have.”

“I’m still waiting on the first one, Shy.”

“Oh, um...” Crimson turned to give the house a good looking over, confident that a stallion with such copious quantities of hair wouldn’t be hard to spot. Her eyes had almost passed over the bedroom when there was a sneeze, a flash, and all the loose articles in the house shook. Fluttershy and Crimson both took a moment to stare at the knocked over vases, the clock that had fallen over, and the several books that had fallen from their designated resting spots. Crimson took one step forward before Fluttershy spilled the beans, leaving Crimson even further shocked and slightly worried.

“Ok, Crimson you win. I like him, and he likes me, but he doesn’t know anything about boundaries!”

Doesn’t know anything about what now?!? “Fluttershy, when you say boundaries...” One more glance at the mare nervously shuffling in front of her confirmed it. “Explanation. Now.”

“Oh, ok, um... let’s see. This morning, he, well... he watched me shower. Oh, and this one time when we were in the forest he... um... played with... with my...” Whether she finished the sentence or not, the slow unfurling of her wings connected the dots in Crimson’s mind.

“And you’re ok with this? That’s almost as fast as I used to be, Fluttershy!”

“Crimson, he doesn’t know any better! He didn’t even know what a bed was!”

“Didn’t know... so what, then, he’s been living in the wild his whole life?”

“That’s right, I think. I want to try talking to him about it, but it’s too soon. And besides,” she started, peering back at the bed where he was no doubt still hiding, “I don’t want to scare him away. I’m hoping that, eventually, I will get him to a point that we can leave the cottage every now and then, but I can’t possibly rush that. Please, don’t be angry, Crimson.”

It doesn’t make any sense. Even if he were abandoned, he’d still have some recollection of what it was like being with other ponies. And if he was wild to begin with, there’s no way he could communicate with Fluttershy. There’s something going on, but what? Memory loss? I wonder if maybe Cerulean could take a look... “Fluttershy, I’m not angry, just... be careful, ok?” She nodded, and Crimson peered back at the bed. “Tell him I said goodbye, and I didn’t mean to frighten him.” Fluttershy stood still a moment, gazing into the distance before breaking into a cheerful grin.

“Don’t worry, he heard you. He’s sorry for hiding, but he’s just not ready yet.”

Telepathy? I definitely need to talk to Twilight and Cerulean about this. This is just too strange. Crimson waved and let herself out, and after some gentle coaxing, Whisper dragged himself out from the bed, hobbled back out to the main room and plopped himself down.

“Can you brush me more?”

“Silly, I told you I was going to get your mane and tail done, right? I’m not even halfway done, so sit still, all right?”

“What about singing?”

“You move too much for that, but if you’re good, maybe I’ll sing you a song when I’m done.” Taking her at her word, he sat up straight and stiffened, giving a nearly flawless impersonation of a statue. Fluttershy finished what was left of the mane before sitting beside him and laying his tail in her lap, running a hoof over it and taking a moment to be amazed at how fine it was. I would love to be wrapped in this, it’s so soft and warm and... oh, I’m doing it again. Normal thoughts, Fluttershy, normal thoughts! Unfortunately, it was a battle not easily won, made worse when he turned and sat facing her, watching her every move with scrutinizing interest and wondrous curiosity. “Is something wrong, Whisper?”

“Why do you like me?”

Where did that come from? I mean, I know the answer, but... “There are a lot of reasons, but why do you, um, want to know?” She waited for the telltale green letters the flare across her vision, but none came. “Whisper?”

“I didn’t know what a bed was.” To say the answer confused Fluttershy would be putting it mildly, and her hooves quickly lost their ability to brush as her mind overclocked itself trying to unravel the mystery. Fortunately, he noticed the furrowed brow and elaborated. “I look scary. I tried to keep you away. I don’t know anything about this place or other ponies, but you still said you liked me. Why?”

“I feel safe with you, Whisper.” He didn’t know what to expect, but that was, perhaps, the lowest on his list.

Fluttershy, I’m not safe. You can say I’m not a monster, and maybe... maybe I can believe that. But that doesn’t change what I’ve done, or how many ponies I’ve hurt.

“Oh, stop that. No sulking,” she commanded, waving the comb at him and regaining his attention. “Listen, Whisper, I used to be scared of other ponies just like you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It was so bad that I couldn’t even tell somepony my name if they asked. I’m still very nervous, meeting new ponies and going new places, but I was never scared of you. I don’t know what it is that makes you so sure that things are going to go bad, or that you just break things, but that’s not the pony I see.”

“Then what do you see?” Fluttershy gently set down the brush, maintaining eye contact as she did so. In an honest expression of trust, she gently eased herself into his lap, leaning her head against his chest and wrapping his good hoof in her own.

“You think you look scary, but I find comfort in your mane. You think you don’t know anything, but I see eyes filled with wonder. You see a monster, but I see a pony who just needs a friend. I see...” Myself...

It was a little known fact that there was indeed a limit on the amount of fabulosity that Rarity could experience in a single day without being driven mad. But, for whatever reason, the universe was collaborating with its good friend fate to try and achieve just this. Sure, the morning didn’t exactly start off the greatest, but throwing away the evidence of yesterday, everything was diamonds and silk from there on out.

Firstly, she found that one of her latest designs had been featured in an eminent fashion magazine and was receiving great renown, praised by fans and critics alike. Clearly dissipation must be ladylike if she could turn out such a marvel while, admittedly, quite pasted. As a result, her boutique had landed several high paying orders which, if her performance maintained itself, would net her even more notice. After some discussion and Rarity’s revealing of her spell to find gems, Jewel was able to cut ties with the price-jacking, snobby suppliers that had all but choked her shop into bankruptcy and re-open in Ponyville. Elated to be away from the city, Jewel had crafted a few utterly marvelous pieces for her as thanks, which she was only all to willing to display, though she sometimes felt the full effect was lost on the ponies around Ponyville. Good Spirits, true to his name, set about expanding the menu of the tavern with all manner of tasty, though normal, beverages for her to try. It really wasn’t fair to the others, but Silver was winning by leaps and bounds in her mental contest, if only for his association with the two ponies.

Still, through various hard learned lessons, she knew that friends should come before work, and sating her thirst for gossip combined with worry for Fluttershy, driving her towards the cottage. Now, Rarity still had nightmares about having a green mane; it was, quite bluntly, the worst possible color, and she truly felt for anypony cursed with such an existence. Certainly, if it looked poorly on her, then how could it ever be even close to reasonable on another? Or, at least, that’s what she thought until she peeked in the window and saw Whisper.

Rarity, as her friends all knew, was prone to lapse into “fashion frenzy,” during which time logic was given a front row seat to watch mania put on a show. It didn’t matter to her much whether the pony holding her dear friend was mare or stallion; whoever it was had the most stunning, most sensational, ravishing, striking... The list went on, and she silently nodded her affirmation to every adjective before coming to the overwhelming conclusion that, for once, she had been wrong about fashion.

I was woefully mistaken in my assessment, as this clearly proves that green is the... best... possible... thing! That color, the way the mane shines in the light... why has Fluttershy been keeping this pony to herself? And who is it? It looks so natural, but nopony has a mane like that, mare or otherwise. It’s criminal, keeping such beauty withheld for one’s own pleasure. I will not stand for it! Without a further thought on the matter, or an ounce of self-restraint, Rarity barged in the door and bolted towards the stallion who, were it not for Fluttershy in his lap, would likely have bolted just as fast for his happy place underneath the bed. Fluttershy suddenly found oxygen in short supply as the terrified stallion clung to her with all his might, terrified of the white unicorn that was much too close for comfort.

Excitement in the form of books piled high pervaded the library, as Twilight finally was given a day off to do nothing but study, practice, study, and practice some more. Being a mother, while valuable for learning all kinds of lessons, was the single largest time sink she had found. Not that this cause any kind of regrets, but Cerulean knew that she would get stir crazy if she wasn’t given adequate time to get her scholastic high off of the scent of musty pages and the tantalizing tickle of dust. It was fortunate then that the knock on the door sounded in between books, though it was with great reluctance that she stood and cantered over.

“Crimson? You look stressed, is something wrong?”

“Well, I don’t know, exactly. I was hoping to talk to Cerulean, is he here?”

“No, he left this morning with Dawn to go raise a ruckus elsewhere. Is it something I can help with?”

Well, she does know a lot about magic. And from what Cerulean’s told me, she’s known Fluttershy longer, too. “Maybe. Can I come in?”

“Oh, sorry! Sure, come on in.” The mare gawked at the mountains of books piled around the room, wondering how anypony could both live in such a condition and not choke on the dust that glittered gold in the shafts of sunlight. “Ok, sis, what’s this all about?” Crimson chuckled softly at the moniker before growing serious once more.

“So, remember the other night when Fluttershy told everypony at the tavern that she had somepony already?”

“Yeah, it was kind of a shocker. I’m a little curious to know if she was actually being serious or just trying to keep everypony away.”

“It was both, actually.”

“Really? Wait, so Fluttershy actually has a special somepony?”

“I can only assume. It was rather difficult prying an answer out of her, but she admitted that she likes him, and he likes her.”

“Awww, that’s so cute! I wonder what he’s like? Have you seen him? Is he a hulking earth pony like Big Macintosh?”

“No, he’s an easily startled green unicorn that hides from anypony but her.”

“Hmmm, yeah, I can see that.”

“Twilight, if it was that simple I wouldn’t be here.”

“I’m sorry, you’re right. Go on.”

“I try not to be suspicious of ponies, but she’s told me a couple of things that are worrisome, and I’ve noticed some odd things about him. For one, he’s lived in the wild most of his life, and has no social awareness whatsoever.” Twilight suddenly became much more intrigued with the idea of studying an isolated pony than the now boring books she was so enamored with just moments before. “He... touched her wings on the second day, and watched her shower this morning.”

“And ponies say I moved fast... Crimson, that may be kind of strange, but that’s no reason to try and track down Cerulean. What’s really going on?”

“Well, he’s a unicorn, like us, but his magic... Twilight, have you ever heard of a unicorn using magic for telepathy?”

“What, you mean like speaking into another’s mind? It’s complicated, but not impossible, why?”

“He doesn’t talk, Twilight. Not a single word. And yet, he’s communicating somehow with Fluttershy, like he’s doing exactly that. No unicorn left to his own devices in the wild should know how to do that, right?”

“You’re right, that is strange. No, not strange, that’s borderline impossible, unless it had something to do with his talent.”

“He doesn’t have one. He’s still got a blank flank, and that’s not all. When I arrived there this morning, he was hiding under the bed, but when he sneezed, he released some magic and it knocked a ton of things over. Small things, like vases, but still. I’ve never heard of somepony translating a sneeze into something like that.” The more Twilight heard, the more she wanted to abandon her studies and go see this stallion.

No talent, no learning, and yet he was using fairly advanced unicorn magic? “Wait, Crimson, is it possible he’s using soul magic?” Those words were the trigger that connected the nagging doubts with her distant memories. She couldn’t know for certain, but she knew somepony who could tell her for sure.

“Twilight, please, you have to tell me where Cerulean is!”

“He’s probably at Sugarcube Corner, getting some...” She never finished the sentence, because after a brief, scarlet flash, Crimson was gone.

“You know, Dawn, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you loved cupcakes more than me.”

“Silly dad, no eat Rulean. Eat cupcakes n’ pancakes!”

“I’m sensing a cake trend.” The filly ignored his musings and returned her attention to the box of delectable treats before her. Sure, if she ever discovered that the particular strain she was consuming were laced with less sugar and more vitamins, she’d have blown a fuse, but the little foal was none the wiser as she demolished a dozen in record time. Pinkie had nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for the foal that was greedily starting in on the second box, grateful that her mother was nowhere near to stop her.

“Cerulean, if she keeps up like that, I’m going to have to actually try at the next eating competition. I mean, Spike did a great job, but I think Dawn will have him beat pretty soon.”

“I really need to expand her diet a little bit, but she’s as finicky as they come. If she tries to keep up with you, I’m afraid the only thing she’ll do is swell up like a balloon.”

“Oh, like this?” The mare, by some mystery of the universe, seemingly converted the oxygen in her body to helium and began to drift away.

“No, Pinkie, down! No wings, no fly!”

“Okie dokie lokie!” There was an audible whoosh of air as she deflated, trotting back behind the counter to score some treats for herself when the door slammed open and Crimson came charging in.

“Cerulean, you can search memories, right?”

“Yes, but...” He got no farther as she bolted over, recalled the scene where Whisper had sneezed, and pressed her horn to his.

“Take a look.” He watched for but a moment before snapping his head back and staring at her with wild eyes. “Is it?”

She never received a verbal response. Dawn found her snack time abruptly halted as Cerulean bid her hold on tight and took wing, soaring straight to the library, entering in a hurry and levitating Dawn to her mother. “I’m sorry, Twi, I’ll make up the lost study time later!” Twilight didn’t have time to ask for an explanation before he bolted away, and she did her best to comfort the startled filly who sat staring at the small puffs of snow left from his wings.

Roar of a Whisper

Chapter 9: Roar of a Whisper

It couldn’t have been known. There was simply no possible way that Rarity, in her excitement, could have anticipated that her sudden entrance would be the harbinger of tears. The gut-wrenching terror in the stallion’s gleaming red eyes was lost on Rarity, as were Fluttershy’s desperate attempts to loosen his grip. She was talking but he couldn’t understand, everything caving in as the fear took over his mind.

“You, sir, or is it miss? Doesn’t matter, your mane is simply divine! A tribute to all things fabulous and, I daresay, quite soft by the feel of it. What I wouldn’t give to have a scarf made from fabric half this fine!”

Make her stop!

“And that’s nothing to say of the color! I was of a mind that green is the most horrid of all colors for a mane, but you have proven me quite wrong. Is it dyed? Natural? Oh, I simply must know how you condition your mane! What brand do you use?”

Get away... just leave me alone!

“Fluttershy, you have bagged quite the catch, mare or not! Come now, what’s your name? I must know the owner of such a mane that has me so envious!”

“Whisper... you’re... hurting... me.” That was the final straw. Whisper’s horn began to glow as he took a deep breath, knowing even as he did so that he would regret it. But it was too much: the talking, the questions, and Fluttershy’s pained voice. Fluttershy fell to the floor, coughing for air as the sudden intense build up of magic sent lancing pains from his horn and down into his lungs, and he brought his hooves to his head as he let it all out.

“Leave...” The magic flared. “Me...” It condensed, funneling into his horn. “Alone!” Manifesting his fear into physical form, the magic erupted as a concussive blast, shattering the windows and destroying the interior of the cottage. He screwed his eyes shut as the sounds of things falling and breaking drew to an end, leaving only silence in its wake. His eyes filled with tears as he saw Rarity unconscious, blown into the wall and covered with books from the one remaining shelf that had stayed upright. Fluttershy struggled to her hooves, glancing fearfully around her, having no idea what had happened.

“What... Whisper?”

“STAY BACK!” Fluttershy winced as the same phrase appeared again and again, clouding her vision to the point that she could no longer see. “I told you... I warned you I was dangerous, but you wouldn’t listen! You wouldn’t listen, and now... now I’ve hurt somepony else!”

“Whisper, please, calm down! It’s going to...”

“No! No it won’t, it’s not ok! She’s bleeding, she might die, and it’s all my fault!” She took a step towards him and he did something she had never thought he might. She froze in her tracks as he growled, a glow again rising to his horn and sending tiny embers dancing to the floor. “Don’t come near me, Fluttershy. I don’t want to hurt you again.” And then, just as the embers had touched the ground, a soft mist extinguished them as his eyes fill with tears. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Fluttershy. I...” I can’t risk seeing you hurt. Please, just leave me alone, for your sake. Tearing the bandage from his leg, he galloped out the door, ignoring the pain and leaving Fluttershy alone.

What... what did he do... She stared around at the destruction in her house. Is this... why he calls himself a monster? No, Whisper, you’re not a monster, you just need help. I know he never meant for this to happen. I just can’t believe he would do something like this on purpose! She trotted over to where Rarity lay, thankful that she didn’t have any major injuries save an unsightly bump on the back of her head, a few minor cuts, and a number of bruises. Angel came rushing in, looking every bit as terrified as Whisper had. “Angel, I need to go look for Whisper. Please, take care of Rarity and the other animals until I get back.” With no reason to argue, he set about pulling her from the wreckage while Fluttershy stepped outside.

Cerulean would have waited for Crimson to arrive, but the urgency driving him onwards couldn’t be ignored. Even if it was minimal, if there was any chance that the unicorn was truly who he suspected, then nothing, not even Twilight would have stopped him from throwing down everything.

“Please, let it be him... my baby brother.” Even before the cottage came into sight, the sound of an explosion of some kind bid him double the length of his wings, pouring out his magic and putting his all into following the glimmer of hope that his long lost sibling may in fact still be alive. The cottage came into view and a green blur flew out the door, and Cerulean veered away, ignoring the cottage entirely and shrinking his wings to conserve energy as he glided over the forest. It was pointless, as even in broad daylight and knowing approximately where the stallion was, and he landed on the forest floor, straining to hear something other than the pounding of his heart. “Come on, there has to be something, some way... Give me something, Jade.”

A sudden darkness bid him turn his eyes skyward as storm clouds billowed out and spread. Ignoring the possibility of being struck by lightning, Cerulean took flight once more, searching for the center and making straight for it. A chilling downpour drenched him, slowly at first but growing stronger until it was on par with a flash flood. He’s not going to last long, pouring out this much magic. Just hold on, I’m coming.

The chicken coup was demolished, the hens frantically running every which way as the storm formed and the thunder started. The bridge across the stream was cracked, the front door was gone, and nearly every birdhouse had plummeted to the ground in the wake of Whisper’s voice. And yet, amidst all the destruction, Fluttershy felt no anger, only fear. Not fear for herself, or even for her animals, but that Whisper might disappear entirely, never to be seen again. It had only been three short days, but saying the number meant nothing. She had, willingly or not, given him a piece of her heart. Staring into the face of the storm, she was forced to make a choice.

She could try to chase him down, plead with him to come back, to work through whatever had caused such destruction. It would be a path, she knew, that could be filled with pain and sorrow. Already, one of her dearest friends lay bruised and unconscious, and her house in shambles. She could simply let go, try to rebuild and move on. Forget about him, about his problems, and all the dangers now displayed.

I don’t want to forget. I don’t want to let go of the night we spent together, or when I brushed his hair... No, I won’t. I won’t give up. Every memory, every word that had played across her eyes, every touch that they had shared in their short but sweet friendship gave her the courage to spread her wings and plunge headlong into the wind and rain. Just as she had waited for him in the forest, she hoped that somehow, he would wait for her. She gave a startled cry as a bolt of lightning flashed past her and on to the forest floor, covering her ears as the thunder shook the air. Shaking off the fear, she pressed on, partially blinded by the driving rain and the wind that threatened to toss her to the forest floor below. A sudden voice, indecipherable, rose up from the ground, and eager to land she made straight for the source, landing close and galloping as fast as she could.

It’s over... everything... I lost everything to my voice... Fluttershy, I’m sorry! I’m sorry... Whisper, overcome by the grief of hurting the one pony he had dared to be with, the one who had received him not as a monster, but as a friend, slowed to a stop and sank to the ground. He wouldn’t have been able to run much farther anyway, not with the condition his sprained hoof was in. The pain came in waves, matching the rhythm of his heart and adding to his already sickening nausea. He couldn’t stem the tears, nor stop the resulting flow of magic as he cried, softly at first but growing as he raged internally at his mistakes.

He closed his eyes and delved deep, listening not with his ears but with his heart, seeking some kind of mercy or redemption. He opened his eyes halfway as he picked up on something very close to what he was feeling: desperation. Whatever the source, it was coming quickly, and Whisper braced himself for the worst. Who am I kidding... it can’t be worse. I hurt Fluttershy, and now... He didn’t have time to think as the sound of somepony approaching sparked his fear once more, and he turned to see a blue stallion stop in his tracks as they locked eyes.

Those eyes... it really is... “Jade...”

Why did he call me that? And why... is he crying? He must be angry about Fluttershy or that other unicorn I hurt. The stallion took a step forward, but his trance was quickly broken as Whisper’s curiosity was again eclipsed by fear. “Stay back! I don’t know who you are, but just... just stay away!”

“Jade, please! Just let me...”

“Stop calling me that, that’s not my name! I don’t have a name anymore!”

“Come on, you have to remember! Your name’s Jade, you’re my brother!”

“I said stay back!” No matter how many times he sent the message, the blue stallion kept edging closer. His muscles were drained from magic fatigue and his left foreleg was useless, giving him no option but to speak, should the stallion not heed his warnings.

“I’ve been waiting... hoping to find you for years, and now... you don’t even remember me?”

“I don’t know you, and I don’t want to know you! I just want to be left alone so nopony gets hurt!” Each nonverbal shout cut like a knife, but Cerulean refused to back down.

“Damn it, Jade... How could...” Every time he looked into those crimson eyes, he remembered. Every time they’d played together, every moment of their last day on the beach, and even back to when they both taught each other something new about magic: it all came flooding back. “I’m not leaving this forest without you. Even if you fight, if you shout, if you try to take my life, I’m not leaving you again!” Whisper closed his eyes as the stallion broke into a gallop. The pain in his horn shot through his head as he filled his lungs once more. It was too late to stop it as he heard his name called out from the forest, and out of the corner of his eye he saw Fluttershy running towards him. If he hadn’t been distracted, he could have sensed her kindness from miles away and taken solace in her presence, but instead a single shout tore from his lungs.

“Stay... back!” Almost completely out of magic, his limbs grew numb as a massive blast ripped through the forest, bowling over both the other ponies and splintering the trunks of every tree nearby. For one fleeting moment, it looked like everything was all right. Then, one by one, the trees started to fall down. The blue stallion struggled to his feet, but all of Whisper’s attention was focused solely on the mare that lay immobile on the ground. Not again... not Fluttershy, not again! “Come on, get up! Please, Fluttershy, you need to move!” But she didn’t move. As everything crashed down around him, he couldn’t have cared less about his own safety, but a young oak was heading straight for her. Summoning the last of his strength and ignoring the jarring body wide pain, he galloped a short distance to where she lay. What vigor remained in his limbs fled as his body shut down, his hopes of shoving her out of the way dashed as the a brief, momentary pain shot through his spine before everything went black.

It was impossible not to sense such a release of magic, even for somepony like Crimson who only used it for the convenience. After the first wave, she galloped to a point where she could safely teleport, but she had arrived much too late. Cerulean was nowhere to be seen, and all she found was wreckage. Her fear that nopony had survived was put to rest as she heard somepony ranting from afar, and as she galloped closer, she knew that it could only belong to one pony.

“Just wait till I get my hooves on that vile cretin. Honestly, how come the most charming in appearance are the most barbaric in nature? Can you believe this, Angel? Just look at these bruises! I’m going to spend a fortune on make up just trying to cover them.”

“Rarity, what the hay happened?!?” Rarity turned towards Crimson who, being a mare, was sure to understand her plight.

“What happened indeed. Tis a fair question, I suppose. It goes like this; whoever that pony Fluttershy’s taken a liking to is a dangerous menace that should be kept under lock on key. All I did was shower him with praise and how am I thanked?”

“You didn’t go near him, did you?”

“And why not?” she snapped back, growing increasingly vexed at receiving questions and no sympathy. “It’s his own fault for flaunting that fabulous mane like he hasn’t a care in the world. I would be remiss if I passed up an opportunity to inspect such beauty up close. And then...”

“Rarity, shut... up.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Whisper is as scared of other ponies as Fluttershy is of dragons! Rushing up to him the way you did was probably one of the most terrifying times of his life!”

“That’s no reason to blow up Fluttershy’s house!”

“Do you really think somepony as frightened as Whisper would really do something like that on purpose? If there’s anything left in that head of yours save styling gel, use it for something productive like rational thought!”

“I’m sorry, I’m too traumatized to deal with that kind of speech right now,” she murmured, turning her head away and pointing her snout in the air ever so slightly. Now, paws are soft, being covered in fur, but the resounding smack as Angel slapped her full in the face was crisp and no doubt carried a good distance. It also seemed to dispel Rarity’s hysteria, as she slowly let her head droop, gazing at the floor. “I’m... sorry, Crimson. I’ve been entirely unreasonable. I don’t really know what happened. The last thing I remember, he yelled something and I found myself unconscious.”

If it knocked everything over when he sneezed, then this... must be what happens when he shouts. Angel finished with Rarity’s wounds and, having enough of her rambling, stalked off to go round up the chickens and make sure all the birds were ok. “Wait, where’s Fluttershy? And Cerulean?”

“I do not know, I haven’t seen them since I awoke. But if I had to guess, they are looking for... Whisper, as you called him.” Crimson stepped back out and wondered how she could have missed the dark cloud hanging over the forest.

“Cerulean, please be safe...” Her stomach nearly emptied itself on the spot as a second blast sounded, and even from her spot outside the cottage, she could feel the tremors as the trees came crashing down. With no time to think, she charged into the forest, hoping for the best and expecting the worst.

Even if he had tried to use his brother’s spell, Cerulean doubted that words could describe what it was like, finding his brother after so long only to not be remembered. As his vision frantically tried to adjust, the rain began to soften, only to be replaced by his own tears as he beheld both Jade and Fluttershy, crushed by the fallen oak. He tried lifting it with magic, but it was too much for him to move by himself. Adrenaline mixed with desperation, and he slammed down both hooves, lifting the mass of timber with several pillars of ice. He rushed to pull them out before examining their wounds.

Fluttershy was, surprisingly, in better shape than Jade, likely due to his last ditch effort to shield her. But, as he held Jade in his arms, he couldn’t stop the rising fear that warned these moments would be his last. Even without a doctor, the deep bruising that covered most of his back and into his chest warned of severe internal bleeding, as did the the small trickle of crimson seeping from his mouth. His heartbeat was irregular, and his breathing shallow.

What do I do... I can’t just leave Fluttershy here, but I don’t think I have the strength to fly them both. I can’t just give up! Come on, think, there has to be a way! He looked up the sound of somepony running caught his ears, and he called out for help. Crimson immediately changed course, her brother’s despair driving her to greater efforts. She thought she had prepared herself for the worst, but she couldn’t have prepared to see her friend and family in such a state. Cerulean wasted no time, summoning his wings and holding Jade to his chest. “Crimson, get Fluttershy to the hospital.” Not waiting for a response, he took off, pushing his magic to its limit to shave off precious seconds from the trip.

A moan drew Crimson’s attention away from the skies and back to Fluttershy, who lay whimpering a short distance away. Crimson let out a sharp gasp as she saw the way her wing was twisted, and she gently tried to right it, but stopped as Fluttershy cried out in agony, unable to stop the tears. Knowing it would only cause further discomfort, she abandoned the effort and instead gathered the mare into her arms, rocking her softly.

“Hang in there, Fluttershy. It’s going to be ok.”

“Where... where is... Whisper?”

Even now, after nearly dying, he’s still the first thing to her mind. This is much deeper than I thought. Fluttershy... “He’s... hurt really bad, Fluttershy. I didn’t see what happened, but...” It was weak, faltering, but the mare’s hoof reached out, rising slowly to her cheek as she pressed closer to Crimson, wishing for just one thing.

“Take me... I want... to see him...”

Undeniable

Chapter 10: Undeniable

Ponyville was not a town plagued by many injuries or ailments, and it was for this reason that working reception quickly became a battle of will with the beast known as lethargy. Sure, there were a few harrowing events every year that set everypony on edge, but for the most part evenings were quiet, with a cold here and wing flu there. Nurse Redheart was staring listlessly at a thoroughly engrossing clipboard when a silence-shattering crash shook the room. Her desire for rest forgotten, she quickly rose and opened the door, only to have a panting Cerulean tumble through. She didn’t bother making a comment on how it was always him or Twilight bursting in, as the green unicorn that was held to his chest needed immediate attention.

“Softheart, get me a cart, quickly! And page Doctor Stable, somepony’s life is on the line!” There was a scrambling down the hall as Softheart leapt into action, and Redheart turned back to Cerulean who was whispering something, drawing right up next to his lips in order to hear.

“Please, Jade, don’t go. Don’t leave me again. Don’t leave...”

“Cerulean, can you hear me? Cerulean!” Exhausted from spending nearly all of his magic in flying at speeds even Rainbow Dash would approve of, he passed out, his firm grip loosening as Softheart arrived. Together, the nurses lifted Jade onto the cart and Softheart was away, calling for everypony in the halls to stand clear while he was rushed into the emergency room. Redheart hoisted Cerulean onto her back and carried him to a bed to begin the examination. She was just about to get started when a frantic voice called out.

“Two in one day? What the hay is going on around here?” She ran out to the lobby to find Crimson already heading towards a room, and she instantly rushed to the mare’s side. “Crimson? What... oh, that looks...” she gasped softly, looking at Fluttershy’s wing.

“Where’s... Whisper?” Redheart looked at Crimson for an explanation.

“Nurse, did my brother come through here?”

“Yes, he brought another unicorn with him. He looked really bad, worse than Fluttershy.”

“Oh dear... is he gonna be...” Fluttershy started, wincing as the slightest shift sent searing pains through her chest.

“Fluttershy, you’re hurt. Crimson, come. Let’s get Fluttershy to a bed so I can start the examination while Stable works with... what’s the unicorn’s name?”

“Whis... per.” Redheart said nothing and led them both back to where Cerulean lay asleep, placing Fluttershy in the bed adjacent to him. “I... I need to see...” The nurse prepped a needle, nodding as the distraught mare mumbled a little before drifting off to sleep as the injection knocked her out.

“Crimson, can you tell me what happened?” The mare, now free from the effects of the adrenaline, sat in a daze, shaking violently as she held her head in her hooves.

“I... I don’t know... There was a loud blast, and I found her like that in the forest. Cerulean would know more. He knows...”

“Shhh, it’s ok now. We’re going to do everything we can for everypony, so don’t worry, ok?” She nodded but remained where she was as Redheart gingerly felt around the wing. She didn’t need any kind of technology to tell her that it was clearly broken, but the deep bruising around her chest was worrisome. She called for assistance and informed Crimson that they were going to perform an x-ray, but the mare was too traumatized to respond. She fell deeper into the mire of fears until a familiar voice beckoned her back to reality.

“Cerulean? Crimson? Which room are you in?” A lavender streak tore past the door before skidding to a stop, returning and trotting to Cerulean’s bedside. After Cerulean had left, Dawn refused to stay inside, insisting that they wait, and seeing Cerulean tear through the skies, Twilight had immediately given chase. Dawn hopped down and snuggled up next to her father, looking back at Twilight for an explanation as her lip started to quiver. “Shhh, it’s ok, sweetie. Daddy’s sleeping, it’s ok.” She didn’t quite buy it, but if nothing else, his foreleg would be kept warm as she held it tight. “Crimson...” she started, still not turning away from her husband, “what happened?”

“I don’t know!” Twilight left Dawn to continue comforting Cerulean and sat beside the mare who was now weeping quietly as the full weight of the situation came upon her. “I’m sorry...”

“It’s ok, Crimson, I understand. Would you... like to go home? I can stay here and take care of Fluttershy and Cerulean.”

“But... I feel like I... I need to...” Twilight didn’t mean to be pushy, but the mare needed comfort, a kind that she couldn’t give. So she pressed a hoof across her mouth, gave her a warming smile, and teleported her back to Sweet Apple Acres. Standing, she moved around to the other side of the bed and crawled in beside Cerulean, holding out a hoof and drawing Dawn into her embrace as well. Together, they held Cerulean close, providing the warmth needed to keep his nightmares at bay.

Little by little, the news was spread, and Twilight’s friends began to filter in, asking about Cerulean and Fluttershy. Given that she knew next to nothing about what had happened, she had nothing to say to stave off Rainbow Dash’s rising anger towards the mysterious green unicorn that she held responsible for the disaster. Fluttershy was still out from a steady supply of painkillers, due to having several fractured ribs and severely broken wing, and Cerulean was sleeping off his exhaustion, his magic slowly regenerating. Most of them didn’t stay long, as Twilight had already made it clear she was staying at least until Cerulean awoke, and as Rainbow Dash left last, giving one last look at Fluttershy, she slammed the door and resolved to give whoever had hurt her in such a way a beating they wouldn’t soon forget.

“That temper of hers... is gonna cause trouble if she gets anywhere near my brother.” Twilight sat up as Cerulean stirred into wakefulness, gathering Dawn into his arms and holding her close.

“Brother? Wait, the other unicorn... Cerulean, what’s going on?” Starting from the beginning, when he arrived at the cottage, he recounted everything that had happened in the forest. Fascination mixed with sorrow, Cerulean’s pain becoming her own as she saw the desperation in her stallion’s face.

“Twilight, I could never... forget those eyes. He’s changed, and he doesn’t remember me, but it’s him.”

“I thought you said your brother used to laugh and sing all the time? What changed?”

“I don’t know. Whatever made him lose his memory somehow affected his magic; it’s uncontrollable. Of all three of us, my brother was the most in tune with using soul magic. In fact, it’s basically all he ever did. But now, it seems to only activate when he’s frightened or angry. For somepony who translates emotion into magic, the results can be devastating.” He glanced over at Fluttershy, whose wing and chest were heavily bandaged. “Rainbow Dash is furious, isn’t she.”

“That’s putting it lightly, I’m afraid.”

“How bad is she?”

“Three fractured ribs, broken wing. There wasn’t any serious internal bleeding, thankfully.”

“And what... what about Jade?”

“I haven’t heard anything, I’m sorry.” He nodded and looked at the clock, an exercise in futility as he had no idea when he had arrived. “Three hours, give or take,” Twilight offered, reading his mind.

“Thank you for staying with me, Twilight. I think I’m fine now, so why don’t you take Dawn home?” It was the most ridiculous notion the filly had heard, and she let him know it with a rather firm rap on the nose.

“No! Stay with daddy.”

“Easy, Dawn, no need to hit me. Don’t you want me to get better?”

“Health smack!” Cerulean laughed loud and long, clinging to the hope that it brought.

“Twi, what kind of books are you letting her read?”

“The right ones, clearly. It made you laugh, didn’t it?”

“Yeah, though my nose isn’t too happy.”

“No blood, no bannaid!” Dawn quipped, preparing to give him another.

“Look at you, not even a year old and spouting wisdom that would make Starswirl jealous,” he murmured, staying her hoof and holding her close. The matter decided, Twilight and Dawn settled in for the night. Taking a break from the tavern, Silver stopped by with some much needed refreshment, bringing ample amounts of soda for Dawn and Cerulean and Twilight’s prefered drinks. He didn’t stay long, but offered his encouragement and his word that he and Applejack had no hard feelings towards the newcomer. They warned them, however, that Rainbow Dash was still in a heated rage, and it likely wasn’t going to disappear overnight. The nurse came in just once to update them that they were still operating on the unicorn, and Fluttershy likely wouldn’t awaken until the next morning. With no reason left to stay awake, they finished their drinks and closed their eyes.

Whisper... Why can’t I move... my legs... feel so heavy. No amount of struggle seemed to help, the only movement manageable for Fluttershy was to crack open her eyes. The medication wore off slowly, and she sat still as her body slowly rid itself of the pain killers, and comfort along with it. She glanced across at Twilight, Cerulean, and Dawn, all of whom were still asleep in the early morning. Her mouth was dry and she desperately wanted water, but what she wanted even more was reassurance that Whisper was still alive. She tried to speak, but it only came out as a hoarse cough. The muscles in her tongue were also affected, so the only option left was to wait. Dawn awoke early and, noticing she was awake, teleported beside her, offering a gentle hug.

“Shy ‘kay?” She opened her mouth, unable to make a complete drinking motion, but Dawn understood and immediately scrounged up a glass of water, holding it with her magic and letting Fluttershy drink it slowly, pulling it back as the thirsty mare took a bit too much and coughed. “No sad, Shy. Be ok.”

“Whisper...” The filly covered her mouth with both hooves and nodded, missing her meaning entirely. “Cerulean?” Acting in Fluttershy’s stead, she broke her vow of silence and woke both her parents. Since Cerulean had only passed out from expending too much magic, the sleep had restored some of his strength, though he didn’t feel nearly ready to face what was sure to be a grueling trudge through the mire of depression. As soon as he saw Fluttershy was awake, he and Twilight both walked over to her bedside, giving her their full attention. “Where’s... Whisper?”

“I haven’t heard anything since last night. He was... really hurt.”

“I want... to see him.” They knew that it wasn’t a good idea for her to be moving so soon, but the pleading tone in her fragile voice couldn’t be denied. Cerulean excused himself and went to go find a nurse while Twilight offered what comfort she could. Fluttershy wanted to accept it, to feel better, but without knowing the status of the pony that had put himself on the line to try and save her, and possibly had at his own expense, she couldn’t allow herself solace. As Cerulean entered once more, the tears brimming his eyes made her fear the worst.

“Cerulean, he’s not...”

“No,” he choked out, not wanting to scare Dawn but unable to come to terms with the news. “He’s alive, but... he’s in a coma. It’s a miracle he’s still alive, and they’ve managed to... get him stable, but he’s... not going to wake up anytime soon.” He made his way over to Twilight and cast off any notions he had of being strong. “It’s not... it’s not fair, I just found him again, and now...” Twilight closed her eyes as she held him, shedding a few tears of her own as she felt his trickle down her back. Dawn teleported onto his back to offer her support as well, but it wasn’t her tiny hooves nor Twilight’s reassuring words that rekindled hope, but the quiet whisper of one who, despite everything, was untainted by despair.

“It’s... going to be ok.” They all turned to look at Fluttershy who was expending what little energy she had to smile up at the family, feebly stretching out a hoof that was immediately accepted by Twilight. “Don’t worry, Cerulean... He’ll be ok.”

If she can smile, even through all of this, then I have to do the same. For Jade, or Whisper, if that’s what he wants. I just want my little brother back. “Thank you, Fluttershy. You’re right,” Cerulean sniffed, wiping away the tears. “As much... as I want to be there, I think you’re the only one who can reach him. Please, Fluttershy, help him. I just want... my little brother to be ok.”

“Brother? Whisper is...” He nodded, and Fluttershy smiled again, this time just a little wider. “I’m happy, Cerulean. You finally found him.”

“No, you found him, Fluttershy. And you have... no idea how grateful I am.” Fluttershy accepted his warm embrace readily, though she wouldn’t have been able to resist even if she had the desire. “We’re going to help him together. Right, Fluttershy?” She nodded weakly, eyes shining as she imagined being with him again. Before she had a chance to continue, the door cracked open and Rainbow Dash bolted in, standing on the other side of the bed and giving Fluttershy a quick examination.

“Fluttershy! Are you all right? Are you hurt? How’s your wing?”

“Dash, I’m fine, I think.” Unconvinced, the furious pegasus threw back the covers and growled, staring at the slightly blood-stained bandages around her friend’s chest and the wing that was wrapped even more than hers had been when she crashed.

“You call that fine? You could have died, Fluttershy!”

“But I...”

“No, I don’t want to hear it! Where is he, I’ll throttle him!” The chill that ran down her spine as Cerulean barred the door was more cold than she had ever imagined such a cheery stallion could be. She would rather have been face to face with Big Mac than stare into the blazing teal eyes that pierced her to the core.

“If you... so much as think about laying a hoof on my brother... you will never fly again.”

“Cerulean, please...” Twilight begged, cringing as he quiet fury exploded, the anguish of being so close to losing something dear so soon after it had been found blinding him and quickly dissolving any semblance of self control.

“Rainbow Dash, you’re always rushing into things, flying off the handle at a moment’s notice just because somepony you know got hurt, but you never even think to look at the other side! Do you know why my brother is in a coma right now? He tried to protect Fluttershy, and it nearly cost him his life!”

“But he’s the one who caused it!” she cried, backing away and shouting more out of fear than anger.

“He can’t control it! If you even stopped to ask...” Twilight’s gentle touch signaled the end of his tirade as he tried desperately to bring himself under control, his fury sending the temperature in the room plummeting. He couldn’t know how it felt from her perspective, but even if he could, it wouldn’t have mattered. All he could think about was holding his brother’s broken body in his arms, powerless to have stopped anything.

“Rainbow Dash.” She slowly turned to look at Fluttershy, who was, even in her half drugged state, was giving her the stare. “If you do anything mean to Whisper, I may not... forgive you.” Without support, full of humiliation, and broken by Fluttershy’s words, Rainbow Dash hung her head as she trotted towards the door. Cerulean stood aside to let her pass when it opened and she found herself wrapped in Storm’s arms.

“You dunce... I told you not to do it...” He took a look around the room, coming to a pretty accurate conclusion as to what had happened. “Cerulean, I simply wish to ask if this pony, who has put Fluttershy in the state she’s in, is worth defending.”

“With my life.”

No hesitation... “Good enough for me.”

Fluttershy, after everything we’ve... is he really that important to you? I’m... “I’m sorry.” Dash’s whisper was on par with Fluttershy’s, and with a sigh Cerulean walked over and placed a hoof on her shoulders. “I just... couldn’t stand the thought of losing Fluttershy. I was so scared...”

“I forgive you, Dash. Your loyalty runs deep, I know. I’m... scared of losing somepony precious too.” I hate getting angry, it makes me... so tired... “Dash, I have a request.”

“Y-yeah, what is it?”

“Can you go tell Spike to come here, along with quill and parchment? I’d... like to write a letter to the Princess, if that’s ok with you, Twi.”

“That sounds like a good plan.” Eager to have some time to calm down, Dash took off like a rocket, with Storm following behind. Cerulean laid back down, while Twilight left with Dawn to find food. The foal had been incredibly patient, crying little even during the heated exchange. Self-control gave birth to hunger, and an audible gurgle jumpstarted Twilight’s mothering instincts. Fluttershy wasn’t quite ready for real food, so when they arrived at Sugarcube Corner, they grabbed a few tasty treats and a healthy fruit smoothie for the drowsy mare. They had just finished eating when Spike burst through the door, chest heaving and stationary in claw.

Opting to write the letter himself, Cerulean explained the situation regarding his brother’s wild magic and the tragedy in the forest. Knowing that Jade would likely spook when he woke, and even more so when he learned what happened, he also requested a magic limiter for his brother’s horn. Putting his signature on it, he rolled it up and gave it to Spike, who sent it away in a puff of green flames.

“Fluttershy, what are you doing?” Twilight rushed over as one of the mare’s hind legs slowly shifted, drooping off the edge of the bed. “You can’t get out of bed yet, you’re still too weak.”

“Please...” Dawn had her moments, and could be a real charmer when she put her mind to it, but she had years to go before she could ever hope to match the look that Fluttershy wore as she peered up at Twilight. “I want... to see him.” Knowing it would be far too painful to carry her physically, Twilight picked her up with her magic, bidding Cerulean lead the way. Making sure no nurses were present to try and halt the migration, they quickly made their way down to the intensive care unit where he was staying. Cerulean made it just inside before turning away, unwilling to look again.

Twilight eased Fluttershy down as gently as she could, laying her on her side. She gently ran a hoof over his bandaged chest before bringing her hoof to a rest on the side of his muzzle, speaking quietly and smiling through the tears that sprang unbidden to her eyes.

“It’s going to be ok, Whisper. I’m here.” Cerulean turned back as Redheart walked in and gave a start, not expecting anypony to be inside.

“What are... you can’t be in here, it’s...”

“Nurse, you are not to remove Fluttershy from his side under any circumstances, is that clear?” She could only stare wordlessly at the force with which Cerulean spoke. “If it’s true that ponies can still hear when they’re in a coma, then it’s going to be her voice that brings him back. Please... I want my brother to live. Let her stay.” Looking from face to face, she conceded without a fight, leaving without another word on the matter. “Fluttershy, take good care of him. I think... you’re the only pony who can.”

“Did you... hear that, Whisper? I’m staying... right here.” As Cerulean heard those words, he dared to look back at the pair. Broken, pained, and despite her positive outlook, he knew that Fluttershy was likely just as worried as he was. Still, there was one thing that couldn't be called into question, and even as his eyes roamed over his brother's battered frame, he took solace in the fact that the devotion of the mare holding him was undeniable.

Momentary Reprieve

Chapter 11: Momentary Reprieve

How does one find joy when something precious hangs by a thread? There was no solution for the problem at hoof save waiting, and that was something nopony enjoyed. And thus, Silver set out to find some way to alleviate the pervading gloom, if only for a time.

“Applejack, this has got to stop. I know things are serious right now, but I can’t stand seeing everypony so down.”

“Ah feel the same way, sugarcube. You have any ideas? Been dang close to a week now, an’ nothin’s changed. Fluttershy only just got cleared to walk yesterday, an’ even still she only leaves fer necessities. Spends every moment of every day with Whisper.”

“I don’t have much hope for cheering her up. She’s fallen hard fer ‘im.”

“Yer talkin’ like me again,” she chuckled, standing and getting him a fresh cup of cider before returning and resting her head on his shoulders and a hoof on her stomach. “Ah think Fluttershy ain’t as depressed as the rest o’ us. The times I’ve been in t’ see her, she’s smilin’. It ain’t fake, either. She honestly believes that stallion is gonna wake up any day an’ things will be right as rain.”

“Now, if only we could get our friends to have the same attitude.” Applejack sat silent a moment before rapping a hoof on the table and pulling away, beaming ear to ear.

“Ah got it! Silver, it has been a while since you magicked somethin’ interestin’, so why don’t you whip up somethin’ crazy to share? Oh, and make something non-alcoholic fer me an’ Dash. Ain’t fair, not bein’ able t’ drink. What was ah thinkin’...” A kick gave her a none-too-gentle reminder. “All right, now don’t go gettin’ all ornery, ah didn’t mean nothin’ by it. This feller has quite a buck. Must be an earth pony,” she muttered, staring wistfully at Silver’s glass.

“It’ll be worth it, Applejack. And besides,” he added with a wink, “I’ll treat you to a nice glass of Zap...”

“Don’t you mention that moonshine o’ yers, that’s right frightful stuff. It’s too dang good t’ be real and makes me go all crazy, an’ you know it.”

“High praise from the master cider brewer of Ponyville. Come on,” he motioned, draining his glass and standing, helping her to her hooves, “I need an assistant.”

“How scared should I be? What’ve you got in mind?” she asked, trotting after him.

“It should be safe... mostly.”

Silver’s assessment was scarily accurate. No injuries, or spontaneous combustion of his horn, or freezing of his nether regions occurred. What did occur was a dirt devil which nearly gained tornado status and the partial flooding of the lab, both events requiring several hours of cleanup after each. Silver couldn’t help but admire Applejack’s acceptance of his somewhat dangerous talents, dealing with them calm, rationally, and normally with humor. In fact, he had already discussed having a “Best Pregnant Mare” trophy made by his mother to award her after she came to term.

Applejack’s patience aside, he had managed to create two new drinks and one more poison joke additive, and with everything laid out and ready, he sent Applejack to spread the word. Assuming they were having some kind of brunch or something due to being instructed to bring some of their favorite dish, Rainbow Dash brought some of her vegetable stir fry, it being one of the few things she could cook. Twilight brought blueberry ice cream, though this time fortunately without tartar sauce and pickle juice. Her book about pregnancy had been well received, though not initially. After some digging and interviews with other pregnant mares, she compiled the notes and re-released her findings, not as a simple cookbook but as an advice guide primarily focused on unicorns and how not to make their spouses’ lives miserable. Cerulean had been hesitant to have his exploits as a charming mare spread across Equestria, but eventually he relented.

Pinkie, predictably, brought cupcakes. And cake. And brownies. And pretty much one of everything from Sugarcube Corner, including the hard candy. Rarity was much too refined for petty sweets, and thus brought crumpets which were inarguably the most refined of snacks. At Applejack’s request, Big Mac and Crimson joined in for the festivities, along with Berry and Snowdrift. As everypony gathered, he held up a hoof and waited.

“Uh, sugarcube? What’re you doin’?”

“Call it a hunch, sweetheart.” A few more seconds of silence passed before a knock sounded at the door and Celestia strolled in, Luna in tow, though fortunately Discord had been barred from being anywhere near alcohol after the “incident” with the Dragon Liquor at the castle. “Princess, are those...”

“What, have you something against pancakes?”

“No, yer... your Highness, nothin’ at...” Oh, forget it. “Ain’t nothin’ wrong with flapjacks.”

“I should say not,” she stated, minorly annoyed that she had even needed to say it. “Where is Dawn?”

“Pancakes!” The foal fell from the skies like a shooting star, landing face-first on the spongy breakfast and devouring half before she was hastily pulled away by Luna who was having quite a difficult time being stern with the filly.

“Dawn, when I have need of a taste test, I shall summon you. Until then, do not interfere with my breakfast.” The filly showed her remorse by offering what was left of her mouthful in an outstretched hoof, causing laughs from everypony save Twilight, who was thoroughly embarrassed by the foal’s audacity.

“Celestia, what did you bring?” Twilight inquired, quite curious to know what her teacher’s favorite food might be. To her surprise, disappointment, and all around confusion, the regal, majestic princess set down a single, admittedly overripe banana, grinning ear to ear. Silence ensued, and Dawn trotted over to inspect the fruit, looking up at Celestia and then back down again.

“Ewww.” Celestia looked truly hurt as the filly pointed her snout in the air and walked away as everypony erupted into laughter, Luna’s hoots of derision nearly reaching royal Canterlotese volumes. Twilight failed to stifle her snickers before the princess flashed her a most disturbing smile and then stowed the banana out of sight.

“All right, everypony, that’s exactly what we need,” Silver said, wiping tears away as the merriment subsided. “Now, I know things have been pretty dour around here, but from what I’ve heard from Fluttershy, Whisper is a nice stallion. Skittish, but nice. He’s taking one doozy of a nap, so let’s have a good time and laugh extra hard so he can hear, all right?” A rousing cheer and a blast from a party cannon, and the testing was officially underway. The first alchemical wonder he unveiled was “Breezy Blush,” a wind-infused grape wine, as opposed to the mixture of berry juices used for the Shockberry. What exactly the drink did he kept quiet about, handing the cups out one at a time. Pinkie was first, and she quaffed the drink in one go and waited to float away on the wind. Instead, her mane and tail turned to felt, which was even better than flight.

“Hey, the outside of my head looks like the inside of my head! That means I’m twice as smart now! C’mon, Twilight, hit me with your best shot!”

“Ok, Pinkie, divide something by zero.”

“Duh, I don’t even have to think about that, I do that all the time! It’s forty-two, silly. Ask me another!” Rarity was served next as Twilight engaged in a trivia battle of the most nonsensical subjects, and she simply stared at Silver like he had just poured her a glass of mud.

“You cannot honestly expect me to drink such a thing after seeing what kind of disaster it wreaked on Pinkie’s already unsightly mane. No offense, dear.”

“Suit yourself, I won’t force anything, sweetheart. Here you go, Twilight.” Ignoring the pink mare’s ramblings, she drained half the glass and gave Rarity a quizzical look, her lungs filling to the brim but forgetting to release as she sat stunned by the magnificence of Twilight’s mane.

“Rarity, are you ok?” In response, and still not breathing, she pulled out a mirror and held it up for Twilight to see. Her mane seemed to flow on a breeze that wasn’t there, much like Celestia’s, and shimmered like the evening sky, dotted with stars. Dawn was instantly upon her, giving an excited squee of approval before diving for the cup. Twilight quickly yanked it out of the way and finished the rest, whereupon Dawn began to pout.

“Want pretty hair.”

“Silver, you wouldn’t happen to...” she started before he slid a child’s cup over, nodding to Dawn who drained it and watched with fascination as her hair took on the coloration of the morning sky, dotted with shining lights. It was, perhaps, too exciting for the filly, who leapt from the table and began tearing around the room haphazardly, not even noticing the times she fell over after tripping on her wondrous mane. Convinced, Rarity drained hers and promptly fainted at the splendor, her mane reflecting the light like it were made entirely of a midnight amethyst. Cerulean’s looked like a blizzard, Storm’s looked dangerously like an agitated thundercap that flashed with lightning, and Dash’s got twenty percent cooler, maintaining it’s awesome color and and flowing like she was flying at Sonic Rainboom speeds.

Berry had, perhaps, the strangest reaction to the drink, leading her to believe that Silver had somehow tampered with the beverage solely for the purpose of humiliating her. True to her name, her mane fell flat and looked like it was going to wash away, and it took every ponies intervention to keep Pinkie from trying to drink the mare’s mane which looked all the world like pink punch.

“What’s that look for, Berry?” Silver asked, grinning at the mare’s obvious displeasure with the results.

“I just nearly had my mane devoured, what do you think it means?”

“Who knows, it might not have been so bad.”

“Yeah, it’s not so bad!” Pinkie squealed, leaping upright. “I had this weird dream once where there was this pizza...” she started before Twilight tackled her to the ground, forcibly halting the recounting and and whispering dire warnings should she attempt to continue.”

“Twi, what ‘n tarnation is she talkin’ ‘bout?” Applejack inquired, shooting the pair a quizzical glance.

“You really don’t want to know. Pinkie, are you done?”

“What? No way, I was just getting to phase...” Twilight didn’t particularly care for having her hoof in Pinkie’s mouth, convinced that whatever enzymes went into digesting her food so fast would likely dissolve her hoof in a matter of minutes, and thus simply put up a noise canceling barrier around the mare who chatted to her hearts content. Snowdrift shook his head and downed his, smirking at Berry who clearly thought he had received the better end of the deal.

Like a wind blown tundra, his mane turned pure white, billowing of its own accord and seeming give off snowflakes that dissipated after a moment or two. Big Mac and Crimson took theirs at the same time, and both were more than satisfied with the results.

“Darlin’, it’s a good thing Applebloom ain’t around t’ see yer mane all aglitter like that. She’d be right jealous.”

“I must say, it never quite crossed my mind, but that pompadour is quite comely on you. Silver, I think I’m going to need some of this to go.”

“Eeyup.” They turned as the last pair, the royal sisters, drank their fill and looked at each other with confusion.

“Sister, thine mane is yet unchanged. Perhaps it is not strong enough for you? What of mine?”

“It is still the same. Silver, you flatterer.”

“Uh, beg yer pardon, your Highness, but what do you mean?”

“Nothing, Silver, do not worry yourself over it. Come now, what is this other creation? There must be a reason we brought all this food. Oh, Twilight, do remove your spell from Pinkie. She looks a little anxious.” Anxious wasn’t quite the word, as Pinkie was dangerously close to having a meltdown from being ignored and recounting her tragic tale. Twilight quickly removed the hex and offered a comforting hoof.

“I didn’t mean... to eat...” Twilight gently placed a hoof over her mouth with her other around the mares shoulders, nodding to Silver who poured a glass and raised it for all to see. The fluid was utterly uninteresting to look at, as it was clear like water.

“Vivacious Vodka, for those wondering. Quite a curious drink, if I do say so myself. May I have a volunteer?”

“Do you have a ‘pregnant mare’ version?”

“That I do, Rainbow Dash. One moment.” Pulling out a different cask, he poured another cup and continued. “So, what is it that you brought to dine on, Rainbow Dash?”

“Stir fry, ‘cause it’s simple.”

“Excellent, may I see some?” She slid the plate over to him, and he unwrapped it and, much to everypony’s shock, levitated a small cluster of noodles and plopped it into the drink. Shock gave way to awe as the noodles dissolved into the fluid, leaving it the same color with no particles left. He returned the glass to Rainbow Dash, who looked at the cup with growing suspicion.

“If it can just melt food like that, what’s it going to do to my stomach? It’s not going to melt that too, is it?”

“Hmmm, haven’t seen it yet. Here, we’ll do a few more tests if you like. You do have two other ponies to think about, after all. Pinkie, you’ve brought... half a candy shop, great. Uh... what would you like to put in?” he asked, sliding over the glass and waiting. Silver, not having known Pinkie as long as the rest, couldn’t have anticipated her putting in not one item, not two, but everything she brought into the cup. A whole cake, half a tray of brownies, enough cupcakes to knock Dawn out and even a sack full of assorted hard candies: everything went in. And still, at the end, the drink looked exactly the same. Rainbow Dash was about as comforted as she might be waking up in the arms of an Ursa Major robbed of her cub, and she quickly shoved the glass away and watched in horror as Pinkie chugged half of her own glass.

It was rare, but Pinkie could be struck speechless at times, usually only by unbridled joy. The drink, having absorbed all the sweetness of every treat she had put into it, was, without a doubt, the most delicious thing she had ever tasted. Her wide, unblinking eyes were testament to this fact.

“Ok, Silver, your drink just broke Pinkie. I’m not just worried, I’m really bucking freaked out!”

“Cousin, what does that drink actually do?” Berry asked, waiting for Pinkie’s brain to reboot any second.

“It simply absorbs the taste of anything put in. Twilight, better do yours next, or that ice cream is going to be a drink in and of itself.” The concept was crazy, the drink scary, and the magic behind it all too exhilarating for her to pass up, and she eagerly shoveled two large scoops into her glass, watching as they dissipated with giddy excitement. She gave it a swig, followed up with a gasp, and finished by chugging the rest.

“Silver, you have got to show me more alchemy. This is too amazing!” One by one, they all started trying the various foods they brought, and Silver’s plan was deemed a rousing success. He still had one last trick for the night, but as with most pranks, they are better revealed suddenly and without warning. Pouring a glass of the vodka, he levitated a crumpet out of Rarity’s basket and dropped it in, along with a vial of a new additive derived from the poison joke. It was a little disappointing, really, but with Rarity it may be good for some laughs.

“Sugarcube, ah hope you know what you’re doin’,” Applejack warned, her seriousness tainted by the evil grin dominating her muzzle.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll still be at the top of her list, I think.”

“You can always blame it on me. That’s what Rainbow Dash does,” Cerulean chuckled, glancing over at the guilty mare who held an air of indignation for just a moment before devolving into a fit of snickers. After a few gentle prods, the mare stirred back into wakefulness, blinking for a few moments before she remembered why she had lost consciousness in the first place.

“My mane, is it? It is! Silver, you are truly a marvel! I’m so happy, I could just...”

“Easy there, Rarity, he’s already spoken for.”

“Yes, well, it is most unfortunate, I suppose. Oh, now what is this then? It’s rather plain looking,” she remarked staring at the clear fluid.

“Don’t fret about the color, sweetheart. Just look, Pinkie’s enjoying it.” While speech had yet to return to the mare, she had managed to lift the corners of her mouth into a gargantuan smile that had Twilight slightly boggled as to how it were physically possible. The answer was that it wasn’t, but it was Pinkie, so she dismissed it and watched eagerly as Rarity tilted the glass back and had about the same reaction Twilight had. The similarities ended as Rarity got a free, albeit unasked for, cosmetic adjustment.

“Whatever are you all staring at me for? I know my mane is simply fabu... What is the meaning of this?!?” she howled, glancing down at herself in disbelief.

“C’mon, Rar, everypony knows Zecora talks in rhyme!” Dash chimed in, staring at the mare who now had black stripes to match her white coat.

“Stripes? What... but... I never wear stripes! Not even my mane could detract from... from...”

“Zebra Surprise, sweetheart. I’m sure there are other animals in there too, but as I’m sure Twilight can attest, working with Poison Joke is...”

“Absolutely horrible! I cannot believe you would do this to me, Silver! And here I was, thinking that you were different... All you stallions are the same!”

“Eeyup.”

“Big Mac, you’re not even on the list yet, but I assure you if I add your name now you will be below even Cerulean should you continue to speak!”

“Darlin’, how do ah rank on yer list?” he asked, ignoring the fuming mare and nuzzling Crimson. It was, unfortunately, a tender display of affection, and one that Rarity couldn’t possibly use as justification or fuel for her rant. In truth, she wasn’t all that upset about it, not having any plans to go out and certainly nopony around to impress. Besides, if it gave everypony a laugh, she could bare it. After all, despite what she claimed, she knew that everpony’s worries were on her shoulders, intentional or not. So, she continued to act the spaz, smiling inwardly as everypony had a good laugh at her antics which, this time, were being used for good.

Disturbed by the inexcusable noise, Bangles descended the stairs and watched the proceedings. Cerulean noticed and beckoned her over, mentally kicking himself for not having thought to invite her in the first place. She shrugged off his apology and sat down at the far end, furthest away from everypony and content simply to watch. Silver caught the look from Cerulean, and making his selection, poured her a glass of Breezy Blush and slid it over.

“I’m already staying in your tavern for free. You give me food and a place to sleep, I really can’t accept anything more from you.”

“Sweetheart, I have certain pregnant mare that would be right sore with me if I didn’t offer, so do me a favor and accept before I get in trouble, would you please?” She yielded without a word, raising the glass with her magic and taking a sip. The flavor was outstanding, and though she didn’t normally indulge, as she was surrounded by cheerful goodwill, she made an exception and downed the cup, though she still drank slower than most of the ponies around the table.

“Bangles, if you want to see something really funny, you should go find Freefall,” Snowdrift suggested, imagining the look on his friend’s face upon seeing the change in her mane.

“Why would I want to make him any more nervous around me than he already is? As it is, he hasn’t spoken to me since the first time...”

“You know, I can’t believe I’m actually going to say this, as Freefall has always been the one doing the chasing, but maybe you should go to him. Nervous or not, I bet he’d... no, I know he’d like to see you.” She pondered the suggestion, oblivious to the magic working through her hair, and decided that she really had nothing to lose. It was still hard for her to look most of Cerulean’s friends in the face, so the excuse to get away for a bit was readily accepted. After thanking Silver for the drink, she strode out the door and made for Sweet Apple Acres.

Perhaps it was her imagination, but she was being stared at a good deal more than normal, one of the main reasons she stayed in doors. It was almost enough to make her bolt back to the tavern, but something urged her on. Breaking her usual canter, she galloped towards the orchards, unsure of how to go about finding Freefall should he actually be outdoors somewhere. Such worries were unnecessary, as a startled yelp followed by a painful sounding impact bid her turn towards the barn, where Freefall had tumbled from the roof. His embarrassment only grew worse, along with his blush, as the mare trotted over and stood just a few hooflengths away.

“Are you all right?”

“Y... uh...” I don’t know what kind of freaky magic she’s using right now, but that mane... There’s no way I can talk to her like this.

“You know... I wouldn’t normally say this, but articulation can be an aphrodisiac.” I don’t know why I even said that. What the hay am I trying to imply?

“Is it... really?”

Was that... coherency? “Well, I would like whatever stallion that takes an interest to at least be able to speak with me.

Well, that all but knocks me out of the race. Can I just scream, does that count?

He’s hesitating again. What was it that... She looked up at him, faintly amused. “Really...”

Really? What’s that supposed to mean? Oh buck, she’s moving closer!

“Talk dirty to me.”

“Whoa, hold on, I’m not like that! I’m serious, I just want to go out with you, ok? I mean, sure, later on, yeah, that’d be awesome, but...” What the hay... did I just spout off. She took a step closer.

“If you’re interested in a little fun, all you have to do is ask, Freefall.”

“Ok, here’s a question; will you bucking go out with me?”

“Yes... sorry.” I can’t believe... I just said all that. I hate acting like... like I used to, but... it worked.

I can’t believe I just asked that. Wait, she said yes? “Buckin’ scoooooooooooore!”

Hopes and Fears

Chapter 12: Hopes and Fears

Merriment echoed through the town, radiating hope and mirth to every ear that heard. It reached to the library, to the cottage still undergoing repairs... to Sugarcube Corner, the Carousel Boutique, and all the way to the Ponyville Clinic, where Fluttershy sat next to Whisper on the bed. Midway through her story about Angel being given flying lessons by a horde of irate chickens after sassing the venerable rooster presiding over the flock, she paused as the sounds came, faintly at first but growing in intensity as the taste testing continued. With one hoof to her chest and the other resting gently on Whisper’s cheek, she closed her eyes, savoring the sound.

“You hear that, Whisper? They’re all laughing for you. And don’t you worry, one of these days, we’ll find a way for you to laugh. You’ll laugh, and sing... hey, I know! When you wake up, let’s sing a song together! I mean, if you want to. I think it’d be fun. We don’t need an audience or anything, it could just be the two of us. Or maybe, later when you’re more comfortable with ponies, we could sing for the tavern? Oh, there’s so many things I want to show you, so hurry up and get better, ok?”

It was faint, nearly imperceptible, but Fluttershy’s squeal of glee prompted just a little more. The corners of his mouth, even in sleep, were edging towards a smile. Granted, it stopped half way and looked more like a faintly amused smirk, but for the comatose pony, it was a lot, and it was so much more to Fluttershy. After spending every spare moment of every day by his side, it was the first sign of life she had seen since the accident. The rise and fall of his chest was rhythmic, but weak. Where once his heartbeat would have brought her comfort, it now simply brought anxiety. So, to see him smile proved that he could hear her, and everypony else too.

“Oh, now where was I? Um... oh yes, so Angel marches right up to the rooster, demanding he come down from the roof. And then the rooster says...” Whisper heard every word, and treasured them, even if he couldn’t show it right then. Every story, every tearful plea: none of it was lost. Each passing day, she proved time and time again that maybe, just maybe, the pony world wasn’t as frightening as he thought it was. Or, at least, her world, filled with bunnies and foxes and raccoons and every other thing she found to be wonderful. Of course, this still didn’t ease his anxieties with unfamiliar voices were heard in the room, but he knew that he would be alright, as long as she was by his side.

Afternoon turned to evening, and his favorite gentle voice slowed to a stop. Fluttershy had fallen asleep beside him, one hoof draped across his bandaged chest. She stirred but did not wake as the door creaked open, and seeing her asleep, Rarity gently closed the door and trotted over, setting down a glass of Breezy Blush and a mug of chocolate mead by the bedside.

“I don’t suppose I’ll get much thanks for my generous contribution to your happiness, but it appears you have plenty, Fluttershy,” she murmured, examining the look of contentment written on the mare’s face even as she shared in the stallion’s brokenness. “I would... never have thought that you, of all ponies, would find somepony before myself. But... I can see why they’d want you. No amount of fashion could ever replace such a caring heart.” Too somber to pay much attention to his mane which, to be sure, hadn’t gotten any less fabulous, she pulled over a chair and sat beside the bed, staring at the stallion.

“I suppose that you really do have reason to be afraid of ponies. Just look at... well, you can’t really, but you’re very badly hurt. So is your friend Fluttershy, and it’s my fault. I simply wanted to look at your mane. I couldn’t have known you’d be so frightened, but...”

What is she talking about? My mane scares ponies, and here she’s calling it “the most splendid mane of all time since... her own?” That’s silly, I like Fluttershy’s mane more. I can’t run away, but she doesn’t sound so scary like this.

“I’m sorry, Jade. I do hope for a chance to fix this when you awake. And, if you’ll permit me, maybe a few moments to style your mane? Oh, but that is rude of me to ask...” He heard a door close and then there was silence for a while. Some time later he heard the door open once more, and he would have bolted if he were awake as he heard the voice of the scary blue stallion that had spooked him in the forest.

“Hey there, baby brother.”

Baby... brother? Wait, he said something like that in the forest, too. I don’t have any brothers or sisters though, do I? I don’t even know if I have parents somewhere. Cerulean glanced over at the alcohol on the nightstand, trotting over and examining the temperature. A small release of magic chilled them to an appropriate temperature, and he eased Fluttershy awake, offering her the mead to get her started.

“Oh, thank you, Cerulean. I was really thirsty.” She took a deep draft, gasping softly as she came back for air, bringing the mug to her lips once more before noticing the wine on the table. “Is that a new one?”

“Yeah, it’s an interesting one, to be sure. Tasty, though not very strong. I think you’ll really like it.” Curious, she made as if to rise, but Cerulean levitated the glass over to her hooves, where she took a tentative sip, beamed ear to ear, and drank the rest, relishing the taste though restraining herself from simply quaffing it down.

“Oh my goodness! That’s amazing!” she exclaimed, staring at her mane in wonder. It looked as if it were made entirely out of cherry blossoms, and fluttered gently on an unseen breeze. “Oh, I can’t wait to show this to Whisper when he wakes up. Thank you very much for bringing me some drinks. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the party.”

“It wasn’t me that brought them, Fluttershy. And don’t worry, everypony understands.” Noting Fluttershy’s mild confusion, he elaborated. “Fluttershy, I don’t know if you can pry yourself away, but when you get the chance, you should talk to Rarity. She blames herself for what happened, and as per usual she’s trying not to show how much it’s actually getting to her. I think it’d go a long way if you told her she was forgiven.”

“There’s nothing to forgive, and if she were here, I’d give her a piece of my mind for being so silly!”

Uh oh, she’s doing her scary voice again! Poor Rarity, whoever that is.

“Cerulean... if you don’t mind me asking, um... you said that Whisper is your brother, right?”

“Yes,” he murmured, trotting over and placing a hoof on his brother’s shoulder. “It was many years ago, around sixteen, I think. We were all down at the beach, a few hours away from Baltimare. Can’t remember the name of the place, but I remember most of the day. It was... a day that made me feel like there really was hope to be had.”

“I don’t mean to pry, but I’m really curious. What was he like? And how old was he?”

“It’s fine, Fluttershy. Let’s see, he was... five, I think? So that’d make him around twenty-one now. As to what he was like, think a small, green Pinkie Pie with semi-explainable magical powers that never stopped singing.”

“Pinkie Pie? Really?”

“Oh yeah,” Cerulean chuckled, grinning as the memories came back. They were still tinged with pain, but now having found him, they brought with them more joy than grief. “You were a right little terror, weren’t you?”

I don’t know you, but no, I wasn’t! I mean, unless you mean scaring ponies... I do that just by looking at them...

“Jade... or Whisper, as you call him, was very talented with magic, even at a young age. It was a little aggravating, I will admit. Fluttershy, I don’t know how much you know about unicorn magic, but Jade has a very deep attunement with matters of the soul. In fact, he taught me the Soul Song spell that I used to make my apology to Twilight in Canterlot.”

“I remember her telling me about that. It was really sweet, and a little sad.” He nodded, remembering the day Jade had first used the spell himself.

“‘Cerulean, Cerulean, I can make magic songs!’ I believed him too, my ears were ringing even before he started making music spring from nowhere, the way he shouted in his excitement.”

“Um, forgive me if this is silly, and maybe it’s because I’m not a unicorn, but if he could sing then, why can’t he talk now without...”

Causing disaster, the only thing I’ve ever seen my voice do? I’d like to know...

“One time, I saw Jade get really scared. I think he was being bullied or something, but before I even got the chance to step in, he shouted something at them, and his magic knocked them head over tail. He was even more terrified afterwards, he didn’t understand what had happened, and as he came running over, it started to rain a little, just where we were sitting. I didn’t fully understand either, but seeing what happened in the forest, I’d guess that he’s lost control of his magic.”

“But, Twilight always says that magic only happens when she wants it to happen.”

“That’s usually true, but as you probably know, my nightmares are out of my control. Fluttershy, magic based on emotional state is something that runs in my family, and Jade feels it the strongest. I think that he is unintentionally translating and displaying his emotions through magic, but he’s releasing far too much at once. Tell me, did he ever speak around you?”

“No. Well, not with his mouth. I could see his words in my vision, but he never said a word until Rarity busted in.”

“I see. Something must have happened that has made him scared to speak, and if I had to guess, it has something to do with his magic going haywire. If... he’s come to equate one with the other, then it’s little surprise he’s so terrified. I mean, if you knew the moment you got upset, you could destroy everything...”

Then you’d hide, just like I did. Because you’re kind and would never hurt anypony, Fluttershy.

“I would be very scared, and I’d want to hide... but I know my friends would help me through everything. They wouldn’t let me seal myself away. And, even if he’s afraid, I’m not going to let him hide. You hear me?” she giggled, not sounding the least bit commanding. “Friends don’t let friends hide. I’m going to stay by your side, and whether it’s fast or slow, it doesn’t matter. Little by little, I’ll show you that the world is a wonderful place to be.”

In light of Berry’s over-indulgence that night, Snowdrift’s heavy buzz wasn’t even comparable to the elated stupor of his fillyfriend, and more than a couple of times during the course of the trip home, which ended up taking about three times longer than normal, he found himself nearly toppled over as she suddenly leaned her full body weight against him, though not of her own accord. No, Berry had simply enjoyed Silver’s creations to their fullest, having a little of everything before satisfying herself with alternating between varying wines, alchemical or not. Ruby met the thud on the door with curiosity, and the tumbling in of her mother and coltfriend with knowing amusement, trotting over and standing next to the pair as Berry lay giggling up a storm and Snow simply gleaned what comfort he could from the floor.

“Wow... she’s pretty far gone, isn’t she.”

“Just a little, Ruby. Have you been here alone all night?”

“Oh, no, I just got done hanging out with Applebloom and the rest.” She would have continued to speak in further detail, but her mother clearly needed to be put the bed, seeing as how she found the spinning room and admittedly dull ceiling to be incredibly entertaining. That, and she would likely pass out soon anyways, and dragging dead weight is infinitely more difficult than even the slightest bit of added effort from her mother, as Ruby could attest to. Using some of her magic to set Berry on her hooves, Ruby led the way as Snow all but carried her to bed. It was strange, he would admit, how he could find such behavior endearing when anypony else he would have shook his head and walked away, but as the laughter slowly trailed off into snores, he felt little else but a desire to crawl in beside her. “You make mom really happy, you know.” Snow turned around, puzzlement stamped on his face at the interjection.

“I was under the impression that Berry was a fairly happy pony even before I came along.” Ruby didn’t respond immediately, but rather crawled onto the bed and sat down by her slumbering mother, motioning for Snow to do the same.

“Happiness when you’re totally bamboozled doesn’t really count as happiness, does it?” Snow pondered the question, though Ruby didn’t wait for an answer. “It was hard for me to tell at first, because mom always drinks. It was rare that I ever saw her without some kind of glass near her hoof. But... since you’ve come here, she’s actually drinking less, I think, even with uncle Shiny’s tavern so close by.” Snowdrift didn’t really mention anything about it, but Berry’s excess did worry him from time to time, but Ruby’s revelation alerted him that he wasn’t alone in that.

“Don’t worry, Ruby. I may not be good for a whole lot, but if I can keep making your mother happy, that’s good enough for me. Let’s do our best to take care of her, ok?”

“She’s not the only one...”

“Huh?”

“Nothing. Night, Snow.” The filly hopped off the bed and scampered away, accidentally closing the door with a slam. Snowdrift stared at it for a time until the snores in the silence alerted him to more pressing needs: a good night’s sleep and a mare to hold. Muzzy though he was, sleep was a long time in coming, as thoughts of his new life filled his mind, and unspoken questions sought answers.

Ruby, I really, really hope that you meant... you’re starting to accept me as more than just your mother’s coltfriend. Hay, you’re probably smarter than me, but I still... I don’t want to just be seen as “that pony my mom is with.” I said I’d do my best for both of you, and I meant it. He clutched Berry to his chest, trying to glean some comfort from her warmth as his thoughts turned from hope to shame. Berry... am I really making you happy? It’s been months, and I... still haven’t been able to give you everything...

Even without soundproofed walls, the Quakehoof residence would have been quiet. While Flying Grace was easily given to playful teasing, the condition of her daughter-in-law and son when they entered that night bid her hold her tongue from anything other than encouragement, though it was received about the same. Storm closed the door and watched as his wife eased into bed, laying on her side and staring straight ahead, her mind no doubt anywhere but the present. She offered no resistance as he climbed in behind her, holding her close and sheltering her with a wing. Whether the happiness displayed in the tavern that night, or the week since the accident as a whole, had been an act, he couldn’t say for sure, but it was clear that underneath she was still hurting.

As good as I am at figuring out what to say, I just don’t know how to approach this. Dash is scared, clearly, and angry, and probably cut almost as deep as when she was wrongfully disqualified after the Wonderbolts tryouts. She hadn’t moved an inch, nor responded to his embrace in anyway, the only sign of activity the shallow, irregular breathing. Actually, I think... this is worse. I can’t fully understand, but she’s told me about how much she worries over Fluttershy, so to have the one she’s always tried to protect threaten a permanent rift...

Fluttershy, we’ve... we’ve been friends for, like, ever! So how can... how can you throw that away for somepony that you’ve barely known for days... Somepony who freaking put you in the hospital! Am I... really not that important to you... that you’d just trade it all away, just like that? “It’s not fair, Fluttershy...” Storm’s encouraging nuzzle and soft wing that covered most of her body only spurred the tears that had started to creep in to increase, and as comfortably as she could she rolled over and buried her face in his chest. Somehow, “It’s going to be ok” seemed a little too trite to be worth mentioning, so he chose instead to simply hold her, letting the tears run themselves dry. As her breathing began making its trek back to normalcy, he decided that a gentle though firm command was in order.

“Rainbow Dash, you’re going to talk to her tomorrow.” The tremors stopped as Dash summoned what strength she had to listen, desperate for direction or comfort. “I haven’t known Fluttershy that long, but I still remember the stories you’ve told me about when you were little. Dash, she’s a lot stronger than she was then, and if anything, this whole mess proves she doesn’t need anypony’s constant protection.”

Storm, you’re right, but... that’s not what scares me the most.

“What she does still need is her long-time friend. Dash, her learning to stand up for herself isn’t going to make her friends any less important to her. If anything, she’s just as hurt by this silence as you.”

“Stop... making sense.” Always eager to pitch in, the twins promptly followed their mother’s light rap to his chest with two bucks to his gut, though it had more of an effect on their mother and thus they didn’t give him any more. “It’s just not right, being so...”

“Smart? Sorry, you already missed your chance with Freefall.” Yes, laugh it all out, Dash. This depression... it isn’t you. And I’m not going to let it stick. Oh well, I guess I can sound cliché, just a little. “Don’t worry, Dash. It’s all going to be ok.” She nodded, accepting the meaning behind the words though teasing him for being so cheesy, a testament that she was beginning to move forward. Storm would never have guessed that one pony could affect so many, but Dash and all of her friends were learning that their shy, bashful friend was a more integral part of their lives than they had known. He just wished learning such things didn’t require the near-death experience of two ponies to figure it out.

Very Best Friend

Chapter 14: Very Best Friend

Morning turned to afternoon, and Fluttershy sat on the edge of a bed much too uncomfortable, and unfortunately familiar. For that brief moment that she saw Celestia’s magic, a flicker of hope that he would wake roared to life, but slowly faded away as she was again left alone with Whisper. Her determination was never called into question, but it was still a growing struggle to face each day with a smile. On top of having her heart out on a limb, held by a comatose stallion, she knew that things weren’t right between herself and Rainbow Dash. Her own harsh words echoed through her mind, and as she looked outside, she took a deep breath and turned, leaning over her charge.

“Whisper? I need to go out for a little while today. You see, one of my friends is really sad right now, and I need to go cheer her up. But don’t worry, I’ll be back here tonight. Get better soon, ok?” Planting a gentle kiss on the tip of his nose, she gave him a warm smile, fighting against the bittersweet that she struggled to not let be seen. She really did believe everything was ok, but a growing sensation of loneliness was creeping in, every word of affection seeming to have no effect, every song unheard. “Please... wake up soon, Whisper. I want... to be held again, if that’s ok.” Sliding off the bed, she stretched her still-sore legs and trotted away from the clinic, making straight for Rainbow Dash’s house.

In truth, she really didn’t know what to expect. Dash was upset, that much she knew, but a growing regret for her uncharacteristically harsh response to her friend’s frantic outburst prompted her to urge a little more energy into her limbs, but she slowed to a stop as her gallop sent throbbing pains through most of her body. Rainbow Dash, I didn’t mean what I said that day. You have to know that... Hardly a day went by when the two didn’t have some kind of contact, but it had been well over a week now since that day in the hospital. She again found herself moving faster than she should have been, ignoring the pain as her heart urged her onwards.

Procrastination not befitting royalty of a thousand years overtook Celestia, and not wishing to let her student or her husband wallow in anxiety, she extended her visit well into the afternoon. It mattered little how many ponies bowed a knee to her, because spending time with her star pupil was one of her deepest joys. The respect, honor, praise and comfort of the royal life were comforts she would readily yield for just a few moments of quality time with Twilight and her friends. But as her beautiful sun began to journey past its zenith, her inevitable return to the daily grind loomed nigh.

Twilight, you have little idea how badly I wish I could stay here with you. The life of a ruler is gruelling, but you... your letters are what give me hope right now. Every trial, every solution, and every step in between: I cherish reading about them, and even more hearing them face to face. You make me proud, Twilight Sparkle. “I really would love to stay longer, but I’m afraid duties back at Canterlot are calling for me. Thank you for letting me spend some time with you all.”

“Really, we should be thanking you, Celestia,” Cerulean replied with a grin. “Your words really have been an encouragement. Don’t worry, we won’t let Jade sleep forever. Whether he likes it or not, he’s got a lot of ponies pulling for him, and we aren’t going to give up.”

“Anything less and I would be quite disappointed. You make this princess proud, you two. Twilight, I expect a letter the moment Jade’s condition improves.”

“Of course, princess.” With no more excuses, Celestia took flight, rising above the town and soaring out of sight. It was ill-placed, Twilight knew, to bring up what she knew was an unpleasant subject in the wake of a pleasant afternoon, but as she glanced at Cerulean, she knew the glow was already starting to fade.

“I’d like to go spend a little time with Jade, if that’s ok.”

“Of course, Cerulean. I’ll take the horn limiter and head back home with Dawn. There’s something I’d like to talk to you about later, though, if you don’t mind.”

“It’s about my parents, isn’t it.” Dropping quickly from cheerful to hollow, the change in his voice spoke volumes, and he quickly righted his expression as Twilight gave him a comforting kiss, much to Dawn’s disgust. Cerulean held the position until an authoritative bonk on the noggin bid him relinquish his wife’s lips, and with some reluctance he pulled away, shooting the dictator atop his head a mock scowl before levitating her onto Twilight’s back. “I’ll warn you now, just... thinking about my homelife makes me upset. It’s not going to be a happy discussion, but if you’d like to know, I won’t hide it.”

“You and I both know that you tend to help everypony but yourself, holding things in until they erupt. I’d rather avoid a meltdown, if possible.”

“You’re right, of course. Honestly, even if I memorized the dictionary, you’d still be smarter than me...”

“Oh, but you’d be so eloquent! You could talk sciencey to me,” she teased, batting her eyelashes and speaking in a sultry tone that bid several nearby ponies to reassess their opinion of the mare from “plain town-wide-destructive crazy” to “possibly sexy town-wide-destructive crazy.”

“As much as I would love to have your semitendinosus firmly clenched within my fetlock while running my coronet along the inside of your gaskin and up to the more enjoyable areas near the...” He paused here, both to appreciate his mare’s shocked gaze and traitorous glow of her horn. Apparently, "sciencey" also included biology. “You weren’t... kidding about talking...” It was too much for Cerulean, who was quite glad Dawn had been transferred as it gave him free will to flop onto his back, rolling onto his sides and letting glee rob his lungs of air. Twilight was too busy trying to fight off the rush of blood to her cheeks, and the flood of steamy thoughts, to give him a reprimand, and instead allowed herself to, for once, be the object of amusement. His laughter was payment enough to make the humiliation worth it, at least for the first few minutes, after which she decided to turn the tables, low blow that it was.

“Keep that up, and I’ll start making checklists for you again.” Cerulean instantly quieted his unrestrained hoots of derision to well contained snickers, though tears of mirth still streamed from his eyes as his body quaked under his colossal effort not to be subjected to the drudgery known as “scheduling.” “Don’t take too long, Cerulean. It’s going to be nap time fairly soon.”

“Story time!” Dawn squealed, spurring Twilight towards the library as the thought of literary wonder gracing her ears and tantalizing her mind filled her with enthusiastic anticipation. Such feelings of anticipation were shared with her father, though for different reasons, and he waved goodbye before taking wing towards the clinic, his wings requiring more magic due to the heat of the outdoors but at the same time feeling refreshingly cool on his back. Nodding to Softheart who was working reception, he made his way back to his brother’s room and pulled up a chair.

“I know you’re probably still scared of me, but... I would like to just talk, if that’s ok.”

There are many things that can be labeled “cute” in the world, most of them small, cuddly, fluffy, or Dawn. However, as Twilight approached the door and heard laughter of a voice not belonging to Spike, she motioned Dawn remain quiet and snuck around to the window, slowly raising her head and peering in to find a scene that made her heart skip a beat. Firstly, Spike was reading of his own accord. Secondly, he was enjoying it. Third, he was hanging out with somepony that wasn’t Rarity. All three of these things threatened to necessitate a mental reboot, but a sudden rush of varied emotions reduced mind-blowing to confusingly adorable as Spike and Sweetie Belle bantered back and forth, running lyrics and tunes by each other and laughing all the while.

This is the most I’ve seen him laugh in a long while. I know things have been hard on him, what with me being so busy and all, but I... maybe this is what he needs. “Friends of his own, just like I did...” she whispered, a growing affirmation cementing the idea in her head. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to give him the time, but there was only so many hours in the day, and the filly atop her head devoured time like Rarity did gossip. “Spike, I’m sorry I haven’t been there like I wanted to... ouch! Dawn, don’t hit your mother!”

“No sad, mom. Look! Mmmwah!” she exclaimed, mimicking a kissing noise and pointing in the window. Twilight gave the scene just a moment before dashing inside, Dawn clutching her mother’s mane tightly so as to not give the ground any undeserved affection with a kiss of its own.

“Spike, what the hay is going on?” Spike had spooked the moment the door opened, falling backwards as Sweetie Belle looked up at Twilight with innocence, honestly having no idea why attempting to remove a small bit of feather from the dragon’s eye was cause for alarm. Twilight calmed considerably as a delightfully honest and rational reply was given to her exclamation, though she did find it suspicious that Sweetie Belle decided it was time for her to go. Spikes excitement faded as the door closed, and he was about to ascend the stairs before Dawn tackled him, grinning widely as she scrutinized the dragon.

“Mmmwah!”

“Uh, no thanks, Dawn. I don’t want any kisses.”

“No, not me kiss. You kiss Belle!”

“Wha... no, wait, I didn’t! I wasn’t even thinking about that!”

“It sure looked like you were,” Twilight chimed in, noting the immediate blush and expected discomfort at the statement. “Spike, what’s really going on here?”

“Nothing! Nothing is going on with anypony! She just wanted a book, ok? Sheesh!” Extracting himself from Dawn, marched upstairs and curled up in bed. Dawn quickly contented herself playing with blocks, and Twilight ascended after him, laying next to his bed and waiting a few moments to see if he would talk of his own volition. After hearing nothing but slightly accelerated breathing, Twilight attempted to open communications.

“Spike, if there’s anything you’d like to talk about, I’m here.”

“Yeah, for two seconds.” Even when something is expected, it doesn’t make it any less painful. Spike’s words were like getting shots from the doctor; the hurt is anticipated, but this knowledge does little to diminish its effects.

So, it’s true, then... “Spike...” He curled up a little tighter, causing Twilight to cringe and drop her gaze. No, now isn’t the time. “I’m sorry for upsetting you.” Spike listened as she returned downstairs, rolling over just a little to look back at her as she went.

I just... want to be noticed, Twilight. I’m not angry at you, honest...

Waking to a kiss was just fine by Rainbow Dash, given that it was coming from Storm. Unfortunately, the slobbery, suckling sensation on her hoof, which she didn’t let anypony get near save her stallion, snapped her eyes open to find a very innocent Bright Hope obliviously gnawing on her fore hoof as an afternoon snack. Surmising that she had fallen asleep on the couch after her morning meal, she blinked sleepily and let out a massive yawn, removing the foal’s makeshift pacifier and absent-mindedly wiping it on the couch.

“So, you’re finally awake. I know you’re prone to sleep in, but one in the afternoon is a little extreme, don’t you think?” Storm trotted over, attempted to displace Hope from Dash’s lap only to have her assume a death grip on his foreleg, and offered a comforting wing as Dash’s smile attempted to shrivel. This was unacceptable, and after a small barrage of kisses to the side of her muzzle, it returned to life, rueful though it was. Scootaloo, who had been watching Hope from afar, entered the room with a blatant look of disapproval and disgust, which she quickly regretted as the couple pushed it further.

“Ugh, stoppit, you two. My mind had been violated enough since Storm came to town, but that doesn’t mean you have to make it any worse!”

“Scootaloo? Is that... jealousy I hear?”

“What? No, Rainbow Dash! That stuff is just gross.”

“Oh, like make up?”

“No, that’s not so... I mean, yes! Disgusting, just like... you know, make up, and stuff...” Her voice trailed off as she succeeding in covering her true feelings about as well as a napkin would cover a roaring inferno. Storm regained Dash’s attention and returned her mind to the subject at hoof.

“Come on, Dash. You need to confront this. Remember when you freaked out at Crimson? Things turned out just fine.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know... All right, time to tackle this thing head on!” This mentality was nearly translated physically as she stood, trotted to the door, threw her wings open, and gave false start, being prepared to shoot out into the sky only to find herself face to face with her timid friend. Her wings quickly ceased being a means of propulsion and saved herself a rather painful crash by being stand-in air brakes. Dash took a moment to stare, every bit as shocked as Fluttershy, who was simply glad she hadn’t had a Rainboom status head-on collision.

“F-Fluttershy? What... what are you doing here?”

She looks like she’s doing better. That’s really good, but I still... feel really bad. “Um, I was wondering if we could talk, maybe.”

Even after I freaked out, she still... “You... want to talk?” It’s feels like so long since I got to see you, Fluttershy. I guess... I’m the one who isn’t very strong. You look fine to me. “Did you want to come inside?”

“Don’t do it, Fluttershy!” Scootaloo called out from the livingroom. “She’s in one of her slobbery moods again!” A rather annoying din sounded out following the statement as she had herself a good tussle with her brother, cementing Dash’s suspicions that the comfy, chaotic house within which she stood was not the ideal place for a heart-to-heart chat, sound proof walls or not.

“Tickle her hooves, Storm!” Dash yelled back, shaking her head and giving Fluttershy an apologetic glance as the bickering turned to piercing squeals of laughter, Scootaloo hitting notes not only hard to hear, but painful and higher than even Sweetie Belle dared to sing. “Sorry, Shy. I’m going to have to retract that offer. Maybe we could go to your place?”

“Well, that would work, I think. I might be all busted, though. Maybe...” Fluttershy started, dropping silent as a rather painful sounding crash sounded from within, followed by a rather peeved groan from Storm Blitz.

“Scootaloo, you better not hurt anything important!” Rainbow Dash hollered, fearing for her stallion’s well being.

“Why not? You aren’t doing anything with it anyways!” Shocked, embarrassed, and starkly aware of that cold fact, Rainbow Dash refrained from rushing back inside to give her sister a lesson in respect, choosing to instead accelerate their swift exit.

Just rub it in, why don’t you... Man... I so don’t need that on my mind right now! “My house isn’t going to be much better, Fluttershy. Let’s go before anything else...” Another crash, followed by resounding laughter all around as Ponyville’s biggest pony leapt into the fray, caused vibrations in the earth that both pegasi felt. “Too late. Yeah, let’s go.” The matter decided, the duo left the craziness of Grace’s rambunctious family and began making their way through town, adopting an easy canter in light of Fluttershy’s recent injuries. She looked up as Dash gave a squeal of excitement, stopping her as she examined her friend’s unbandaged wing.

“They took the bandages off? Does it still work? Can you fly?” Fluttershy hadn’t meant her momentary silence to be the torture that it was for Dash, who was busy projecting her love of flying onto her friend who, if it came down to it, would happily have lived life as an earth pony. Well, except that it felt nice when Whisper touched her wings, and with that thought and a smile she answered the frantic mare.

“The doctor said I probably shouldn’t fly just yet, but I should stretch it out. It’s really nice that our wings heal so fast, but it was a really bad break, and it still hurts if I move it much. I can move it to right... ouch! Right here.” Dash was crestfallen, staring at the wing that was only about halfway out; she could only imagine the horror. “Don’t look so down, Rainbow Dash. I should make a full recovery, and I don’t mind walking, really.” Her words had little effect, the weight of her injuries and dire warning steadily reducing what little strength of will Dash had managed to rally since she awoke.

I can’t... break down here. “Fluttershy, is there somewhere quiet we could talk?”

She sounds really desperate. Quiet... “I know of a place, but it will take a while to get there on hoof. Actually, I don’t know if I can find it without flying, so maybe it’s not such a... what on... Rainbow Dash?” She gave a start as she felt Dash’s arms around her. Pregnant or not, and regardless of the reprimand she may receive from Storm later, she held Fluttershy close and took off. Soaring over the town and coming to a pause, her tone wings easily carrying them both, Fluttershy felt the her friend’s grip tighten a little as she looked out at the horizon.

“Tell me where to go.” The voice was so quiet that Fluttershy had to to take a moment to reassure herself that she actually had heard it at all.

Rainbow Dash, are you... really that upset at me? At Whisper? Oh, please don’t... let this be the end... “It’s... right down that way,” Fluttershy murmured, pointing a shaking hoof towards the forest. Tension led to mutual silence, Fluttershy pointing out directions and Dash changing trajectory, eventually leading them to the place where her life had been irrevocably changed; the pool where she had first met Whisper. As they landed, the only sounds that could be heard were sparse bird song and the rustling of the leaves, both ponies remaining silent and within each other’s hooves even after they had touched down. Cyan hooves squeezed a little tighter, and Fluttershy took the leap and spoke first.

“Rainbow Dash? Do you see that little pond over there?” she asked softly, releasing her grip a little as Dash did the same, turning towards the tranquil pool. “That’s where me and Whisper first met. This place... is special to me now.” I’m avoiding the problem... Extracting herself from Rainbow Dash, she slowly walked over, dipping a hoof in the water and watching the ripples dance across the surface. I don’t want to admit... how cruel I was, saying I might not forgive her...

I’m scared, Fluttershy... I don’t have any idea how this is going to turn out, or what you’re feeling, or what you think of me right now. “Do you...” I know I flipped out, that I spoke without taking the time to understand... “Are you still...” I just wanted to protect you... Dang it, I was going to be strong for you, but I... “still my friend?” Fluttershy froze upon hearing the question, her hoof still partially submerged and her heart torn in two.

I... made her doubt that? I’ve done something terrible... “Rainbow Dash, I... I’m so sorry...”

No, she can’t mean... she just can’t! This can’t be right! Screw jealousy, I’d rather some time then none at all! “You can’t... can’t leave me, Fluttershy... Don’t hate me, please...” Hearing her life-long friend sound so broken was too much, and as she heard the mare fall apart, the brokenness in each soft cry became her own.

“Rainbow Dash, I don’t...” Fluttershy whispered, swallowing hard as she barely managed to choke the words out. “I could never, ever hate you! How could you...”

“You said you wouldn’t forgive me!” The quaking sobs increased as even saying the words made it seem like that much more of a possibility. “I’m trying not to hate Whisper, I really am! But I... just can’t stand seeing you hurt! And when I walked in, and saw you in bed, I...” I couldn’t stand it. All I could think of was how much I had failed you, not being there to protect you. “After everything we’ve been through... after you’ve helped me so much... are you really going to just...” Fluttershy, please don’t... I still have so much... I need to learn from you. Even if you don’t need me, I... I need you...

“I’ve... regretted those words ever since I said them, Rainbow Dash.” Every one of these tears is my fault... “I was so scared, and worried about Whisper, that I... I just wanted to protect him, no matter what.” I felt like I had driven you away, Dash. It hurt... so much... “But I would never... give our friendship away, not even for him.” Please, forgive me... I wasn’t being kind... “I’m so... so sorry, Rainbow Dash. This never... should have happened...” As the threat of having years of history wiped out in the blink of an eye slowly faded, hope began its uphill struggle for dominance, and Fluttershy again found herself hastily embraced.

That sense of protection... did you learn that from me? I never... wanted to confront this, but I... I can’t keep it in any longer.“This makes... twice I’ve failed you, Fluttershy...”

Twice? But... I don’t even count this one. “What do you mean?”

“I let you fall...” Where once it had looked like her usually confident, stalwart friend was beginning to calm down, the tears doubled as years of self-inflicted guilt poured out. “The day... we both got our Cutie Marks, we... I knocked you off your cloud. I heard a scream, but I... I didn’t... even look back...” That one, single revelation tipped the scales, giving Fluttershy the strength she needed to look past her own shame and into the pain of the mare in her arms. To Fluttershy, who had been bullied, teased, and humiliated most of her life, Rainbow Dash's constant support was the breath of life that gave her hope in the worst of times.

Kindness, Rainbow Dash... You’ve always shown it to me through your loyalty. “I’ve never...” You have always looked past your own needs in place of my own, but everypony makes mistakes... “ever blamed you for that, Rainbow Dash.” You may think you did something terrible, but... “If I hadn’t fallen that day, I wouldn’t have found the world I love so much. I've never felt betrayed by you, not ever." And it’s that same loyalty that you taught me that gives me the strength to keep hoping for Whisper. He needs a friend like you, Dash, and I... want to be that pony. She squeezed a little tighter, moved her mouth close to her ear, and gently washed away every lingering trace of anxiety and regret. “I don’t need to say ‘I forgive you’ because there isn’t... anything to forgive. So instead, what I need to say... is thank you, Rainbow Dash. You’re my very best friend, and that won’t ever change.”

Song of Healing

Chapter 15: Song of Healing

Restoration of a friendship that had once been thought to be hanging by a thread drove away the remnants of pain that desperately clung to the hearts of two mares sitting at the edge of the pond, conversing quietly about past lessons and good memories. Rainbow Dash wasn’t entirely convinced about the green stallion who had Fluttershy wrapped around his hoof, or so it seemed, but the more she listened to the untainted wellspring of joy bubbling out of her friend as she recalled what few memories they had shared together, she found herself increasingly at ease, and curious to boot. For Fluttershy, who hadn’t even appeared to show interest in anypony until her primary love interest was taken away, to suddenly be so taken...

Fluttershy, you’re adorable. Seriously, it’s little wonder your dancing is even more powerful than charm magic. “So, you met here, right? What were you doing out here?”

“Running away from all those crazy ponies from the tavern! Honestly, I sing one song and they... grrr, I don’t even want to think about it. I mean, if that’s ok with you.”

“No, that’s fine. So, was he watching you from the trees or something?”

“Huh? Oh, no, he was in the pool with me.”

She says that like it’s nothing, but if I were here with Storm... Well, I’m pretty sure there’d be only one thing on my mind. It’s such a romantic place. Sunlight filtered through the break in the trees, lighting the pond and sending refracted beams of light dancing across the trees with every minor splash. Wild flowers of all kinds dotted the soft grass, and the water was crisp, cool, and refreshing to the palette. “Bathing with the stallion before you even asked his name? Wow, Fluttershy, and I thought Twilight moved fast.”

“Rainbow Dash, stop that,” Fluttershy muttered, blushing profusely and smiling inwardly. “He nearly ran away twice when he woke up, just from me being there. It really wasn’t the best first meeting.”

“Well, maybe you should bring him back here for a picnic when he wakes up. That is, if me and Storm aren’t here. Seriously, this place is amazing! Still, though” she paused, shooting her still rosy-cheeked friend a malicious smile, “won’t do you any good if your wings aren’t healed. What’s a date without a little action?” Fluttershy said nothing, doing her very best to keep her mind from remembering what had happened the second time. Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash had known her a very long time, and thus picked up on her obvious cover easily. “I was kidding on that last part. You better not be letting him touch your wings this fast. Seriously, Applejack would have a fit.”

“Um, it’s actually, well... too late for that.” Teehee! Rainbow Dash, you sure make funny faces. Nervous giggles sounded like funeral bells in Dash’s head, being unable to reconcile this new information, made worse by a rare bout of playful teasing from an otherwise tame mare. “Oh yes, it’s really nice. He was very gentle.” Blushing unashamedly, she let the thoughts drift through her mind for just a little bit, but as she felt the tension rise in her wings, she re-focused on the thunderstruck mare who was staring slack jawed in her general direction, though the lights were definitely off upstairs. “Oh dear, I think I, um, broke Rainbow Dash.”

She’s... already gone that far? No, it isn’t possible! It’s Fluttershy! She can’t even think about that kind of thing without... well, ok, she did take up pole dancing for a while, but that was different! What kinds of things is this stallion pushing her into? “Fluttershy, he isn’t forcing you to...” Fluttershy was appalled at the thought, though she quickly caught herself before anger could set in. Rainbow Dash had already been through enough, and being pregnant didn’t make things any easier, Fluttershy was sure.

“No, Rainbow Dash, he hasn’t forced anything on me. He wouldn’t do that, not ever.”

Great, that’s even worse! That means that she’s the one initiating it! What happened? Where did I go wrong? I don’t even know who, but I’ve seriously failed somepony! Wait, it’s... “Cerulean, you’ve tainted my Fluttershy...”

“Rainbow Dash? Your face looks really scary. And what do you mean, ‘tainted?’ Cerulean didn’t do anything to me either.”

“Do I need to give you protection, Fluttershy?” Testament to the mare’s innocence, she simply shook her head and defended her stallion, missing the intention entirely.

“Look, I know Whisper may have accidentally blown up my house and knocked over a couple of trees, but he’d never try to hurt me on purpose.” A rather painful looking, and sounding, self-inflicted smack in the forehead alerted Fluttershy that she must have spoken out of place. “Don’t do that, Rainbow Dash. He’s really not...”

“I meant do you need pills to keep from getting pregnant!” The proverbial tables were indeed turned by the statement, indicated by flushed cheeks, stiffened muscles, and a notable lack of oxygen intake. Tired of verbal abuse, the mare’s lungs called a strike and didn’t cave until her cheeks moved from red to violet. “Breathe, Fluttershy.” Conceding to a compromise, her lungs resumed their duties with gusto, seeking to make up for lost time by initiating a long, loud gasp, followed by the beginnings of hyperventilation. “Well, that answers that question. If you tried right now, you’d probably pass out, the way you’re going.”

“R-R-Rainbow D-Dash!”

Fluttershy, if you were any other pony... man, it’d be so much fun... “Ok, ok, I’ll ease up. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Attempting to escape reality and the burning sensation that had taken most of her muzzle by storm, Fluttershy plunged herself into the pond, staying submerged for a good fifteen seconds before bursting forth, showering Dash and bidding her perform what could only be seen as a discreet, foal-friendly cannonball. Splashing ensued, and bringing with it a moment of simple happiness, shared between two friends relishing an escape from the world, and the restoration of bonds that were never truly broken at all.

Stitching is easy when lucid, a challenge when inebriated, and nigh impossible when one’s mind is filled to the brim with thoughts that shouldn’t be, but are, and have no intention of leaving. Rarity knew that her seeming dive towards alcoholism was simply a ruse, a facade, meant only to cover the real problem until such a time came as she could indulge her natural desires unashamedly, within the confines of marriage after an extraordinarily marvelous ceremony during which she would shine like a star in a fabulous dress of her own design. Because, really, who would be better qualified to design such a masterpiece?

“Anypony else if I can’t focus,” she muttered, slicing the sloppily threaded stitches and starting again. The needle was just about to dive deeper when her magic pulsed inside, her mind wandering yet again and ensuring that even if she walked away right that second, her horn would remain alight. “As highly fashionable as you are, sometimes I sincerely wish I could simply remove you,” she murmured, staring over her glasses at the horn reflected in the mirror. “Yes, I’m aware it wouldn’t help in the slightest. Do not worry, you may stay, naughty though you may be.”

I’m talking to my own reflection? I dare say I must take a break. Insanity may be manestream, but it is terribly uncouth, and I shan't stoop to it. Standing with a sigh, she let her eyes roam around the room, taking in every hue of fabric and every scrap of parchment, each with her own unique, original design. Opalescence had, yet again, raided the yarn, though she left her be due mostly to the fact that it had sparked yet another idea. Taking a quick glance around the shop and, noting that nopony was around, she trotted back into her room, double checked to make sure that she was indeed alone, and pulled out a box from underneath her bed.

I can hardly wait till I can make use of these myself. I wonder if maintaining a dignified countenance breeds greater desire... Her musings continued as she sifted through the incredibly risqué articles, left over from her foray into clothing of a more erotic nature. While she still took custom orders here and there, after the disaster and fame from Cerulean’s “show” in Canterlot she decided that she wouldn’t pursue a niche in that corner of the market any further. Maybe... I can let my mind wander, just a bit...

Selecting a lacey saddle of deep violet, complete with garter and fishnets with matching frill, she triple checked her surroundings and set about her “beautification,” the very action heightening her desires and causing a blush as she refused to look in the mirror. She shuddered as the lace wrapped between her legs, the simple, dull motion becoming temptingly seductive to her elevated senses. Rarity slowly turned to face the mirror, knowing even as she did so that it was likely a poor idea; it was. “I’m... quite ravishing, I must admit.” If just getting “dressed” felt that amazing, then I can only imagine... what another’s hoof would feel like. Or even... my... No, I cannot let that thought continue. I must be strong, and... and keep waiting. Always waiting...

Inventory was boring. Between checking the barrels, ingredients, placing orders and mailing bills, Silver had worked up quite a thirst. Applejack read his mind the moment he sat down with a grateful sigh, doting on her stallion with a glass of cider while similarly cursing him for being in such a tasty, forbidden business. Sure, she’d never trade the treasure growing inside for anything, no matter how delectable or valuable, but that didn’t change the fact that five months of abstinence from alcohol had only sharpened her desires for it. Silver wasn’t blind to her wistful, longing gaze being cast upon the mug in his hoof, nor had he asked that she supply the gift; it was simply her way of showing she cared, and he accepted it readily.

“Sweetheart? Thank ya kindly.”

“Ain’t nothin’ at all, sugarcube. You do plenty fer me, it’s only fair ah return the favor. Love ain’t about gettin’, anyhow.” Gratitude prompted a kiss, which prompted a more passionate kiss, which prompted a swift intervention of self-control, due both to the fact that Bangles could walk in at any moment and because Applejack had other things to discuss. “As much as ah’d love t’ taste you a little more, ah...”

“Sounded just like Pinkie?” Hmmm, that frown is... amused?

“Is that what you were thinkin’? See if you get any lovin’ later,” she teased with a chuckle, knowing full well that Silver had, thus far, evaded her infamous “taste testing” and intended to keep it that way. “Actually, ah was thinkin’ ah’d go see Rarity. Somethin’ has been off with her ever since Whisper’s magic went all crazy, an’ ah want t’ make sure she’s ok.”

“Well, what are you doing here, then? Go on, git!” That frown is... a frown. Whoops. “I meant ‘I think Rarity could use a friend right now, sugarcube, so why don’t you go pay her a visit?’”

“That eager t’ get rid o' me?”

“Only so you can come back.” A few more kisses, one last glance at his cider, and she began her journey towards Carousel Boutique, though a sudden spark of inspiration bid her deviate towards Sugarcube Corner where Pinkie was happily baking treats in preparation for the pre-tavern rush. As decent as the desserts offered were, nothing could possibly match Pinkie’s bizarre, consistently tasty treats. “Afternoon, Pinkie.”

“Oh, hey, Applejack! Guess what?”

“Uh, what, Pinkie?”

“Ok, so you know how the sleepy new guy is, you know, asleep? I figure if I bake something extra tasty, the smell will jolt him right back awake, and then we can throw him a party!” In her own crazy way, Applejack knew Pinkie was doing her best for Whisper too, and thus didn’t bother alerting her that patients in a coma can only hear, nothing else.

“I’m sure he’d like that, Pinkie. Now, do you happen t’ have any crumpets? Ah wanna surprise Rarity with somethin’ nice.”

“Of course we do, silly. This is a bakery, remember?” Bouncing over to the counter, Pinkie loaded some of the fancy treats into a plain white box and wrapped it with violet ribbon. “There you go, Applejack. Tell Rarity hello for me. Or, actually, why don’t you invite her to the bar? Something tells me she’s going to need a teensy push to come tonight.”

Strangely perceptive as always, Pinkie. Yer somethin’ else, ah’ll tell ya. “Thanks, sugarcube. Have a good afternoon!” Making straight for the Carousel Boutique, she stopped outside the door with her hoof raised. Ah wonder if ah can surprise her, that’d make it even better. Opening the door as quietly as she could, she cracked it open and scanned the interior. Upon seeing nopony, she called upon the powers of silence and creeped inside, beginning her search with stealth that would have made Gale proud. Hmmm, she ain’t in the main room, or that perpetual mess she calls... what was it, “organized chaos?” Maybe she ain’t home. That would be a real let down, but ah guess I can check her room. Still maintaining perfect silence, she drew up to the door and beamed with anticipation as she heard a shuffle from the other side. Her hoof lighted on the handle, her eyes narrowed with focus, and as her mind told her it was time, she yanked open the door and leapt into the room.

“Surprise, Rarity! Ah brought you...” What... what in... Rarity was, at that point, posing for herself in front of the mirror, her plot in full display for her audience of one. “Whoa, nelly! Sorry, Rarity! Ah didn’t mean t’ intrude on... wait, what the hay is goin’ on?” she inquired, shifting from shell-shocked to apologetic to rightfully worried in quick succession. “Why are you wearin’... what the hay is that? Ah don’t think ah can even call it clothin’, as little of it as there is ridin’ between your... hindquarters.” Actually, it looks rather pleasin’ t’ the eye, ah will admit. Wait, it don’t matter none! “You better not be expectin’ somepony, ‘cause last ah heard, you ain’t married, sugarcube.”

“You don’t... need to remind me, Applejack.” Compassion replaced condescension as Rarity sank to her haunches, shamed and much too embarrassed to face her friend. “I only... wish there was somepony to... to appreciate my beautiful body...”

Rarity, it’s a lot more than that, an’ ah know it. “As much as ah love it, alcohol can’t fix everythin’, ah’m afraid,” Applejack murmured, drawing up beside the mare and laying sitting beside her, a gentle tug bidding the mare yield to her comforting embrace.

“I was... doing so well... I really did think I was starting to get it under control, but after what happened at Fluttershy’s cottage, it’s all coming back. No, it’s even stronger now, Applejack. And I... I don’t know how much more I’m going to be able to take.”

“Hush now, Rarity. It’ll be all right, you’ll see. Ah ain’t gonna let you struggle alone, an’ neither are your friends.”

Applejack, I really do want to accept those words, but I... it’s all the times you all aren’t around that scare me the most. And I fear... I already am starting to push you all away again.

“Now stop that frettin’.” Time t’ work on my motherin’. “Listen, ah know it’s tough. You know how much ah struggled too, an ah ain’t about to let you abandon your dream just ‘cause it’s hard. Cry it out if ya need to, mah shoulder is all yours. But after that, you’re comin’ t’ the tavern an’ ah’ll serve you whatever ya fancy. Ah think a night away from this place and with our friends will do you a world o’ good. How’s that sound?”

“You certainly know how to make it difficult for a lady to sulk.” Thank you, Applejack. I am in your debt yet again. For being so generous, it feels... nice to have something given back. “I suppose... I could stand for a spot of blush.”

“You got it, sugarcube. Oh, but two more things. First, ah think you may want to take off... what is that stuff called?” she asked, motioning to Rarity’s admittedly alluring piece of sensual attire.

“Lingerie, my dear mare. Pray tell, what else is on your mind?”

“Do you think, maybe...” Ah can’t believe ah’m gonna ask this... But if it’s for Silver, then why the hay should ah feel embarrassed? Gettin’ fancy is fun every now an’ again! Well, ah can’t right call it “fancy,” ah don’t think. Oh well, it don’t matter! “Could you design somethin’ like that fer me?”

“So... he’s been upstairs all afternoon?” Twilight nodded to Cerulean’s inquiry, setting down the book she was none-too-enthusiastically glossing over in light of her mind being occupied with more pressing matters. Twilight had explained her theories on the how and why Spike was upset, but she drew a blank on the logical “what to do next” stage.

“I know he probably just wants more time with me, but there’s so much already packed into my day that it just seems... overwhelming to try and add more. And yet...” she paused, letting out a defeated sigh, “I know that any excuse I make will fall flat. I know what needs to happen, but I just don’t know how to go about it.” Her sullen expression was soon turned to joy as Cerulean gave her the answer she was seeking. “Cerulean, you’re a genius at stating the obvious. Thank you,” she murmured, leaning against his chest and placing a hoof over his heart.

“I’m not sure what the proper response to that is, but a certain young dragon needs his teacher. Go on, Twilight. He’s been waiting his turn for a long time.” She nodded once, racing upstairs and slowed as she approached Spike’s bed. He lay facing the wall, and had, to her knowledge, not moved all afternoon since they had spoken earlier.

“Spike? Hey, are you awake?” He took a while to respond, nodding slowly but saying nothing. Spike... I’m sorry. Just like I neglected Cerulean before, now I’ve gone and done it to you, too. Well, no more. I’m going to make an effort for you, my number one assistant. Spike was about to protest at being wrenched from bed, but as he felt himself clutched tightly to Twilight’s chest, he remained silent, claws hanging limply at his sides for a time before slowly reaching around and returning the motion. “I’m sorry you’ve had to wait so long, Spike. Come on, let’s have a night just to ourselves. How’s that sound?”

“Twilight? But, what about...”

“Nope, no excuses. You’re my assistant, and your task for the night is having fun! Now, what do you want to do?”

I just want to be with you, Twilight. To be noticed, like I am right now.

“Hey, I know! Let’s go to the tavern and grab something good to eat.”

“Can I get cake? And pie! Oooh, an ice cream sundae sounds delicious right now...”

“I suppose I can set nutrition aside for a night,” she chuckled, squeezing once and releasing him. “Whatever you want, Spike. Tonight, I reward my number one assistant for years of friendship and service.” A very short while later, Twilight’s teleportation landed them outside the tavern, and she quickly made good on her word, cheerfully indulging every gluttonous whim and sharing in his laughter. I wish... that I could do this for you every night, Spike. I miss what we used to have, but I don’t know how much longer I’ll have the ability to do things like this...

“Twilight? Are you ok? You look like you’re about to cry...” She quickly wiped her eyes and refocused.

“Don’t worry about it, Spike. Everything’s fine.” Fine... somehow, I hope that’s true. “Hey, look! Sweetie Belle is gonna sing!”

“Really? Oh man, this is going to be awesome!” Like Rarity in a field of gems, such was Spike’s facial expression as the filly’s crystal clear voice rang out over the crowds, the conversations quieting to a respectful murmur as goodwill made vocal resonated within everypony present. A connection was made as Twilight slowly began to understand what was happening, and what she could do to help.

He looks so happy... Maybe more time with me isn’t what you truly need, Spike.

Fluttershy... I know that you want me to come back, but... but if I do, then what’s going to happen? Here, I’m safe. I can’t hurt anypony. It’s dark, but every voice I hear is nice, and life doesn’t seem so scary. But it’s making you sad, isn’t it... I don’t know how to get out of here. Please, Fluttershy, I want... I want to learn more about your world, more than I want to be safe, so... can you lead me back? I’m lost... Huh, who’s there?

“Whoa, new pony! You have a lot of hair! I wonder how you do that? Hey, guess what! When you wake up, I’m gonna throw you a party!”

Scared. Very, very scared! Who is this? She’s loud, and excited and... sounds too happy!

“Do you like cupcakes? I know I do! Here, smell this!”

Smell? I’m asleep, I can’t smell anything.

“Huh, that didn’t work? I could have sworn... Hey, I know! Maybe you just need a taste test!”

But... but I can’t taste anything right now! Regardless of his internal rebuttal, Pinke promptly mashed a cupcake into the slumbering stallion’s muzzle, much the way she had when Cerulean first came to Ponyville.

“There, how’s that taste? Good, right? Come on, wake up!”

No, not with you in the room. You’re even more scary than... well, actually... Whisper had found that he could hear more than just sound as he lay in bed for those two weeks. It was difficult for even him to understand, but it was like he could hear other pony’s emotions. And this mare sounded like... Uh... is it even possible to have that much happy? I think I’d explode, and it wouldn’t be from magic or anything, even.

“Hmmm, that didn’t work, huh? Well, I can’t let you waste a perfectly good cupcake.”

Cupcake? I wonder what kind of food that is. Wait, waste? What is she talking about? It was fortuitous that Whisper lay asleep at this point, as Pinkie eagerly went about lapping up the frosting, both inside and outside the stallion’s mouth. Her scientific assessment of flavor was soon interrupted by one very startled, and instantly fuming Fluttershy.

“Wha... Pinkie Pie, what are you doing to Whisper?!?” That... but she... those are my lips!

Fluttershy? Yay, save me! Wait, doing? Now I’m all curious.

“Shhh, don’t shout, Fluttershy! He’s sleeping, silly. And I was just cleaning his face and testing his taste. He tasted kind of like... fresh salad, with frosting! You should totally try it next!” Pinkie really didn’t know precarious her position was as Fluttershy fought tooth and hoof not to explode in front of Whisper, though it really wouldn’t have been much different. He could sense just how truly upset she was.

“You... stole my first kiss with Whisper?”

Run away, crazy mare! She sounds really, really scary! It had taken quite a while for Pinkie to understand the significance of muzzle connection, but after an attempted taste test of Silver went awry, Applejack’s ensuing threat and explanation managed to make an impact; it’s amazing how having one’s life on the line suddenly increases the powers of comprehension. Unfortunately, it was Fluttershy, not Applejack, and thus the full weight of Pinkie’s peril hadn’t quite set it.

“Kiss? Oh, nonono, I was taste testing! Why would I kiss Whisper? He’s not my special somepony, so that wouldn’t make any sense at all! Anyways, you can finish up. I think there’s still some frosting left if you...” The stare, one of the few things that could penetrate the dense layer of jubilance surrounding Pinkie’s brain, bid her beat a swift exit from the room, leaving the cupcakes by the bedside.

“I can’t believe she would... oooh, that makes me so mad! She better not ever touch your lips again, or I’m going to...” Whisper heard a soft thump that sounded like hooves connecting with his bed, though it was much too soft to constitute any kind of punishment and thus he prepared to listen further. “Whisper? It’s getting... really lonely, being by myself. I heard from your brother that you loved singing, back when you were small. So, I wrote you a song. Please, listen closely, ok? I, um, worked really hard on it.” Rather than simply hear the words, he pushed deeper and listened to her soul, and what he heard... was beautiful.

“You got scared and ran away...

Nothing I said could make you stay

you were just looking out for me...

We got hurt, but you’re my friend

every wound I’m sure will mend

on the day that you can see...

All I need: you in my hooves,

my single greatest treasure;

the one who brought my heart to life,

you, my dearest Whisper.

In a world of complete darkness, a single, distant light appeared. Whisper reached out with all his strength, and as every word graced his ears and her yearning touched his soul, the far-off star grew ever brighter.

I want to feel your gaze,

see into your heart and be amazed,

I used to wonder, but now I’m sure;

I want to feel the butterflies,

so please, can’t you open your eyes?

we don’t have to be alone anymore...

Hear my heart; overflowing

for this love, there is no measure

This is my song of healing,

just for you... my sweetest Whisper...

“Please... come back...” A single tear trickled down her cheek as she gathered the stallion into her hooves, holding his limp form close as her heart cried out, begging for her friend to return. She felt a twitch, but it only intensified the pain, knowing that it was a cruel trick of her mind. It wasn’t until she felt soft, gentle hooves slowly return her embrace that she knew the wait was over, and the telltale green letters danced across her vision once more.

“My stomach hurts, but... I think it’s because you gave me too many butterflies.”

Blind Faith

Chapter 16: Blind Faith

Fluttershy felt little strength to resist the flood that soaked the green coat where she lay her head. She would never have imagined that two weeks could seem so long, but as she once more found solace in Whisper’s heartbeat and comfort in his hooves, it really felt like time was moving once more.

“Thank you for helping me come back, Fluttershy. I was... safe there, but I couldn’t let you cry anymore. But, now you’re crying again... I’m sorry, Fluttershy. Tell me how I can fix it. I want to see you happy...”

“You silly, silly Whisper...” she giggled, pulling away slightly and beaming as she beheld his scarlet eyes. “I’m crying because I’m happy you’re awake. I really, really missed you.” Whisper was both ecstatic and confused by this, not ever having had a reason to cry happy tears, but unable to deny the authenticity of her smile.

I didn’t realize that I meant so much to her. I mean, I knew she liked me, but this feeling... He slowly moved one of his hooves over his heart and closed his eyes. This is something... I’ve never felt. And it’s not just mine, I can feel it coming from her, too. I just wish I had some way to describe it...

“Whisper, um, are you ok? Does your chest hurt?” Fluttershy asked, gently placing her hoof over his own. He hadn’t even been thinking about it, but there was still some pain in his chest and stomach, as well as a throbbing behind his eyes that was having a grand time tickling its friend “nausea.” Fluttershy gave a start as he yanked his hooves away and tried to hide, quickly pulling a pillow over his head. “Whisper, what’s wrong? Please don’t... hide from me.” Peeling back the pillow, show found that the crimson eyes she adored so much had filled with tears, and she chanced a glance above her to find a small rain cloud had formed.

“I... you got hurt... You got hurt, and it was my fault. I remember the tree falling, and then...” Tiny droplets began to fall as he feebly reached out and tried to pull the pillow back down, but when Fluttershy let him, it only made it hurt worse. Fluttershy, I’m not... strong enough on my own. I wanted you to stop me. Something soft that wasn’t a pillow brushed his snout, and he cracked open his eyes to find that Fluttershy had snuggled in underneath, her muzzle touching his ever so slightly. As if reading deeper than his desire to be forbidden an escape, she loosely, gently wrapped her hooves around his neck and spoke softly.

“Whisper... I’m not upset. I was, well, really... oh, how do I say this? You made me feel... really special, trying to protect me like that.”

“How can you... not be angry at me? Didn’t you get hurt?” Water began to seep through the now soaked pillow as the storm above intensified, the image of Fluttershy laying helpless on the ground seared into his memory and filling him with more pain than any broken ribs could ever hope to. “Doesn’t it just prove... that I really am just a...” Hooves retracted, the pillow flew into the wall with a splat, and a more terrifying beast than himself rose from the depths of firm kindness.

“Don’t... you... dare!” He was going to say it, even after I told him not to! That just... just... “Listen here, Whisper! I didn’t spend nearly every moment of every day laying in this uncomfortable bed, singing you songs and sharing stories with you just to have you wake up and call yourself a m... mo...” Oh dear, I think I’m going to... “You’re not a bucking monster!” I did... I said a naughty word. I should say I’m sorry... No, no I won’t. I’m not sorry! He needs to learn! While she maintained her resolve on the issue, prudence bid her calm down, as Whisper had stopped crying completely due to an inability to do anything other than fear for his mortal well-being. “I’d... let another tree fall on me, if that’s what it took to make you stay...” Whisper resumed breathing, searching for the truth first with his eyes and then with his heart, but he found no lies. “I want to be... your special somepony. The one who stays with you, always.” Cold and soaked as a result of his own inner turmoil, the strange, indescribable warmth from within grew a little stronger as he dared to imagine the idea.

Somepony... to stay with me... always? “Fluttershy, you’d...” Even after what happened... I can’t run from this anymore, I... I’ve wanted... somepony to be with for so long... “Would you really stay with me? You know I might...”

“Whisper, I have a very dear friend who taught me a very important lesson. Sometimes, bad things happen. Sometimes we hurt ponies on accident. But friendship isn’t just for when it’s fun, and loyalty doesn’t fade when things are hard. So... please stay.” To commit to overcoming a mountain of fears, to allow himself to be seen at his best and worst... to eventually come to terms with his past, both what was remembered and what had been lost with time... It wasn’t as simple as just saying the words. If loyalty and friendship really were eternal, then her request would decide the course of his life, and with this in mind he raised his eyes and looked up at the one who had given him so much.

“I...” I want to say yes, Fluttershy. I really do, but... “How can... how can you be so sure, Fluttershy? You don’t know what’s going to happen... what kind of things I might do...” She slowly shook her head, laying down atop his chest, her body heat fighting the chill without and within. She reached out a hoof and gathered a tuft of his mane to her chest, holding it tightly. Fluttershy, you... you really aren’t afraid... There was no longer any reason to ponder, nor to question what was flaring within. Words or not, what he felt was true, and if this gentle mare could find it in herself to face him at his worst, then she deserved anything he could possibly have to give. “I might make mistakes. I may even... hurt you again, but I...” He slowly brought his hooves around her, ignoring the ache in his chest as a relief deeper than the physical washed through him, yielding to his desire for an end of solitude. “I don’t want to leave you, Fluttershy. Please, can I... stay with you?”

Pinkie Pie wasn’t exactly sure how tasting Whisper had affected Rarity so much, but she was really letting herself go. This wasn’t any cause for concern for the local party mare, as she rather enjoyed tipsy Rarity, what with all of her silly comments, the way she’d willingly prance on the table, and how at that particular moment she was extremely energized and entranced with a single spilled drop of cider, which she gave her utmost attention. However, as her frown alarm went off, she noticed Twilight sitting alone in the dining area, and leaving the rest to watch over Rarity, she bounded over to the dejected lavender unicorn, snuck under the table, and sprang up directly in front of her.

“Huh... Normally when I pop out like that, most ponies are at least a little surprised. What’s up, Twilight?”

“Pinkie, I’m really not in the mood for fun right now. I’ve got some serious thinking to do, and...”

“What, about Spike?” Giggling at her studious friend’s surprise, she rolled her eyes and explained. “Twilight, you hardly ever bring him here, Cerulean’s not with you, and you’re sitting by yourself. Now, what’s going on?”

How come you didn’t use that kind of deductive reasoning on the train? I’m really glad I gave up trying to figure you out. “I just...” I’ve got to wonder how much of this is going to sink in, but maybe it’ll help just letting it out. “Spike’s been getting distant. I know he probably just needs more attention, but it’s so hard making time for everything. I’ve got studying, magic practice, taking care of Dawn and Cerulean, writing letters... It’s exhausting!”

“Well, if you’re already gonna be tired, why not just add one more thing to the list?”

“It’s not that simple, Pinkie,” Twilight replied, sighing as she massaged her head with both hooves.

“Oh, oh, I know! I know the answer, and it’s really really simple!” Skepticism ran high, but with nothing to lose, Twilight turned her attention back to the bubbly mare who was currently disregarding every rule of table etiquette, standing atop the table on her hind legs and towering over Twilight. “Ok, so you know you need to make time, but are afraid that even if you do it won’t be enough, right? So what you need to do his have Spike make some friends to help him smile, like we do for you!”

Some friends of his own? That’s so simple... it’s genius! Why don’t I ever think of these things? Her excitement shone brightly for a moment, but with the solution came its own set of consequences. “If I send him to make friends, that means... I’ll get to see him even less... It’ll be like he’s gone completely. I don’t... want to let him go, Pinkie. But if he stays, he may just end up more unhappy...”

“You know, Twilight, I bet Celestia felt the same way when she sent you to Ponyville.” It was a rare moment of lucidity, and it quickly devolved into chortles of glee as the mare bounced back to her friends on the other side, but the parallels were startling. As little as they actually spent time together, just the thought of having him be absent so much felt like she was willingly tearing out a piece of her heart, but if she bid him stay, then she’d effectively be pushing that pain onto him. As a mother, the need of the child always, regardless of personal cost, has to be first. And so, as she watched him laughing and chatting with Applebloom and her friends, she came to a painful, necessary conclusion; it may be time for Spike to move on. And if it was... it was going to hurt.

“What now...” Redheart muttered as her body’s attempts to nod off at the front desk were interrupted by an extremely loud shout of exhilaration, coming from near the emergency room and resounding throughout the halls. Rising, she went room to room, assuring the startled patients that everything was alright before approaching the source, which she correctly surmised to be the room of the comatose unicorn. Throwing open the door, she strode in and confronted the mare laying across the chest of a pony she thought to be in a coma, but quickly found her assumption very incorrect.

One would think that spending a month unconscious and hearing nothing but comforting words and cute little songs would ease a pony’s misgivings about close proximity to others. In fact, Fluttershy had rather been hoping for this, but when the once comforting hooves around her suddenly tightened as Nurse Redheart entered, it became apparent that he was still equating a new pony sighting approximately the same way one might receive having a manticore in their house.

“Fluttershy, I know that you want...”

“Ahhh!” Too startled to stop it from slipping out, Whisper gave a short cry of alarm that released a small burst of magic, knocking everything but Fluttershy back and ripping the IV from his foreleg. The medical equipment nearby shut down, glass cracked, and Whisper’s eyes teared over as he saw the fear rise within the nurse laying on the ground, dazed and completely unable to comprehend what had just occurred.

“Whisper, calm down! It’s ok!” Fluttershy said quickly, wincing as his hooves squeezed tighter. “Redheart, Whisper is very frightened of other ponies, so could you, maybe, not come any closer?” she managed, straining a little to give herself some breathing room. You know, for being about the same size as me, you sure are strong, Whisper. “Whisper, um, could you ease up just a teeny bit? It’s kind of hard to breathe.” Taking the opposite extreme, he yanked his hooves and away and screwed his eyes shut, trembling slightly as Redheart remained absolutely baffled by the pony’s behavior, struggling to her hooves and standing motionless.

“What... in Equestria was that?”

“It’s a little hard to explain, but, you see, Whisper has problems controlling his magic.” She took a moment to pry his hooves from his chest and return them to their proper place. “Gently...” she murmured as his grip began to tighten again. “It’s going to be all right, Whisper. Just think about me, ok?”

“Ok, I’ll try.”

Now that he’s awake, he’s going to have problems with there being so many ponies around. “Redheart? Would it be possible to, maybe, take Whisper home?”

“Fluttershy, it’s only been two weeks. His injuries were very serious, and even with the aid of magic, I don’t think he should be moved.”

“But... can we at least look?” Redheart wanted to be firm and put her hoof down, but a combination of sympathy for the mare who had devoted nearly every spare second to the stallion and fear for what might happen should his magic go off gave her pause, pushing her to relent.

“All right, let me just...” she started, taking a step forward and stopping as Fluttershy shot out a hoof, halting her advance. “Actually, you should probably be the one to do it, given his... reluctance to accept my assistance.” She left and returned a short while later with a bowl of warm water and a washcloth, setting them on a rolling tray and leaving the two alone.

“Ok, Whisper, I’m going to take off the bandages now. Oh, and let me know if it hurts, ok?” He cracked an eye open, scanned the room, and gave her a nod, relaxing a little as she gently began to undo the wrappings around his chest. A soft gasp led his eyes to her face, her mouth covered by a hoof as she beheld a large scar across his chest from the surgery. “Oh, Whisper...” If only I could have been stronger, then... he wouldn’t have to carry this...

“It’s ok, Fluttershy. It’s my own fault, I deserve it for...”

“Don’t say that! Don’t say it, you don’t... you don’t deserve any of this...” When are you going to learn... how scared I am of losing you? Every day I hoped you’d wake, and every day that you didn’t... All it took was a passing of such a terrible thought to bring her to tears, and the scar that sat locked in her bleary gaze sent glistening dew streaming down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry, Fluttershy. I didn’t mean... please, don’t cry.” I really wish I knew more about what to do about things like this! I was just trying to take responsibility for what happened... I can’t just sit here, but what can I do? Regardless of the lingering pains in his chest, Whisper sat up with a grunt, placing a hoof over his stomach and waiting a moment, pleasantly surprised that the pain quieted quickly due to Celestia’s magic. Fluttershy sat shuddering softly, not wanting to think about how much he was suffering on her account. Had she not been there, or been somewhere just slightly different, all of this could have been avoided, and as these thoughts and many like them threatened to drag her down, a soft, gentle, warm, and wet sensation traced a reverse path along the streams from her eyes.

“Whisper, are you...” He didn’t answer right away, tilting her face slightly with a hoof so he could get the other side, gently lapping away the tears. This is... so strange, and sweet. It’s much more comforting than I thought it would be... The corners of her mouth slowly curled into a smile, knowing that however uncommon and irregular his method was, his focus was simply on making her happy. He had almost finished when a fresh wave, born of joy, pushed out further tears and bid him continue. Is it... wrong that I’m enjoying this? Whisper, you’re so silly... And I like that. This is... nicer than your hoof. Just as she was going to force herself to say something, albeit with great reluctance, he pulled away and replaced his tongue with a gentle hoof, holding it in place a moment before dropping it down to her chest.

“It’s going to be ok, just like you told me. So please, don’t cry, Fluttershy.” Soft and beautiful, clear and warming, her laughter seemed to echo within his heart. So, I really can... make her happy? That’s so great, I’ll have to lick her face more often if it makes her laugh.

Oh, Whisper... I missed this. I’m so happy you’re awake. “Um... would you like to, maybe, go back to my house?”

“Will there be other ponies?” It was, unfortunately, a question that she knew he wouldn’t like the answer to. She wasn’t a unicorn, and he couldn’t control his magic, so teleportation wasn’t an option. It occurred to her that, even if he was frightened, Twilight likely could cover the distance easily, but something inside her pushed against it. I want... to help him through this myself. I know I won’t be able to teach him everything, but this... maybe I can be strong for him.

“Whisper, do you trust me?” Not answering right away, he glanced down at the floor, her lack of a direct answer confirming that they wouldn’t be alone. Even as kind as the ponies sounded when the spoke to him, including that white unicorn that had frightened him into speaking, he couldn’t shake the deep-seated worries boiling within. His heart steered his thoughts back to the mare sitting beside him, reminding him that despite everything that had happened, she was still there, unafraid and full of forgiveness. He swallowed hard and prepared for a leap of faith.

“I trust you, Fluttershy. I’m scared, but I’ll... I’ll do whatever you ask. I want to go home.”

Sullen, sour, gloomy: all things which could not be applied to Rainbow Dash’s general state of mind, but were quite apt to describe her temperament that night. Between waking up to Storm, spending the afternoon in, perhaps, one of the most romantic little hideaways she knew of, and being forced not to partake in Silver’s many brews, Dash had started to crumble under the tension of her desires and emotional exhaustion. Storm offered a comforting hoof, and grew further concerned as she shrugged it off, scooting away a little and continuing her ongoing staring match with the table, currently undefeated and defending its title with pride. Applejack noticed from afar, and after a whispered conversation with Silver, cantered over and sat beside the mare.

“Ah don’t think yer gonna win, Dash. Ah know you can be competitive, but that table ain’t moved in months.”

“Shut up...” Silence followed in the wake of her uncharacteristically harsh reply, which she knew was uncalled for and they knew she instantly regretted, judging by the way she let her head fall to the table with a thud. “Sorry.”

“Ah ain’t gonna get on yer case, ‘cause ah don’t think that’s what you need, sugarcube. What’s botherin’ you, anyhow? You’re gonna bring rain with a face like that.” Too drained to give their rivalry any notice, she turned to Applejack with desperation and asked what she’d been wanting to know for months.

“How they hay do you do it, Applejack?”

“Uh... do what, Dash?”

“That! You’re totally acting like being pregnant doesn’t affect you at all! Don’t you miss, you know... doing it?” Applejack was entirely confused by the statement, though she quickly realized that if Rainbow Dash was holding herself back, her current attitude was entirely understandable, and thus she turned her attention to Storm.

“Storm, ah’m right disappointed in you. You shouldn’t be deprivin’ yer mare like that, especially not now.”

“What the hay are you talking about?” he replied, confused and wondering how he had become the target of frustration.

“Ah’m talkin’ ‘bout giving Dash the release she wants.” Rainbow Dash and Storm both shared looks of mutual bafflement, and the lights suddenly came on as Applejack realized that neither of them knew what many considered basic biology, her suspicions soon being confirmed by her friend’s surly reply.

“Oh, gee Applejack, I don’t know. Maybe the fact that I’m pregnant?” Dash snapped, her temper flaring as the needless taunting quickly elevated her volatile spirit.

“Sugarcube, ah’m every bit as pregnant as you, an’ ah enjoy a good romp nearly every other day. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with a little fun, so long as you don’t get too wild.” Whoa nelly, ah think ah broke somethin’. “You mean you two really didn’t know?”

“Wha... but... but Twilight didn’t! And how the hay would I know?”

“Uh, school perhaps?”

“Do I look like the type who would pay attention? I didn’t even finish school! Hey, wait a second... Storm? What’s your excuse?”

“Hmmm, I’ll go with ‘spent most of his teenage years in a secluded retirement home with the only ponies around being three times his age at the least.’ You seriously think I’d have asked my grandpa about that?” It really didn’t matter to Rainbow Dash at that point, who was too entirely consumed by the thought of being able to slake her appetite for a midnight masquerade to care about the petty details. There was a whoosh, followed by a flurry of feathers as the two pegasi shot out the side door and into the night, leaving one chuckling earth pony staring at the now vacant seats.

“Ah wonder if they caught the ‘not too wild,’ part. Dear Celestia, ah hope nopony over there is sleepin’, ‘cause the house may not be standin’ come mornin’.”

Slowly, Fluttershy helped the still quite sore stallion out of bed after cleaning away the blood from the bandages. The scar didn’t look nearly as bad once it had been washed, and even if it did, Fluttershy was simply reminded that, whether he knew it or not, he cared deeply enough to put his life on the line. Fluttershy stood beside him a moment, letting him use her for support, though she nearly fell over as he pushed against her more forcefully than she was expecting. After a few moments, she backed away, allowing him to take a few tentative steps around the room.

“Whisper? How do you feel?”

“I’m really stiff, and my chest still hurts, but I think I can walk all right. How far away is your house?”

“Oh, not far, really. Maybe a fifteen minute walk?” Fifteen minutes? The number sounded like a death sentence, as it would be much more exposure to ponies than he would be used to. But a promise was a promise, and he really did want to leave, so he steeled himself and nodded. Fluttershy suppressed a laugh as he all but glued himself to her side, staring fearfully at the portal into the world of scary ponies. Oh Whisper... we really are going to have to work on that, but not just yet. You did just wake up, after all. Let’s see, I wonder if there’s anything I can do to help? “Whisper, can I ask you a question?”

“Ok. What is it?”

“When you were sleeping, were you scared of the ponies you heard?”

“Not really. Oh, except that one you got mad at. She was... really happy, and it scared me.”

“Oh, that was just Pinkie Pie. She’s really nice, but she can be a little, um... a lot to handle, sometimes. Whisper, I need you to trust me, ok? Here,” she paused, gathering her tail into her hooves and holding it out. “Bite down on my tail. Just do it,” she followed up with, noting the questioning glance and smiling a little. Seeing no real reason to complain, he gathered a large mouthful and stood awaiting orders. “Now, close your eyes.”

“Ok, what next?”

“Now we walk home, of course! Keep your eyes closed, and it will be just like when you were asleep. I won’t let anypony touch you, ok? You can trust me, Whisper. I won’t let you down.” Cracking open the door, they both stepped out and began their journey, a frightened unicorn placing absolute trust in the pegasus that was leading him step by step towards safety, comfort, and rest.

Exploring Home

Chapter 17: Exploring Home

Autumn in Ponyville was quite mild, and thus the night air was soothingly warm with just the perfect breeze to accompany it. For somepony who strolled the streets every night, safeguarding against any suspicious activity, it was a simple pleasantry to be enjoyed, made better by the presence of a fillyfriend. Gale was grateful for Cloudburn’s company, though he frequently found himself somewhat distracted by the mare, the sky, and basically everything but the reason he had come out in the first place. He knew all too well that, aside from stealth and dextrous hooves, he really didn’t have much of a skill set. However, upon being noticed and questioned one night, Mayor Mare had generously appointed him the official Night Watch, a stroke of fortune that had earned him a steady income and many kisses. Or, at least, earned him enough to offset the occasional lecture he got for being out too late.

“Aye, the stars ‘re glitterin’ bright tonight,” he murmured, glancing across at Cloudburn who was trotting with her eyes to the sky. “Ye may not be serving tonight, but I could use some vittles. Mind if we drop in for a spot o’ grub?”

“Nope, not at all. I wonder if Freefall has made his move yet.”

“I wouldn’t hold my breath on that point, my dear lass. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony shake in his horseshoes so badly. Ho now, what is this?” he paused, dropping into a whisper and pointing a hoof.

“Awww, that’s so cute,” Cloudburn whispered, stifling a giggle as she beheld the most recent couple she knew of. While she hadn’t actually seen the unicorn that had everypony on edge, she had no doubt that the pony dutifully trotting behind Fluttershy with a rather large mouthful of tail was the one of which they all spoke. “It’s hard to believe that he blew up a house. I mean, just look at him! Even from here, I can tell he’s no brute.”

“Aye, he’s a gentle one,” Gale replied, watching the pair. “If I wasn’t such a frightening brigand, I’d say we should introduce ourselves, but I think we best save the name swappin' fer a bit. Come on, there’s grub to be had and booze to guzzle.” Giving the two wide berth, they soon arrived at the tavern during one of its busiest times, and at Berry’s behest Cloudburn jumped right in, serving mouth-watering cuisine and noting Freefall was nowhere to be seen. Gale quickly located Snowdrift, but the usually optimistic pony sat sullen under a mantle of gloom. “Why the long face, lad? Come now, ye have a fine fillyfriend and a cute little filly t’ boot.”

“Gale? Look, I don’t...” Actually... Gale and Storm were always the more mature ones. Maybe it’d be ok to ask him. “Can I ask you something personal?”

“Ach, what could ye possibly ask that would upset me, then?” he replied, giving a hearty laugh and patting Snowdrift on the back. “Ask away, Snowdrift. I’m an open book, confusing things that they are.”

“I was wondering... if you ever have problems with intimacy.”

“Well, that’s a cannonblast far from the starboard, now isn’t it,” Gale murmured, somewhat startled by the heavy subject. I knew you were growin’ up finally, but I admit I wasn’t expecting anything of that caliber. My, how ponies can change... “I won’t ask fer details, Snow, as ye obviously have a good reason fer asking. It ain’t a cheery subject, a pegasus with rickety wings... Snow, I don’t think anypony walked away that day without some kind o’ permanent damage. Cloud may still be able to fly, and if I tried, I might be able to as well, but that ain’t the point. Cloud’s wings give her a fair deal of pain, but it’s been getting better the more she uses them, and not just fer saucy things, either.”

“And you?”

“You know that tingling feeling ye get when you sleep on yer hoof and it goes all limp? I get that kind of thing periodically, but nothin’ serious. If ye don’t mind me asking, why the questions, lad?” His suspicions were confirmed as his longtime friend hung his head in shame. Gale gave him a sidelong embrace, questioning him no further and wondering why fate would be so cruel, dealing the honest, good-natured stallion beside him the worst hand of cards.

Whisper had done a very good job keeping his eyes closed, making it nearly the whole way back to the cottage with nary a problem. However, as Fluttershy beheld her newly remodeled house, courtesy of the industrious efforts of Applebloom, Big Mac, and Crimson, she stopped in her tracks, and the green unicorn came to a stop with his snout someplace it shouldn’t be. This, in turn, caused a very startled Fluttershy to bolt forward, forgetting Whisper still had a vice-grip on her tail. As she was yanked to a stop, Whisper interpreted the motion as a need for haste, dashing forward and sending them tumbling the small stream that flowed through her yard. Fluttershy lay on her back, staring up at the sky for moment while he mind attempted to right itself after the sudden shift, whereupon it decided the mishap was deserving of the Fluttershy equivalent of gut-busting laughter: little more than successive, speaking-volume dainty giggles.

“Fluttershy? Are you ok?” Lack of sleep can often breed a strange type of energy to compensate. As weeks of worry, the subsequent relief from said worry, and the hilarity which tickled her on the inside every bit as much as anypony’s hoof would all descended at once, she found herself unable to give an immediate response. Whisper’s serious frown only made it worse, himself wondering if he had somehow damaged the mare. She landed on her back, I think. Wouldn’t hitting her head do this? Maybe pegasi are different. “Fluttershy, do you think with your wings?”

Whisper’s concern was quickly growing as each motion or comment he made seem to cause further mental deterioration, her cheeks edging towards blue as she fought for air. Mercifully, he turned around, sitting with a plop in the shallow water and staring in the opposite direction. Fluttershy fought valiantly against the mirth, as it seemed to be disturbing him, and she had almost won the fight when a frog popped out of his mane, gave one loud, long croak, and hopped away. His hopes of a finding a coherent mare evaporated into the air as he glanced over his shoulder, the peek-a-boo frog being far too much for her to handle in her exhausted state and robbing her of air so completely that she ceased making noise.

I don’t know what to feel right now. I mean, she sounds really happy, but I feel kind of left out, not being able to join in... His head drooped a little lower, acting as Fluttershy’s signal to regain control, resume an even breathing pace, and tend to her stallion who quite clearly wasn’t nearly as amused as she was. Thus, she made her apology with her hooves, draping them around his neck and holding him close. It was enough for Whisper. “Thank you.” The hooves around him squeezed a little tighter as he sent the message several times over. I’m so glad... you convinced me to stay.

“Oh dear, what a mess,” Fluttershy remarked, pulling away and examining Whisper and herself, both of them soaked and somewhat muddy. Wiping off the excess as best she could, Fluttershy motioned to her stallion to do the same and follow, where she introduced him again to the mystical invention of magic water expulsion: the shower. He listened quite intently to her explanation right up until the part where she turned on the water, at which point past memories bid him beat a swift retreat. “Whisper? Come back, you need to get clean before we go to bed!”

Bed? A real one? With Fluttershy in it? Fluttershy wasn’t given time to explain the how and why being inside the shower was what made the difference, or how it was different from being in the stream, as the thought of spending the night in his new home propelled him straight into the pouring water. Oh wow! This water is warm! It feels really good... No wonder she likes this “shower.” Curiosity bred a desire for further exploration, and he soon began fidgeting with the knobs while Fluttershy held a heated internal debate, one side of her pushing her to leave for decency’s sake and the other eager to watch his foal-like excitement over basic amenities. The cute factor was winning by leaps and bounds, but as he accidently turned the heat much too high, he gave a pained yelp and ran to his comfort zone, splashing water all over the floor and hiding from the searing cascade, all but tackling Fluttershy in his haste to get away.

“Fluttershy, make it stop! I made it angry, and now it’s hurting me!” Unfortunately, his expected comfort took a little while to arrive, having to circle the roundabout of her mind several times due to heavy traffic of thoughts that were approximately as steamy as the now-scalding flood sending up signals.

Come on, Fluttershy! Normal thoughts. It doesn’t matter that he was showering, and now he’s holding me, and he’s dripping wet, and his mane is... No, stop, I said normal! Oooh, this mind is so frustrating! “I-it’s ok, Whisper, calm down...” she managed, slowly returning the embrace and quieting herself, putting her focus into the stallion still very much unaccustomed to pony life. A quick explanation and readjustment soon had him enjoying the experience once more, having learned that the machine’s mood was easily manipulated by the funny, shiny silver things sticking out near the second nozzle that reminded him very much of a nose. If I knew such amazing things existed, I would have tried to sneak into a house or two. “Fluttershy? Did you want to shower too? I can share.”

As the words “Oh, yes please,” attempted to escape, she quickly slapped both hooves over her mouth, shook her head, and beat a swift retreat, going to find Angel and take her mind off of, well, showers and other things. Before exiting the front door, she took a moment to appreciate all the work that had been done. While she was still missing some birdhouses, and a couple of the ramps to various pets’ houses would have to be rebuilt, everything else was practically good as new. Fortunately, none of them were currently in use when Whisper’s magic had gone off, and since the house had mostly contained the blast, there were no deaths and few injuries among her animal friends. She had only wandered back once, the day before Silver threw the party at the tavern, tending to the injured and reassuring all her critters that thing were going to be ok. Then again, the list of happy animals did not include Angel, and thus she set out to spend a little time with her cute, not-quite-snuggly, thoroughly selfish pet.

It was with a heavy heart and heavier hoofsteps that Twilight ascended the staircase, passing her bed with nary a glance and continuing towards the smaller third story where Dawn slept peacefully, a foal’s picture book clutched to her chest and one hoof being a stand-in lollipop due to an absence of bedtime sweets. Gently lowering Spike into his bed, she drew the covers over him and lay down beside his bed, letting her mind revisit all of the memories they had crafted together, both the good and the bad. Nearly every waking hour had been spent with each other since he hatched, and as her stomach turned, remembering the worry and longing she had felt during the dragon migration, strength failed her and she silently shed a few tears for the times that she felt she would be trading away should she commission him to make new friends.

I know you’ve felt left out, that I haven’t been giving you the attention you deserve but... I still treasure every moment, Spike. You’re not... just my assistant. You know that, right? She didn’t want to, and didn’t mean to, but as she looked towards the future, one without her assitant, all she could see was a void within herself. A soft pressure around her shoulders indicated she wasn’t alone, and she yielding willingly to Cerulean’s embrace.

“It seems we’ve both had a rough night of it,” he whispered, his quiet laughter tinged with bitterness giving little comfort to either of them. “Come on, Twilight. We both need our rest, though if you’d like to talk about it now, I’m all ears.” She stood and turned to move towards the bed when Cerulean stepped in front of her, wiping away her tears and planting a kiss on the tip of her horn. “Can’t have you wetting the bed.” Somehow, his juvenile comment managed to reach past the gloom, bringing a genuine, though short lived, smile to her face as she followed him to bed. For a time, they simply held each other, enjoying a moment of peace in a life that seemed to be rushing by at a breakneck pace.

“I think,” Twilight started, snuggling closer in an attempt to offset the sadness within, “that I won’t be able to meet Spike’s needs. He’s not much of a baby anymore, Cerulean, and he needs more time than I have to give. But every time I think about being apart, I... He’s like a brother to me, Cerulean. I missed Shining Armor when I left for Ponyville, and if I send Spike to make some friends, then... I would hardly see him at all. It feels... like I’m losing something too important to let go. But what else can I do?” Cerulean didn’t answer right away, gently running a hoof through her mane, all too familiar with what she was feeling.

“I... missed Jade more than anything when he disappeared. I used to hardly ever cry, choosing to deal with everything as rationally as I could, if you can believe that. But when we had to go back home, I... wept like a foal. Just the thought of losing him for good...” I can’t cry, Twilight has enough to worry about. She’s been strong for me more times than I can count, so it’s only fair I do the same. “It’s not quite the same, but I guess I just want you to know I understand how you feel, about being afraid of losing something precious. I can’t tell you how things will turn out, and I haven’t known Spike very long, but that dragon isn’t going to ever leave you alone completely. It may hurt, but I think that seeing him smile and laugh from a distance is better than having him sit in your lap with a scowl, if it comes down to it.”

He’s right. Why is it... that when it comes to matters of the heart, he’s a million times more in tune than I am? I’ve likely read more relationship books than minutes he’s spent thinking about my flanks! Well, maybe not, actually... Despite her mind being occupied with worry, she again found herself smiling, though it faded slightly as she realized there was something on Cerulean's mind as well. “Oh... I’m sorry, did you want to talk about...”

“If it’s all right with you, I’ve... spent most of the night thinking about it, and I’d really just like some sleep. I promise I’m not hiding it from you, Twilight, and I’m not trying to hold it inside. I just...”

“Shhh...” Twilight whispered, pressing a hoof over his mouth and returning her head to his chest. “I understand.” Their eyes met briefly for a second before mutual adoration bid them lean in close, holding a single, meaningful kiss before settling in for the night.

Given that the shower was far more magical than his horn, Whisper reluctantly switched off the flow and stepped out. Using his incredible powers of deductive reasoning, he figured that the white linen strips of cloth hanging nearby were clearly for decoration, being clean and unfit for drying oneself, and thus he promptly ignored them, choosing instead to shake himself vigorously, adding to the already sizable pool of water on the floor and making a frightful mess of his mane. This was fine with him, as he eagerly anticipated a good grooming that was two weeks in the coming, and set out to explore his new abode. He was tired, relaxed, and still quite sore, his unexpected walk aggrivating his still healing injuries, but the excitement abounding from every unfamiliar object drew him away from bed and towards just about everything else.

Huh, I’ve seen these things once or twice. They’re made out of trees, but they’re shaped all funny! I wonder what they’re for? The chest of drawers were perfectly content to let him have a merry time rifling through their contents, which mostly consisted of odds and ends that he didn’t recognize: quills, parchment, scraps of various animal feeds, and strange, small pieces of fabric that he couldn’t possibly imagine a use for. Pulling out an assortment of socks, he studied them to learn their secrets, noting the fresh scent infusing the clothing and immediately sticking one over his horn. Why Fluttershy, being a pegasus, had such a wealth of horn warmers, he couldn’t understand, but satisfied he had learned all he could, he selected a nice green sock with pink hearts, slipped it on, and continued his quest.

Magical lights? It doesn’t burn my eyes like looking at the sun! Oh, hey, what’s this? It’s like a fridge, but it’s not really cold at all. Really small, too. So many magic boxes! Equating a microwave with a refrigerator wasn’t the most stunning display of mental prowess, but he pulled out a potato and stuck it in anyways, wondering if food activated the cold and not vice versa. Noticing some strange markings on the sides, he pushed one and reared, elated with the delightful music note that it played. Further experimentation yielded a cavalcade of monotone music, and as he was about to finish, the inside lit up with a hum, and Whisper found himself entirely entranced as the potato spun round and round. His amazement grew yet greater as the vegetable began to steam just like a shower, and he couldn’t help but press his face against the microwave door, standing on his hind legs and bobbing up and down, anticipation nearly driving him to dance. Joy turned to dismay as the potato decided that being a solid was too much work, promptly exploding and nearly sending Whisper into cardiac arrest, horrified that the music box was really a form of vegetable torture.

Stove, cupboards, chimney and laundry hamper: it didn’t really matter what it was. If it was of pony origin, it was new, and as completely negated the effects of his shower, having first discovered that flour sacks yield a most hilarious spout of none-too-tasty white powder when assailed by hooves from either side before finding that soot from the fireplace had quite an interesting, gratifyingly earthy scent. His nostrils, on the other hand, weren’t very pleased with his over-eager investigation, and a telltale tickle allowed him but a moment to worry before a sharp intake of breath warned him of a violent explosion in the imminent future. Thinking quickly, he stuck his head into the chimney and let it all out.

“Oh dear, Crimson really did all that to you?” I can’t believe she’d really cover him in chicken feed. And there has to be some mistake about her using him as a floor scrubber. Crimson’s just too nice of a pony to... Her thoughts were jarred as a noise akin to a party cannon being fired into a funnel echoed through the night, a tremendous black cloud billowing forth from the chimney and bidding her save the rest of her poor rabbit’s tragic tale for another time. A worriesome banging soon followed after, and without further hesitation, she raced back to the house with Angel hot on her trail.

Now, living with as many animals as she did, she was used to some degree of messiness, but the sight that confronted her was off the scale. Whisper was, at that moment, finding that pots and pans make a delightful din, and he turned to her with innocent eyes and continued composing a one-pony symphony of discordant steel notes, oblivious to the flour he had tracked into the soot coating most of the living room floor. Her eyes darted away from the disaster zone and into her room, where drawers hung half way open and socks littered the floor, one of her favorites still wrapped around the stallion’s horn.

Wha... but... how... all this soot... and... With her thoughts even more fragmented than her speech would be, she simply stared at the widely grinning stallion, letting out a dainty sneeze as she caught a whiff of powdered, burned wood that had been sitting since last winter.

“Fluttershy! Your house is really amazing! I can’t believe I didn’t take the time to look around last time, it’s just...” Unwilling to vocalize his exuberance for fear of bringing down the house, he instead romped in tight circles, kicking his hooves in the air, rearing, and having himself a merry time, oblivious to the horror etched on Fluttershy’s face, though that was partly her own fault for covering her mouth as she was prone to do when set in a situation where words simply weren’t enough. A succession of beeps from the kitchen instantly returned his attention to the nefarious contraption that had so cruelly ended the life of a perfectly guiltless potato. As Fluttershy slowly made her way over, too dazed to try and avoid the mess she was now aiding in tracking, Whisper stood aside as she stared into her microwave, unable to identify whatever mess had permanently become one with the inside of her most advanced appliance, even after she had opened the door and let out the smoke.

“Whisper? What did...”

“I didn’t do anything, Fluttershy! That strange box killed a potato! I was just playing music on it, honest!” Her eyes slowly, reluctantly pried themselves away from the unalterable mess and fixed themselves on Whisper, who sat silently defending his pride, confidently asserting his innocence and awaiting her apology for keeping such a dastardly contrivance in her abode. Instead, he received a slow, steady sigh as the mare came to the stark realization that she had a lot more to teach Whisper about than just relationships.

Black, white, and terribly active, Fluttershy was thankful she didn’t have to plead with the filthy stallion to take a second shower. She wasn’t trying to stare as he attempted to dry off, but what would have been momentary indulgence soon became an affectionate exchange as she helped the struggling stallion with the task, though she avoided certain areas for reasons obvious to her and not-so-clear to Whisper. Casting a glance at the mess of water on the floor, she bid the stallion head to bed while she cleaned up, though a glance out of the corner of her eye brought an even greater smile as she realized he was watching her just like she had been doing to him. Sure, she wasn’t freshly emerged from the shower, but it was strangely nice, and thus she said nothing until she finished.

“Whisper? I need to shower now, too. Go on, head to bed, and I’ll see you really soon, ok?”

“Are you sure? Will you need help with those... towels?”

“Oh, y... no, thank you,” she replied, barely keeping herself from accepting the offer. Shrugging and much too enthused to pay attention to his smarting chest and slightly achy limbs, he was about to return to the mire before a voice called out after him. “Whisper? I said go to bed! So, um, don’t play with anything else tonight, please!”

Awww... Whisper really didn’t have any room for complaint, and quickly sank gratefully into bed with an inaudible sigh and let his eyelids droop lower. No matter what happens, I don’t want this to end. This night was... worth the risk. Too tired to await the arrival of the mare that had brought him out of darkness, he welcomed her not with bright eyes and open hooves, but gentle snores. As Fluttershy climbed in and observed Whisper, with his tousled mane and hooves pulled to his chest, she felt a tinge of desire that she couldn’t possibly label as naughty, and scooted a little closer.

“Oh, Whisper... thank you for coming back.” Unable to further translate her emotions, she gently drew his head to her chest, holding him loosely as she began to run her hooves through his mane. I bet a lot of other ponies would say you’re not very much of a stallion, but I don’t really care. You’re adorable, and nice, and that’s good enough for me. Planting a gentle kiss on the end of his muzzle, she closed her eyes and joined him in sleep, content, and at peace.

Eyes on the Prize

Chapter 18: Eyes on the Prize

Throbbing in the chest, gut, and head: all these could be easily overlooked by Whisper as he opened his eyes to a brilliant morning sun, turning the black soot motes golden and illuminating the room, as well as the disastrous mess he had made the evening prior. True, his exploratory romp through a magnificent house had exacerbated his condition, such that the first thing he did was curl closer to Fluttershy and muffle a whimper of pain with her soft chest fur, but as he lay trembling, it was with a smile that he greeted the painful awakening. He had no way of knowing whether or not he should be worried about his condition, but he couldn’t bring himself to allow such thoughts free reign over his exuberance; a new day to explore was his for the taking. At least, so he thought, until Fluttershy joined him in wakefulness, noticed his condition, and quietly, daintily, blew a fuse.

“Whisper, you stay right here. You’re still hurt, so, well, you’re staying in bed today. No arguments, please.” Her request was ignored, the crestfallen stallion sending her repeated messages attempting to sway her from a sentence almost as bad as being confined to a hospital bed, but Fluttershy was resolute, knowing that whether he liked it or not, he would need time to heal. Giving him a “stern” warning about wandering off, she trotted into the kitchen and rummaged around her cupboards, locating some of her favorite tea and a few painkillers that she had leftover from the subsequent muscle aches after hurricane season. While it had been a tremendous breakthrough for the mare, and she’d readily do it again, pushing herself above and beyond her max wing power had taken a toll, leading her to stay grounded for the next several days.

“Whisper? You better not be out of bed, or you’re going to be in trouble!” she called out, hearing a thump coming from her room. Leaving the water to boil, she cantered slowly back towards her room, purposefully stomping to make her imminent approach known. She stopped just near the doorway and slowly poked her head around the corner, whereupon she found one seemingly well-behaved stallion sitting innocently in bed with another one of her socks slipped over his horn. Her attempt at an authoritative discourse on obedience, and the intended use of socks, was fundamentally flawed due to her excessive giggling, his cluelessness of the proper use of the clothing overriding any resentment at being promptly ignored. But, like a child, he needed to be kept in check, and thus she sat beside him, quieted herself, and made her request a second time.

“I know it doesn’t seem like a lot of fun, having to stay in bed, but you really do need to stay put. Your body needs time to heal, and it’s only going to hurt worse if you move too much.”

“But... I want to see more of your world, Fluttershy.”

“My house isn’t going anywhere, Whisper. You said you’d stay, so there’s really no rush.” Goodness, he’s got the cutest pouting face. Oh, and his lips look really soft, and... Whisper grew slightly confused as the mare’s cheeks changed hue ever so slightly, casting her glance towards the closet which Whisper had thankfully overlooked in his otherwise thorough scouring of her abode. “I, um... Whisper? If you, well... if you’re good and stay in bed, then tonight we’ll... do something special together.” Am I really offering this? Oh, I hope he’s good. I mean... oh dear... It’s just... I think it’d be really fun. And I’ve never done it with anypony before, so it’d be something special for just the two of us.

Something special... with Fluttershy? Such a tantalizing thought required no pondering. “Ok, Fluttershy. I’ll be really good!” The whistle of a ready teapot bid Fluttershy return to the kitchen, though as Whisper closed his eyes, he found that he could still hear the joy in her heart. Not knowing the ins and outs of relationships, he couldn’t have known that was he sensed was the slow bloom of love, but what he could say for sure was that he felt exactly the same way. So focused was he that he didn’t notice her return until she sat down beside him, handing him a mug and cautioning him against attempting to drink it too fast. Maybe a day spent in bed won’t be so bad after all. I wonder what my surprise will be? I hope I get to move at least a little...

I’ve got to stop thinking about all this... There’s nothing I can do, and Berry isn’t budging, no matter how much I try... Snowdrift cracked open his eyes and watched his mare, each breath brushing softly against his face, comforting yet prodding a desire he couldn’t indulge. “I’m not... going to hold back much longer, Berry. You deserve better...” Rising quietly and doing his best not to let depression sink its claws in further, he stepped out of the room and trotted into the kitchen, sitting down at the small table and staring at the woodwork. A glass of wine, enshrouded by a pale red aura, slowly slid in front of him, and as he took a grateful sip he was joined by a smiling unicorn filly who had a knack for knowing exactly what other ponies needed.

“I don’t quite understand what’s going on with you and mom, but worrying isn’t going to help at all,” Ruby stated confidently, almost condescendingly. “Why don’t you take some time to think about whatever is on your mind? I’ll take care of mommy today, ok?”

“I swear, you’re more grown up than me...” Ruby either didn’t hear his muttering or chose to ignore it, but either way she had given him the boost he needed. “If Berry asks, tell her I went to Sweet Apple Acres to hang out with Freefall a bit. I don’t mind if she comes later, but a little time alone may do me some good.”

“You got it, Snow.” Finishing his wine and sipping a little water to clear his palate, he slowly made his way towards the farm, allowing himself a slow walk through the trees in the quietude of the early morn. It bred the perfect atmosphere for reflection, and even despite the incessant nagging at the back of his mind, they were easily overcome by the memories he had made with Berry and Ruby. His revery came to an end as he found himself not to be the only broken pegasus with a load on his mind, finding Freefall seated atop the barn and staring into the horizon, a slow flow of tears trickling down his muzzle.

And just the other night, I was... Dang it, Freefall... I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to make time for you. Hopping up the strategically stacked hay bales, Snowdrift approached cautiously and sat down beside trembling stallion, unable to think of a single time he had ever seen Freefall so distraught. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came. How do I even approach this? I hope... nothing happened between him and Bangles.

“I’m so... bucking worthless...” It wasn’t a needless statement spoken in anger or frustration. Snowdrift could do nothing but stare shell-shocked at his friend, the authenticity of the pained words undeniable. Freefall had with four words summed up the turmoil inside, and the streams grew wider as he hung his head, believing them in their entirety. “I’ve spent my whole life... chasing shallow crap, just looking for my next wing massage, and now... now that I’ve bucking found something worth giving a damn, I can’t... can’t even talk...” Hollow, bitter laughter made Snowdrift cringe as his longtime friend fell apart at the seams, his friend cracking open his eyes so he could watch the tears fall.

“Every night... since I asked her out, I’ve tried, Snow. At first, I’d make it to the door, and then even nearing the tavern became...” Frustration reached the summit of his limits, and with no other way to display it, he punched his hoof through the roof, letting his hoof remain in the hole as he felt the splinters bite into his skin. “I couldn’t even... leave the farm last night.”

Why didn’t I see this sooner? I knew he’s been distracted when he's on cooking duty, but... This has to stop. Freefall glanced over as his hoof was carefully lifted from the hole, bruised and slightly bloody from a few deep splinters. “You’re wrong, you know.” Ignoring how it might be perceived, Snowdrift set about yanking the wooden barbs out with his teeth before wiping away the blood and forcing eye contact with the stallion who felt he truly had nothing to offer anypony. “You’re not giving up, Freefall. I won’t let you. You need Bangles just as much as she needs you, and the fact that you’re... as broken as you are shows just how real what you’re feeling is.”

“It hurts...”

“Yes, it does...” he murmured, drawing his friend into a tight embrace.

“What the hay are you talking about? Only thing... I’ve seen you and Berry do is smile...” Freefall chanced a glance at Snowdrift whose face was now nearly as pained as his. It wasn’t something he wanted to talk about, but Freefall needed to know he wasn’t suffering alone, and so Snowdrift crammed down his shame and opened himself for the good of a broken friend.

Whisper discovered that he rather liked tea. It had an amazing smell, a delicate taste made better by the presence of honey, and warmed him on the inside almost like having his muzzle kissed. What he did not like, however, were the pills Fluttershy had given him, assuring him that they would help the pain in his chest die down. Fluttershy reached out a hoof a little as he crunched into them, though not in time to prevent their mastication and subsequent expulsion, Whisper pawing at his tongue in a desperate effort to rid himself of the bitter taste.

I really need to think things through a little better. I keep forgetting he doesn’t know anything. “I’m sorry, Whisper. I kind of forgot to tell you to just swallow them.” He wasn’t upset, per se, but he did demand another cup of tea to wash away the remainder of the lingering taste, which Fluttershy promptly supplied, along with two more pills. He eyed them cautiously, slipped them in, and washed them down with suspicion, expecting immediate relief but noticing no change.

“It’s not working.”

“Well, not yet, silly. It will take some time for them to start helping. Just lay back and rest, ok? I’m going to start cleaning the, um... mess,” she murmured, turning her head and looking out at the disaster area that had replaced her living room. Reassuring the stallion that she was indeed not upset by the monumental task that awaited her, she set about her morning chores with restored vigor, feeding Angel and the other animals first before sweeping up the floor. It was fortunate that she had hardwood floors, because otherwise it would have taken her well into the afternoon.

“Fluttershy! There’s somepony here!”

“Whisper? How do you...” she started before frantic knocking bid her lay down the broom in a hurry. A thump behind her drew her eyes towards her room where she found her bed abandoned, Whisper having hastily scrambled underneath to beg sanctuary from the family of dust motes who made the shady space their residence. A green hoof snaked out and snatched the remainder of his tail, and with everything ready, she opened the door to find Crimson and Cerulean right outside. “What... oh dear, that’s right. I didn’t have time to tell you both.”

“Is it... is he really awake?” Cerulean urged, scanning the house but seeing nothing.

“Yes, he is, but... he’s still hurt, and very frightened of ponies still. I don’t think it’s a good idea for...” Cerulean didn’t even have to speak, the desperation in his eyes screaming out on his behalf. “Let me talk to him. Wait here, ok?” Leaving the two at the door, she knelt down beside the bed and gave the form huddled underneath a slight nudge. “Whisper? Um, your brother and sister are here. They’d like to see you. If you don’t mind, I mean.”

“Fluttershy, I... I don’t think I’m ready for that yet...”

“I know, Whisper, but, well, how are you going to get any better if you don’t try? They’re both very nice ponies, so you don’t need to be afraid of them.”

I know you’re telling me the truth, but that blue one... I can feel this terrible longing... I can’t face him now. But I can feel that Fluttershy wants this. If it’s to make her happy, then maybe... “One week. Give me one week, and then... I’ll try meeting somepony else.” A gentle hoof on his shoulder further eased his anxieties, if only by a little.

“I’m very proud of you, Whisper. Now, get back in bed. You still want your surprise, don’t you?” Chancing the briefest of glances at the two unicorns at the door, Whisper eased himself from his dusty comfort blanket of sorts and returned to his real ones, closing his eyes and listening. “I know you’re probably both very eager to see him, but, you see, he’s not quite ready yet. He asked me for one week to adjust, and then he’ll try again, if that’s ok.”

“I’ve been waiting for sixteen years, Fluttershy. What’s one more week?” Cerulean said with a chuckle, simply relieved that he was going to have the chance at all. “How is he doing physically? I can’t imagine he’d be completely healed just yet.”

“He’s got some pain in his chest still, but other than that...” She shook her head, causing Cerulean to exchange a worried glance with Crimson. “He’s a hoofful, Cerulean. I mean, just look at this place!” she exclaimed, stepping back and motioning to her house, still in a dreadful state of disarray.

“Some things don’t ever change,” Crimson quipped, laughing quietly and taking in the scene. “Jade was a nice pony, but he was both excitable and messy. Honestly, this looks much like his room used to. Remember that one time...”

“That he painted a mural on the living room wall with peanut butter and three kinds of jelly?” Cerulean finished, chuckling as the green unicorn shot him a skeptical stare before shutting his eyes once more. “You have your work cut out for you, Fluttershy. But... thank you. I can rest easy knowing that he’s with you.”

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine, really,” Fluttershy replied happily, casting a fond glance behind her. Crimson turned to leave but again returned her attention towards Cerulean as he instead took a step forward.

“Fluttershy, can you give something to Jade, er... Whisper for me?”

“Of course, Cerulean. What is...” she started before she was wrapped in a mighty hug. Overcome by the joy of having his brother practically return from the dead, he forsook any possible social boundaries he may have been crossing and held the mare tight, and while Crimson snickered, mentally preparing a barrage of jibes with which to pester him on the return trip home, Fluttershy accepted the motion as intended. Cerulean, you must miss your brother very, very much. “I’ll do my very best to help you two come back together, Cerulean. Just give me a little time, and I’m sure you two will be playing together soon.” She bid them both farewell, closing the door and turning to find Whisper wearing a scowl, hooves folded across his chest. “Is something the matter, Whisper?”

“I didn’t like that. I thought... I'm your special somepony, so why did he put his hooves around you? I just don’t like that!”

He’s... jealous? Whisper’s mood temporarily darkened as the mare’s face lit up, his envy proving to her that he really did feel something for her. He was forced to relent as she climbed up onto the bed, eased him onto his back, and wrapped her hooves around his neck, whispering softly. “Whisper... nopony could ever replace you, so don’t be jealous... I’ll never hold Cerulean the way I hold you, because you,” she paused, punctuating her proclamation with a quick peck on the nose, “are my one and only special somepony.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

“Buck, Snowdrift... that...” Freefall could only shake his head, his oblivious assumption that everything had been sunshine and cupcakes for his friend being proven terribly wrong. Silence reigned for a time as both sat in deep reflection, Snowdrift fighting to quell the tides of apathy that threatened to drag him into a mire of depression that would likely last the rest of the day. Standing and stretching, he turned to Freefall with a dangerous looking smile which, while succeeding in temporarily wrenching his mind from his self-loathing, also disturbed him to the core. This feeling was forged, tempered, and shined to a sparkle as Snowdrift made his proposal.

“I’m not going to allow either of us to spend the rest of today sulking. My problems... can’t be fixed overnight, if at all. You, on the other hoof, simply need to find the strength and will to either pull your hoof out of your mouth, or learn to talk around it. Just talking in general would be a step in the right direction.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“I’m not ragging on you for no reason, Freefall. Come on, follow me.” Hopping down, they made their way into the orchard, far enough away from the house that nopony would notice them or hear, save if somepony screamed. “So here’s the deal. You need speech training, and I need to cheer up. You’re going to talk to me like I’m Bangles, and I’m going to do my best to laugh at you.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Ok, ok, I’ll toss in some pointers here and there.”

“No, I’m not doing it,” he stated confidently, turning to leave when a grey blur rushed in front of him and gave him a cold glare.

“Freefall, I’m not letting you walk away. You’re scared out of your bucking mind, but you’re not worthless, and I’m sure Bangles doesn’t think so either. If anything, I’d guess she misses you, even from what little time you’ve spent together. So it’s time, my dear friend, for you to grow a pair and prove you’re a stallion, so that when you do woo your mare, you can actually do something about it!”

“Ok, fine! Let’s get this over with,” he conceded, heaving a sigh and having little faith that the exercise would accomplish anything other than lowering his self esteem.

“Actually... let’s start with something simple. Why do you like her, Freefall?”

“Because she’s... well...” Given the fact that he didn’t immediately start to describe in vivid detail the more sensuous areas of her body, stressed again that his friend truly was serious about the mare. “She’s... pretty, and... nice.”

Ok, well, physical appearance was the first thing he named, but still. Perhaps the mares of this town will be safe if I can help make this work. “Ok, quiz time over. Tickle my ears with your dulcet tones, or face the consequences.”

“Consequences? How could you possibly make it any worse?”

“I could go talk to her about that time in Cloudspire...”

“That really narrows it down.”

“With those three mares and that one...” Before the statement could be finished, or even thought about further, Snowdrift found himself quite with an uncomfortable mouthful of Freefall’s hoof as his embarrassment again won out over fear that the incident would again be brought to light.

“Ok, ok, you win! Just don’t...”

“What was his name again?” Snowdrift taunted, yanking his muzzle away and doing his best to ignore the wry taste in his mouth.

“I’m going to beat you.”

“Oh, come on. That’s no way to talk to your mare,” Snowdrift murmured, faking a female voice and tittering. He rose to his hooves, dusted himself off, and waited. “Freefall? I’m Bangles. Woo me.” Humiliation, along with its good friend dejection and none-too-distant cousin self-loathing, decided to throw a party in Freefall’s mind as he subjected himself to, perhaps, the most shameful display since being rejected by Carrot Top, of all mares. Even in role play, he couldn’t quite get past his verbal blundering, and thus, after an hour or two of making no headway whatsoever, Snowdrift pressed further, hoping that frustration and, in all likelihood, a desire to rip him limb from limb, may prompt clearer speech.

“You act any more nervous with me, and ponies are gonna think you’re into colt cuddling, Freefall. But hey, I ain’t judging.”

“Shut up, Snowdrift. I’m warning you.”

“See? You said that just fine. Not quite the words I wanted to hear, though,” he replied smoothly, adding a seductive tone to the mockery he was making of Bangles’ own, infuriating the struggling stallion further.

“I’m... going to...”

“Yes? Oh, do tell. Don’t leave your mare hanging, Freefall.” Ok, so I’m kind of abandoning my role here, but... eh, I’ll ask for forgiveness later. It was, in retrospect, a poor choice for both of them. His patience at his limit, Freefall tackled Snowdrift to the ground, standing over him with his muzzle just inches from his vexingly cheerful friend who couldn’t take a hint. “Oh my, that’s moving a bit fast, Freefall. Well, if you don’t mind, I guess I...”

“You’d what?” Both heads turned to see Berry standing a short distance away, her slight intoxication making it somewhat difficult to maintain her icy glare. “Oh, no, don’t mind me. I’d like to see how this plays out.”

“Freefall, you can move now.”

“Oh, but... you said it was all right if I...” he replied, well beyond frustrated and too aggravated to care how his actions were received.

“Dude, seriously?” Unfortunately, Snowdrift had no idea how seriously upset Freefall was. He did, however, have a fairly accurate guess when he suddenly found his mouth, and by proxy tongue, unceremoniously occupied with Freefall’s. Even the birds stopped singing at the overwhelming awkwardness of the situation, Berry having stopped breathing as Freefall shot his wings out as much as he could manage. Even for the purposes of payback, his dedication could only extend so far, so after a few seconds of exploration into a field he had never hoped to return to, he pulled away, spat profusely, and shuddered a little before folding his wings and grinning up at Berry.

“What? It’s not the first time that’s happened. Snow, you still taste nasty. Berry, you can have him.” Neither pony could respond, Berry not believing what she had seen and Snowdrift not able to accept what he had just tasted.

“Ugh.... What the hay is wrong with you? I was only trying to help you with talking to Bangles, not help you act out your fantasies! That was freaking nasty...”

“You abandoned any semblance of helping me like twenty minutes ago, so don’t even try that.”

“So, Freefall, tell me,” Berry began, feigning embarrassment. “How are you going to explain kissing another stallion to Bangles, hmmm?” It hadn’t even crossed his mind, but he had just kissed another pony while in a relationship with an emotionally traumatized mare that hadn’t even seen him since asking her out. In a word? He was bucked.

The excitement racing through Fluttershy’s body was so much more than a simple thrill. As each hour passed and evening drew nigh, an anticipation she hadn’t imagined had made her every bit as incapable of sitting still as the stallion who had, much to her imminent pleasure, had remained focused on his task of staying in bed. The house was cleaned, the animals fed, Angel still unhappy about her attention being divided though happy to have her back, and as she set down the brush, she checked his daily grooming off of the mental list and took a deep breath to prepare herself for what awaited them both.

This is just so... Whisper’s ears twitched as Fluttershy broke into a tremendous grin, face partially obscured with her hooves as she made the most curious of noises.

That wasn’t quite a squeal... what did that even mean? She looks really, REALLY happy.

Oh goodness, it’s time! It’s time! I’m nervous, but I don’t care! Or do I? Maybe I should take some time to calm down, just a little bit. No! Yes? Yes! Still failing to communicate properly, she bolted from the room, leaving Whisper to ponder what “squee” meant. She returned a short time later with a bowl filled with little white things he didn’t recognize, lowered the shades, and trotted nervously over to the closet; the one place he hadn’t managed to catch a glimpse. “Whisper? You’ve, um...” I’m really going to do this? “You’ve been very good today, so... there’s something I want to share with you.” The only pony... that I trust enough for this. I wouldn’t even... do this with Rainbow Dash. Well, maybe... but right now, I just want to share this with you, Whisper. Her hoof slowly descended on the handle, and Whisper gazed with wonder as the door slowly opened.

Bonding Hearts Pt.1

Chapter 19: Bonding Hearts Pt. 1

Romance movies and musicals: perhaps some of the most nonsensical, unrealistic media outlets attainable, even more so than a few of the comic books Fluttershy had seen from time to time. And yet, for the simple mare, they were heartfelt, moving, and always made her smile, and so she had committed to show Whisper one of her favorites. She doubted that anypony, save maybe Rarity, would even deign to sit through one of them, at least before her friends all started finding stallions. Nevertheless, trepidation had been given a good buck in the hindquarters and excitement for the private viewing filled her heart as she turned on the television, noted Whisper’s awe at the static with affectionate amusement, and slipped in her selection. Whisper suddenly found his personal space pleasantly invaded as she snuggled into the bed beside him, grabbed a bowl, and offered him some white things.

“What are these? They’re shaped all funny, but they... smell kind of good.” Upon seeing Fluttershy scoop a few out and crunch on them with tantalizing delight, and also noticing that they clearly made her very happy, he tried one, chewed slowly, took a moment to savor the flavor, and promptly scooped out a very large hoofful into his mouth, missing with about half of them but too enthralled to care.

“Oh, do you like them, Whisper? They’re called ‘popcorn.’ Most ponies like it with butter, but, well, I like them plain. I hope that’s ok. Oh dear, slow down a little, please. I don’t want you to choke.” Obediently adopting a proper munching pace, he tilted the bowl back over to Fluttershy and contented himself eating the ones he had dropped around him. “Oops! I forgot something to drink. Wait right here, ok?” Not the most active pony, Fluttershy was nonetheless confused at the speed with which her heart was attempting to shame Rainbow Dash, her pulse much too high as she poured two glasses of water and pointedly walked back to the room. The precariously perched drinks soon found themselves attempting to nurture the hardwood floor and the specks of mold clinging for safety as a flood attempted to carry them away.

Whisper, upon seeing the movie begin, had stared breathless for a time before mashing his face directly into the screen, enraptured by the splendor and completely overcome with wonder at how tiny ponies had become trapped in the black box. More amazing still is that they were completely at ease and seemingly unaware of their dire predicament, and as a hoof tapped on his shoulder, he turned to Fluttershy, torn whether to shun safety and attempt to mimic her “tremendously excited” noise or beg her to help him release the mini ponies from their cell.

“Um, it’s bad for your eyes if you sit too close. And what are you doing out of bed?” she said with a giggle.

“Fluttershy, why did you stick ponies in that box? I don’t understand, is this more magic? Are they safe? Should we help them? Why is...” Wide eyes grew wider still, and he yanked his attention back to the magical black box as the three ponies inside began to sing, oblivious to the pouring rain which had also been stuffed inside. It was simply too much for his eyes, ears, and mind to fathom, and Fluttershy was forced to stop the video so she could explain, though it only frightened him more when the screen went black. “Oh no! Where’d they go?” Ignoring her warning about being too close, now null due to the device no longer being turned on, he frantically searched the exterior in the hopes of finding a way to reverse the tragedy. Even in the face of his obvious discomfort, Fluttershy had to take a few moments, and deep breaths, to be calm enough to ease the stallion’s misgivings.

Whisper couldn’t possibly hope to understand everything she had said, so he settled for simply trusting that there were no ponies inside, that no ponies were being harmed in the usage of such wizardry, and the rain inside wasn’t going to overflow and flood the house. Helping him back into bed, Fluttershy took a moment to clean the spilled water and refill the cups, and with a soft blush she restarted the movie and snuggled up next to Whisper who, while still very much taken by the wonders of pony technology, still took a moment to nuzzle her before instantly returning his attention to the film, munching on plain popcorn and having more fun than Fluttershy would have thought a stallion could, given the nature of her selection of media. Favorite movie or no, she didn’t bother trying to force her focus, resting her head on the stallion’s shoulder and smiling as he gave the magical ponies a fantastic, starry-eyed grin.

This is already turning into one of the best nights ever... Thank you, Whisper. Oooh, the first song! Introspection took a backseat as two ponies on screen began singing the first of many songs, every word and choreographed tap of the hooves memorized. Whisper’s attention was split nicely down the middle, wanting to both watch the amazing dancing on the television while also giving attention to the beauteous, delicate voice that was, by his standards, far more pleasing than the ones of the ponies playing the fiddle. In the end, his wonder with the show as trumped by the mare merrily clapping her hooves along.

That feeling is coming back... I wish I knew how to explain it, or let her know. It’s... really nice.

“I’m fit as a fiddle, and ready for love~!” Upon finishing the last note, she glanced over at Whisper who was now regarding her as if she were one of the magical black box ponies, mouth slightly agape as he anxiously waited for more singing. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, was horrified by her outburst, and turned away the moment her cheeks caught fire. This is why I never watch them with other ponies... I always get too excited, and now he’s staring at me, and I probably looked silly, and...

“You’re cute.” Blunt, to the point, and completely unable to be misconstrued, Fluttershy slowly turned back towards Whisper. If she didn’t know any better, she would have said that then, at that moment, he looked ready for love too, his beaming matched by the gentle, scarlet eyes that conveyed nothing but passionate wonder. “I hope the next song comes soon. I really like your singing.”

Whisper... I hope the next one comes soon, too.

Not even the raucous noise and constant clamor of the tavern could ease the gut-wrenching, mind-consuming unease with which Freefall found himself afflicted as he neared the stairs. He should likely be thankful, really, that she wasn’t down below. At the same time, the thought of being near her, let alone in the same room, was something that spawned many an inappropriate scene in his active imagination. Due to having to fight his own limbs for control, he was surprisingly exhausted upon reaching the summit, and summoning what little courage he had, he managed two swift knocks before it fled in light of her quiet, stunningly alluring voice.

“Yes? Who is it?”

“Um... I uh...”

“Freefall?” There was a momentary silence, followed by a soft thud as Freefall met the door head on.

That makes me really sad. Bucking fail... “Y-yes...”

“You may come in.” After a somewhat longer silence, the door creaked open and Freefall made his way in, standing just inside the doorway and shaking like normal. “Go ahead and close the door, please.” Never before had the latching of a door made Freefall so nervous. He was there. In her room. With a terrible, possibly relationship ending message. “It’s... good to see you again.”

Hi, it’s great to see you too. Guess what? I cheated on you with a stallion who’s taken! Great way to open conversation after hiding for a bucking week! “You... too.” And... yes, cue awkward silence!

“So...” He’s still just as nervous as before. I really, really hate act like this, but it’s the only way... to get him to at least talk to me. And that’s really all I want... “You know, it’s a little lonely, being alone in a bed like this. It’s the perfect size for cuddling, and... other things.”

Those eyelashes... oh Luna, have mercy. She’s standing up! Gotta speak, say something! “I cheated on you, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to!” Anything but that... Oh buck, it’s over... Bangles froze in her tracks, her gaze conveying neither understanding nor sorrow, and this caused Freefall even more discomfort than if she had just picked one and stuck with it.

“I... see.” That explains the absence. “I guess... that makes sense, that you’d want somepony you could actually talk to. If you’d rather be with her, I...”

“It was a stallion! I kissed Snowdrift, but I didn’t like it. You have to believe me!”

He... went after a stallion? “Am I... really that scary, that I’d drive you to...”

“No! No, no no! I was just frustrated!” What’s that look for? It’s not like we... “Oh... Celestia, no, that’s not what I meant! Not like that! I... Gah!” Unable to find any way to save face from his blunder, he yanked open the door and proceeded to trip and roll all the way down the stairs. An audible groan ascended over the din below, followed by the clop of frantic hooves that quickly got lost within the rest. Bangles, on her part, had no idea how to interpret the events other than the young stallion had desires that she was unwilling to meet, and thus looked elsewhere. In truth, she didn’t feel it was possible for her to claim any kind of moral high ground after everything she’d done, so if he had asked, she probably would have delivered, if only to have somepony near. Her thoughts were interrupted as a concerned blue stallion poked his head up, knocked on the partially opened door and gently closed it behind him.

“Uh, everything ok, Bangles?”

“I don’t know.”

“He didn’t... try something did he?”

“No. He kissed a stallion because he was frustrated.” She couldn’t help but smile a little as Cerulean suddenly found himself rolling on the floor, unable to stop his amusement at the statement. As the giggles subsided and Cerulean found the ability to stand once more, he shook his head and attempted to be serious.

“He really has trouble communicating, doesn’t he.”

“Yeah... I’d really like it if he could just talk to me, but...”

“Well, in this case, I think you should go talk to him, before he’s out cold. He’s knocking them back pretty fast.”

“Cerulean, do you really think that this is a good idea?” As tempting as it was to be sarcastic, to take another cheap shot at the bumbling stallion, he could see that Bangles was reaching out.

“You know, before he spoke to you the first time, I posed a test to him. Well, more like threatened him, towards the end. And maybe he only operates under pressure, who knows? What I do remember is his answer to my question.”

“What did you ask?”

“I can’t recall the exact words, but I demanded he prove that he was serious. I wanted to know for sure that this wasn’t some kind of crush or momentary attraction. Basically, I asked him if he was willing to commit. Do you know what he said?” She shook her head, not having heard enough coherent speech to imagine what he might say. “He offered me the rest of his wings.”

“There’s no way that I could be worth... I...”

“Bangles, you are to him, whether he can pull his hoof out of his mouth long enough to show it,” he said softly, cracking open the door and standing to the side. “That stallion was a silver-tongue and a player through and through, and all it took was one glance at you to strip that away. Go on, Bangles. While he’s still conscious.”

This is so strange... Whisper’s inhibitions about the television and whatever voodoo may or may not have been at play quickly deteriorated with each passing minute, leaving Fluttershy to ponder a mystery of her own; why did she have the sudden urge to be so close to him? I mean, I spent a lot of time touching him at the hospital, and it never made me, well, nervous and hot. But... even though I feel really warm, I... want to be closer to him. She was acutely aware that her foreleg was already pressed lightly against his, brushing against his fine coat with every minute motion. It’s like... I can feel every little hair that touches me. I wonder if he’d be ok with me getting closer? Maybe he won’t even notice? That’d be nice, then it wouldn’t matter. No, wait, I want him to notice, don’t I? Do I? Oooh, I didn’t think watching a movie would be so... He shifted slightly, increasing the pressure along her side. So nice... “Whisper?”

“Huh? What is it, Fluttershy?” She looks really nervous. Uh oh, is it me? Did I do something? But... but I’ve just been sitting here! I’m being good!

“Would it... maybe... be all right if I, you know... um...” Ohpleaseohpleaseohplease... “Can I... come closer?” Fluttershy didn’t know what to expect, but an amused snort wasn’t quite what she had in mind. I guess it was a silly question... I shouldn’t have asked, I guess. Seeing her trepidation and sensing something that wasn’t the gleeful euphoria bred of comic antics and catchy show tunes, Whisper took a short gander through his mental catalogue of “Things that Make Fluttershy Smile,” selected one at random, and followed through with the instructions, tilting her downcast eyes towards his own with a gentle hoof under her chin. Whisper, I really... I would like it if... oh my goodness, he’s... leaning in! Is he going to... my first...

A thrill of excitement coursed head to hoof as she closed her eyes and waited, but what came was not his muzzle against her own, something he hadn’t learned just yet, but rather a different warm, wet, and enjoyable sensation resulting from a few tender licks to her cheeks. Kiss or no, as she let her eyes open and she beheld the gentleness and genuine care evident behind his actions, the desire inside flared just a little brighter.

“You know... most ponies I’ve seen just try to stay away from me, but you... you’re asking to come closer. I...” It was Fluttershy’s turn for reassurance, as the messages that came through next were scattered words and fragmented sentences. Whisper simply couldn’t put into words the sheer elation at having her actually ask to be near him. It gave him the choice whether or not to accept, and yet having the freedom to decline made him want to yield that much more. Things may not always go according to plan, but as he gave up trying to explicate the layered poetry within singing of the simple love, Fluttershy quietly, hesitantly slid across the bed and crawled into his lap, pressing herself against his beckoning warmth. Despite the imminent approach of a song, she closed her eyes and simply let herself be held, the stallion’s arms slowly drawing around her and filling them both with a magic the television couldn’t possibly compete with.

“Is it...” she whispered, cracking open her eyes and turning her head as the music began. “It is, it is! Oooh, I love this song! Yay!” As perfect as her head rested against Whisper’s downy chest fur, she simply couldn’t remain inactive as the pony onscreen began to sing, which was her cue to outshine him post-haste. “Make ‘em laugh~! Make ‘em laugh~! Don’t you know everyone wants to laugh~!”

Fluttershy... Even as the pony on screen flawlessly blended singing, knocking into every minorly painful hazard that could be found, and not missing a single hoofbeat of the choreographed routine, the words seemed to reach far beyond his ears, tickling a deeper desire from within the core of his being. Fluttershy, someday when I can control my magic, I’m going to laugh. I’m gonna laugh, and it’s going to be just for you. I want to do it now, but this... this is so much more then I ever dreamed I’d have... I can’t risk missing this moment. Ignoring a rather curious inflammation in his cheeks, he again took time to examine a mare whose beauty he had yet to see rivaled, squeezing a little tighter and letting her excitement become his own. I wish... I could just show you my heart. Then you’d know everything I could never say out loud. I’ll find a way, Fluttershy. I’ll find a way to show you what’s inside: something even better than butterflies.

Freefall. Pegasus, player, and buffoon. The list could be extended without repetition, but one of the things that did not make the grade was “heavy drinker.” However, in light of his irrevocable blunder in proclaiming his reason for kissing his close friend being that he was “frustrated,” he had promptly fled to the bar and ordered one of every specialty drink that was available, minus the vodka. Applejack watched with amusement at first, and then a growing concern as he didn’t simply sip them, but pounded them down like Berry on a bad night. Schnapps, then brandy, then on to the berry wine, by which point he was too far gone to care about the tickling sensation in his stomach.

“Uh, you all right there, Freefall? Yer actin’ a little strange.”

“Ferp... Ferpectly... Perfectly pine, shanks. Hey, Shivler, gimme a... blush.” Silver prepared to comply when Applejack stayed his hoof, pulling him aside.

“Silver, ah know you like letting ponies get a nice buzz goin’, but he’s long past that. He’s gonna end up out cold if ya serve ‘im more.”

“I know, but he is a paying customer, sweetheart. With this little alcohol, he won’t be in any real danger.” I know that look. It’s the “sugarcube, you’d best be real careful what you say next” look. “Easy, Applejack. I get yer drift. Hey, you awake down there?” he said, moving close to her stomach and placing a hoof over it. “Seems a lightweight wants a little more. Kick once for no and kick twice for yes.” Applejack gave him a glazed over look as the foal bucked once.

“Yer lucky you didn’t say ‘em the other way around, sugarcube. He’s already pretty out of...” she started before a dull thud signaled his impromptu use of the floor as his new sleeping quarters. “Ah swear, earth ponies are the only ones that can drink. Yerself excluded, sugarcube. Hey, Quakehoof! A little ‘elp over here?” Moving from the doorway, he made his way over with Bright Hope perched happily on his back, right at the base of his neck. She made way for the strange stallion before prodding his nose with a slobbery hoof, giggling as she discovered that she could make funny faces by stretching his cheeks. “Ah think that one’s gonna have a rough awakenin’.”

“Indeed.” The weight on his back shifted as Bangles trotted over, wrapping the slumbering stallion in her magic and pulling him to her side.

“Thank you for looking after him. I will make sure he is all right.”

“Somepony needs to. Here, Bangles, give this to him when he wakes up,” Silver chuckled, offering the vial of hangover cure. The mare nodded her thanks and trotted off, her charge in tow. The latching of the door as it closed behind her signaled the muffling of the noise from downstairs. Bangles moved her drunken significant other, if he could be called that, over to the center of the room and laid him down. Never having been able to get close, she took some time to examine his physique, looking but not touching. His coat was a pleasantly bright orange, and his mane neatly kept and startlingly blonde, nearly golden. Aside from the damage to his wings, he was actually fairly attractive, even as he lay on his back snoring up a storm. Sure, he was no powerhouse, and he clearly couldn’t hold his liquor, but even if he hadn’t been pleasing to the eye, she wasn’t looking for anything more than companionship.

“Well... it would be nice if you could talk without me having to... act like that.” She continued staring at him for a time before switching off the light and crawling into bed, where she lay wide awake. What the hay am I doing... I don’t even know if I’m ready for a relationship, and by the way things are going, neither is he. But, Cerulean said he was serious... If nothing else, I owe it to him to at least try. I hate it when he worries about me... Sighing as she braced herself mentally for another run in with her old foe insomnia, she closed her eyes and watched sleep from afar as it taunted her, the mare’s energy slowly ebbing as no rest came.

Bonding Hearts Pt.2

Chapter 20: Bonding Hearts Pt.2

Even without years of bartending experience, Silver had a knack for spotting troubled ponies. While the night was busy and most all of his friends were having a merry time celebrating the return of Cerulean’s brother to the land of consciousness, his cousin and her coltfriend were uncharacteristically somber, even Berry consuming her drinks much slower than normal and Snowdrift going over his one drink limit, sipping through a second while speaking only when spoken to. An impatient pony yanked his attention back to the counter, but as he turned he found not an irate scowl on an unfamiliar muzzle, but a grinning pegasus with equally cheery mare counterpart.

“Gale, Cloudburn, always a pleasure. What can I get for you both?”

“Thank ye fer the hospitality, Silver, but we’re not here for ourselves, if ye catch my drift,” he replied, motioning down the way to Snowdrift who simply raised his glass and took another drink. “Fate’s been right cruel to that lad, Silver. Ye got anything that could put a spring back in ‘is step?” A solution came instantly to mind, and Gale waited patiently as Silver disappeared into the back, returning with four glasses levitating beside him, setting two down in front of his guests and watching their reaction.

“Whoa, that’s really... pretty,” Cloudburn murmured, watching the faint rainbow aura that seemed to be emanating from the cup. “Smells good too. Why haven’t we heard of this?”

“It’s... kind of a secret. Truth is, it’s the best drink I’ve ever made, and it’s frightfully powerful, not from the alcohol content but the magic it contains. It’s also in short supply, as it’s made from Zap Apples which only come once a year. I’m down pretty low on my reserves, so I’ve been saving it for special occasions. Go ahead, try a sip.” Both pegasi indulged, and stared first at their cups and then at Silver, disbelief written on their faces in big, bold letters.

“I can see why you don’t let other ponies know about this. This is... something else,” Cloudburn remarked, staring at the shimmering, clear fluid.

“Aye, makes the rest o’ yer lineup taste like slumgullion by comparison - no offense, o’ course. It’s a fine drink, Silver. Ye should be proud.” Silver nodded his thanks before leaving the two and making his way over to Berry and Silver, snatching away their drinks amidst minor protest from Berry before she saw what was slid in front of her, whereupon she instantly shook her funk before draining half the glass.

“Easy, Berry. I don’t have a lot of this stuff left, so you really should take the time to enjoy it.” Adopting an appropriate sipping pace, she glanced across at Snowdrift who despite his emotional state couldn’t resist the taste, tilting the glass back and taking a sizable drink before resting his head on a hoof. Something is going on, it’s clearly serious, but I don’t quite know how to approach it without knowing the subject... Hmmm... If there was one thing he had learned, both from his own mistakes and the trials he and Applejack had to work through, it was that honesty, while sometimes difficult and painful, was always the best policy, and thus he dove right in. “I know... it’s likely none of my business, and if you tell me not to pry, I won’t. Snowdrift, something’s wrong, and it’s hurting the both of you, isn’t it.”

“Silver, you could use a little more tact than that,” Berry whispered, placing a hoof on Snowdrift’s shoulder as he tensed.

“Berry, can I... talk to your cousin alone?” Silver waved Applejack over to the bar, quietly asking her to take care of things for a while before pouring himself a glass of cider and taking a seat next to Snowdrift, now vacant from Berry’s departure. I hate sounding the pessimist, but why am I even bothering... Talking it out isn’t going to make it any less painful, and Silver is no doctor. There’s no point, so why... He glanced across the room where Berry now sat alone, pointedly avoiding looking in his direction. That’s why... “Silver... have you ever... wanted to give somepony everything, but been unable to?”

“You haven’t heard that story?” Well, I guess that makes sense, in a way. Berry isn’t really the type to blab about things like that. “Snow, I know exactly how that feels.” Snowdrift listened quietly as Silver recounted the evening that nearly ended his relationship with Applejack, and while Snowdrift could definitely sympathize, it was fundamentally different.

“At least... you only had to wage that war for a little while...” The magic of the moonshine only served to further clarify the longing that had been present in Snowdrift from early on in the relationship, and rather than cheer the stallion up, it only made the anguish worse. “I don’t know how much you know about me, or my accident, but my wings... aren’t much good for anything anymore. Even despite this, Berry has... time and time again given me more than I could ever hope for. But she won’t... let me give back, not the way I know we both want...”

“You mean...” Silver started, stopping as the stallion nodded, doing his best to fight back the tears.

“At first, it would just... throb a little when my wings spread, but as affection grew, so did the pain... Even stopping everything for a week didn’t seem to help, the moment we came back together again it picked up right where it left off. I could... bear the pain, if she’d only let me...” Taking a deep breath, he downed what remained of the moonshine and set the glass back down softly. “If you asked her, she’d say we’ve made an ‘agreement’ not to escalate things, and I haven’t but... damn it, Berry... I just want this for you...”

Silver didn’t need his living lie detector to know that every word Snowdrift spoke was the truth. And he also knew that Berry continuing to hold out on the both of them was going to have longer reaching effects, and far more painful ones at that. Despite her outward appearance as a slacking drunk, inside lay a kind and fragile heart, one that wouldn’t willingly let somepony be hurt on her account, but this...

“Snowdrift, I will be proud to call you family someday. Admittedly, this may sound really strange, coming from her cousin, but I want you to try tonight.” Snowdrift looked up from his empty glass, following it as it levitated beside Silver who had stood. “On the night after Applejack and I first drank this moonshine, I really thought that I had lost everything... But she didn’t let me give up. Now, it’s your turn to do the same. Don’t let her push you away, Snow. Oh, but don’t take it by force, either,” he quickly added, silently cheering as a faint hint of a smile came to the muzzle of one he knew would never dream of such a thing. “I would, regrettably, have to kill you for that.”

As the notes of the final song drew the musical to a close, Fluttershy closed her eyes and pressed a little closer to the stallion that had unknowingly given her one of her most cherished memories. While unable to vocalize his responses, it was quite clear that the experience had been for Whisper what bathing in a vat of bakery sweets would be for Pinkie Pie. Her eyes cracked open just a little, glancing on either side as she saw his scilliant green mane cascading down around her shoulders and chest. She slowly brought her hooves up, stroking the sliky fibers and humming softly as feelings of safety and peace replaced vulnerability and any trace of self-consciousness.

“You were meant... for me...” Surrounded by warmth, Fluttershy felt little need to withhold herself from giving Whisper a private performance, singing softly as she let the purest of passions blaze. Tonight has been so special... Whisper, I would do anything for you. I know that you’re a little scared, and confused, but it doesn’t matter, because I love you. She paused as the full weight of her unspoken words came upon her. Whisper cracked open his eyes, but the singing soon started and they slowly shut once more as he held her close and playfully nuzzled her ear. I know it’s early... but this night was just like a fairytale. I know it won’t always be this easy, and I may even get hurt. I don’t even know if Whisper feels quite like I do, but... I really believe... She paused again, turning her head slightly so she could see his face. “You... were meant... for me...”

I was meant... for Fluttershy? That thought, those simple words would have been enough, but as he brought a hoof to her muzzle and laid it gently on her cheek, he could hear with perfect clarity the depth of her adoration. I feel... exactly the same. And someday, when I’m all better, I’ll tell you. I’ll find a way to sing, and laugh, and tell you... what it is I feel. “Fluttershy, thank you.” Green letters repeated the message over and over, the stallion unable to think of any better way with which to show the depth of his gratitude, and Fluttershy accepted it as such. As the last of the magic faded from view, they took a few moments of silence, focused entirely on the other before questions that had been raised in the stallion’s mind but never conveyed bid him seek to expand his learning.

“Fluttershy, at the end of the... what is it called again?”

“The movie?” she offered, her soft voice nearly a mumble as she let herself relax.

“Right, so, at the end when they stuck their muzzles together... that’s called ‘kissing,’ right? How come they did it differently? Aren’t they supposed to kiss the nose?”

“Oh, Whisper... there are a lot of different things you can kiss...” Like noses, and ears, and mouths, and horns, and... oh dear! I really shouldn’t be thinking about those things... should I? I mean, this is kind of like a first date. She took a moment to chance a glance at Whisper, who was, expectedly, fixated on her. He held her gaze, making her the curious one as she noticed a slight blush against the green of his muzzle. I... um... I think I’d be ok, if... just a little one, maybe? But it has to be the right time. I want it to be special. Nodding and again letting her head sink into his soft chest, she reaffirmed within herself to wait for the most opportune moment to present itself, though she did allow her mind just a little bit of freedom, imagining what it would be like. My very first kiss with Whisper... I can hardly wait!

For some ponies, the quiet solitude of the night is a blanket of peace to cover the worries of the day. A time of solace, wherein sleep’s gentle embrace washes away the mire of anxiety. But for Bangles, who had known only solitude for much of her life and more often than not was held captive to insomnia, it was simply more time alone in her mind. However, there was one sound that kept her from total silence, one pony that staved off the feeling of utter abandonment, and she was grateful for even that, though he lay unconscious and snoring on her floor. The moonlight cast over the clock revealed that it was nearly two in the morning, and sleep had yet to take her.

A simple, fleeting thought crossed her mind, eliciting the faintest of smiles. Certainly, it couldn’t be real; after all, how could Freefall hold her if he couldn’t even speak to her? She knew that, despite her right as the one cheated upon, she could justify being angry, but it made too much sense for that.

Even if... he never remains faithful, and sleeps with other mares, or even stallions... As long as he comes back, as long as I have just one pony who will, successfully or not, talk to me every now and again, I can accept it. I have... no right to anything else. She paused as she reviewed her internal declaration, but she couldn’t say whether or not she believed every word. After several more moments of introspection, she realized that it wasn’t. Regardless of how much she told herself that she had no right to happiness, she wanted... to experience what she saw in the other couples around town. If I admit... that it’s selfish, that I don’t deserve it, but chase it anyways, is that... does that make me like her?

“Nnnnno...” It was nothing more than a random occurrence, a noise born of a drunken stupor, but to Bangles, it was her answer. Levitating the stallion gently into bed, she stared at him for a time, unmoving, before making her choice.

“Freefall... I want... to hold you, if that’s... ok.” It was the first time she had touched a stallion since Cerulean, and it caused a terrible rift in her desires as the memories came flooding back. She hadn’t even pulled him close, only having set her hoof on his shoulder, before she withdrew her hoof. I’ve caused... so much pain. I’m just going to do the same if I try to take anything for myself. Freefall, I can’t... So please... take me, because I can’t reach out. She lay staring at the stallion, longing for him to wake and hold her close, but time moved on, and eventually a restless sleep came to take her.

Ruby muttered some incomprehensible gibberish that was likely some kind of evening salutation, dragging her tired self to bed as the sugar crash hit. The mood had stayed somber, and they both crawled into bed without a word. Try as he may, Snowdrift couldn’t yank his thoughts away from Berry. It wasn’t entirely because of the moonshine, either. He hated his own limitations, and he knew she hated the fact that he struggled so much with it. And so, disregarding the potential dangers, he rolled over and pulled her into a deep kiss, the kind that they only shared once in a great while. She accepted it for a time, longing to let it continue. As she cracked open her eyes and saw his wings begin to unfurl, she tried to pull away but he held her steady. After what was their longest kiss ever, he pulled away and peered down at her.

“Snow, please... I don’t want to see you hurt...” she said softly, placing a hoof on his cheek and wondering just how much pain he must be in already. His wings were almost full spread, a position she had only seen once, and he ended up nearly incapacitated from the lancing pains that raced along the bones and joints in his feathery appendages. I know you want to please me, Snow. And I want to please you too, but just having you with me is enough...

Berry, you deserve far more than I give you. So... “Please...” he whispered, voice cracking as he was choked with emotion. “I want... to try.” Berry, I would never force anything on you, not ever. But, please... just let me try. I don’t... want to hold you at hoof’s length, I want to be one. I want to be yours. So please, just say the word...

What should I do? He’s doing a great job at not showing it, but he has to be hurting. I know that he’s... wanted to do this for both of us for months, but I... I’ve stopped him every time. “Snowdrift, I...”

Please... Please... “Please...”

I can’t... say no, not this time. Please, let this be all right... “Come here...” she whispered, fighting back the tears as she pulled him close, reconnecting their muzzles and wrapping her arms around him, just below the wings. For a time, they simply kissed, for even that was cause for jubilation. But for Snow, who had wanted to give her so much more, it wasn’t enough. Having moved past the stage of total stiffness, he brought his wings down around her, enfolding her with them as he brought his hooves gently down to her flanks. The burning in her chest flared brighter as he traced her curves, his breathing becoming increasingly more difficult to regulate as he reveled in her excitement, as she did in his.

“Can... can you... touch my wings?”

“Are... you sure?” Even in the dim lighting, she could see his heartwarming smile as he watched his mare, the passion burning within exceeded only by his love for her. She closed her eyes as he leaned in once more, unsteadily raising a hoof to his wings and stroking them gently. The sudden, sharp intake of breath only fueled her own desires, and she pulled him back and continued, pressing just a little harder and add her own soft, verbal reminders to his own so that he would know, beyond a doubt, that he was able to please. He was gentle but passionate, and as he drew a trail of kisses down her neck, she yielded to her desire for him completely. “Snowdrift...”

“What is it, Berry?”

“I’m... I’m ready, if...” He gently placed his hoof over her mouth, holding it there for just a moment before repositioning it to her cheek. He found his hoof held in place by her own as they both silently thanked the other. A simple nod, and the intensity of her passion rose further as she realized that her request was to be fulfilled. She closed her eyes as he lowered himself down, savoring the heat of his body as they accepted each other’s gift, given in love.

A romantic viewing of her favorite musical, plain popcorn, and a warm stallion who saw no problem with letting her cuddle to her heart’s content: everything Fluttershy had hoped for and more. This, however, came to an awkward end as Whisper realized the film had introduced countless questions regarding life, technology, and what the ponies were doing behind the couch during the laughter song. Sure, one of them had clearly been fake, but that still did little to ease his curiosity, and so he started with the one that struck him as the most strange.

“What was that one pony doing behind the couch with the fake pony?” It was a simple, honest question completely devoid of innuendo or double entendre, but it was not received thus. Fluttershy’s mind was given an inch when she chose to indulge her thoughts of how a first kiss might occur, but contemplation had turned an inch to a mile, and thus she knew exactly what was inferred by the scene, as it had already attempted to penetrate her defenses multiple times. It wasn’t that Fluttershy was regularly a mare of perverse thoughts, but she couldn’t deny a growing desire for physical intimacy, despite the fact that the mere thought of actually sharing a real kiss made her want to sing, fly away, laugh, and hide, all at the same time. Still, he was still expectantly awaiting an answer, and Fluttershy scrambled to find an acceptable response.

I can’t explain that to him! That’s really, well, embarrassing! I’d rather sing “Deeper” in the tavern again than explain... um... “that” to him. Goodness, I can’t even think about the word, and he’s still waiting for me to say something. I don’t want to lie, though... Oh, that’s it! “Oh, t-that?” she stammered, voice faltering. “They were just, well... they were... wrestling.”

“Can we wrestle? Please? It looked like it might be fun! We can stay in bed, if you’d like. I know it’s not the same as the floor, but then I won’t have to break any rules! Come on, please? Please?” His reply was almost as fast as the ensuing pink hue that flooded the poor mare’s cheeks, the final prod breaching her defenses and ensuring that she would have to have to find some way to last through the week, just long enough so that somepony else could explain what “wrestling” really meant. Whoa, that feels funny.

Oh no. No, stop it! Wonderfully soft, full of versatility, and aggravatingly obstinate when chastised, Fluttershy’s wings slowly began to unfurl, pressing against Whisper’s chest which, while he didn’t understand what the motion meant, found their downy softness strangely pleasant. I didn’t mean that last thought, really! I mean, it would be nice, but I don’t... no! No, no, no! Whisper was instantly concerned as she pulled away, shaking softly as her wings bore testament to her inner thoughts.

“I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?”

“N-no!” she replied quickly, though still not turning around. I need to calm down, I’m worrying him. Wait a minute... why do I... need to feel so nervous? It’s Whisper... He’s safe. Her pulse slowed, and she slowly turned herself around, letting her wings stretch out without further resistance and looking up with confidence at eyes full of worry. “I’m very sorry for scaring you, Whisper. Your question just caught me a little off guard, I think. It’s ok...” she said softly, placing a hoof on his chest and dropping her gaze, a faint smile playing at her lips. “That kind of wrestling is something special, and you can only do it with somepony you really love, and only after you’ve known somepony for a very long time. At least, that’s what I think.”

“Oh, ok.” I have more questions, but I’m sure I’ll learn. I don’t want to make her feel all strange again. Still, kissing on the muzzle looked... better than the nose. Oh well, I can try that later, maybe. Hey, no, stop that. “Don’t be sad, Fluttershy.” Yay, she’s laughing!

“I’m not sad, Whisper. Tonight was amazing, and there’s... just one more thing I’d like to do, if you feel like you can move.” Even if he hadn’t, if it made Fluttershy smile, he would have run to Canterlot and back.

“Anything you want, Fluttershy.”

“Do you think...” Please say yes... “If it’s ok with you, I’d really like it if you danced with me. If you’re feeling ok, that is...” She wasn’t expecting the covers to fly off so fast, but with speed not befitting somepony injured like himself, he bolted out of the bedroom and stood eagerly awaiting his partner in the center of the living room. Trotting over to her stereo, she soon found a very intrigued green stallion staring at her every move, and rather than explain, she pressed play and closed her eyes, expecting slow, classical and instead receiving a slightly deafening intro to bass-filled club music, which she immediately terminated for fear of Whisper hearing the lyrics. Flickering emerald letters quickly let her know he had.

“Buck my... what’d she say?” he asked, tilting his head to one side.

“Oh, nothing really, so, um, don’t worry about it.” He can never hear that music. Never ever. Swapping discs to the one she had originally intended, she led him back to the center as the soft, orchestral melody filled the house. “Ok, now stand up like this... oh, careful!” she said, quickly reaching out as he nearly toppled over backwards and pulling him into her hooves.

“I told you, I’m probably just going to mess everything up...”

“Whisper... I won’t let you fall.” There was no hesitation or second guessing, just a heartfelt proclamation that banished self-doubt and all that remained of anxiety. “Now, follow my lead. Put your hooves... here,” she whispered, placing his hooves just above her flanks while wrapping hers around his neck. By mutual support they found their balance, slowly beginning to sway back and forth in time with the music. For a time, they simply swayed in silence, but as her heart filled to bursting, Fluttershy had to let it out. “Thank you... I never imagined a single night could be so much fun, but this...” She pressed closer, his hooves sliding around to her back as her wings spread wide.

“This is something... I’ve wanted for a very long time...” She squeezed a little tighter as all her moments spent dancing in the hopes of one day sharing it with one she cared for came to fruition. Desire bloomed like a beauteous rose, and Whisper closed his eyes as he felt her soft lips pressed gently against the side of his neck while they continued to sway. “I can’t... begin to find the words to tell you how much...” She pulled away and his hooves slid a little higher, resting just at the base of her wings.

The moment, the setting... the opportunity would be lost if she didn’t act. But Fluttershy didn't fully understand just how deeply in tune with her heart Whisper truly was. Her aching for somepony to share in her world, the longing to feel safe and accepted, and the fear of being left all alone: of these things, their hearts beat with one accord. Whisper could feel the magic stirred inside of him, but right then, the entirety of his focus, nay, of his being, was directed only upon the mare who looked into his terrifying crimson eyes not with revulsion, but adoration.

Please... Whisper, I... I want... Her breath caught as he leaned a little closer, his warm breath brushing her face as his horn bathed her in a pale, jade light. Does... does he really know... what this means?

“Fluttershy... I can’t describe what’s inside with words... but I’d like to show you.” All of her anticipation, coupled with years of wonder and longing reached crescendo as she closed her eyes, the realization that her very last wish for her perfect evening was to be granted. The music continued to play in the background as timid, gentle lips touched her own, sending a rush of sparks mingled with embers coursing through her veins. The dizziness and euphoria... the closeness and connection... the safety, the desire free from all shame and doubt... it was everything she had dreamed it could be, and more.

Bonding Hearts Pt.3

Chapter 21: Bonding Hearts Pt.3

Never before had Fluttershy experienced such deep comfort, such rest, such escape from her troubles as she had that night, with the following morning being the best waking experience she could ever remember. A dense, silky, emerald mane blocked the sun from vision, defying its feeble attempt to drive away the elation still lingering from the previous evening. The rooster tried next, sounding his call for the day to begin, but as Whisper slowly came into wakefulness, he cracked open his eyes, beheld the mare snuggled to his chest, and shunned any thoughts pertaining to movement. Birdsong, cheerful and bouncy, set the mood perfectly as tranquility filled them with what they both knew was love, and while unspoken, they both knew it was mutual.

She won’t let me fall... A giggle more melodious to his ears than even the sweetest lark bubbled from within the mare as he gently kissed her forehead, recalling that kisses are useful in more areas than just the tip of one’s muzzle.

“Silly... you missed.” She had only been partially serious, but as he moved in to right his error, she met him halfway, pressing closer and resting her hooves on his chest. My second kiss... no wonder... ponies wait their whole lives to find this. Thank you for coming, Whisper. I’m glad that... I didn’t end up with Big Mac. It lasted but a moment, but her heart was racing and her breathing irregular as he pulled away. Rather than be embarrassed by what some would call an overreaction to a basic and fundamental display of romantic affection, she unashamedly let her body do as it wished, spreading her wings and staring into the face of a pony who was similarly enraptured.

No wonder Rainbow Dash and Storm are so, well, active. I mean, if I didn’t think that Whisper wasn’t ready then... would I? She didn’t take long to ponder, her mind still whirling from the distortion bred from having a swarm of flaming butterflies attempting to mimic a washing machine within her stomach.

“Do you feel the butterflies too?” Whisper asked, beaming as he watched Fluttershy place a hoof over her stomach, beaming back at her special somepony with pride. Wait... Oh no! “Fluttershy? Kissing on the mouth doesn’t... doesn’t make babies, does it?” Whisper’s countenance took a crushing blow, his smile slowly melting and dripping from his muzzle, leaving only a frown in its wake as Fluttershy devolved into a dainty fit of laughter. The equivocal motion for any other pony would have been comparable to casting aside all semblance of dignity and tossing oneself to the floor, rolling to and fro, all while shedding tears of mirth.

“Whisper, we’re... we’re really...” Calm down, Fluttershy. Breathe, just breathe... “We’re going to have... to have somepony... talk to you about that. And no,” she continued, easing his misgivings slightly with a radiant smile and much more with a subsequent kiss, “kissing on the lips doesn’t make babies.”

“Well, what does? Can’t you tell me?”

“Oh, um, you see... it’s like... it’s a little... hard to, um...” Even as much as I love him, it’s still too much to think about. I guess I’m not ready after all. But that’s ok, I think. I wouldn’t want to rush this, because I wouldn’t get to treasure every second. Oh, right, he still needs an answer! “Wrestling. Wrestling makes babies.”

Bangles had held little hope for the morning being any better. If her life’s circumstances had remained unchanged for two years, then what reason would she have to think that simply having a stallion in her bed would change anything? But surprises are always better when unexpected, and the sunrise signaled a shift. When living alone, comfort is difficult to come by. Bangles came to, not at the edge of the bed, facing the wall as she had when she fell asleep, but closer to the center and wrapped loosely in Freefall’s arms. Even had she wanted to speak, no words would have came. It was something so simple, yet so desired, and she had refused herself even that. And even now, still quite contentedly snoring away, he had somehow gathered her close in the night.

“You know... you’re more smooth in sleep than when you’re awake, Freefall,” she whispered, smiling and squeezing just a little tighter. “Thank you.” As her body became more awake, so did her senses. The increase and decrease of pressure against her chest as he breathed, the sensation as his coat brushed against hers from the slightest movement, and the warmth both within and without that filled her chest: it was exactly what she had wanted. A closeness, a willing closeness that wasn’t forced, wasn’t expected, but simply given, filled the void inside little by little. She knew it likely wouldn’t last, as Freefall would likely spook the moment he awoke, so she remained as still as possible, enjoying the spike of happiness in a life that was flatlining.

I can’t... open my eyes. Too... comfy. Ugh, but I’m bucking tired... Having been living on the farm for quite some time now, Freefall had become accustomed to waking much earlier than he had in Cloudspire. However, he allowed a few moments of peace, feeling strangely comfortable and pleasantly warm. That is, until the hangover pierced through the cloudy wall of drowsiness to stick his brain with many needles, and he let out a colossal, though slightly infantile, groan of agony. “Ugh, my bucking head... I can’t believe it only took... how many drinks? I can’t even remember. I should have just gone home...”

“I’m glad you didn’t...” Freefall’s eyes, which up to this point remained closed in the face of the rising light levels in the room, snapped open, and he realized that the warmth he held was not a pillow, as he was frequently found, but an actual mare and not one of dreams. And not just any mare, but the one mare to trump them all. His mind, contrary to its pained condition, became incredibly perceptive about several notes: he was in Bangles’ room, he was in her bed, and he couldn’t remember anything past his second drink in the bar.

Oh Celestia... come on brain, what happened? All it took was one momentary mental image that he, in his half asleep, hung over state interpreted as a memory, to initiate maximum panic. “No way... There’s no bucking way! I can’t possibly be, but I am, and there’s no possible way that I did, but I might have, and... and...”

“Don’t run...” He hadn’t intended quite on bolting, just hiding behind the desk, but the tone of her voice and locked hooves instantly gave him pause. “I know you can’t... stand being close to me, but please... just a little longer.”

Can’t stand... gah, is that really what she thinks?!? She’s the only one I want to be this close to, I just can’t freaking talk! “I... I’m...”

“Seeing others, I know... you told me last night. Just... don’t forget about me. I can accept that, as long as you take some time for me every now and then.” For the first time in a very long while, Freefall was furious. Not with the mare that had basically given him every freedom in the world to enjoy, but with himself for communicating so poorly that she would think that was something he wanted.

“Bangles...” I may botch this horribly, and make a fool of myself, but she can’t keep thinking like this. She needs to know. “I...” Oh, now don’t you start that, Freefall! Grow a pair! “I want you to know that...” Yes, good, keep going. “You’re the hottest mare in Equestria.” You’re a bucking moron, Freefall. Fix it! “Wait, that’s not what I meant to say. I mean, it’s true, but...” Here lies Freefall, buried under his own stupidity. Why can’t I just...

“Shhh... take a deep breath.” I told myself that simply having him here was enough, but I want... to hear what he’s trying to say.

Deep breath? If she uses that tone of voice again, I’m going to hyperventilate... Ok, growing a pair, take two! “Bangles, I don’t want anypony else besides you.” Thank Celestia, I totally said it! And that look in her eyes... “When... I kissed Snowdrift, it was because I was... um... practicing for you.”

“You were practicing kissing with Snowdrift... for me?”

“What? No, that’s not what I...” Never mind, it totally is what I said. “I meant I was trying to practice talking. The kiss was punishment for him annoying me. I want to be able to talk to you without... well, tripping over my own tongue.”

“Why... did you wait so long to come see me again, if it’s not because you can’t stand being around me?”

“Bangles, I spent that week wishing I was with you. But... after messing things up so bad just trying to talk, I was afraid of just making things worse. I’m not used to... being serious.” And now, I am a stallion. I have redeemed myself, and am worthy of my...

“I have... one more question.”

And now is where I lose it again.

“But first,” she paused, levitating the hangover cure from the desk, “drink this.” It took every ounce of focus and self-control for Freefall not to choke as she brought the vial to his lips. He sat still a few moments as his body was purified and rehydrated, only to find that the absence of his headache had made him that much more aware of just how much body contact he was maintaining.

“W-what’s... what’s your...”

“Freefall? I was... just wondering if... if I annoy you, will I get the same... punishment?”

It didn’t matter to Snowdrift that he was more exhausted than he could recall anytime in recent memory. It didn’t matter that he had been intoxicated, as he still remembered every moment in perfect clarity. It didn’t even matter to him that he lay nearly incapacitated by lancing pains in his wings. For the time that he shared with the slumbering mare beside him, for that moment when two had become one... for that moment where he felt he had brought her true happiness, such pain was inconsequential. It was real, it was crippling, and it was all he could do not to cry out, tears streaming from his eyes as it felt like his wings were being repeatedly ripped out by the nerves. And more than anything else on his mind, and what brought him a smile even as he trembled was one simple thought: it was worth it.

Even with all these thoughts, he knew that Berry wouldn’t likely feel the same, not in the condition he was in. He had hoped that the pain would calm, or at least let up, by the time Berry awoke, but he let slip a sharp yelp as she tightened her hold around his wings, and she woke with a start. Her grip eased slightly as she pulled back a bit, but as she beheld his tear-stained face masked in pain, she placed a hoof on his face and spoke with a voice laden with worry.

“Snow? Snowdrift, are you ok? What’s wrong?”

“I’m... I’m fine...”

“No you’re not! I never should have let...”

“I said I’m fine!” Snowdrift had never raised his voice to her for any reason, and he forced open his eyes just long enough to catch her hoof as it slowly withdrew. “I’m sorry... Berry, don’t... It was worth it, and I’d... do it again.”

“I know, but I can’t stand seeing you like this...”

“It didn’t... hurt while we were...” he grimaced as his wings feebly attempted to respond as the memories came rushing back. “Berry, can you... run to the tavern and bring me... a glass of moonshine? I think... that may help with the pain.”

“Of course, I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Stopping only long enough to grab a saddlebag, she took off out the house, tearing across town and towards the tavern. Snowdrift fell silent, struggling to overcome the pain. He couldn’t let Berry have her way, not with this. It was too important, and even if the moonshine didn’t help, he would find some way to show her that all this was worth it. The house remained quiet for a time until a quiet, frightened voice called out.

“Snow?” Ruby nudged the door open, took one look at him and froze in the doorway.

“It’s ok, Ruby. Come... on in.” It’s scaring her, I have to get this under control. Come on... A sudden flashback played through his vision, when she had accepted his plea and pulled him close. It didn’t nullify the pain, but it calmed his mind, and he began to gain the upper hoof in the fight. He slowly eased himself into a sitting position, remaining motionless for a few moments before cracking open his eyes and patting a spot on the bed beside him. “What’s on your mind, Ruby?”

“You’re crying... Are you hurt? Did you and mommy have a fight?” He immediately pulled her close, perhaps a little too fast as he jarred his wings and shuddered at the fresh wave of pain. She yielded to his embrace, sitting in his lap and leaning into this chest.

“No, we didn’t have any kind of fight. Ruby, my wings are hurting me right now is all.”

“You’re not going to leave, are you?” The question shook him to the core, the filly’s voice tainted with fear and sadness. “I don’t want you to leave. Silver left for a while and mommy got really sad, but if you leave I don’t know what’s going to happen. Please, daddy, don’t leave.” He had no intention of ever leaving Berry, being more happy with her than he had ever been in his life. She was beautiful, kind, funny, and didn’t have any problem with his disabilities. But somehow, Ruby had equated his tears with an inner desire to leave. Her words, the way she called him “daddy” for the first time, flooded him with warmth, care, and concern.

“Ruby, there is nopony that could ever make me leave. I love Berry, and I love you too. I don’t know very much about, well, anything, really. But if... if you’d let me be your father, I promise I’ll do my best.”

“Let you? You already are, and I’m not letting you run away, either!” she declared, wrapping him in a tight embrace. The creaking of the door on its hinges bid them both look up as Berry entered slowly, herself now crying as well, her joy at her daughter finally having a father nearly too much to contain. “Awww, mommy, you too? Come on, then, join the hug.” She needed no second bidding, setting the saddle bag down beside the bed and wrapping them both in a hug of her own, paying special care not to squeeze Snowdrift’s wings.

“I really am... worth this to you, aren’t I?”

“I’m pretty sure I answered that already, but yes, you and Ruby both. You come together, and you both have a place in my heart.” He felt her nod, holding the position for just a little while longer before pulling away and retrieving the saddlebag, from which she pulled a small cask she had filled and two mugs. Although slightly disappointed that nothing was brought for her, Ruby sat patiently as they both downed a mug each of the creation. It wasn’t instantaneous, but as Snowdrift beheld his mare, meeting her caring smile with his own cheerful grin, the magic of the Zap Apple moonshine slowly but steadily drove the pain out as passion moved in.

“How... do they feel?” He answered not with words, but action, slowly spreading his wings and leaning into a gentle kiss. She ignored her daughter’s giggles, simply thankful that Snowdrift’s pain was easing. It was then that she realized the truth and depth of his words, and pulled away. “Snowdrift... I hate seeing you hurt, but I think... it will hurt more if I try to keep us apart. So, starting now, I won’t restrain you any longer. I know things will be tricky, since there isn’t very much moonshine left, but please... take care of yourself, ok?”

“I promise, Berry. To take care of all three of us.”

Intelligence far beyond one’s years can be both a blessing and a curse. For Cerulean, it was both, his filly both able to comprehend matters far too complex for a foal just shy of a year old, and yet also being able to manipulate her advantages for her own dastardly intentions. Soft hearted stallion that he was, he more often than not found himself drawing the short end of a parley rather than simply putting his hoof down, despite Twilight’s repeated warnings. But that morning was one of change, and thus a stunned, healthily fed Dawn rode into town atop her favorite perch, nearly falling off several times as her mind replayed the horror that was a breakfast of fruit and vegetables and a father who not only supported the tyrannical whims of her mother, but reinforced her propaganda on proper nutrition with a firm lecture.

Knowing that Twilight had been highly distracted trying to make more time for Spike, he decided to take Dawn out around town for a while to give the two a chance to bond, or at least have the fated discussion on their future that constantly had Twilight drifting off towards depression. While Cerulean could understand her fears, anypony could, and likely already had, told her that everything was going to be fine. As they arrived at their first destination, a flicker of life came back to his filly as she beheld the building that, due to resembling gingerbread, she had once or twice attempted to consume.

“Cupcakes?” His vision became partially obscured as she leaned over and stared hopefully into her merciful father’s eyes, hoping against hope for some confectionary to aid the digestion of her salad, which just didn’t sit right with her, likely due to not containing about a pound of butter. However, her father had more subtle, devious intentions than the filly had imagined, and while she came to enjoy it later, his response was first received as heresy, blending the praiseworthy with the detestable.

“Actually, Dawn, it’s going to be a little something different today. Zucchini Bread.” Quickly reaching out a hoof to catch the filly as she lost balance and toppled from her place of rest atop his head, he suppressed a laugh and strode inside, the shop fairly empty after the opening rush and full of delicious scents wafting throughout. Dawn’s apparent obedience and well-mannered demeanor was more a response to her mind trying to pick up the pieces, the unalterable facts of life being shaken to their very foundations by the sudden change of pace. “Stay right here and be a good girl, ok?”

“Kay.” Trotting to the counter, he greeted the Cakes and was about to make his order when Pinkie bounced out of the kitchen, noticed Dawn’s lack of smile, and immediately questioned Cerulean on the tragedy. He explained the situation readily, and while Pinkie didn’t quite understand his worries due to her consumption of incalculable amounts of sweets on a weekly basis, she respected his position and followed him back with one of the shops more healthy creations, though she did pour just a little glaze over the top for added sweetness. Dawn looked at the bread about how a pony dying of thirst would regard an empty water bottle in the middle of a desert. “No want veggie bread.”

“Ok, Dawn, suit yourself,” Cerulean said with a shrug, cutting himself a slice and not even needing to act pleased. Pinkie soon joined in, not one to be picky when it comes to baked goods, and after seeing the pink mare similarly enjoy what Dawn believed to be an abomination to all things sweet, she broke a small piece off, examined it for a moment, and had yet another revelation as she bit into the moist, slightly sweet bread; vegetables aren’t inherently evil.

Needless to say, the rest of the loaf didn’t last long in light of his daughter’s epiphany, and as she licked glaze from her hooves Cerulean turned to Pinkie, who had just returned with another loaf, glazed, wrapped, and ready to be taken home.

“Sorry for eating half of the other one. Here, have another!” Cerulean gratefully accepted the gift, sliding it out of Dawn’s reach and nodding at the mare.

“Pinkie, I have a rather...” He glanced across at Dawn who, in the absence of sweets and fresh supply of sugar, smaller than normal though it was, had climbed down from the table to burn some energy. “Do you think you could watch Dawn for a little bit this morning? There are a couple of things I’d like to take care of, but they are kind of... sensitive.”

“Well, sure! I foal sit for the Cakes all the time, so it shouldn’t be any problem at all.”

“Uh, Pinkie, you have heard the stories, right? Dawn doesn’t exactly have a good record for...”

“Yeah, yeah, boring details. Dawn! C’mon, let’s play!” Not wishing to guarantee the mare’s immediate failure by disappearing without warning, Cerulean trotted over and interrupted the duo’s spastic frolic through the shop.

“Dawn? Be a good girl for Pinkie, ok?”

“‘Kay~!” Giving her a reassuring squeeze, he wished Pinkie well, prepared himself mentally for whatever he may face when he returned, and set out for the Tavern. Sure, it technically wasn’t any of his business what went on and he knew it, but he wasn’t so much concerned about what went on between the two as much as how it affected Bangles.

I never thought I’d be able to care after what happened, but really, I can’t say who was the greatest victim in what happened. Cerulean had found his peace, but as he knocked gently on the tavern door and entered, he couldn’t help but hope Bangles would soon find the same, albeit from an unlikely source. It occurred to him that the two may be sleeping, and thus he ascended the stairs quietly, decided to forego knocking entirely, and just take a peek - a peek that soon turned into an open-mouthed stare that eventually returned to a grin, albeit a slightly shaken one. He closed the door quietly, leaving the tender moment undisturbed as Bangles had her first real kiss with a stallion now paralyzed by an excitement born of heart-felt desire.

Whisper shifted nervously as he sensed the approach of another pony, but was enjoying a thorough grooming too much to move. The pains in his chest were getting better every day, and while dashing off likely wouldn’t exacerbate them, he instead snaked out a hoof over and brought it to rest gently against Fluttershy’s, drawing strength from her presence to fight off the fears rising within.

“There’s... somepony outside.”

“Oh, really? I didn’t hear anything...” Whisper’s gaze dropped to the floor as he pondered what he should do. On one hoof, he was still terrified of being near anypony but the mare who stood by, ready to accept whatever request he made. On the other hoof, he wanted to make her proud. Overcoming his fears enough to let Fluttershy near had produced infinitely more joy than the feeble amount of sorrow that he had felt, broken ribs included. “I’ll do whatever you ask, Whisper.”

I was right, I did cause disaster. I hurt other ponies, and yet... meeting you, going to your house, and everything else was the best choice I’ve ever made. Maybe... “As long as they don’t come inside, they... can stay. Can you... keep brushing me, please?” It was a simple request, but brought with it a catharsis unexplainable simply by the physical act. I know this feeling... It’s that blue stallion again. He seems... happier than before. I wonder... if he really is my brother? If he is, why can’t I remember? Do I even want to know the truth? His eyes roamed around the house, taking in a setting that should have felt foreign but instead felt like a shelter from the storm. “Fluttershy, what was that blue stallion’s name again?”

“You mean Cerulean?” Fluttershy asked, glancing over at the window where Cerulean was peering in. If his motive had been stealth, he had failed horribly, as Whisper soon directed his attention to the window as well. Making no effort to hide, Cerulean simply watched for a reaction, and Whisper waited to be rushed again. “Cerulean has problems controlling his magic, too.” Whisper whipped his head back and stared back at Fluttershy, a convoluted mess of excitement, trepidation, and curiosity at the statement bidding him give the mare his full attention, but when she said nothing more, he pressed further.

Another unicorn that can’t control his magic? Maybe he really is my brother! Maybe he... maybe he can help... “Does he really, Fluttershy? You mean... he’s like me? But he can talk!”

“His magic works a little different, I think. I don’t know too much about it, and I bet he could explain it a lot better than me. Whisper, do you ever dream? You know, when you’re asleep but you see pictures?”

“Yeah, that happens to me a lot. Sometimes they’re really scary, but most of them just make no sense.”

“Well, you see, Cerulean used to have awful dreams whenever he got really sad. His magic would make it snow while he was asleep, and a few times he nearly died from it.” If they really are brothers, I want to see them together again... I want to see them happy, after everything that’s happened.

I had no idea... that other ponies had problems like me. I thought I was different, a mo... He chanced a quick glance at Fluttershy who fortunately hadn’t brushed up on telepathy, and with a soft sigh he looked his fears in the face, hesitating a moment before putting his hoof down. I want to talk. I want to laugh. I want to sing. I want... to make Fluttershy smile even more, so if he can help... “Fluttershy, can you... bring him inside?” The brush paused, halfway down his back as she dared to hope that he was starting to believe everything she had told him.

“Are you sure, Whisper?” The stallion, timid, shaking, and determined, stood slowly and drew Fluttershy into a close embrace.

I’ll do it for you, Fluttershy. I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I can’t completely get rid of this fear, but if you’re with me, then maybe... “Promise me you’ll keep me safe. Just promise me you’ll stay with me, Fluttershy.” So I can know for sure that even if everypony else runs away, I’ll always... have a home. Her promise came not as a simple declaration, but in song, with each word and every note resonating within his heart.

It was, admittedly, not the most tactful approach, gluing one’s face to the window to minimize the distance between oneself and the object of viewing, but even as a dull ache in Cerulean’s chest let him know that he still very much longed for his brother to actually let him in, it was eased by every interaction he observed. Fluttershy truly was, perhaps, the only pony for his brother, and as he heard the faintest of voices singing, any worries over Whisper’s recovery were filled full of liquid adorable until they burst from sheer elation.

“You’ve no idea... how much I’ve missed that smile, Jade,” he murmured, slowly bringing a hoof onto the pane and resting it there, wishing it was not glass he touched but his brother’s hoof. He knew he had been caught long before Fluttershy stood, but as she made for the door he braced himself for the expected eviction, though to his confusion she met his apologetic smile with one of hope.

“Cerulean?”

“It’s ok, Fluttershy. I understand that I make him nervous, and...”

“Actually, um, well sorry to cut you off like that, but he’d like to see you, if that’s ok.” The idea that his brother would actually want to see him that day hadn’t even crossed his mind, and thus he took a few moments to stare in disbelief at the harbinger of good tidings.

“He’d...” I’ve wanted an opportunity like this ever since I saw him in the forest, but now that it’s here... what will I say? What if I mess things up? This may be my only shot at winning him back...

“I’m sorry if this sounds a little, well, mean, but you and Whisper both freak out a lot, Cerulean.” There really wasn’t any way for the blue stallion to interpret the statement as “mean,” since Fluttershy’s words actually brought him a small amount of comfort. “It’ll be ok, Cerulean.”

Fluttershy, you make it incredibly difficult to wallow in doubt. No wonder Jade chose you. “You’re right, Fluttershy. I’m ready, I think.” A gentle hoof descended on his shoulder for just a moment before she led him back. Cerulean half expected Jade to bolt the second he rounded the door, but instead the stallion just stared at him, examining every movement and shaking slightly. Fluttershy took her place beside Whisper, murmuring something into his ear that Cerulean didn’t quite catch. I don’t even know where to begin or what to say. Last time I saw him, I... scared him half to death. I wish I knew what he was thinking right now. I guess I can at least start by apologizing. “Ja... Whisper?”

“What is it?”

So, he’s still not talking yet... “I’m... sorry for scaring you in the forest. I was just too excited to see you again, and worried I’d... lose you again.”

“Am I really your brother?” The question, asked in innocence, hit Cerulean like a buck to the gut, and Whisper instantly felt the shift. He’s... really sad all of a sudden. I just wanted to know for sure!

“You really... don’t remember me...” It’s not fair. I know it isn’t his fault, but being forgotten is too much... “I spent... sixteen years hoping that I’d find you... and you can’t even...” I was so stupid, getting my hopes up. I thought that maybe, somehow, he’d remember when he woke up, that things would be better somehow. How foolish... Whisper grew increasingly worried as Cerulean fell apart on the inside, and remembering Fluttershy’s words, he scrambled to find a way to fix the situation when a shiver not born of anxiety, but of a sudden chill in the air.

It’s just like Fluttershy said... it’s getting really cold. “I’m sorry! Whatever I did wrong, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you sad!” Cerulean said nothing, hanging his head in defeat. Even if the pony in front of him truly had been Jade, without those memories, Cerulean was just another pony.

I had always refused to give up hope, because I knew that if... if something ever happened to Jade, I wouldn’t be able to cope. But this... it feels like he really has died. I’m nothing to him anymore...“It’s not... your fault, Jade... I failed to protect you, and now... I’m not needed anymore.”

“Cerulean, you know that’s not true,” Fluttershy said softly, watching as snowflakes began to dance around the stallion. Cerulean forced his head upright so he could look at his brother, who was fearfully pressing against Fluttershy as much for warmth as for comfort.

I have to try... I can’t let hopelessness win. I’ve been there once, and I’m not going back. I waited sixteen years, and I’m not... “I’m not letting you go again.” There has to be something, some way to make him remember. Come on, calm down and think! Whisper watched as the snow slowed to a stop, and while the temperature was still uncomfortably cold, he could sense something else that wasn’t sorrow welling up from within the blue stallion sitting in a ring of frozen powder. “Do you... still like singing?”

“Yes... I really like hearing songs. Fluttershy’s are the best.”

“Yes, I’ll bet they are...” Cerulean whispered, latching onto the faintest glimmer of hope. “You used to sing a lot, you know. In fact, there was nothing anypony could do to get you to stop.”

What is this... happiness that’s so covered with sadness?

“Jade... or Whisper, if that’s what you’d like... you gave me a gift, something that changed my life forever. A spell to make music with one’s heart. Whisper? Please... remember...” Jade watched in awe as the ground around the stallion began to radiate a soft, blue light, and true to his word, a beautiful melody began to rise from all around. Jade’s eyes filled with tears as Cerulean began to sing, pouring his all into one last ditch effort to dredge up the memories that had been buried beyond reach.

“We tread the same paths, you and I

I thought it would last forever...

We laughed, we cried, we never said goodbye,

but you’re still my baby brother.

Fate was cruel, we were torn apart

and the light left that day...

Time moved along and I carried on,

Hoping I would find a way

Not one memory forgotten,

I cherish every one;

Every time I see your eyes,

I know it can’t be gone...

Remember me~

So we can be~

brothers once again,

friends until the end!

I’ll never find another...

because you’re... my only baby brother.”

It was faint, like staring into static, but a single blurred image passed into Whisper’s mind. There was sand, and water stretching out to the horizon. There was a blue stallion and a red mare, galloping across the beach. He could just make out the voices, and even though time had moved forward and the Cerulean had grown from colt to stallion, the familiarity was there. Quiet, choked sobs yanked him back to reality as Cerulean’s head drooped low, despising his weakness but too overcome to restrain the streams flowing from his eyes.

Jade, please... Please, tell me you remember now...

I... he's... “Big brother?” Whisper cringed and swiftly brought a hoof to his chest as Cerulean’s emotions roared at the those two, simple words, and at that moment Whisper knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that much like he belonged with Fluttershy, the stallion before sitting alone needed him too. Cerulean suddenly found himself on his back as a green blur tackled him to the ground, sobbing like a foal as he realized everything that Cerulean had said was true. Emerald letters flickered across his vision, the messages pouring in as years of isolation met years of longing, all finally brought to an end.

“I’m sorry... I’m so sorry, Cerulean. I won’t forget, not again! I promise, I won’t forget again! I won’t... Because you’re... you’re my big brother, and I’m... I’m your baby brother! I’m still your baby brother, right? I’ll never forget... never again, brother...” Cerulean cracked open his eyes as Fluttershy trotted into the pouring rain and plopped down, gathering both stallions into her arms and rocking them like a mother would distressed foals. Tears were shed, both from their eyes and the sky as Whisper’s magic flowed freely, though they were not born of sorrow, but of succor, bringing a healing that reached past a lifetime of pain.

Frustrating Family

Chapter 22: Frustrating Family

It wasn’t fair, really. Between the combined body heat of three ponies and a wealth of shared thanksgiving for restoration, the rain cloud hanging over Whisper, his newly remembered brother, and fillyfriend, just couldn’t manage to chill anypony. In fact, the only thing it accomplished was giving the group a rather sizable indoor pool of sorts, though it was a bit shallow and thus was simply used for splashing. Seeing its efforts wasted under the oppressive return of joy, the manifest gloom dissipated, leaving the ponies below to enjoy their soaked reconciliation.

Whisper wasn’t one to stay down in the dumps for long after having spent time around Fluttershy, being made to smile most every time any fear or worry came to mind, and thus found himself excitedly explaining the wonders of his new world. Cerulean laughed in the quiet stallion’s stead as he recounted the joy of using a shower, the horror of the dreaded microwave, and perhaps his most favorite magical contraption, the television. His fascination for the picture box was almost rivaled with his amazement for Cerulean’s magic, which was entirely new to him, having stayed away from other ponies and thus not having much exposure to it. So, when Cerulean looked around at the sizable pool of water that was still slowly expanding its borders and froze it solid, Whisper couldn’t help but stop, gawk, and freak out.

Traction, however, is severely diminished under such wintery conditions, so as he attempted to explore his chilly new playground, the quickly found himself sliding slowly not on his hooves, but his back, laying in a daze and not quite sure how the ceiling had swapped places with the floor. His confusion was compounded by a chuckling blue stallion who, clearly defying the laws of gravity further with his magic, appeared standing over him with a mischievous grin pasted on muzzle, a fact which struck Whisper as strangely aggravating.

“You always did have problem rushing around everyplace,” Cerulean teased, offering a helping hoof. Whisper instead crossed his hooves across his chest and stared back stubbornly from his altered perspective.

“I didn’t rush anyplace. Why’d you make the floor attack me, Cerulean? That’s mean!”

“Hey, you stepped on it. Not my fault it got angry.” Knowing that kisses make things happy, and suddenly sorry for his woeful mistreatment of the fragile ice, he gently rolled over onto his stomach and gave it a lick. A very long lick, in fact, freezing nearly the entirety of his tongue to the frigid surface and leaving the stallion pondering whether to shoot his brother a wicked glare or plead for the ice to let go. “Careful, Whisper. You’re going to make Fluttershy jealous.”

Having a brother is frustrating! “I’m not kissing it like I do Fluttershy, ok? Why would anypony kiss with their tongue? Tongues are for tears, not lips, even I know that! Now let... me... go!” Fluttershy, come on, say something! His savior’s intercession was not necessary, however, as Cerulean reached over and melted the ice clinging to Whisper’s tongue, landing him yet again on his back as his release came without warning, though fortunately this time he found Fluttershy occupying the ceiling and not the infuriating blue stallion snickering a few hoof lengths away. “Fluttershy, Cerulean’s not being nice. Make him be nice.”

“Ok, Whisper. Cerulean? Be nice to your brother.”

“Fluttershy, anypony who has brothers or sisters knows that I am acting well within my rights as the elder sibling. Besides, I’m disappointed in you. You clearly haven’t been teaching Whisper properly.”

“What? What do you mean? I’ve been teaching him lots of things!” she defended, asserting her confidence and preparing to give him a list. The mental compilation came to an abrupt halt as Cerulean repeated Whisper’s stance on the proper use of a tongue, leaving the stallion nodding sagely and one embarrassed mare who hadn’t even thought of “teaching” that to her stallion, likely because she hadn’t yet “learned” by experience herself.

Man, Rainbow Dash would kill me for this... Oh well. I have sixteen years of teasing to catch up on. Confident in his rights as the older brother, he disregarded the possibility of volatile altercations with a feisty pregnant mare and continued. “Normally, I’d suggest letting Miss Cheerilee handle the teaching, but in this case I think you’ll make a fine tutor. Don’t give him too many lessons, though. It may be... too much for him to handle.”

I can’t let him just have his way like this! Come on, Fluttershy, think. Sadly, Fluttershy’s attempt at retaliation quickly back-lashed, leaving the mare too mortified to speak further. “I bet you won’t be laughing when you get to teach Whisper about wrestling!”

“Wrestling? Have Big Mac teach him, he’s better at it,” Cerulean replied, dismissively waving a hoof. It wasn’t until he saw Fluttershy’s face turn deep crimson to match Whisper’s eyes that he realized there may have been more to the statement than first thought. “Wait, you don’t mean...”

“Fluttershy? I don’t want anypony to teach me about wrestling but you. Don’t make me wrestle Cerulean, please!” Begrudgingly coming to the conclusion that things were getting out of hoof, Cerulean began trotting over to apologize when Whisper quickly stood between the two, staring back defiantly. “No! You can’t wrestle with Fluttershy, and you can’t wrestle with me! Go wrestle with Big Mac!” Cerulean blanched, shaking his head vigorously to rid himself of a few dark memories before heaving a long sigh. He really did have quite the task ahead of him, and he didn’t relish the idea of being the one to give his brother “the talk,” but seeing Fluttershy, he knew there was just no way she was going to be the one doing the explaining, and he took small comfort in knowing that he wouldn’t have to worry about that with the two anytime soon.

Twilight couldn’t remember the last time she had felt invertigo, normally staying either grounded or teleporting wherever she needed to go. She and Spike were having a grand time splurging on ice cream after a rather successful afternoon of magic practice, during which Spike was rewarded with his favorite moustache, when she was suddenly yanked from her seat and jubilantly given an unrequested flight. It wasn’t that she minded flight, no, it was a rather thrilling sensation made even more gratifying by the necessary proximity to the exultant stallion that was too beside himself to notice her discomfort due to having a stomach full of ice cream. Quickly casting the cloud walking spell, he dive bombed into the fluffy mass with a soft puff, standing over Twilight was a joy she had only seen expressed a few times.

“Cerulean, what’s got you so...” she started, her elation already growing inside as she beheld his beaming features.

“He remembered...” Twilight eyes grew wide, daring to hope he meant what she thought he did.

“You mean...” Nearly in tears yet again, Cerulean nodded vigorously and was promptly embraced by a now equally ecstatic mare who knew exactly what this meant. “This is wonderful, Cerulean! I’m so glad...” That’s one more hole filled... But I have to wonder, Cerulean, how many pieces still remain missing in your heart... Shaking her head to rid herself of such dampening thoughts, she accepted a rather sudden, eager, passionate display of affection that quite nicely robbed her of breath.

“I’m sorry,” Cerulean said with a low chuckle, “I get that way when I’m excited. I’ll let you go back to your time with Spike. How are things on that end, Twilight?” he asked, pulling back and letting her sit up.

“They seem fine, for now at least... I still think that he needs to make friends, but I’d like... to enjoy having him to myself for just a little while longer.” I still haven’t brought up his parents since that one night, but bringing it up when he’s so happy... I couldn’t possibly do that.

“Come on, Twilight, out with it. Whatever’s got your mind so wrapped up when you’re inches from a very giving stallion is going to spell out disaster if you hold it in.”

“Subtle as always, Cerulean,” Twilight chuckled, trailing off as she shot him an apologetic glance before diving in. “I was just... wondering if you’d like to talk about your parents soon.” A frown, a grimace, something that indicated displeasure was the only thing Twilight expected to receive, so when she instead received almost mocking laughter, her mind swiftly filed an error report, sent it to the archives to gather dust since there wasn’t possibly any understanding it, and resumed usual duties, smiling patiently and waiting for a coherent answer.

“You know... I’m actually glad you asked right now, because it’s likely one of the only times that it wouldn’t bring me down. At least, not for long. Having Jade back... nothing’s going to keep me down today.” Ok, deep breath, and here... we... go. “My last... memory of home was just a week before I left for the Canterlot Magic Academy. My mother, Clarity, wasn’t home, as expected, nor was Crimson, who was likely off doing what she normally was... trying to find somepony to bed with for the night.” Despite his best efforts, his mood took a turn for the somber, and while painful, no tears came. Twilight immediately drew up beside him, chancing a glance at vacant, distant eyes reliving things he clearly wanted nothing to do with.

“My father, Heartscribe, has a debilitating stutter that nopony can fix. He was mocked and ridiculed, not just for his impediment but also his somewhat... soft features, much like Whisper. Didn’t help that he’s pink,” Cerulean muttered, a bitter laugh choking out as a cough. Cerulean raised his eyes to the sky as he continued. “That guy is a hopeless romantic. You know how he won my mother’s heart, what little time that lasted? Love notes.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, but I am! Old-fashioned, mushy, eloquent poetry to woo his mare. My father has an amazing way with all things written, even getting a few books published. He sent his notes in secret for the longest time, and when they finally did meet, they made a promise. She swore that his stutter would never come between them, and just a short year later, they married and my mother conceived with Crimson.”

“That’s so sweet! So... what...”

“She lied.” His voice was so laden with bitterness and resentment that Twilight could swear she tasted it. “Time went on, and soon my father’s notes weren’t enough. At first, she tried to help him with his speech privately, but it didn’t work. She didn’t even have to push, because after that he went to every speech therapist, magical physician... even a few mystics, but nopony could help. My mother...” He stopped as her hooves shifted him onto his back, and a comforting heat brought the creeping cold in his limbs to a halt as she lay beside him. “Thank you...” Twilight simply nodded and waited for him to continue. “Shortly after Jade disappeared, she stopped reading the notes... The more my father was ignored, the more he wrote, desperate to fix the situation. It was all he could do, and he tried every day, but my mother refused to accept anything other than spoken words...”

“That’s terrible... how could she just shun him like that?”

“True to her name, Clarity... was very skilled when it came to intonation. She didn’t have the dexterity to play an instrument, but she could tune one better than a veteran of twenty years in the concert hall. Song writers would come to her for advice, and within moments she could turn a good piece into a marvel. That’s probably why being able to hear his words spoken were so damn important to her, but... eventually, it seems she gave up. She was never around, and I never asked, but if I had to take a guess... She was probably having her ears, and who knows what else, tickled wherever she could find it. She was always gone...”

“Wait you mean she... with other ponies?”

“I can't say for sure. I just know she was gone a lot. I remember... walking into my father’s study the day I left. His desk, the floor, the bed: everything was covered with sheets of paper as he furiously scribbled over at his desk. He didn’t even look up as I entered, and as he finished a page, he tossed it to the floor, grabbed a new one, and started fresh. That’s how desperate...” He squeezed tighter, worried about the chill Twilight was no doubt suffering on his account but thankful for her open expression of care, ignoring the discomfort for his benefit.

“I asked him why he continued, why he didn’t just let go and leave. Crimson was old enough to move away, and Clarity could definitely find all manner of male hosts to house her, so I asked him why. He slowly moved the sheet of paper aside, grabbed a fresh one, and wrote a single sentence. ‘When you find love, you’ll know.’”

“Even after...”

“Being broken to pieces, and likely cheated on countless times? Yes... He wouldn’t let go, not for anypony, regardless of the pain that he could no doubt escape if he allowed himself to leave. I got... really angry, started yelling about how she was unworthy of such devotion. He sat there and took it, never wrote a single rebuttal, but when I tried to start tearing up the papers that littered the room, he... pinned me the ground, and barely managed to speak the word ‘no.’ That’s... the last time I saw him. I just wanted... to see him happy... My mother may have some pathetic reason why she acts like this, but... nothing could possibly justify... the torture she’s putting my father through.”

Twilight sat in careful contemplation of everything Cerulean had revealed, sifting through the data and attempting to read deeper. He was right that both ponies were likely hurting, but to completely cast aside repeated attempts at reconciliation because it wasn’t in a form deemed acceptable? Twilight would admit she had been horrible to Cerulean, but when she was confronted with the reality of the toll her actions were having, she resolved to let nothing like it ever happen again. For his mother to callously disregard the only expression of love a pony could muster... It filled her with rage, not just because of how it had made Cerulean suffer, but because, for a time, she had done the same.

“So, now you know why I don’t want to go home, and why I don’t... want Jade to have to see whatever has become of them...”

“Do you hate her, Cerulean?” It was an unexpected question, and Twilight was willing to accept his answer either way, but she was secretly relieved to hear his response, despite her anger with his mother.

“You have... no idea how badly I want to, but I... I just can’t. Clarity doesn’t bucking deserve anything from me, but I can’t... bring myself to hate her. I only want to see my father happy again, and if that means... the both of them reconciling, then...”

“Then we’ll find a way to fix it, even if that means sending your mother to the moon! Just say the word, Cerulean. I’m sure it can be arranged.” Soft, genuine laughter slowly grew as Twilight’s optimism and frightening seriousness contained within what most would laugh off as an idle threat flooded Cerulean with a deep appreciation for his wife’s unfailing support.

“I may have to take you up on that.”

“Cerulean, you know that...” He gently put a hoof over her mouth, holding it for just a moment before placing it again on her back.

“Eventually... yes, I will have to face them, likely with Jade and Crimson.”

“Don’t think for a second I’m staying behind in the library while you run off back to Canterlot.” He opened his mouth to offer some feeble protest but was immediately given a lavender pacifier tasting of hoof. “No arguments. I’m going, that’s final. Besides, I’m sure Cadence wouldn’t mind sitting Dawn.”

“Yes, I guess you’re... oh, Celestia...” Cerulean’s groan and subsequent covering of his face was only vaguely worrisome, at least until he spoke up again, peering up at the mare across his chest with one eye. “Twilight... you didn’t hear any screams, explosions, or sense large magical distortions while I was away, did you?”

“Cerulean, where’s our daughter?” Cerulean swallowed a refreshing breath of air, hoping it wouldn't be his last.

“I may have broken Parenting Rule number thirteen.”

“Thirteen... no, you didn’t...” Twilight whispered, more worried for the town’s safety than angry at his woeful breach of their honored code. “You really let Pinkie foal-sit? Why the hay would you do that?”

“It was only supposed to be for a little while, but...”

“It doesn’t matter, come on!” Mothering alert klaxons blaring in her ears, Twilight took no time to readjust or give Cerulean any warning before teleporting them, still in a laying position, to Sugarcube Corner, earning them mixed looks of disgust and exasperated acceptance, the duo being somewhat infamous after Twilight’s pregnancy for all manner of strange, unexpected, and downright disturbing happenstances. Ignoring the Cakes’ cheerful salutations and disregarding the possibility of the twins being asleep, the frantic parents ascended the stairs, bolted to Pinkie’s room, braced themselves for expected, bizarre disaster, and opened the door to find a scene that neither of them could have conjured, even after a little too much at the tavern.

Not chaos, nor disorder, nor mayhem, nor any other thing pertaining to what usually happened when Dawn was foal-sat by anypony not on the list, the only one making that cut being Princess Cadence, was present in a shockingly organized room. Even more startling, borderline disturbing, was that Pinkie was sleeping. Sleeping, during the day, with one hoof draped over Dawn, who was busy trying to out-snore the mare, which wouldn’t have been all the difficult since she was, well, nearly silent. Twilight and Cerulean stood in the doorway for a time, unable to explain nor comprehend the scene, though it was Twilight who broke the silence some time later.

“I didn’t think I’d ever say this, because I just couldn't fathom it before, but I can almost imagine Pinkie being a mother, seeing her like this,” Twilight murmured, shaking her head lightly in disbelief and barely managing to keep from shouting as a single one of Pinkie’s eyes snapped open, scrutinized the pair, and closed once more. Twilight didn’t have time to think of anything to say before the mare all but levitated, leaping to her hooves and waking a grumpy Dawn with her usual exuberance.

“Well, duh! Of course you couldn’t imagine it, Twilight! I don’t have a special somepony to bed wrestle with! Grrr!” Dawn was not amused by the mare’s chortles and feebly gave her a weak smack on the hoof for her volume, which failed to make it through to the mare. “Thanks for letting me play with Dawn, Cerulean! We had loads of fun. And cake! And brownies. Oh, and candy!” Unhappy that her warning had been ignored, Dawn lazily took a snap at Pinkie’s hoof, though living with a toothless crocodile, the motion didn’t even register for the mare who deftly flipped the sleepy filly onto her head and offered the child back to her parents.

“Pinkie, how did... but she...”

“She’s way more fun to entertain than the twins. I mean, do you know how hard it is to make them laugh? Talk about a tough crowd! Anytime you need a sitter, I can totally help you out, ok?”

“Cannon... fun...” Dawn muttered sleepily, attempting to mimic the noise of an explosion but was interrupted by a yawn. Cerulean stared at his daughter moment before his irises shrank from the sudden expansion due to past memories and terror that Dawn had consumed Pinkie’s special ingredient.

“Pinkie, you didn’t feed her any... cotton candy, did you?”

“Huh? Oh, nonono, I wouldn’t give that stuff to anypony, not after I learned it makes ponies go crazy. Seriously, who knew?”

“Just about every pegasus in existence,” Twilight muttered, thankful that the filly loosely wrapped around her neck hadn’t delved into such brain-bending things like de-colored rainbow. Again, she pulls off the impossible. Well, as long as Dawn’s ok and the bakery is still standing, I guess I don’t have any room to complain. “Thank you for taking care of Dawn, Pinkie Pie. You did a great job, and we’ll see about trying it again.”

“Woohoo! Bye Dawn, have fun! See ya!” she called out, waving as the family departed. Her hoof slowed to a stop and sank back down to the floor as the door latched and she once more found herself alone. Her hair gradually lost its frizz, straightening and falling around her shoulders as she trotted back to bed, laying down and drawing the covers up to her chin. I’m sorry, everypony, but your smiles will have to wait...

Wax, colored with every hue of the visible spectrum and fashioned into easily wielded sticks that, while tasting quite bland, gave Whisper no end of excitement, having the ability to transfer their brilliance to the sheets of paper set before him. He was just about to put the finishing touches on his latest masterpiece, dedicated solely to the colors yellow and pink, when the door swung open, prompting the swift inhalation and subsequent consumption of the crayon, causing him to sputter a moment before bolting for the safety of bed. Crimson stood shocked in the doorway for a time, expecting an embrace, not terror.

I thought... Cerulean said he had remembered? “Whisper? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Can I come in?”

Hey, I know that voice. I can hear it in my mind when I think about the beach... Edging forward, he poked his head out around the doorway just enough to make eye contact with the mare respectfully maintaining her distance. “Um... Fluttershy isn’t home right now... She went to get food, I think.” Even with that memory, without Fluttershy here, it’s... still a little scary.

“I came to see my little brother, not Fluttershy.” It’s still just like before. He always did like Cerulean best...

“I guess you can come inside.” Continuing to peer out from within the imagined safety of Fluttershy’s room, he watched the mare enter and carefully close the door, trotting over and hesitating, stopping a good distance away.

“Are you... still afraid of me?”

“Just a little...” Crimson nodded, hanging her head slightly as expectation tussled with reality. “I’m sorry, don’t be sad. I really am trying.”

“I know, Whisper. Don’t worry about it.” I always felt left out in the cold when he was with Cerulean, even if he didn’t treat me any differently. I know I want... something, but what?

But I do worry, Crimson. If you’re really my sister, like I remember, then I shouldn’t be afraid... I can’t keep hiding like this. I promised Fluttershy I’d try, and even though it hasn’t been a week yet, if I can’t bring myself to be near my own sister, who I remember, then how am I going to meet brand new ponies?

“Are these your pictures?” Filled with determination and instantly excited about his gifts to the art community, Whisper trotted over with minimal difficulty and plopped down next to his sister, who was sifting through them with affectionate amusement. To label them “abstract” would be like calling her previous way of life “suggestive,” most of the pages just random blobs of color, some of them mixing together and forming new hues less pleasing to the eye.

“Uh huh! Drawing is lots of fun. The wax things, crayons, I think, don’t taste very good, but that’s ok because they make pretty colors!”

“Do they mean something?”

“Oh, sure! Like... this one! This is that feeling you get in your stomach when somepony kisses your nose! And... that one there is when I was sleeping for a long time.” Crimson stared at the page, colored nearly entirely in black save a small white spot in the center. The yellow and pink one was fairly self-explanatory, but as she started to make the connections between colors and emotions in his drawing, she stopped and stared as she lifted a sheet from the rest with her magic, covered in sweeping arcs of blue, green, and red.

“Is this...”

“That’s our family! You, me, and Cerulean.”

He cares... even though he’s just today remembered, he cares... I think... that’s what I really wanted to know, Whisper. At that moment, Crimson felt more appreciated by Whisper than any time prior, and she couldn’t help but tackle him to the ground in a massive hug. It was sudden, unexpected, and he very nearly let out a cry of alarm, but the happiness he could sense within the uncomfortably tight embrace gave him pause, calming his anxieties and bidding him return the motion, though he made a point of keeping it light, seeing that she wasn’t Fluttershy. Crimson eased her embrace a little, ignoring the tiny few tears that were gently rolling down her muzzle and pulling back enough to look her brother in the eye. “Thank you, Whisper. You’ve... given me something special today.”

She’s happy... but crying. Like Fluttershy did! But, should I just ignore it? Or do I lick them away? Fluttershy only said wrestling was restricted to special someponies, so it should be ok. Convinced of his logic and oblivious to the fact that Fluttershy was standing in the doorway attempting to decipher what kind of gift exactly Crimson had received in her absence, he graciously began lapping away the mare’s tears.

“Crimson!” Whisper hastily retracted his tongue as angry Fluttershy took the mike, her muzzle not quite twisted into a sneer, but definitely a frightening scowl. “Just what kind of ‘gift’ did you give Crimson, Whisper?”

Wait, she thinks I was... No! Crimson was hastily shoved away as Whisper beat a swift retreat into Fluttershy’s room, slamming the door and pulling the covers over his head. “No, I didn’t! I didn’t wrestle with Crimson, Fluttershy, honest! I’m not ready to be a daddy!”

“You better not have been wrestling, Whisper! You’ll be in a lot of trouble if I ever... only with me, do you hear me? Only me!”

“Wow, Fluttershy,” Crimson tittered, laying on her back where she had been cast aside, “you’re quite territorial with your stallion, aren’t you? That’s fine, I’m sure you’ll take very good care of my brother, seeing how you’re already turning him into quite the passionate stallion. Keep him on a short leash, all right?” Shooting her stunned friend a wink and giving her a pat on the back as she left, Crimson disappeared with a flash of magic, leaving Fluttershy with just one thought: siblings are terribly frustrating.

Too Much, Too Soon

Chapter 23: Too Much, Too Soon

It was just Scootaloo’s luck. After caving and accepting that she most readily displayed her graceful finesse through choreography, she finally figured out a use for it that she could convince herself was within Rainbow Dash coolness standards; stealth. Perhaps it was born of necessity, as she had a growing secret that nopony could know, lest her reputation be tarnished forever, and so it was that she slipped past her parents, slinked past the living room, and had almost made it to the door when Bright Hope cheerfully waved her off with an enthusiastic squeal, landing her in the spotlight reserved for interrogation.

“And just where do you think you’re going this early in the morning?” Flying Grace questioned, trotting over to the filly who began to call her secondary talent into question.

I can’t say anything to mom. If she found out, my life would be over! Gotta think... Grace had ways of communicating outside of speech, and Scootaloo realized very quickly that anything less than the truth would be detected, eviscerated, and swiftly followed by unpleasantries. “I’m going to Carousel Boutique?” she offered, bracing for laughter but receiving only the “you just blew it” face. “I’m serious! I need to talk to Rarity about something!”

“Oh? And what could...” No, it can’t be! Is she really... Employing her legendary self-control, she managed not to wake the household and half the neighborhood with a gleeful cry, and instead feigned indifference, waving her daughter off. “If that is how you wish to spend your time. Am I right to assume that you will be spending more time with Sweetie Belle and the rest?”

“Uh, yeah? Mom, what’s that look for?”

“Hmmm? Oh, nothing, don’t worry about it. Have fun.” Torn between pressing further and leaving while her secret was still seemingly intact, Scootaloo stood still a moment before rolling her eyes and trotting out the door, knowing that any battle of wits versus the reigning queen of jibes would be fruitless, yielding only needless aggravation. Arriving at her destination a short while later, she nervously glanced around to make sure nopony was looking at her before giving the door a succession of sharp taps. She heard a none-too-happy groan, a short silence, and then the approach of leaden hooves, culminating in a very unhappy Rarity giving a very concerned filly a very, very disinterested look of apathy.

“Scootaloo?” Ugh, I shouldn’t have had those last two... three? Glasses of wine. My head... “What could you possibly want at this atrocious hour?” she whined, clutching her head and leaning against the door in a manner far from dignified.

It really is as bad as Sweetie Belle says... Man, I am so glad I don’t want a special somepony if this is what happens. “I’m really sorry for bothering you so early. I just wanted to catch you before you got too involved with a project of some kind.”

“Scootaloo, trust me, I likely will get very little done today. I’ve been... distracted as of late, shall we say. Oh, where are my manners? Do come in.” Staggering back inside and sifting through the cabinet, she found a vial of Silver’s hangover cure, downed it, and sang silent praises to Applejack’s prize as she felt normalcy return. “Ah, much better. Now then, Scootaloo, what can I help you with?”

“Well... I... uh, you see...” Ugh... this is so embarrassing. “Could you... maybe... do something with my mane?” Rather than answering, Rarity turned back to the fridge, rifled around a little more, and pulled out a second vial, staring at the indecipherable label. “Uh, what are you doing?”

“Clearly one dose was not enough to clear my head, so I am contemplating taking another to ensure lucid thought. I could have sworn you asked me to work on your mane, but that’s just silliness. Come now, what did you say?”

“That’s exactly what I asked!” Scootaloo shouted, growing defensive. “Ever since... well, actually, I don’t remember when it started, but... You did Sweetie Belle’s hair so nice, I just... wanted to try it myself. It’s stupid, I know.”

“Stupid? Why, it’s nothing of the sort! Your mother would be thrilled to mmph!” Rarity found further speech difficult due to the maroon ball of yarn that Scootaloo had deftly jammed into her mouth in her desperation.

“No! You can’t tell anypony, and especially not my mom! Ugh, I’d never hear the end of it! She’ll start teaching me manners, enforcing proper etiquette, and... and... I couldn’t take it! I just want... to see what it’s like a little more...” As much as everything she said basically railed against Rarity’s persona, she couldn’t well resist such a request, and Scootaloo soon found herself sat in front of a rather large mirror while Rarity worked her magic. Already embarrassed that she was even giving in to her ladylike side, Scootaloo kept her eyes screwed shut until the transformation was complete. “I... I look...”

“Quite stunning for a filly your age, I will say. You’ll have colts drooling at your hooves, I shouldn’t wonder.” As revolting as the thought was, and as loathe as she was to admit it even to herself, much less anypony else, she liked what she saw. Unfortunately, if it received the Rarity seal of approval, then the colt thing was probably accurate, and thus to Rarity’s deep chagrin, she frantically ran her hooves through her mane and hopped out of the chair. “How could... why in Equestria would you do that?”

“I don’t want other ponies staring at me, duh!”

“But... then... why would you bother having me do your mane if you were only going to look at it yourself?”

“That’s the whole point, Rarity! I was doing it for me, not anypony else. If I want to look good, it’s because I want it, not because I need other ponies’ attention. Oh, and remember, you can’t tell anypony! I don’t want them thinking I’m into girly stuff. Anyways, uh... thanks again. Bye, Rarity!” Her curiosity sated, the filly proudly stepped out of the boutique with a freshly ruined mane, leaving Rarity alone to ponder her words.

It was nopony’s fault, really. It is simply a known fact that idle hooves are prone to wander, and this proves doubly true when said hooves belong to an energetic stallion suffering from a mild case of cabin fever and anxious about the impending doom of being forced to meet new ponies the very next day. True, he would concede that it wouldn’t be as terrible as he would have first assumed, being that the first family he was to meet was his brother’s, thus he knew everypony but a lavender mare that he described as “adorably crazy and alluringly dangerous.” It confused poor Whisper, making him doubt his knowledge of both words and their meaning, finding nothing “alluring” about nearly destroying the town. And he was to receive magic training from this mare? There was only one solution: cling to Fluttershy, absorb comfort, don’t scream.

Oh, Fluttershy... I’m so nervous... I know it’s not until tomorrow, but I just can’t stop thinking about it. That mare sounds crazy, and there’s a little filly there. What if I do something that hurts her? I can’t... Quickly being overcome by a cavalcade of negative thoughts, he wrapped his hooves around his sleeping mare, letting her body warmth and the sensation of her gentle breaths on his neck wash over him like a soothing, magical shower. All it takes is you, Fluttershy. With you, I’m sure it’s going to be ok. Thank you. Shifting slightly, he gently brought his lips to the mare’s cheek, held it for just a few seconds, then pulled away and resumed his hold, accidentally slipping his hooves not around Fluttershy’s shoulders, but her wings.

Mmmm, that feels nice... Wait, what is... yeep! Not used to having her senses slapped into wakefulness with stimulating feathery euphoria, Fluttershy didn’t really know how to respond. Certainly, he wasn’t doing it on purpose; this she could easily ascertain from a single glance at his face. Jumping rails, or perhaps abandoning them completely, Fluttershy closed her eyes once more, gave her now doubled heart rate due notice, and did her best to pretend she was still asleep. Ok... it’s ok... he’s just... holding me, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I bet if I asked, he’d... no! Go away, naughty thoughts!

They’re... they’re so soft... Softer than the softest soft I’ve ever touched. They’re... really nice. I wonder... if it would still make her scared if I touched them like I did in the forest?

I... I know I really... well, probably... maybe shouldn’t, but I think I wouldn’t mind it... just a little. With her mind made up and tension building in her wings from a steady torrent of delightfully steamy thoughts born of curiosity and affection, with perhaps just the tiniest smidgen of carnality, Fluttershy made her subtle invitation, pressing her wings just a little bit more against his hooves that had very obediently kept themselves from straying. There was a moment where nothing happened, and as Fluttershy nearly began to regain control of her mind, Whisper swallowed his fear of a reprimand and gently pressed back, negating any headway Fluttershy had made towards unaroused rationality as he slowly began to stroke her plumage.

She squeaked, just like in the forest! Oooh, I better stop... But why... do I want to keep going so badly? It doesn’t matter! Fluttershy doesn’t like her wings being touched, so I need to stop!

Wait, he stopped? Already? But... but... It was then that Fluttershy remembered how she had responded the last time, and the realization that, even in the face of what likely no other stallion would resist, Whisper was still thinking about her. Whisper... thank you so much. But, right now, it’s really ok... Please, try again. I won’t get angry this time, I promise. Filled with gratitude that Whisper was nothing like the stallions that had assailed her after she sang in the tavern, she decided to make her offer one more time. He accepted, and Fluttershy wasn’t ready.

I can’t believe I’m letting him touch my wings! Bad Fluttershy, bad! Get your thoughts out of the naughty box! Oooh, but it feels... so nice... Fluttershy was doing her very best to maintain her appearance of being asleep, knowing she couldn’t possibly begin to justify her indulgence to her friends but was every bit as interested in the action as Whisper. Oh goodness... Whisper, it feels amazing. Just... just a little bit more, I think. Yeah, a little bit more touching would be ok. Unwilling to restrain her wings further, she shifted a little so both wings could spread. As she hoped, she felt hesitant hooves slowly trace a path along the inside of her wing, and what she meant to be an innocent squeak came out as more of a sharp gasp, the resulting pleasure far more intense than she anticipated. I need to stop. I don’t want to stop. I need to stop. I don’t... I want...

Ok, that’s... that’s enough. I don’t want to make her mad again. As much as he was enjoying his mare’s delicate expressions of joy and the strange sensations it was working within his own body, Fluttershy’s feelings came first. At least, while self-control remained intact, something that became infuriatingly difficult as the now ignored wing moved without him touching it, coming to a rest gently over his muzzle. Oh, come on! I’m trying to be good! As gently as he could, he lifted the wing from his nose, held it aloft a moment, and slowly withdrew his hoof back to his chest. There, now just stay... Fluttershy! You’re making this really, really hard!

That’s... that’s enough... I need to stop. It feels really good, but I don’t think... no, not just yet. She had just begun to withdraw her wings, preparing to reveal that she was indeed awake when Whisper’s curiosity overcame his fear of a reprimand, and Fluttershy froze as his tongue made connection with the inside of her wing, all but paralyzing her as her body caught fire and a terribly frightening desire, physical and emotional, threatened to overcome all that remained of innocent Fluttershy. Just pull it away. That’s all I have to do, just pull my wing away, and... ohmygoodness! Ohmygoodnessohmygoodnessohmygoodness! Breathing stopped, any hope for coherent thought fled, and motor control tapped out as Whisper finally caved to a question that had steadily been growing in his mind; what happens if you nibble on a wing? Apparently, the brain explodes, judging by the mare’s wide eyes and trembling form.

“Fluttershy?” When did she wake up? “Fluttershy, are you ok? Say something!”

“Yeep!” Whisper shook his head, wondering how she had even hit such a note and glad she hadn’t been very loud. I... he... my wings... biting...

I knew it, she DOES think with her wings, and I just bit them! That’s the only explanation! “Just hold on, Fluttershy! It’s going to be ok!” Fleeing to the kitchen, he filled a small sack with ice from the freezer and raced back to a still barely breathing mare, locating the spot he had simply meant to taste and promptly pressed the ice onto the wing.

“I’m not ready to wrestle!” Whisper was deafened by the cry and soon found himself alone on the bed, the mare locking herself in the bathroom and quickly hopping into a cold shower, trembling as the soothing cascade fought an uphill battle returning her body temperature to normal. Trying to organize her thoughts was like trying to capture the likeness of Ponyville on canvas by dipping a hedgehog in paint and using it like a brush, as the only thing left within her head were fragmented sentences and various adjectives to describe the sensations that had very nearly tipped her past some kind of line, and she refused to contemplate what awaited on the other side. Green letter messages began pouring in from the other side of the door as a frantic Whisper attempted to placate a rage he couldn’t sense, but believed to somehow be there as he couldn’t imagine anypony being happy after having their thinker so callously bitten.

“Fluttershy! Is your wing ok? Did I break it? Can you think? Can you breathe?” There was a momentary pause as Fluttershy’s eyes darted from message to message, realizing that as riled as she was, Whisper was on the verge of losing it in a different way. “Wait, did we wrestle? Did we make a baby? I didn’t mean to make a baby!” Frantic hoofbeats of a stallion who’d lost any semblance of playing it cool sounded from the other side as he tore around the house with frightening speed. With a sigh bringing much needed oxygen, Fluttershy let her head gently knock against the wall.

“A date? Yes! It’s been so long since we had one of those!” Rainbow Dash was more than thrilled with the idea of getting away from town for a while, spending some quality time with her husband, most stallionly stallion of all stalliondom, or at least in her eyes. “Did you have something in mind? Oh man, this is gonna be awesome!” A rumble not born of hunger shook her stomach as she was quickly reminded that her and Storm would not be alone. “Yeah, I know, you two are coming too. Yeesh, you two are already a massive pain in the oof! Ok, I’m sorry! Freaking... making my point,” she muttered, mood slightly soured but quickly perking up as she was held close.

“Unfortunately, I’m a little rusty on the whole ‘date’ thing, so I’m still working on an idea. I’m also open to suggestions, if there’s something in particular that you’d like.”

“Nah, I’m fine with wha... wait, I’ve got it! Storm, don’t worry about a thing, I know just what we can do! Oh my gosh, this is gonna... I’ve gotta get my mane done! Stay right here!” Not waiting for an answer, she shouted her exiting salutations to her family, took flight, and arrived at Carousel Boutique within minutes. True, her max speed had been somewhat diminished by carrying twins, but given that she used to train with weights, she was still faster than most anypony she knew. “Hey, Rarity, you home?” Dash shouted, not bothering to knock and letting herself inside.

“Yes, dear, I’m back here.”

Wow, she sure sounds pretty drained. A short time later, Rainbow Dash peered into one of the mare’s workrooms and let her jaw make a break for the floor. What the hay? I’ve heard her mention “organized chaos” before, but this is just... how can she even stand this? Admittedly, the room was in quite a state of disrepair far beyond what Rarity would usually allow, though instead of fixing the dreadful atrocity, Dash found Rarity sitting in the center of it all, quite undisturbed and actually piling more clutter onto the floor, shuffling masses of fabric, toppled mannequins, and countless balls of yarn with her magic. “I can see you’re kinda busy making a mess, but could you possibly spare some time to do my mane up all fancy?”

“A date with Storm, perhaps?”

“Oh yeah, it’s gonna be awesome! There’s this totally...” How freaking insensitive! I’m such a... grrr, no time to kick myself, the twins will cover that for me! “Sorry, Rarity. I shouldn’t...”

“It’s quite alright, Rainbow Dash. You have a stallion, and enjoy him to the fullest. I see no issue with that. Come, let’s attend to your mane.” She rose from the threaded mire and led Rainbow Dash to her room, sitting her in front of her opulently large mirror and getting straight to work. Both mares maintained their silence, Dash scrambling to find something encouraging to say and Rarity contemplating Scootaloo’s seemingly innocent words from earlier that morning.

It wasn’t for no reason that she was named the Element of Generosity; she couldn’t even imagine just focusing on herself. To be sure, she had moments where she might have gotten a little overexcited and acted in haste, but more often than not, she did have other’s needs tiered before her own. And yet Scootaloo had done her hair, and promptly messed it up, for the sole purpose of pleasing herself. Rarity just couldn’t understand it.

“Do you think it's... unethical to do something when it can only benefit yourself, Rainbow Dash?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Exactly as I said. Take your relationship with Storm, for example. When you two kiss, even if you want it for yourself, it still benefits him as well. And right now, you’re having your mane styled because you know he likes it. But... is it wrong to take an action that has no benefit for others, only oneself?”

“Wow, getting all heavy on me, Rares. Hmmm...” Rainbow Dash paused to give it due thought, though being a pony that put herself first many a time, it didn’t really take long. “I don’t think it’s really an issue as long as it’s not hurting anypony else. Like if you’re hungry, and you want to eat, you eat. It’s not gonna affect anypony else, but it satisfies a natural desire, and then you’re fine! You gotta take care of yourself, because if you don’t, how are you gonna help others?”

“I suppose... I can see some truth in that.” “Satisfies a natural desire?” You just had to say it like that, didn’t you Rainbow Dash... I was really hoping for... I don’t know... I think I’ll ask Twilight when I get the chance, and after that, I’ll... I’ll make my decision.

“What a morning... I had such a nice plan, too... Well, before I started thinking with my wings...” Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile a little, remembering Whisper’s timid advances. I don’t really regret it, or anything. Whisper was gentle, and I wouldn’t want anypony else touching them, and even though it was too much to handle, it was... well, amazing. I kind of... want to do it again, but I should probably wait. A sudden cessation of noise made Fluttershy’s gut turn, fearing the worst. Oh no... Whisper, don’t run away! Not bothering to dry herself, she bolted from the bathroom, found the interior of her house abandoned, and raced outside with a heavy heart. “Whisper? Whisper, where are you?”

“Hiding.”

Oh, thank goodness... He’s still here, somewhere. “Whisper, come out! I’m not upset!”

“No.”

“Whisper, don’t you...” Fluttershy started before dropping silent. Now was not the time to be firm, not with a stallion who is likely thinking he just did something terrible. The area around her cottage didn’t offer many hiding places, and given his affinity for the bed, she quietly made her way over to the stream. Whisper... Even when you’re upset, you’re just... As expected, she found her stallion huddled up under the bridge in front of her house, hooves over his eyes and shaking lightly. “Oh, Whisper... it’s all right, don’t be sad.” He slowly lifted his teary gaze, being met not with fury as he expected but gentle compassion.

“You... you yelled at me... I didn’t... know what to do, I...” Fluttershy held out her hooves, and Whisper eagerly threw himself at her mercy, having the spent nearly the entire time she was in the shower dreading being sent away. “I’m sorry... I tried not to touch them, I really did!”

“Shhh...” she hushed, even though he wasn’t really speaking. “It was my fault, Whisper. I... was the one moving my wings.”

“But... wait, you were awake?” Not relishing the idea of admitting her indulgence but knowing that she had no right to withhold the information, especially given the toll it took on Whisper, she squeezed him a little tighter and found herself instead begging his mercy.

“I’m sorry, Whisper. I didn’t mean to scare you, I just... well, it felt really nice, but then it was too much, and I wanted to pull away, and...” And I turned it into something that wasn’t kind... “I had no right to shout like that. Can you... forgive me?” She hated having to say those words, because it only drove home that she had, intentionally or not, hurt another pony.

“I thought... I was going to have to leave... I don’t want to be all alone again... I won’t ever touch your wings again, just please... don’t send me away!” Anything but that... Wait, no, don’t cry! Don’t cry, Fluttershy... What else could she do? There was no other response save shed a few tears of her own. Fluttershy knew she had been the driving force behind the whole thing, from the moment the innocent stallion first touched her wings; everything had been her doing.

“Never... I’m never, ever going to send you away, Whisper. I’m so, so sorry... I wasn’t... trying to be so mean...”

“You weren’t mean, Fluttershy. I’m the one who bit you.”

“Whisper, I... I liked that... I liked it too much, that’s why I ran away.”

She liked it? But... that doesn’t make any sense! I mean, I did too, because I thought it made her happy, but... “Didn’t I hurt your brain? I didn’t think I bit it very hard, but then you stopped breathing. Are you sure you can think right still?” Fluttershy couldn’t help but laugh a little through the tears at the stallion’s ignorance, which fortunately wasn’t interpreted as offensive. “What’s it feel like, Fluttershy? When I touch your wings?”

Oh dear... um... “It’s like... well, it’s probably about... how it’d feel if I... I, um... touched your horn.” Oh goodness, even saying that makes me feel naughty. I really did let things get out of hoof...

“My horn?” Whisper had never really paid any attention to it, except for when it was busy creating disaster and generally scaring him half to death, so the notion that it could actually be good for something other than ruining his life was intriguing indeed. He brought his hoof up and tapped his horn a few times as if expecting it to bite back or something, but he felt very little by way of stimulation. “That wasn’t exciting at all. You sounded like you were having a lot more fun with your wings.”

“Well, of course it’s not fun when you do it, silly. It has to be from somepony you care about.” Fluttershy was quickly learning that she, in her innocence, explained things in such a way that prompted action. Or perhaps Whisper was just eager to explore everything life had to offer. Either way, she was put on the spot as he contemplated the message, became terribly excited, and beamed back at her with anticipation.

“I wanna feel my brain go all funny. Can you touch my horn? Please?”

It had been quite a long time, at least six months, since Storm had seen Rainbow Dash do her mane specially for him, so she really couldn’t hold the way he stared open-mouthed as she waltzed through the door against him. No, she rather enjoyed the attention, since that was the entire point of spending nearly an hour in the chair at Rarity’s house. Dash wasn’t blind to Rarity’s struggle, but her focus at that moment was her big, strong, tasty stallion who, after five months of abstinence that only recently had been broken, had worked up an appetite almost as large as hers. She took comfort also in the fact that the first thing he did once coherency returned was not make some suggestive comment about rolling in the hay, but draw her close and enfold her in his wings, whispering softly in her ears.

“Thank you, Rainbow Dash. Always thinking of me...”

“I’ve learned a thing or two from the smartest dunce I know,” she whispered back, snuggling closer. And you always make this worth it, Storm. You think about me just as much. “I’d like... to show you something awesome, but we may be gone a while, so let’s pack something to eat.” Don’t do it, Storm. Don’t ruin the...

“I hear the telltale signs of a picnic. Dash, you hopeless romantic.”

Moment... gone. “You just had to go there...” A nibble on her ear made it infuriatingly difficult to justify frustration, at least not an emotional kind; the regular kind came from Scootaloo as she entered the room, saw her brother being disgustingly mushy, nearly obscenely in her mind, and quickly sent her cheery slobber-ball of a baby sister to go break it up, setting the filly on Storm’s head and turning the tables as Hope made a mid-morning snack of his storm-colored mane.

“Scootaloo, one of these’s days, you’re going to be a lady. And one of these years, you’re going to find yourself with a coltfriend. And on that day, I will embarrass you so thoroughly that you will never need to wear blush on stage again!” Storm threatened, increasing in volume as he felt foal spittle run down through his hair and down his cheek. Hope remained blissfully ignorant of the discomfort she was causing her mammoth of a brother, finding his well kept hair to taste slightly of flowers and have a most delightful texture, and her usually gargantuan grin took a slight hit as she was lifted off. “Hope...” It’s just not fair, sis. Really? Eyes shouldn’t be able to stretch that wide.

“Don’t worry, Storm. I’ll be right there helping you with Scootaloo, though I don’t think it will be years, given how much time she’s been spending toying with her mane.” Scootaloo suddenly found the notion of prodding her brother and traitorous idol further to be unnecessary, her cheeks already burning upon the revelation that her secret was known, and by the coolest mare to fly in Equestria! Leaving Hope to fend for herself, Scootaloo bid a swift retreat, with Dash calling after her. “You know, I’m sure you could score a nice colt if you let Rarity...”

“She’s not touching my mane again!” Storm gave Rainbow Dash the go ahead, and they both called out in unison, receiving a momentary silence followed by a slamming door for their troubles; it was all the payment then needed.

“Again?” It was at that point that Scootaloo decided to ask Applebloom for her talented hooves to apply themselves closer to her home. Her room was the only one in the house not soundproofed, and her embarrassment was only made more complete by the laughter assailing her ears.

This is just great! Rainbow Dash and Storm both know my secret? Now I’ll never hear the end of it! What’s next? Etiquette lessons from mom and a... Scootaloo’s mental processes ceased to scoot, not slowing to a halt but rather crashing face first into the dirt, any motion that may have been confused with working neural function comparable only to the subsequent digging of an Applejack-approved furrow with her muzzle. Mom... if she finds out from them... Pride could be cast aside in the face of losing her very way of life, and she tore back downstairs just as the last of Dash’s laughter trailed off, ready to throw herself at the mare’s mercy and accept any torturous punishment in exchange for safeguarding her secret. “Dash, Storm, you absolutely, cannot let mom know that I’m... that I’ve...”

“Tell me what now, hmmm?” Graceful in speech, movement and name, Flying Grace cantered slowly over, stopping behind her daughter who lay prostrated before her siblings. Storm looked down at his sister with a rare look of sympathy, holding his smile for a few seconds before letting it curl into a twisted grin.

“You’re on your own, Scoots. I am very late for a most important date. Shall we?” Without further ado, Storm shot Rainbow Dash a look of fiendish delight and the two pegasi disappeared in a gleeful flurry of feathers and snickers, leaving one tomcolt to receive a forcible introduction into the ways of proper marehood. Her lamentations were heard, and almost... almost enough to cause just a slight tinge of remorse in Storm, but as the wind chilled what remained of the drool in his mane, he held his head high, flying contentedly above the moral high ground.

Sometimes, life throws choices at a pony who is completely unprepared, or ill-equipped, to deal with the sheer magnitude of the decision at hoof. Fluttershy found herself struck by both, Whisper’s sudden interest in such an intimate gesture throwing her off balance. Being somepony who always tries to be kind, seeing the wonder shining in the stallion’s eyes as he tried to contemplate what having his horn touched could possibly feel like only made the decision harder to make. His smile slowly faded as he sense the growing conflict inside of Fluttershy, who was now unable to meet his gaze.

It’s not fair of me to say no, after getting him to touch my wings like that. But I’m scared... I don’t want to frighten him again, and after what just happened... Her chin dropped to her chest as she reached her conclusion, and she closed her eyes, bracing herself for the onset of rain. “Whisper, I’m... I’m sorry, I just can’t do that yet.” I knew it... he looks really sad. I’m sorry, Whisper... I...

“Why? Why not, Fluttershy? I touched your wings, so it’s only fair, right? I wanna know!”

“I don’t want you to get scared again. If I touch your horn, your magic might... well, I don’t know what will happen. I just can’t bare the thought of doing something that will hurt you...” But I am. My words, what I did this morning... it wasn’t kind. Not if this is what came of it... Fluttershy screwed her eyes shut tighter in an effort to stave off the tears pressuring the corners of her eyes. “I’m... I’m sorry...” I should... never do things that make me say those words... She cracked open her eyes, staring through the moisture at a stallion who likely didn’t need tears to summon the rain; she had never seen him so blatantly dejected. Her shoulders began to tremble as she closed her eyes once more, feebly trying to reject the image but unable to deny what she knew to be true.

Maybe... maybe I should. I can’t stand seeing him like this. It hurts... And it’s all my fault... Whisper, I... Further introspection was forbidden as she slowly felt Whisper’s comforting embrace and familiar scent, a gentle tug pulling her to his warm, soft chest.

“I... think I understand.” Fluttershy didn’t. In fact, the sudden change left her emotions even more scattered than they were when it looked like he was on the verge of tears, but she didn’t have time to try to conjure a response. “As... as fun as touching your wings was, it really... scared me when you ran off. You must be scared the same thing would happen with me, aren’t you?” He slowly felt a feeble nod, prompting him to drop his muzzle and give her a comforting nudge. “I hadn’t really asked before, but when we kiss, or I lick your face, or even sometimes just touch you at all, I get this strange feeling in my horn... It’s really scary. I feel almost like it’s going to explode, and if that...”

He released his grip, keeping one hoof around her back and using the other to tilt her head up so he could see her eyes. “You’re trying to protect us both from my magic, aren’t you? I... I’m still really curious, but I think what I should say is... thank you, Fluttershy. Thank you for thinking about me first.” He approached her lips slowly, hesitating for just a fraction of a second before gently bringing their muzzles to a connection. The sadness he felt within the mare quickly melted, and was replaced with relief, joy, and thanksgiving as one of the nagging questions in the back of Fluttershy’s mind was answered before she had even needed to ask.

While Whisper’s mental state may resemble a five year old colt much of the time, that single moment proved his capacity for maturity not possible within a colt so young. Clueless? Absolutely. Unknowledgeable on basically everything around him? Affirmative. Capable of understanding love, even if he couldn’t describe it? As they held their kiss, Fluttershy’s heart was soon wrapped in an exuviating blaze of affection; the answer was yes. She wouldn’t have thought it possible, but that kiss, only their third, was even sweeter than the first, and she relished every moment of the action, imbued with a love solely for her.

Whisper... I’ll make it up to you someday, you’ll see. Words just aren’t enough to show you, but one day... well, you’ll get to touch my wings again. Until then... Sniffling, Fluttershy stared back at Whisper through blurry vision, pawing weakly at her eyes though only managing to clean one side before her stallion realized it was his cue, and she gratefully accepted his tongue’s assistance in the matter. “Whisper? I’d like to do something special today. I was thinking we could have lunch at the pond. Does that sound nice?”

Exuberance caused his hooves to suddenly constrict, though he had fortunately learned that she was fragile and thus required somewhat delicate treatment, leading him to employ just enough self-control that it wasn’t painful. Getting to spend time outside the cottage, but away from other ponies, with Fluttershy? Whisper was fairly sure that, given their restrictions, there wasn’t anything better. It was a gorgeous morning, and Fluttershy found it incredibly difficult not to simply stare at the stallion as he romped back into the house, around the house, outside of the house and back in.

“No peeking! Lunch is going to be a surprise, if that’s ok, so shoo!” His muzzle was finding itself prone to frequent and sudden changes, the resulting frown due to his eviction from the kitchen quickly righting itself from tender kiss on his nose. He then proceeded to trot circles around the living room as anticipation of a relaxing afternoon with the best mare ever overrode any other thoughts of, well, anything and everything else. While it felt like he was milling about for quite a while, in truth it was just past ten minutes, the idea being something she had been contemplating for a while, and thus all she needed to do was prepare some food. With everything ready, she grabbed a basket, packed the sheet, plates, food and drinks, and cantered over to Whisper.

“Would you like me to carry the basket?”

“Promise not to peek?” she giggled, assuring the stallion she didn’t doubt his trustworthiness by setting the basket down in front of him. “Thank you, Whisper. That’s very sweet of you.” Beaming around the handle of the basket, they set out at a brisk trot, Fluttershy carrying the conversation as Whisper bantered right back, the seemingly one-sided conversation as observed by anypony that may have been watching holding so much more meaning than could be derived simply by listening with the ears. However, if by some chance one could hear the heart, the song sung would have been the same for each, two hearts yearning as one.

How to Have a Picnic

Chapter 24: How to Have a Picnic

Sometimes, the question of a plan’s validity must be raised. Certainly, Twilight had a strange affinity for plans, even more so of checklists, but a more realistic, perhaps pessimistic pony, may have to ask: for what reason do plans even exist? By their very nature, they attempt to structure the future, a task both monumental and foolhardy. Fluttershy wasn’t a philosophical pony by any means, so none of these things crossed her mind. At least, not until the day was done, and the deeds of the afternoon never to be undone. Instead, she simply found herself enjoying a quiet walk through the forest with a revitalized stallion who found anything and everything worth sticking his nose into, much to one squirrel’s chagrin at the invasive nose that threatened his newly started winter cache of nuts and one stallion’s remorse as he, in his fervor, attempted to find out just what exactly a hedgehog smells like.

“Um, how is your nose, Whisper?” Fluttershy asked, trotting over to the stallion as he rubbed his muzzle.

“It smelled like pokey.” He had, fortunately, heeded Fluttershy’s warning at the last minute, and thus there was no obvious sign that he had nuzzled the sharpened quills of an irate mother hedgehog, and it did little to set him back as he again found himself fascinated by a new whatsit in a land so familiar, yet seemingly brand new due to the presence of one mare that he was absolutely sure made the world the best place to be, even if she did share it with the scary beasts known as “other ponies.” And yet, even with the dreaded meeting of somepony named Twilight and her daughter Dawn the next day, he couldn’t find it within himself to worry. At least, not while the excitement of the mystical rite of “picnic” led him on a magical journey through an arboreal wonderland.

I’ve spent lots of days in the forest, more days than I can count, but right now... with Fluttershy? It’s like everything is new! This plant, that bush, these trees... every smell, every birdsong... It’s like... like magic! Pegasus magic? Forest magic. Oh, mare magic, mare magic! Yeah, that’s gotta be it! Fluttershy was beginning to see more and more why Cerulean had equated Whisper with Pinkie Pie. When he wasn’t hiding from everypony that happened to come within visual range, there was a strange, natural euphoria that seemed to drive him to romp and rush, well, everywhere, at least that particular day as they made their way slowly towards their special place. She didn’t mind, really, as whatever strange, bubbly feeling that was no doubt the source of his exuberance seemed to be contagious, and her smile refused to fade as she beheld him, brimming with enthusiasm and examining every inch of the ground they traversed.

“Whisper? Forgive me for asking, but you seem really, really excited. Didn’t you, well, live in the forest before you met me?”

“Yeah, but it’s so different now!”

“Different?” she questioned, tilting her head as she caught up to the stallion, dutifully making sure that the purple wildflower he had gingerly thrust his nose into smelled every bit as good as the last one. “I don’t think it’s changed that much. Sure, the leaves have started to change colors, but... Whisper, what’s changed?” Startled by an angry buzz, Whisper yanked his head away as an angry honey bee used what little of its patience that remained to explain that the flower was property of his queen, and he didn’t appreciate being nuzzled. The dutiful worker was equally confused as Whisper silently made his apology, and lazily droned away to find a less occupied section of the forest. As the threat of yet another injury to his delicate face faded away, he turned to Fluttershy, his grin almost condescending as he stated the obvious.

“What’s different? Well, you’re here with me, of course!” Oblivious to the fact that his messages were slowly growing in their ability to make his mare’s heart leap at any given opportunity, he cantered on for a bit before realizing that she was still standing where he had left her, eyes closed and a warm smile gracing muzzle. Grateful she was happy but confused by her lack of forward motion, Whisper closed his eyes and listened, and sure enough, his chest lit up as a steady flow of pure affection wrapped around his heart and mind. He wanted to give back, somehow, and he focused harder, clearing his mind of everything: the smarting in his snout, the grass beneath his hooves, and even the lingering scent of flowers faded away as he focused every fiber of his being on the mare a short distance away.

I can’t speak, not with my magic so out of control, but maybe... His eyes screwed shut tighter as he felt the magic start to swirl within. I want her to know. I want her to be sure, and never, ever doubt that I feel the same. Ignoring the danger, he relaxed his muscles and continued to let the magic build, unaware that his chest had begun to glow. Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes as her silent praises came to an end, and she let out a small gasp as she watched the soft, emerald glow around Whisper’s heart slowly grow.

Is this... what am I seeing? Is this his special talent? Unable to determine whether or not she should be excited, worried, or put an end to it, Fluttershy continued to watch in awe as tiny tendrils of light seemed to snake out, dissipating into the aether as another took its place. They’re coming closer... This is a little frightening, and I know he would never hurt me on purpose, but he... “Whisper?” His eyes began to open, slowly at first but then, seeing the worry written on Fluttershy’s face and the magic within his chest, grew terrified of what was happening; something that he didn’t know how to explain or control.

“Stay back!” I was so focused on letting her feel what I do, that I failed to hear her. She’s terrified. I hate it! I don’t want to be like this! “Don’t follow me! I’ll... be back, I promise!”

“Whisper, wait! Don’t...” But it was too late. Still fighting the magic that had accumulated for a spell that would, if it hadn’t have been him, likely drained an average unicorn of half or more of their magic, he tore off into the forest, running a short distance away and struggling to stop the glow around his heart. Come on... I can hear her worrying, hurry up! Fluttershy... Wait, Fluttershy, I told you to... Whisper had, at that moment, been ready to rattle off some ridiculous words about how he was dangerous and he was only trying to protect her, but he really didn’t have the chance. Fluttershy was instantly upon him, and given her facial expression, for just a split second, it occurred to him that maybe, just maybe, taking another oak tree might have been the easier way to go.

“You said you weren’t going to run away.” I know this is rather, well, aggressive for me, but... I can’t let that be an option in his mind. “I don’t care if it’s just a little ways, or a long ways. I’m going to help you, danger or not!” And there’s nothing anypony can do to stop me! Besides, I learned from Iron Will, and you’re not going to talk me out of it. “Now, I don’t like being mean, but if you run away like that again, well, you’re going to be in trouble.” Cowed, lectured, and entirely submissive, Whisper swallowed hard, thankful that the mare saw fit to spare him.

“I was just... trying to protect you. I’m sorry...”

“Whisper...” Gentleness returned to her voice as she brought a hoof over his cheek and gave him a short nod. “I know you were. Thank you, but we’re going to get through this together, ok? I want to be there with you through everything.” Poor dear... He really takes it hard when I’m firm. Slowly lowering herself down atop his chest, she leaned in and softly pressed her lips to his, savoring the faint heat that rose to her cheeks. Whisper, there’s so much to teach you. Like, right now, you’re supposed to hold me, but you’re not, and... oh, right. This morning. “Whisper... can you, maybe, hold me?”

“Promise me we won’t make a baby on accident?”

“Oh, Whisper... Somepony really needs to teach you about that,” Fluttershy murmured, laughing softly. She said that, but she wasn’t so sure she meant it. Whisper’s cluelessness about everything was adorable, and especially after the little exploration they had indulged earlier, she wasn’t so sure it would be necessary information anytime soon.

When somepony cool like, say, a Wonderbolt, responds to what she thinks is the approach of another pony by doing her best to hide behind her rather gargantuan special somepony, it tends to be ineffective for anything but garnering a few well meaning chuckles. This proves doubly true when said cool somepony happens to be pregnant with twins, and as Storm casually glanced from the woodlands to his mare, he reached back a hoof and placed it gently on her stomach which was clearly visible even from the most hidden of angles.

“Dash, two things. One, if you’re going to hide, that giant rock over there might be a better bet,” Storm mentioned, casually waving a hoof at a small boulder that sat next to the pond that Fluttershy had shown Rainbow Dash. It really was a magnificent dating locale, perfect for a picnic, a relaxing bath, and above all, so unbelievably picturesque that even should she be wearing her Wonderbolt’s uniform, the mare would worry over her image taking an axe to the roots. “Secondly, you’re just as bad as Scootaloo. I swear, what is it with mares I know not wanting to be... marelike?”

“Storm, you don’t understand. I’ve spent years proving to everypony I was tough, cool, and unbeatable. Tell me, what part of cuddling next to a pond while enjoying a picnic and whispering mushy... words and stuff is cool?” she retorted, hesitating as she contemplated changing her hiding spots. Even with her added weight, Storm had little issue swiveling half way, grabbing the fretful mare, and pulling her gently back into his embrace, bringing his wings around and blotting out the sun.

“I think we both know you’re plenty cool enough for me,” he whispered, looking down at her as a slight breeze rustled his feathers.

“I guess I did good,” she whispered back, unable to keep her more affectionate side from rising again to the surface. “It’s only fitting that I should marry the coolest stallion in Equestria.” Letting her guard down completely, she leaned into a passionate kiss, the kind that leaves one breathless and wanting more, but she wasn’t quite ready for the main event just yet, and thus, with some reluctance, she pulled back, grabbed a cookie, and did one of the most embarrassing things she could think of: feeding her stallion by hoof. His oafish grin only made her blush harder.

It’s not that Spike wasn’t thrilled to find Rarity at the door of the library. No, he was actually quite excited to have his longest standing crush show up looking like she could use a hug. He readily delivered, even before she made it inside, and it was gratefully accepted, to a point that the young dragon couldn’t help but blush a little at the lengthy body contact. He and Twilight had been in the middle of playing a game with Dawn and Peewee while Cerulean kept everypony stocked with munchies and soda enough to fill a pool, and while a teeny part of him was slightly bitter that his special time with his mentor had been interrupted, the serious expression on Rarity’s face made it clear whatever was bothering her was important.

“I really hate to intrude, showing up unannounced and all...”

“Don’t worry about it, Rarity. Come on in,” Spike replied easily, releasing her and walking back inside with a claw held to his cheek. She couldn’t help but cringe at the way Cerulean and Twilight shared a knowing glance, correctly guessing, at least in part, the reason she had come.

“Twilight? There’s something... private I’d like to talk to you about. Could you possibly spare the time?” It was a silly question, really. Cerulean easily took charge of the residents while Twilight said goodbye to Dawn and Spike, motioning for Rarity to follow as she made her way outside the library. “Perhaps I wasn’t clear, about the somewhat sensitive subject matter? It’s not something I’d prefer to discuss in public, if you catch my drift.”

“Well, I had been intending to walk to a good spot, but since you’re so eager...”

Twilight, please find better ways to phrase your words... Well, actually, it’s likely just me that has the issue. A momentary lavender flash blinded the mare before she found herself a good distance away from Ponyville, not a pony in sight and dancing wild grass swaying under an autumn breeze. So, the setting has gone from “uncomfortable” to “slightly romantic,” then? I’ve really... got to find a way to get my mind under control.

“Rarity... don’t hold back. Whatever is on your mind, just let it out.”

Just remember, my dear mare, that you asked. “Twilight? Tell me, have you ever touched yourself?” While Twilight’s assumptions as to the general subject matter were indeed correct, the specifics and bluntness with which Rarity dutifully replied left her momentarily speechless, and made it all-too-clear why she didn’t want anypony listening in; Twilight was similarly minded, thankful that there was no way anypony could eavesdrop. “In my defense, you did say not to hold back, dear,” Rarity added, noting her friend’s rather nonplussed expression.

“N-no, you’re right, I just wasn’t... expecting that,” Twilight replied slowly, coming to terms with the topic at hoof. “I guess the simplest way to answer is to just say yes.”

Oh, she chooses now, of all times, to be uninformative... “Could you possibly be a little less simple?”

What, does she want tips or something? “Well, I took my hoof, and...”

“No, no, not like that... I’m perfectly capable of vividly imagining the act, and I daresay I don’t need an instructional!” I don’t know whether to feel offended that she counted me so clueless that I couldn’t possibly figure out HOW to engage in the act, or be delighted that she thinks me so pure that I'd need to be told.

“Oh, well then, have you tried it already?” Twilight replied, growing even more confused as to what the mare expected of her.

“Do you really think I’d be here right now if I had?” Rarity’s shout likely didn’t echo very far, but it did bid Twilight hold her silence. Frustration soon ebbed into apathetic exasperation, and Rarity clarified. “How did... you feel afterwards?”

“I’m not quite sure I know what you’re hinting at, Rarity. Physically? Emotionally? Morally, what?”

“Would it be too much trouble to say ‘all three?’” The lights finally went on for Twilight as she realized that Rarity’s struggle had progressed to a point that she was willing to break at least part of her creed to purity in an effort to try and save the whole.

She’s seeking a justification for likely the only outlet she can imagine. I really wish I could just tell you it’d be ok, and with some ponies, maybe I could, but you, Rarity... “During my teenage years, when I was studying back in Canterlot, I didn’t really... get out much, if you know what I mean. That didn’t stop me from feeling my natural desires, though, so self-gratification seemed like a logical conclusion. It’s not like I had time to find myself a coltfriend, nor did I feel so inclined, so yes, I did, Rarity. My urges became distracting to my studies. I saw a problem, so I found a solution.” Twilight became contemplative for a moment as Rarity dared to hope she’d found an answer. “But then... I stopped.”

“Why is that?”

“Rarity, you asked about three things. Physically, it felt about like what you’d imagine it would. It was fun, and satisfied for a time. But the other two? Well, that’s where things get more complicated. I didn’t view it as being an emotional act, it was purely biological to me, but the more I indulged... Well, it just left me feeling... empty. Alone. And it sure can’t compare to the real thing, let me tell you...”

“As much as I’m sure my ears would love to hear about your ‘adventures’ with Cerulean, I daresay it wouldn’t help my position right now...”

“I wasn’t about to let you in on that anyways, so on to the last, possibly most convoluted component. Rarity, it’s not mine to say whether it’s right or wrong. I don’t feel like it made me any worse a pony, but it did leave me unsatisfied on the inside. And Rarity?” Reluctant eye contact was made as Twilight drove her point home. “If you choose to indulge in that way, and there is any doubt in your mind, it’s going to feel wrong. I’ve seen just how hard you’re fighting for your ideal, and this... Rarity, I don’t think this is the path for you. But it is not mine to choose; that is on your shoulders.” Much like my hoof is supposed to be. Twilight shifted closer and rectified the dilemma, pulling her friend close.

“Thank you for... being so open, Twilight. It seems I have much to think about.”

After some hesitation, Whisper delivered the desired embrace, carefully avoiding Fluttershy’s wings which, due to yet another marvelous kiss that was little more than a peck, found themselves quite cheerfully catching the wind, though there in the forest with only Whisper around, she felt little need for embarrassment. Returning to the basket that had been set aside when Whisper started glowing, he dutifully picked the basket back up, paused as his stomach bid them hurry to their destination so feeding could commence, and trotted ahead of Fluttershy, looking back with eager eyes.

Having heard the rumble, she adjusted her pace and they soon neared their destination which was, regrettably, in use. Whisper, hearing the voices and sensing the emotions. which were flaring quite clearly, stopped short, glancing nervously around as Fluttershy crept forward. Not wanting to be anywhere but in close proximity to his safety zone, he mimicked the mare and followed, sitting beside her as she pried back the leaves of a large fern, revealing Rainbow Dash at her daintiest, something she never let out around anypony but Storm. It did Fluttershy well to see her so happy, and letting go of the shrub, she turned back to Whisper.

“Did you see those two ponies? The mare with the pretty mane is my best friend Rainbow Dash. She’s always been very kind to me, and helped me through a lot. I wouldn’t be nearly as strong as I am now, not without her help. I’m not very strong, still, but I’m very grateful anyways.” While doing his best not to show it, having new ponies near was making it difficult to remain calm, though Fluttershy’s gentle embrace went a long ways in calming the skittish stallion. They sat that way for a time until a soft noise bid Fluttershy sneak another glance at the couple, with Whisper right beside her. Fluttershy peeled back the leaves, took a look made much longer by her sudden loss of control of her hoof, before finally yanking it away and staring into nothing at all, mortified that she had just watched Storm quite unashamedly give Dash a good wing stroking.

“Hey, I can’t see!” Intrigued by the display of affection, Whisper pulled back the leaves and watched as the spread of food nearby the two ponies was forgotten, and Dash’s plans for staving off her other desires fell through in a most gratifying manner. Fortunately, she had planned for this, and with one sweep of his massive wing, Storm cleared the dining area and gently set an uncharacteristically timid Rainbow Dash on her back. Huh, so I guess ponies can kiss with their tongues. I wonder if it means something different from normal kisses.

Storm and Rainbow Dash, while active, never jumped straight into things, and thus the progression was slow. Unaware they had an audience and confident in their natural concealment within the forest, neither pony made much effort to conceal verbal expressions of joy that, while different than Fluttershy’s squeaking, Whisper instantly recognized. They had just brought their wings into play when his vision was suddenly obscured by a cream colored hoof, followed shortly thereafter by himself being hauled onto his back. “Fluttershy? What’d you do that for? I was watching the ponies!”

“Yes, I know, but...”

“They look like they're having fun, and I wanna know why. Can you let me up?”

“Whisper, you can’t watch them, they’re... they’re, um...” Her mind threatened to implode as the noises grew louder, and seizing the blushing mare’s moment of weakness, Whisper resumed his analysis with fascination.

Wait, that thing they’re laying on... Noting that Fluttershy was no longer paying attention to him, but rather something about a million hoof lengths into the horizon, he stole a peek into the basket and ascertained his suspicions. Hey, we brought a cloth just like theirs! “Fluttershy, they’re having a picnic! Oh, this is going to be fun! Can we picnic now? Wait, how is this different from this morning? Fluttershy? Helloooo?” His words did little, but as he waved a hoof in front of the mare growing increasingly traumatized by the second, it initiated panic protocols, and without thinking, Fluttershy raced from cover and towards the couple, desperate to put a stop to their display. In this she succeeded, but at the price of the coloration of her face and her coherency, and with Whisper watching from the safety of the bushes, the symptoms slowly spread to everypony but him.

Three young fillies slowly made their way through town with no destination in particular, proudly displaying their Cutie Marks and not-so-proudly unable to hide the mantle of gloom that they all seemed to be huddled under. Scootaloo and Applebloom had no reason to be upset, but when Sweetie Belle explained Rarity’s condition and subsequently her concern, they all wracked their brains to try and find something to cheer the mare up. But, as Sweetie went on to explain, the growing depression was something that they couldn’t fix, and would remain until the sudden appearance of an eligible stallion that fit her standards, was single, and looking to get hooked up post haste.

“Ah know ah’m good at fixin’ things, but that’s one problem ah don’t think ah can fix,” Applebloom muttered, glancing across at Sweetie Belle.

“I know I can’t find her a stallion, because we tried that with Cheerilee and it didn’t work out too well. I just want to try and find something to cheer her up, but I have no idea what.”

“It’s kind of hard when she’s only interested in pretty, girly things,” Scootaloo chimed in. “I mean, even if we had the bits, she’s the only dressmaker in town.”

“Hey, ah know, let’s go see Perfect Jewel! Rarity loves shiny things, an’ ah bet we could scrape together enough t’ get somethin’ at least. What do ya think, Sweetie Belle?”

“Think? No thinking, more running! Come on!” Fueled by the hope that Applebloom could be onto something, and glad of something to do other than worry, the three took off towards Jewel’s store in Ponyville. Just hang on, sis. I’m going to find a way to make you smile, somehow.

Time is a fickle construct, normally presenting itself in a way opposed to the desires of the one beholding it. As Fluttershy merrily experienced a full cessation of neural activities, save those necessary for biological survival, time seemed to grow weary of forward motion and lay down for a nap. And, for a blissful five seconds that to everypony else may as well have been hours, everypony simply stared at each other. Storm himself was poised to advance to the next step, his wings wrapped around Rainbow Dash and himself fully unsheathed, exposed and quite out in the open. As his mind frantically raced to find a way out of the situation, it came to the single, obvious conclusion: there isn’t one.

With nothing else for it, he launched himself from Rainbow Dash, crashed into the pond amidst a shower of shimmering droplets, and remained submerged for quite some time as he desperately willed his body to cooperate. Rainbow Dash, bereaved of her romantic afternoon, let out an uncharacteristically feminine wail, mourning the absence of her stallion, his wings, and other fun things. Sure, she was kind of embarrassed about nearly being caught in the act, but that was far less humiliating than all that mushy talk she was giving him earlier, so rather than maintain any semblance of coyness, she marched over to berate Fluttershy for her thoughtless intrusion before her foals bid her halt with a double kick to the gut, making her pause just long enough to notice Fluttershy’s condition.

“Hmmm, I’m not a doctor, but if I had to give you a diagnosis, Fluttershy, I’d say you’re suffering from a severe case of mindbuck. What the hay are you doing out here, anyways?” Dash demanded, receiving another reprimand from her womb, chastising her for her callous tone of voice. “Oh, give it a rest, will ya? Well, are you gonna answer? Wait, where’s Whisper?”

“Uh... um... I... he...” Giving up on verbal communication for a short while, Fluttershy pointed a trembling hoof towards the bushes, where the telltale rustle preceded the timid advance of her silent stallion. What her mind couldn’t do in clearing away the remnants of a once functional cerebellum, her heart completed, and she found herself beaming with pride as Whisper cautiously edged towards her, and yes, while he hid behind her and pressed closed due to Rainbow Dash’s proximity, the fact that he had emerged at all spoke volumes for Fluttershy. “Whisper? I’m very proud of you for coming out, and I’ll be sure to reward you later, ok?”

“So, you’re the infamous stallion that has my best friend so wrapped up, huh?” Dash replied in her usual tone, receiving a third and final warning from below that threatened the return of her cookies if she didn’t start behaving. Whisper’s fright turned to worry as the mare held both hooves across her swollen gut, wincing. Her discomfort was temporarily ignored as she saw green letters dance across her vision, and she looked up at the stallion still eyeing her from behind his pink-maned fortress.

“Are you... are you ok? Does your tummy hurt? Did that other pony picnic too rough?”

“Uh... what?” Whisper was about to reiterate when Storm, unable to hold his breath any longer, burst forth from the pond with a massive gasp, and seeing as how Whisper had escaped time’s curse, it chose to take a second shot. Like a primordial monster of the sea, a massive black, winged pony loomed in his vision, teeth bared and eyes blazing like lightning. Water dripped like acid from his mane as he approached, each massive hoof landing like the beat of a drum. Fluttershy let out a small gasp as Whisper passed out cold, the picnic basket falling to the ground from his unconscious jaws. Were the foals able, they would definitely have dealt out abdominal retribution for their father’s transgression, but instead, they could only silently add their nonexistent voices to their mother’s, laden with sarcasm.

“Gee, way to be a gentle pony, Storm. You went and made him pass out.”

“My apologies for not being able to breathe water, Dash. I didn’t particularly feel like showing Fluttershy my... is that a problem?!?” Storm retorted, smiling as he approached even as his lungs fought to make up for lost time.

“Nah, it’s probably for the best that you hid. I think Fluttershy has been scarred enough for one day,” Dash muttered with a sigh, returning her attention to the mare who now sat with her stallion’s head cradled in her hooves. “Fluttershy, what are you even... oh,” she stopped, answering her own question as she saw the basket discarded on the ground. “Clearly, you saw that I had an awesome idea and tried to steal it.”

“Well, um, I discovered the spot, so... I win.” The mare’s soft-spoken assertion had a way of dealing deathblows to arrogance, and Rainbow Dash found her sharp tongue dulled in the face of her delicate friend’s mannerisms. “Goodness... things sure didn’t go like I planned they would. Still... I’m glad to see you’re doing ok, Rainbow Dash. And, while it was a little embarrassing, it was really cute the way you were acting with Storm before you, well... you know...” Rainbow Dash used Storm’s muscular chest as an eye shield, burying her muzzle and rattling off a chain of mumbles neither pony could make heads or tails of. “Teehee! You’re blushing~!” Fluttershy tittered, covering her mouth with a hoof. “It’s really nothing to be ashamed of, Rainbow Dash. I thought it was really sweet how you were acting with Storm.”

“Sweet? I’m a Wonderbolt, I’m supposed to be cool, not sweet! Ugh, next you’re going to say I’m...” she paused, looking at the grinning mare who had, somehow, developed a teasing side. “Oh, don’t you say it.”

“A...”

“Fluttershy?”

“Dor...”

“C’mon, I can’t handle...”

“A..."

"...ble!” Storm finished, slicing the cables and letting the proverbial axe head fall, severing the last of her pride and letting her dignity fall into the basket. Defeated, she slumped against her stallion’s chest, wailing dramatically and ruefully accepting his comforting embrace. “You know, you really are, especially when you pout like this.”

“Oh, give it a rest, you dunce,” she muttered, weakly pounding at his chest with a hoof. So much for a romantic afternoon alone. Disregarding his mare’s obvious displeasure, which she’d likely soon rebound from, he took a closer look at Whisper.

“Dang, that’s some mane he’s got. No wonder Rarity freaked out like she did. I take it he’s still scared of everypony but you?”

“And Cerulean and Crimson, since he remembered them,” Fluttershy replied, running a hoof through her stallion’s hair. “Um, I know you two were kind of... having some, you know... time alone. But, if it’s not too much trouble, could you maybe stay a little longer? I’d like to see if I can get Whisper to not be so afraid of new ponies.” She closed her eyes and squeezed a little tighter. “You probably wouldn’t think so, but just the fact that he came over to me means he’s close, Rainbow Dash. And... I’d really like to spend a little time with you, too.”

Oh, like I could really say no to that? From anypony else, that would just be shameless manipulation, but... dang it... “Ok, I guess I can take some time off my date with Storm, but just for you, Fluttershy.” Thanks was given, and scooping some water into a cup, Fluttershy trickled just a little onto Whisper’s face, and he slowly came to, thoroughly disoriented but unable to knock the fantastic view of Fluttershy’s mane as it cascaded around him.

“Fluttershy? I think I had a scary dream or something. There was this black monster thing that came out of the pond, I think, and...”

“Whisper, it’s not nice to call other ponies monsters, you know.”

“Pony?”

“Remember how you said you could trust me?” He nodded, patiently waiting for the rest of the statement to come. “Don’t be afraid,” she murmured, lifting her head back and directing his eyes over to the “monster” from what he realized was no dream at all. The mare was all fine with Whisper, as much as a frightening new pony could be, at least, but it was the hulking pegasus that had her wrapped in his massive hooves that was sending shivers down Whisper’s spine.

“Who’s that scary black one? He’s really, really big! I didn’t even know ponies could be so... big.”

“Storm, could you, um, come introduce yourself? Move slowly, though.” Adopting a pace that Granny Smith could out-canter even on a bad day, the massive pegasus made his way forward, sitting himself down and speaking in a voice far gentler than Whisper was expecting.

“Hey there, little guy. My name’s Storm Blitz. Can you tell me yours?”

“Whisper.” While minorly surprised, the green letters that clouded Storm's vision were more entertaining than they were scary, and Whisper found himself amazed yet again by how accepting everypony near Fluttershy seemed to be, both of the danger he felt he posed and everything else about him that wasn’t normal.

“Hey, that’s a neat trick! Pretty cool, Whisper.” Taking a moment to look up at Fluttershy with absolute confusion, he weighed the risk of braving the unknown with the safety of Fluttershy’s hooves. Safety looked like it would win, but the possibility of making Fluttershy happy tipped the scales, and thus he swallowed his fear, pressed himself against his mare to glean a few more seconds of comfort from her warmth, and made his request.

“Can I explore you?”

“Uh... I guess?” That has got to be the weirdest phrased question I’ve ever heard. Or seen, in this case. I wonder what... ok, he’s sniffing me. That’s ok though, there’s nothing wrong with... Holy smokes, those are my wings! They were indeed, and it wasn’t that the motion of Whisper nudging them with his hoof was pleasant, but that it was strange, unexpected, and slightly uncomfortable.

“Fluttershy? What’s he doing to my stallion?” Rainbow Dash questioned, eyeing Whisper with suspicion.

“Exploring,” came her answer. As Storm patiently bore his uncouth greeting, Rainbow Dash left his embrace and turned her attention to Fluttershy, who was making no effort to contain her amusement at her Whisper’s quirky behavior.

“Any particular reason he is nuzzling my stallion’s wings? I’m pretty sure that’s my job,” Dash asked quizzically.

“Oh, well, you see, Rainbow Dash... Whisper doesn’t really know anything about, um... ‘wrestling.’”

“He should sure know better than to touch wings, though! I mean, wasn’t once enough?”

“Twice, actually,” Fluttershy corrected, letting a smile creep into her muzzle as Rainbow got to suffer from her own case of mental disruption, very similar to Fluttershy’s a few minutes prior, though to a lesser degree. Meanwhile, Storm was wondering just how much longer Whisper was going to continue his disturbingly thorough investigation.

Ok, man, I know you’ve been in the wild and haven’t spent much time with other ponies, but really? I don’t let anypony touch my flanks, much less a stallion. I... ok, your nose is uncomfortably close to my muzzle. Fluttershy, I’m sorry, but I draw the line at tasting. Evading Pinkie is bad enough, and I don’t need... “Whoa! Easy there, Whisper,” Storm cried, thrusting a hoof between his legs to keep a curious nose from going where no stallion’s ever had, or ever would. Fluttershy caught Whisper as he yanked back, startled by the sudden noise.

“I’m sorry! I don’t know what I did wrong! Don’t yell at me!”

This poor little guy... doesn’t even know where not to stick his nose... “Hey, no worries, Whisper. I’m not upset,” Storm replied softly, trotting back over and holding out a hoof. “Friends?” It was a poignant moment for Whisper, one that he would remember for a long time to come.

He wants... “You want to be friends with me? But... but I just touched you all over!”

“As long as you keep your hooves off my mare and your snout from between my legs, I have no issues calling you friend. Come on, don’t leave me hanging,” he encouraged, waving his hoof a little. Whisper looked from face to face, feeling nothing but a sense of welcome, and slowly snaked out a hoof, touching it gently against Storm’s. “No, not like that. You have to pound it a little, like this,” he corrected, tapping his hoof lightly against Whisper’s and smiling. Inhibitions disintegrated like Spike’s sanity around Rarity, and there was an audible clap as Whisper thrust out his hoof once more, sealing the pact with his very first brohoof.

Prevention

Chapter 25: Prevention

Another day tending the stall, another afternoon spent heaving wistful sighs. Carrot Top wasn’t delusional. She knew that, on the whole, her reputation for being loose was well known, and largely frowned upon. Especially after her little ploy to try and bring Silver back into the dating market, she had found herself with even fewer ponies that would treat her kindly, and thus, she found herself whittling a carrot for no particular reason save that it gave her something to do while her mind roamed. Pausing with a paring knife halfway down the carrot, she saw white out of the corner of her eyes and noticed a very dejected looking unicorn making her way slowly towards home.

Maybe... I’ve been looking in the wrong places. It’s a long shot, but maybe... maybe that’s what I need? I still haven’t found... that special somepony yet. It was foolish, she knew, to hope that her search for somepony she could commit to would be ended so easily, and she pushed it away, but as the day drew on, she found it harder and harder to stop thinking about the white unicorn with an incredibly alluring, if not over-styled, mane. After a time, she put up the closed sign early, finished carving the carrot she had been working on, stowed the rest of her produce, and set out for the boutique.

Much like movies, popcorn, Fluttershy, beds, and every other wonderful thing Whisper had discovered, with the exception of the microwave, he found himself enjoying this “picnic” thing. Certainly, Fluttershy’s was much calmer than Storm’s, but it was nice to just sit back, relax, and enjoy some time away his comfortable cage known as a cottage. The meal was nothing fancy, consisting of some baked goods, fruit, and some salad, but his two new friends and the giggling mare beside him is what made the experience worthwhile. Eventually, one thing led to another and Whisper found himself alone with Storm as the two mares had a splashing contest which, while slightly entertaining, seemed far more fascinating for the black pegasus than it was for the unlearned unicorn.

“Hey, Storm? I um... have some questions.” Interrupted from his daydream of a day on a secluded beach in a land of eternal summer with his mare, Storm shed such thoughts with slight reluctance and gave Whisper his attention.

“What would you like to know?”

“A lot. Like, um... well, why shouldn’t my nose go there?” he asked, pointing to make sure he was clear.

“Whisper, that’s...” he paused, sifting through what he knew of the stallion, which really wasn’t much. He’s lived in the wild away from other ponies, and thus has no idea about his body or anything? I’d think that he’d have at least some knowledge... “So, you really don’t know anything about rolling in the hay?”

“Rolling in the hay? Is that the same as wrestling?”

He really doesn’t. Man... should I even try to explain it? It then occurred to him that if anything happened to Fluttershy on account of his innocence, and it were somehow revealed that he had the opportunity to rectify the problem before it began, he would likely have need of breaking the sound barrier to save his own hide. “Wrestling, rolling in the hay, taking a mare to bed; you can call it by a lot of things. More importantly, I’m sure you have questions, right?” Whisper nodded, a whole list at the ready. “Ask away, and I’ll do my best.” It was time to start marking them off.

“Whenever I kiss Fluttershy, my horn starts glowing and it feels all funny. Why is that?”

Wow, he doesn't mess around, does he. What am I getting myself into... “I’m no unicorn, so I don’t know exactly how it works, but basically, having your horn touched is supposed to feel really good. And, if it’s touched enough, it makes a mess. A gooey, tasty mess.”

Tasty? My horn makes food? That’s strange... “So... what, like honey comes out, or something?”

“It’s like honey, yeah. But you’re never supposed to eat it yourself. I hear that’s considered really gross among unicorns, like eating your own... you know...” No, you clearly don’t. I’m not touching that until he asks, ‘cause that’s just...

“How come I grow?”

Oh, please tell me he’s not... “Um... how do you mean?” Before answering the inquiry, Whisper trotted down into the water, causing an immediate cessation of all fluid based hostilities, and silently begged Fluttershy for a kiss. After a few seconds of hesitation, she gently connected their muzzles, and Rainbow Dash seized her opportunity to strike as Whisper left, sloshing a rather large wave at the already soaked mare. Storm respectfully averted his gaze as Whisper returned, flopped onto his back, and spread his legs wide. Yeah, he totally was talking about that... I really am a dunce. If Rainbow Dash lo...

“Storm? What the hay are you making Whisper do?” Dash called out, scowling at her mischievous husband who she could totally see pulling something like that for kicks.

“I’m not making him do anything! He was just asking... a strange question.” Dash would have replied, but a blatant act of aggression landed a hoofful of water on her muzzle, and she wasn’t about to retreat an inch. “Whisper, please, sit back up and stop... showing me that.” Whisper dutifully sat up, awaiting an answer. I would never... have expected myself to be giving this kind of discussion to anypony. Cerulean, you so owe me big later. “That, my fellow stallion, was an erection.” All splashing came to a halt as both mares stared at Storm, who found himself blushing in Whisper’s stead. “Yeah, I said erection. Get over it!” Heaving a sigh as the two began conversing quietly amongst themselves, Storm followed through with the details about why and what for.

Whisper couldn’t explain it. Every word Storm said sounded incredibly strange, almost unnatural, and yet, it filled him with an even more unnerving sense of wonder, so much so that his horn started glowing without Fluttershy’s help. He saw the mare in a new light as she plopped down beside him, dripping wet and still chuckling softly from some good, clean fun; a stark contrast to the stallion’s conversation on all things steamy.

“Um, Whisper? Your horn is, well...”

“Uh huh...”

“Whisper, are you ok?”

“I... think so?”

“What did Storm tell you?” Fluttershy pressed, glancing over at the stallion who offered her a sheepish grin before whispering something about “getting the hay out of here” to Rainbow Dash. Whisper provided them with a nice opportunity, and wanting to return to their time alone, the two quietly took off as Fluttershy’s stallion unashamedly answered her question.

“Oh, just, um... how to make horn honey and have sex and stuff. Oh! I also know how... Fluttershy?” She had known the day would come, she just didn’t expect to suddenly have it dumped on her that Whisper was now, in theory, an educated stallion. Fluttershy had to wonder just how many more sudden shocks her mind could take before she began to display Pinkie-like symptoms. First she walks in on her best friend and husband getting ready to enjoy themselves in the most natural of ways, then she jumps right into the middle of it, only to follow up with being left alone with a stallion she has feelings for far beyond a simple crush. A stallion that, up until just a few moments ago, had no idea how to actually engage in physical intimacy, but as he frantically waved a hoof in front of her face to try and get her attention, she found herself suddenly quite flushed, realizing their position and worried that he may try to put his new knowledge into practice.

“Whisper? Did... Storm tell you anything about, you know, boundaries?”

“Boundaries? What are those? He just told me where to put my...” Fluttershy’s blush grew deeper, prompting a swift covering of her face by both hair and hoof. It only took a few moments of reading what Whisper sent to realize that, while Storm had been great on the technicals of the basics, he had, unfortunately, left out any information pertaining to the social and moral aspects of nighttime exercise. As Whisper’s excited recounting drew to a close, Fluttershy let out yet another sigh and looked up at her beaming stallion. While what had been said was more than enough on the subject for her, she knew that she would have to suffer through a little bit more.

“Come on, Whisper. Storm didn’t tell you everything you need to know.” With some regret, she packed up the remnants of their picnic, led them back home where they deposited the basket, and made their way towards town. Whisper found himself once again trotting behind Fluttershy, eyes screwed shut with a mouth full of tail. It was a little more than slightly uncomfortable, making his way through town during the daytime, but Fluttershy’s constant support and closeness kept the fear from taking over while he allowed himself to be led to someplace he thought was safe. But as he opened his eyes at her hoofbeats on a door, one look showed him he was not at the library, as expected, but someplace completely new. Fluttershy let out a soft grunt as he all but glued himself to her side, trembling slightly and feeling very trapped.

“Whisper, shhh... this is just Rainbow Dash and Storm’s house. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Oh, except maybe...” Now, had it been during the evening when less ponies were about, Whisper’s obvious course of action would have been to make himself scarce and chance the darkened streets, but with the market stalls in view and no fewer than twenty ponies in his immediate vicinity, he could do little more than fervently hope he didn’t have an accident as Quakehoof answered the door. “Um... oh dear...”

“Scared. Very, very scared, Fluttershy! He’s... he’s even bigger than Storm! He’s the biggest pony in Equestria, isn’t he? No, this is mean, Fluttershy! I wasn’t ready for this!” Quakehoof, upon seeing the stallion have a silent meltdown and sink to his haunches, stomped away as quietly as his frame would allow, leaving the door open as an invitation should the stallion choose. Thankful for his discretion, Fluttershy tried to ease Whisper’s misgivings, which ended up taking the better part of ten minutes and weren’t ended by herself, but the telltale babbling of Ponyville’s cheeriest foal.

“Fluttershy, what was that?”

“That was Storm’s baby sister. Would you like to see?”

Baby? “Like... the ones Rainbow Dash has in her tummy?”

“Yes, just like Rainbow Dash will have.” Curiosity over the bubbly noises coming from within what was, by Whisper’s standards, a veritable mansion, overcame his trepidation, and he was forced to reconsider his position as he walked in to find Bright Hope quite happily squealing about nothing at all, perched in Quakehoof’s lap. Whisper became frozen not by fear, but awe as he saw a foal for the first time. There wasn’t a shred of anything he could possibly find frightening, and for a time he simply stared, unable to fathom the purity of the heart that he heard. It was, he would admit, very much like Fluttershy’s, and perhaps it was that single thought that drew him closer, ignoring the massive earth pony’s calm gaze as he approached.

“Quakehoof? Do you think it’d be alright if Whisper held her?” Fluttershy asked, cantering over to where Whisper stood entranced by the little filly.

“Indeed it would. Look, Hope, a new pony to play with.” Overjoyed to have somepony new to play with, the filly slid down from her father’s lap and froliced over to Whisper, promptly slobbering all over his mane and giving his foreleg an inordinate amount of huggles. At Fluttershy’s urging, he sat down and, taking her cue, the filly promptly made a new home snuggled up next to Whisper, grabbing a mouthful of mane and a little extra for her hooves to play with. Even were he a pony of many words, at that moment, Whisper would have been speechless.

If this is how I started... how all ponies are at first, then maybe... maybe they aren’t so scary after all.

Opposition to all things feminine had always been Scootaloo’s creed. Girly things were for the more dainty, prissy ponies, not awesome speed demons like Rainbow Dash and, she had hoped, herself. However, upon finding her special talent to be not her raw speed, but pairing dexterity and poise along with it, had led to her relenting on some points. She would, on occasion, and usually only after much prodding, deign to wear makeup. Dresses were something she despised, and after hearing so much praise following the performance recently where she and Sweetie Belle had “gotten all fancy,” as Applebloom called it, she secretly wore the dress indoors once or twice. Unfortunately, upon entering Perfect Jewel’s new shop in Ponyville, she again found herself acting quite unlike herself, as if some uncontrollable force had taken over her mind and was convinced that she needed to display her inner Rarity.

“Whoa, check that one out, Sweetie Belle! It’s gorgeous! Oh, and that one, too! Look at that diamond glitter... I’m going to have come here more often, if only to stare. I wonder if Jewel could make something in my size... What do you think, Applebloom?” She was met not with an assessment but simply snickers as they both gave her knowing looks, jolting her back to her norm. “It was just a question! It’s not like I’d wear any of this beau... girly stuff. Blech!”

“I suppose I could have you advertise for my shop, if you’d like,” Perfect Jewel announced, coming out from behind the counter and cantering over to the fillies. “Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, you both have quite the following here in Ponyville. If my making some filly sized jewelry would help bolster awareness, and bring in some business, then it would be unwise of me to pass up such an eager offer.”

“Really?!?” Scootaloo again found herself at the receiving end of knowing stares, prompting a sullen silence and indecipherable muttering.

“Jewel, that’s very nice of you to offer, and we can discuss it later, but we actually came for a different reason,” Sweetie Belle said. She then paused, hesitating, glancing at her friends and shifting nervously.

“Go on, Sweetie Belle. Do not be afraid to speak. There is nopony else here right now, after all.”

“I know, it’s just...”

“What’re you fussin’ about, Sweetie Belle? Somethin’ botherin’ you?” Applebloom asked.

I can’t just say it. I mean, I don’t even know if I’m right or not, but I’ve got a hunch, and they’re usually right. Rarity is trying to keep it a secret, so I can’t just let anypony know. “Applebloom, Scootaloo, I hate to ask this, but can you... maybe wait outside?”

“Uh, sure, ah guess. Come on, Scootaloo, you can stare at the pretty rocks later,” Applebloom urged, nudging her towards the door.

“I didn’t say anything about any gems!” she shot back, growing defensive, though as they made their exit she realized her mistake.

“Ah didn’t either, ah said rocks.” Jewel let out a soft chuckle, the slamming of the door a testament to the orange pegasus’ denial that also ushered in solitude.

“Well...” I don’t really have any excuse now. Please, sis, don’t be mad at me. “I think my sister... really wants a coltfriend.” Perfect Jewel gave the filly her full attention as she continued. “I don’t think she’s ever kissed somepony, and even before I was born, she’d talk about finding a handsome prince and getting married. But... she’s been so sad lately that I think she’s starting to lose hope.”

“Being lonesome is hard to hide. I’ve noticed it too, when she comes by to chat.” She paused, noticing a faint blush rise to the filly’s cheeks as she looked anywhere but Jewel’s face. “There’s more, isn’t there.”

“She... I think she really... is having a hard time keeping her, um... desires under control. I can’t fix anything, but I want to get her a gift that will make her smile. Please, Jewel, I’ll find some way to earn the bits and pay you back. I’ll even work here if I have to, or help you find gems. I just can’t stand seeing my sister this way.” Sweetie Belle hadn’t realized how frightened for Rarity she was until she felt herself start to shake, and her vision was blurred as she looked up at Jewel through glassy eyes.

“Sweetie Belle, do not worry yourself over payment. Your sister has given me more than I could hope to repay, helping me find gems and get this store up and running. Wait here a moment.” Sweetie sniffed and dried her eyes, watching as Jewel trotted from case to case, muttering as she went. An ecstatic shout signaled the end of her search, and she beamed as she saw Sweetie Belle light up as she held out the gift. “I think you know what this is. While traditionally simply a band, I think that the Midnight Amethyst I added will be more pleasing to her sensibilities.”

“It’s perfect, Jewel. Thank you.”

“That is my name, after all. Give Rarity my regards, and tell her not to give up, or give in.” The resolve on the filly’s face left no doubt in Jewel’s mind that Rarity would be all right, and as Sweetie Belle scampered out the door to rejoin her friends her mind wandered back to her own struggle in that arena. “Perfect... Rarity, that only applies to my jewelry, I’m afraid. But you... don’t let it slip away.”

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what Rarity was contemplating. Twilight had gone back home, and the mare once again found herself alone in a world of fashion that was more and more starting to feel like a cage. She had heard Twilight’s warnings, and knew the risks. Back and forth, her heart raged against her mind and body, the heavy burden of clinging to what many would consider an archaic ideal digging deeper and deeper into a heart that only yearned for love. As much as she was felt like she was only feeling the physical draw, she knew that she wasn’t that shallow.

At least, that’s what I’d like to believe, but... I can feel it, this blasted jealousy rising within, making me want to push everypony away... It’s little wonder such a bitter pony like me has nopony for my own. A beautiful heart... Twilight, I appreciate the words, but I simply don’t see it. Why in Equestria was I named the Element of Generosity if all I see when I look in the mirror... is selfishness?

Fearing she would experience some kind of mental collapse, she busied herself working on one of her orders, but her efficiency was running at around a third of what it normally would be, having to stitch and restitch, cut out, refine, and start from scratch more times than she cared to admit as the subject of life, and love as a whole, dominated her thought processes. So it was that, even despite her gloom, she regarded the knock on the door as a herald of relief, if only for a moment. The mare she found behind the door was the last pony she ever expected to see, and her uncharacteristically rude open-mouthed stare bore testament.

“Wha... Carrot Top? What in Equestria are you...” Carrot Top was, perhaps, the antithesis of Rarity. To her knowledge, she was vulgar, unladylike, and to say she was a mare of ill repute would be far too soft a description for her. Rarity was convinced that, if perversity had a tangible form, Carrot Top would eat it three meals a day, with gratuitous snacking throughout. But in her distraught condition, revulsion took a backseat as the mare before her donned a knowing, sensuous smile. It was sickening, but alluring.

“You know, I’m no unicorn, but I’ve been with plenty. And, correct me if I’m way off, somepony has been rather... frustrated recently, yes?” Rarity wanted with all her heart to adopt a firm glare, hold her head high, and refute such a claim, but she couldn’t. “I don’t really know you all that well, and I don’t think we’d get along if we tried. But I know a sexually frustrated pony when I see one. And you, Rarity? You’re as uptight as they come. Here, take this,” Carrot Top encouraged, holding out a rather large carrot that had been skinned and cut to resemble a rather blush-worthy piece of male anatomy.

“Why... would you...”

“I think you know exactly why,” she replied, dropping her voice and licking her lips. “If that’s not enough for you, feel free to stop by my place tonight. Later!” Rarity stood staring at the carrot for a moment before realizing what it was she was holding, at which point she quickly shut the door and retreated to her room, throwing the carrot on the bed and flopping down beside it, her cries starting softly and growing into wracking sobs as her will slowly crumbled.

I’ve looked... I’ve wanted... I’ve burned with passion time and time again, thirsting for what’s not mine to take and filling my head with that which I loathe. If it really is that obvious to everypony, then... “What’s the point in hiding it anymore?” she whispered, whimpering as her silent pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears, the bitter shame sinking its claws in deeper. She cracked open her eyes, staring at the carrot and feeling little strength to combat all the mental images that sprang to mind. “There really... isn’t a point in trying anymore, is there...” She slowly eased herself upright, staring at the carrot with a hunger not born of her stomach. Laying back down, she held it aloft, desperately hoping for some spark, some catalyst that could drag her back from the depths, but no encouragement came. Consumed by disgust and cradled by despair, the broken mare continued crying softly even as she spread her legs, knowing that years of fighting for what she wanted herself to be were about to disappear.

Had Fluttershy had even the slightest knowledge of Rarity’s struggle, she would have dropped everything and flown to her friends aid; any of her friends would have, really. But alas, the mare was left by herself as Fluttershy and Whisper enjoyed a rather pain free afternoon at Grace’s house, though one or two events did disqualify the stay from being perfect. It was a necessary evil, really, bringing up the topic of wrestling after Whisper had already likely heard more than enough on the subject, but with only the physical side swirling in his mind, Fluttershy could imagine more than a few awkward situations that could arise due to innocent ignorance, and thus, after attempting to introduce Grace to Whisper, who was too taken by Hope to bother being startled by yet another new pony, she ascended the stairs and made her way towards Dash’s room.

Rainbow Dash soon learned that having soundproofed walls are a double edged sword. Yes, they provided a superb level of secrecy, useful for mushy discussions that would absolutely destroy any semblance she had of maintaining a “cool” label and other, less sensitive matters like rolling in the hay. To Fluttershy’s relief and Dash’s vexation, it was the former that the mare walked in on, catching the two pegasi sharing yet another moment of adorable affection, free from the usual sensuality with which they were viewed. Actually, it was little more than an innocent massage accompanied by whispered words of affection, but as Dash undid all of the relaxation by sitting bolt upright, it became apparent it was just as bad.

“Fluttershy! Why didn’t you knock?”

“Um, I did. Many times.”

“But... how... ugh, fine! Go on, tell everypony I’m the mushiest mare in Ponyville!”

“Ok, if you say so...”

“No! Don’t, I was joking!”

“It wasn’t very, you know, funny, Rainbow Dash.”

When the hay did she become so aggravatingly... something! I can’t even think right now! She glanced up as a large wing wrapped around her, soothing her frustration slightly and pulling her close. “Oh, stop looking at me like that,” she muttered, Storm’s affection for his wife’s seemingly split personalities all too apparent. “Fluttershy, what do you want? Can’t I have a few moments alone with Storm?”

“I really, really hate to interrupt, but, well... Storm? You need to finish what you started.”

“He needs to what with what he what now?” Dash cried, yanking away, her eyes darting back and forth between two ponies who were nothing short of perplexed at the mare’s odd behavior. “Just what exactly did you start, huh? If I find out you landed yourself in another mare’s bed, I’ll...”

“How the hay would that even be possible? I spend every moment of every day with you, Dash!”

“Oh, so that’s a problem now, huh?” Again using her powers of embarrassment for the greater good, Fluttershy cleared the matter promptly with a well-timed, matter-of-fact statement.

“Rainbow Dash, I just need Storm to tell Whisper more about sex, ok?” Oh dear! I didn’t mean to say that... I... oh... It was rather effective at cutting the squabble short, as well as robbing both ponies of speech. “I...” Taking a hint from the silent couple, Fluttershy allowed herself a few moments to clear her head, the other two seemingly respecting her peace, though in reality they still hadn’t fully recovered. From anypony else, it would have been shrugged off in an instant, but from Fluttershy? Whisper may as well have waltzed into the room and shouted to high heaven, so great was their alarm. “Storm, listen, I really appreciate you, um, ‘educating’ Whisper, but it’d be very helpful if you also would explain boundaries to him. Could you please do that?”

“Well, I guess...” he replied slowly.

“Storm, you’re doing it,” Fluttershy said flatly, though unaggressively. “I knew he’d have to learn someday, so I’m really not bothered that you brought it up, but you need to finish it, or... well, I’m a little worried he might, you know... ‘try’ something.” It was enough of an explanation for Rainbow Dash, the very idea of anything erotic being done with Fluttershy sending up a haze of red flags dancing across her vision.

“Storm, no time to waste. Let’s go!” she commanded, shoving him off the bed and trotting to the door.

“Do you guys think that maybe...”

“No excuses, Storm! Whisper needs to learn!”

I was going to say we should probably just have the talk here, but fine, Dash. You want to deal with mom chiming in? Go for it. At least now I won’t be the only pony to suffer. Heaving a sigh and resigning him to the cruelty of fate, he made a mental note that Cerulean’s debt to him had effectively doubled at a moment’s notice and followed after the two friends, arriving in the living room to find Whisper sharing a good romp with Hope, though due to his somewhat larger size, he made especially careful the foal didn’t get caught underhoof. As he suspected, and loathed, his mother was present, sitting beside Quakehoof. One look was all it took for her mothering radar, affectionately referred to by Storm as her “troll sense,” to pick up on her son’s misgivings. “Dash, are you sure we can’t just...”

“Storm, quit stalling and just talk to him!” she commanded, pointing a hoof at Whisper who slowed to a stop, staring curiously at the hoof with eyes that still, despite everything he had learned, shined with the bright flames of innocence.

Rainbow Dash, anything and everything that happens for the next few minutes I blame entirely on you, with or without my mother’s interference. “Whisper? Can you...” I don’t know, stop looking so bucking clueless? Why was it so easy before? A snicker from beside him only furthered the embarrassment attempting to short-circuit his brain. “Whisper, can you come here...”

“Um, ok.” He seems... nervous? But he was totally fine with me back at the pond... Oh, I know! Eager to bring to mind the universal sign for friendship among males, Whisper raised his hoof, waiting eagerly for Storm to complete the action.

You poor, innocent little foal... you have no idea what’s going on, do you? Storm completed the pounding of hooves, holding it in place a moment after Whisper had brought his back down before placing it gently over his eyes. Only way out is through. Here goes nothing... “Whisper... remember all that stuff we talked about earlier? Yes, about... horn honey and... wait, I never said that, hold up!” Storm was about to continue when he noticed that everypony’s eyes were focused solely on him. Dash, don’t think for a second you’re getting anything tonight.

“‘Horn... honey?’” Fluttershy repeated, genuinely confused by the phrase, recalling that Whisper had mentioned it.

“Tea party, Shy,” Rainbow Dash murmured, initiating both the comprehension and blush protocols in her mind.

“Dash, really didn’t need that in my head right now... huh? No, Whisper, I won’t tell you what happened. Ask Fluttershy later.”

“Oh, but it’s such a wonderful tale, though. Do continue, Storm,” Grace chimed in, her sweet smile initiating a furious clash with her son’s glare. Unfortunately, Quakehoof never, ever took his side, and judging that it would be dangerous to confront his mother, he shrugged it off and tried to steer the conversation back towards the topic at hoof.

“Look, Whisper, basically everything I told you about? You can only do it with Fluttershy. Any questions?” There were many, and each answer only bred more. Well, more questions and a growing notion that Storm would never live that day down for the duration of his life. To everypony watching, given that they couldn’t hear the inquiries from the voiceless stallion, their imaginations were left to run wild through blooming fields of awkward dotted with saplings of crazy.

“Yes. No. Uh... kind of? It really depends on the mare, and... No! A million times no, you never, ever do that when other ponies are around.” He became momentarily distracted from the questions as even Hope fell silent, not because of the proceedings themselves but, in her mind, seeing everypony making funny faces and being quiet just had to be a game of some kind. “Only when she says you can. No, it doesn’t ever get stuck there... Oh wow... Yes, yes it does... Most plea... well, wings for a pegasus, horns for unicorns, and I don’t really know about earth ponies. That’s easy, when...”

“What was this about earth ponies?” Grace chimed in, interrupting her son whose ears promptly made a break for the ceiling. “Storm, what was the question?” It offered the slightest satisfaction to Storm that Rainbow Dash was now just as uncomfortable as he felt at that moment, her eyes wide with disbelief that Grace would go there with Fluttershy present.

“Nothing... I want to hear you answer, mom. Whisper, questions, now,” Storm urged, shuddering. Whatever my mother is thinking right now, just... no. Clearly, Rainbow Dash, you haven’t known her for as long as I have, or you’d have expected this. What followed after left everypony save Hope with red cheeks and an inability to make eye contact with anything that was sentient, as Whisper’s requests prompted a lengthy oration on anatomy names, leading to a few questions that his previous discussion hadn’t covered. Fed up with the question and answer treatment, Storm finally caved and proceed to give Whisper a very in-depth, mature walk through the wonder that is rolling in the hay and how it pertains to society and boundaries.

After a good half hour, Storm wrapped up his discourse, leaving himself shocked at his level-headed rationality and, if one could believe it, rather tame way of phrasing what needed to be said. Grateful he was done, Storm heaved a sigh of relief that his dreaded task had come to a close. In fact, as Whisper began to see just how inappropriate his actions had been in the past, he curled closer to Fluttershy, apologizing again and again for unwittingly breaching boundary after boundary. What Storm had dreaded as an afternoon of trudging through a mire of embarrassment had, with the simple touch of care, been turned into something more touching than he imagined “the talk” ever could be. Whisper had, against all odds, made it through the teenage colt’s proverbial gauntlet unscathed, hopefully with his innocence still intact and even closer to the mare that held him tight.

Is a fleeting moment of unimaginable pleasure worth a lifetime of regret? It is a simple question, one that most ponies would answer readily; what pleasure, no matter how great, could possibly be worth suffering for the rest of one’s life? But such a question is fundamentally flawed, as it fails to consider the many variables in life. Temptation has a way of diluting the mind, blending black and white into a murky, indecipherable gray. If Rarity stopped to think, to really consider what it was that she was about to do, the answer of whether or not to continue would have been obvious, but as the assurance of pleasure was weighed against the feeble hope of future fulfilment, she found herself without the strength to dig that deep.

I’ve waited for years and years, faced each and every day with foolish optimism that somepony would come and sweep me off my hooves, and what... what has that brought me? Jealousy, disappointment... sorrow the likes of which I... never imagined I could bear. I’ve held out hope, clung to faith that somehow, someway, somepony might rescue me from this dreadful prison I call my heart, but... it’s too late. I simply cannot... wait any longer. She lay still, desperately trying to calm herself in a pointless effort to refocus herself. It’s not like I’m actually doing something with somepony else, right? I should hardly think that a little self-gratification would be unclean. She edged the carrot closer and cringed, screwing her eyes shut and altering the course of the tears that still streamed from her face. She knew it was a lie to herself, something she couldn’t possibly believe even as she desperately craved for some kind of relief.

Please... somepony... I don’t want to do this... Now just an inch from making contact, she paused as the last of her self control raged against the sultry voice of satisfaction. If I do this, I’ll never... be able to go back. Please, I don’t care how, I don’t care who, just please, somepony save me from... from myself... One second moved on to two, and on to three, her valiant attempts to stave off the inevitable falling short. To my special somepony, if I ever find one... I’m sorry. I’m so sorry that I... I’m so weak... The last of her willpower drained away in her tears as her heart finally gave in.

“Rarity?” Sweetie started, mortified as she beheld her sister’s tear-stained face. Sweetie Belle had never seen Rarity so disheveled, and her eyes held nothing but anguish as she stared back. When a house is filled with silence, even the smallest of noises can sound like a thunderclap. But when the mind is filled with commotion, even the blast of a cannon can be unwittingly ignored, and thus Rarity failed to perceive her sister’s entrance.

Rarity had firmly believed that rock bottom had been reached the moment she had given up in her mind, but at the entrance of her sister, she felt that she had truly sunk as low as she could have gone. She lay poised to begin, her intentions unable to be hidden from the filly that stood in the doorway, and all it took was one look at her sister’s horrified face to banish whatever miniscule amount of strength she had left. The aura around the carrot cut out, and her head sank back into the pillow as her limbs went limp.

“Don’t... don’t look at me...” Sweetie Belle had never heard her sister sound so hurt, so utterly defeated. The hollow brokenness moved her to tears and threatened her resolve, her heart cut deep not by any viciousness contained in the words, but at seeing her sister in such a condition.

“Sis, I...” Sweetie Belle began before Rarity’s pained cries shook the house.

“I said don’t look at me! Just go away, leave me alone! I’m every bit as foul as that blasted Carrot Top! I am... just as vile in my heart and mind. Defiled... I cannot even... stand to look at myself, so how... how could I expect... somepony else to...” How can I... ever go back? Even if Sweetie Belle stopped me, I gave in... In my heart, I caved. I have not the strength to fight, so it’s... only a matter of time until... Even as wet as her cheeks were, Rarity felt every tear the Sweetie Belle shed as she stood over her.

“If I ever... hear you compare yourself to Carrot Top again...”

Sweetie Belle, you have no idea. Carrot Top is... likely exactly who I’ll be a few weeks from now. I can’t... resist anymore, I’ve waited too long. And now... that I’ve made that decision, how can I ever go back? Rarity winced as her sister bellowed just inches from her face.

“Sis, that’s not who you are! Ever since I’ve been little, all I’ve ever heard about from you is finding your “prince charming,” somepony worth waiting for! Well, you aren’t married, so clearly he’s still out there, and that means you wait!”

“Wait? All I’ve ever done is wait, and I’m sick of it! You can’t possibly know what it’s like for me, Sweetie Belle, so don’t you dare act like you could!” Rarity fired back, sitting up and knocking Sweetie Belle over in the process. I never asked to feel like this... I never asked for these desires... “Just get out and leave me alone, Sweetie Belle. You could never understand, and you certainly can’t help! All you’ve done is make everything worse, so just leave!”

All I wanted to do was make you happy... I’m sorry, sis... I didn’t mean... “I’m... sorry, Rar...” Sweetie Belle choked on her words, unable to finish saying her sister’s name as the words soaked in. I made... everything worse. Abandoning her gift where it lay, she leapt from the bed and galloped out of the shop, leaving Rarity alone to ponder her outburst. Unfortunately, there really wasn’t any thinking to be done.

“Sweetie Belle, I...” I didn’t mean a single word. You didn’t deserve to hear any of that... Wait, what’s that? Clearing her vision with the back of her hoof, she levitated the small box over and set it in front of her. “She came to... bring me a gift?” She stared at the box for a long time, too ashamed and undeserving to look inside, but when she finally did, it was as life changing as it was heartbreaking. Nearly a forgotten practice, but recognizable to the mare, inside lay a traditional unicorn purity band, accented with a single ribbon of Midnight Amethyst. “Sweetie Belle, you... you knew... exactly what I was struggling with...” It didn’t matter at that moment how worthy she did or didn’t feel, or even if she had the strength to carry through to the end. The essence behind the gift is what gave her hope, and disregarding her petty doubts, she slipped the ring on over her horn and tore out the door. She had nearly lost Sweetie once, but she wasn’t about to let it happen again.

Forward Motion

Chapter 26: Forward Motion

It was a disturbing sentiment, wanting to leave the library and, by proxy, Twilight’s presence, but emotions both new and confusing bid the young dragon seek solace in the clamor of the town. On one claw, he had really been enjoying the time he was spending with the young ponies around town, but for every hour he spent away, it was time he wasn’t with Twilight. But then, even when he had spent time with her, even one-on-one, it felt different, like it wasn’t quite enough. He rejected the notion that his love for Twilight as a friend was growing weaker, fighting tooth and nail against such a ludicrous idea time and time again, but he couldn’t deny that, at times, that’s exactly what it felt like. Introspection came to an abrupt halt as his own needs were set on the back burner, a familiar filly tearing past him with tears streaming from her eyes.

“Whoa, what on... Sweetie Belle? Hey, Sweetie Belle, wait!” Bipedal legs pumped furiously in an attempt to keep up, but the with the distance quickly growing, he feared he would soon lose sight of her in the throng of ponies. Just then, the young pony slowed her blitz through town, deviating away from the main road and slowing to an easy trot. She had made it well past the borders of Ponyville by the time Spike caught up, wheezing and utterly exhausted. “What... what’s...” Come on, lungs! There’s no time for this! Actually, now probably isn’t the time for words, either.

Spike had learned many things being in the residence of two married ponies. He was there for most every cheerful moment of laughter, every sorrow-filled night when the doubts and worries crept in, and every bitter fight that rocked him to the core, few though they were. Sweetie Belle wasn’t even paying attention to his presence, and thus he chose not to speak but rather seated himself beside her, looking out over the grassy fields that were bathed in the soft orange light of the setting sun. He felt but a tinge of nervousness as he raised a claw, but the filly needed comfort, and sometimes it’s the simplest motions that make all the difference. Sweetie Belle’s sobs softened a little, just for a moment as he gently placed a claw on her shoulders, but they again roared back to life as she leaned into his chest and let the tears flow.

Oh man... what the hay could I possibly say? I’ve never seen her so upset, and it’s not something small, either. Should I tell her it’ll be ok? But what if it’s not? What if something terrible happened that can’t ever be fixed? Wouldn’t that just make it worse? Twilight, what do I do? He frantically searched through all the scenarios Cerulean and Twilight had faced, but again came back to the same conclusion; Sweetie Belle would talk when she was ready, and until then, he would wait.

And, as the opportunity presented itself, he engaged in a simple gesture of comfort, though he didn’t quite know it was normally reserved for couples. Sweetie Belle fought back the tears, sniffling as she looked up at a slightly blushing Spike, who had started to gently stroke her mane. She held his gaze for a second or two before closing her eyes and leaning close again, prompting a sigh of relief from a dragon who knew far more than he wanted, and yet not nearly what he needed. As she slowly gained control of herself, she pulled away and sat up, sniffling as the last few tears squeezed from her eyes, rolling down her muzzle and down onto the grass.

“Th... thanks, Spike.”

“Hey, that’s what friends are for, right?” I want to ask, but I probably shouldn’t... I mean, what if she...

“You’re probably wondering... why I’m acting like such a foal.”

“Sweetie, having a good cry doesn’t make you a foal. You’re probably one of the most grown up ponies I know, even including some adults.”

“You’re thinking of Cerulean, aren’t you.”

“Gee, how’d you guess?”

“You know, he probably doesn’t deserve being made fun of so much,” she replied, her quiet laugh betraying her split feelings on the matter.

“Yeah, you’re probably right. So...” Nope, not gonna ask.

“It’s Rarity, Spike. No, don’t give me the ‘I wasn’t even thinking about it,’ look, ‘cause you were.”

Yikes, I’m really that easy to read, huh?

“Yes, you are.”

“Stop that.”

Why is he blushing like that? Oh well, no matter. “I was just at Carousel Boutique... I’m sure you’ve seen how upset Rarity has been lately, and I... I just wanted to do something special for her, but I didn’t even get the chance. She told me I was just making things worse, but how...” Again ready with a comforting claw, Spike slung his arm around her shoulders and shook his head.

“Sweetie Belle, you’re pretty smart, but I can’t believe you’d actually think she meant that even for a second. Rarity has, well, a problem with taking things to extremes. I can’t really say why she said that, but she didn’t mean it.”

“How can you know that, though?”

“I’ve spent a lot of time with Rarity, Sweetie Belle. And one of her biggest regrets is how many times she hasn’t made time for you when she should have. She loves her little sister, even if she does spaz out and yell occasionally.” A combination of relief at Spike’s encouraging words and shock that he’d speak of Rarity in anything other than the glowing light of obsession that bordered fanaticism slowly lifted the veil of gloom enough for the filly to crack a smile.

“Just like I’m sure Twilight loves her assistant, right?” Ok, that’s not a smile. What’d I say wrong? Sweetie Belle couldn’t have known that she had basically just stuck a needle into a festering problem he wasn’t sure he was ready to deal with, but no amount of hesitation on his part was going to stop Sweetie Belle from pressing the matter. “Talk to me, Spike.”

“Look, I really...”

“Nope, no arguments. I talked to you, so it’s only fair you do the same.”

“That’s not fair, though! I didn’t press you to talk, so why do you get to?”

“I’m a filly, of course! And you’re not.”

“You totally are Rarity’s sister.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you can be a pain sometimes!”

“Spike, we’re getting a little off topic, don’t you think? Come on,” she pressed, this time being the one to offer a helping hoof. With a sigh, Spike let it all out. Sweetie Belle didn’t have an immediate answer for the cavalcade of deep topics raised by what she thought to be a baby dragon, but by the very nature of the questions asked, it was clear he couldn’t rightly be called a baby anymore. “You know, Spike, I’m really glad we talked. Sorry I can’t give you any answers, though...”

“Don’t worry about it. I feel a lot better after having unloaded on somepony. Sweetie Belle? Let’s make a deal. You can talk to me about anything, and if you ask nicely, I may just let you know what’s going on with me. Deal?”

“Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Better be careful, though. Annoy me too much and you may just wind up in a song.” They continued to tease, laugh, and generally enjoy an escape from the worries that had been building for weeks. Spike closed his eyes as Sweetie Belle flexed her vocal chords, her crystal clear voice rolling over the plains and beckoning the sun to its rest. All was calm as the sky shifted from orange to pink, and from pink to a soft blue. Sweetie Belle held the final note, slowly letting it fade away into the early evening.

After an eventful day, by all definitions of the word, Whisper was grateful when he opened his eyes to find the cottage looming in the distance. Unsure of if there was some kind of limit to how much a pony’s mind could absorb, he promptly trotted straight towards the bed and flopped himself down, sure that it was full. It wasn’t nearly late enough to go to sleep, at least not for Fluttershy, but at Whisper’s bidding she laid down next to him, giving him her full attention which he suddenly found slightly different from before. How could he not? He had nearly seen what it takes to make a baby, learned every facet of the action along with all synonyms that Storm could think of, and as his mind now matched what his body already knew, he found the beauty of the mare beside him a little more than slightly intimidating.

“You’re really pretty.”

“Oh, I don’t know... I’m not that special, really...” Fluttershy murmured, blushing slightly and averting her gaze. He sure makes me feel like I am, though, and that makes it even better. Whisper, unfortunately, had a vast new vocabulary with which to describe said beauty, and try though Storm had, it just wasn't possible to, in a single sitting, explain everything that was and wasn't appropriate. So, while brimming with good will, Whisper's encouraging words came across slightly different than he meant for them to.

“Don’t say that, you’re very special. I mean, your plot looks really soft, and I kind of wonder what’d it’d be like to bite it. Is it like biting a peach? I like peaches. Oh, and your mane is amazing too, the way it runs down your chest and towards the happy place!” He followed his cheery reply by drawing her close, embracing her tightly but then suddenly pulling away. “I’m sorry! Did I say something wrong? I hope not. How are your wings? Is my horn glowing? Why did Storm have to make everything so complicated?” Given that his communication was silent, her pressing a hoof over his lips accomplished very little save letting him know that his freaking out was unnecessary.

“Whisper... you don’t have to be afraid. If you do something I’m, well, not ok with, then I’ll let you know. But please, don’t stop holding me,” she whispered, drawing close and pressing into his chest, a few seconds passing before he slowly, hesitantly brought his hooves around her shoulders. Even now... after everything that he knows, he’s still just as cute and clueless as ever. I kind of hope he never loses this wonder he has.

“So, where can I touch you?”

Ok, maybe he could stand to learn just a little bit more. “Nowhere new, ok? Oh, and, well, not my wings... that was just a tiny bit too much for me.” Again proving himself to be far beyond most males his age in the self-control department, Whisper simply nodded his understanding, shoved his thoughts in his own version of the naughty box, and squeezed a little tighter. He was terribly curious about what he had learned, but he had seen how Fluttershy reacted upon seeing Rainbow Dash and Storm, and coupled with his knowledge of how she responded to her wings being stroked, it just wasn’t worth the risk to satisfy his hunger for innocent exploration. Still, he wanted to be sure he understood.

“That means no touching your flanks, right?”

“Right.”

“And your plot?”

“Um, no.”

“Stomach?”

“I don’t know? Whisper, I...”

“I have to make sure, Fluttershy! I don’t want to make any mistakes. Now, what about legs?” Not sure whether to be flattered he was going to such lengths to ensure her happiness or sigh in exasperation that she had to answer what was likely a long list, she resigned herself to answer his questions.

“Forelegs are fine, but...”

“What about the nono spot?”

Is he really having to ask that? It wasn’t often that Fluttershy was sarcastic, but she couldn’t help her tone as she rolled her eyes. “Whisper, it has ‘no’ in the name, so what do you think?”

“Um... no?”

“Yes.”

“Yes? So I can?”

“No, Whisper, I said no.”

“But then you said yes.”

“I meant yes, no you can’t, not yes, yes you can. Understand?”

“No. And that one means no,” he clarified, just so the mare who was now covering her face would be sure. “I’m sorry. I’m making you upset, so I’ll stop.” Sensing the mare’s frustration, he let go and rolled away, shaken by the feelings he was picking up on. It was, perhaps, one of the first times he had actually made Fluttershy upset that she didn’t immediately revert to her normal self, and each second she spent exasperated was another moment Whisper spent fighting back dread. “I... should probably sleep on the couch tonight.”

“Whisper, wait, I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to get upset,” Fluttershy immediately replied, berating herself for getting frustrated over something so petty. I must be... more tired from everything that’s happened today than I thought, but I never meant to take it out on you, Whisper.

“No, I... don’t want to make you mad. I don’t like it.” With that, he gently closed the door behind him and dragged himself over to the couch. It was almost as comfortable as the bed, and with the windows open, the early autumn weather provided the perfect sleeping conditions, but no rest came. It wasn’t a mystery. All he had to do was reach out his hoof to the empty space beside him to know exactly why he felt no rest, only a growing fatigue as he wondered if everything that had happened that day had somehow driven something between himself and Fluttershy. He hoped, with all his heart, that his fears weren’t true.

With each passing minute, the urgency within spurred Rarity to greater efforts, frantically searching everywhere she could think of to look. Hope was stretching thin when, above the din of closing stalls, she heard her sister’s song carry over the crowds. Not wasting a second, she disregarded the dust that she was kicking all over her coat in her haste and plowed full speed ahead, slowing to catch her breath as she crested a small hill and looked down upon the scene. As the final notes drifted away, song was replaced by laughter as the two friends bantered back and forth.

Why... does it feel so strange seeing the two of them together? I mean, it’s not a bad feeling, but... It seems I am in your debt, Spike. Thank you for making her smile. Not having the broken cries of a sister wrongfully scorned to drive her forward, Rarity contemplated leaving well enough alone and apologizing later, but as she turned to leave, a growing shame causing her to turn away, the voice of a startled young dragon snared her, halting her retreat.

“Wait, is that... Rarity! Rarity, over here!”

“Could you sound any more excited?” Sweetie Belle murmured, shooting the dragon’s indignant expression a droll look of boredom, idly examining a hoof. At least, so it appeared, but really it was just a front to give herself a chance to calm down, Rarity’s slow approach warning of either reconciliation or further embitterment. Her sister spoke not a word as she sat down in front of Sweetie Belle, drawing her close and quietly letting her know that any kind of chasm between them simply wouldn’t be allowed.

“Thank you, Sweetie Belle.” Sweetie had wanted to vent some frustration, but after talking it out with Spike, hearing the sincerity in her sister’s trembling voice, and seeing her gift worn proudly around Rarity’s horn, she couldn’t find any means to hold a grudge. Rarity’s cutting words had hurt, but seeing her restored was apology enough. “I was so close... so close to giving up, but you pulled me out. I’m back on my path now, the one I wish to follow, and I couldn’t... couldn’t have done it without...” Spike watched respectfully from the sidelines as his longtime crush wept softly, clinging to Sweetie Belle who quietly reassured Rarity that nothing she could do could come between them, that even if she had failed, she’d still have been loved. As the tears began to dry, Spike couldn’t help but comment.

“Well, now I know where you get your weepy side from, Sweetie Belle,” Spike whispered, chuckling even as he let those fateful words slip out. He was forced to apply equal pressure to both ears via his claws as Sweetie Belle's annoyance became not feigned, but very, scarily real.

“Oh, COME ON! We’re having a moment here, Spike!”

It was rare that Fluttershy found herself truly frustrated, even more so when it was with somepony else. Being walked on had been her norm, and even after assertiveness training, she never forced her whims onto others, so she wasn’t very used to dealing with having made somepony else upset. It was different, painful, and she really didn’t like it. Anypony would say that a couple has fights, that they have disagreements, and words are said that hurt, but she never wanted to be that pony. In her case, she hadn’t even needed to use words, because the perceptive unicorn just a room away had known of her frustration. Ashamed, she dug deeper into the covers and pulled them over her head, unwilling to show her face.

I guess the fact that I’m not going out there right now means I’m really out of it. I hate feeling like this... Whisper, I’m sorry... Just give me a little while to calm down, and then I’ll hold you, ok? Even that felt like a petty excuse when she knew that he was likely agonizing over what couldn’t even be called a squabble, but she was rightly drained, and thus found her limbs feeling much like lead, and her mind about as cooperative as Cranky Doodle on a bad day. Her heart leapt at the sound of hoofbeats, and she turned eagerly to face the door, but then rolled away as they receded further into the house.

This is so selfish, wanting him to come to me. He didn’t do anything wrong, and yet I’m... just laying here, moping? She cycled the thought around, letting it sink in for a time before finally coming to terms with her actions, and she sat up, determined to right them. She had just set a hoof down on the blankets to throw them back when Whisper’s hoofbeats sounded once more, making a slow path to her room. He nudged open the door just a crack and look up at her with eyes that conveyed a disappointment she knew he didn’t deserve to feel. “Whisper... please, come here.”

“I...” Fluttershy waited patiently while he seemed to have some kind of internal debate, and reaching a consensus, he opened the door with a hoof and trotted over to the bedside, setting down a bowl filled with the burnt remnants of what may have once been food. He shuffled nervously as Fluttershy leaned over the bed and stared, grateful for the peace offering yet having not a clue what it could be.

“Um... thank you, I think, but what is it, Whisper?”

“Popcorn.” Placing the charred substance under higher scrutiny revealed a few morpheus shapes that could once have been the white, crunchy treat Whisper had intended it to be, as well as the remnants of the paper bag they were contained in, but it had clearly been left to bake for far too long. “I wanted to give you something that would make you happy, but that mean microwave went and burned it all up! I’m sorry... I tried, I really did!” While neither pony ended up eating the mess, Whisper found Fluttershy quite receptive to his apology, and as she slid off the bed and moved the bowl aside, she made her own apology with a kiss. It was difficult not to smile at his hesitancy, but as escape was cut off by the mare’s hooves wrapping around him, he let go his concerns of doing something that may offend her further and simply enjoyed the tender motion for what it was.

“Fluttershy?” he started as they pulled away. “I know there’s still a lot for me to learn, even though my head already feels really full. I’m gonna keep trying, Fluttershy, and I might mess up, but please be patient with me. I want to try and make you happy.”

“You’re doing fine, Whisper. Actually, it’s me that needs to say sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten upset like that. There was nothing wrong with your questions, and I know that you were just thinking about me, right?”

“Right!”

“I think that there’s plenty for both of us to still learn, but let’s learn together, ok? Can you, um, be patient with me too?” Rather than a magical message, he broke into a large grin and held his hoof at the ready. There was a soft clap as the two hooves connected, the stallion’s grin spreading to the mare as she came up with her own idea for reconciliation, motioning for the stallion to climb back into bed.

Why is she... I mean, I’m glad to see she giggling, but... I don’t know, it just somehow seems movie? Movie! Movie movie movie! Fluttershy glanced back to find her stallion bouncing in place on the bed, the petty tyrant known as “doubt” having been unceremoniously given a solid buck to the hind quarters to make way for the triumphant return of cuddling. She had just slipped the video in and turned around to find Whisper suddenly quite fixated on his forelegs, examining them quite thoroughly and looking very, very confused.

“Um, Whisper? Is everything ok?” Elation burned behind his crimson eyes, and his search came to an end.

“I think there’s something missing right... here.” He stared into the space between his interlocking hooves for a moment before returning his gaze to hers. “I think it’s you, Fluttershy. You belong... right here.”

While the interaction between Spike and Sweetie Belle the rest of that evening hadn’t been anywhere close to romantic, it had certainly been moving, and such a feeling or setting is easily disrupted when one young dragon suddenly exhales a letter into another pony’s face without warning, along with a small amount of flame due to a burp that had been held in to keep from disturbing the tender moments prior. Certainly, the residual cosmetic damage would be a quick fix for Applebloom or Rarity, but Spike feared his reputation may have taken a hit as he slowly reached over and pinched out a tiny flame in Sweetie Belle’s mane. It could have been a lot worse, yes, but Spike still felt the need to throw himself at the mercy of a filly who looked like she was quite close to making good on her “threat” earlier.

“Whoa, sorry, Sweetie Belle! I never really get much warning on those. Are you... ok?”

“Ok? Spike, you just belched fire in my face and scorched my mane! Ugh, and it smells too...” The hoof she raised to her muzzle was not to ward of the faint, though pungent, smell of burnt hair, but to hide a smile that was creeping out despite her best efforts. “Rarity, can I go to the tavern tonight? I feel a new song coming on in 'honor' of a certain fashion-ruining dragon.”

“Rarity, she’s joking right? Please tell me she’s joking.” Rarity, being the refined lady that she was, had no trouble keeping a neutral expression, easily playing along with her sister’s ruse.

“I’m sorry, Spike, but you did do dreadful damage to her mane. I believe she is justified in some retribution.”

“Damage to... I burned like three strands of hair!”

“Three strands... that’s a good song title! Come on, Rarity, I’m thirsty!” Spike couldn’t do much more than stare at the evening sky, and let his reputation with the rest of his friends float away with a sigh. Sweetie Belle casually turned her head back and noticed his condition, blowing a sigh of her own that he hadn’t picked up on her sarcasm. “Oh, come on, Spike! I’ll make it a funny one. Besides, doesn’t Twilight need her letter?” For whatever reason, and he couldn’t quite say why, checking over his shoulder to see if the glare remained ranked as a higher priority on his list than the letter that lay all but discarded in the grass, but upon seeing the filly grinning from ear to ear, he quickly reverted to his usual self, snatched up the letter, and prepared to dash off towards the library, though given her teasing, he couldn’t help but offer one last well-meaning jibe.

“Sweetie Belle? Black looks good on you.” Not bothering to wait on a response, he bolted, laughing as he went, though he slowed to an easy jog once he made it back within city limits. Twilight and Cerulean were both home, sitting together on the couch with their respective books while Dawn contented herself coloring, a contagious yawn spreading through everypony in the room as she showed the telltale signs of winding down. “Twilight? You got a letter from Princess Celestia while I was out.” Twilight’s resulting smile was a trained response, but Spike couldn’t help but wonder if she was expecting something serious by the way she silently grabbed the letter and trotted upstairs. Cerulean watched her go, staring upstairs before turning his attention to the dragon who was now similarly distraught.

“Did something happen?” Twilight wrote the last letter, I just sent it without question. I hope nothing bad is happening.

“No, Spike, Twilight is just dealing with somepony she knows changing, and she’s a little frightened is all.” At Cerulean’s behest, Spike climbed up next to the stallion and stared down at his feet. Cerulean set the book down and glanced over at the dragon for a moment before turning his eyes towards Dawn, summing up both their thoughts with a murmur. “It’s amazing how much things can change in so little time...”

“Tell me about it. I swear, Cerulean, ever since you came to Ponyville, everything’s been crazy. Still...” he paused, giving him a begrudging smile. “A lot of ponies are happier now, too. I just wish...”

“You could help Rarity?” He nodded, not bothering to feign being shocked. His crush on the mare was no secret, and while he hadn’t spoken of it to anypony, he had begun to call his feelings into question. “I think... you probably help more than you give yourself credit for, Spike. You’re not taken for granted, you know.” A hoof descended on his shoulder as he turned. “There really isn’t a way to properly repay you for all the things you do for us here at the library, and I’m sure the other ponies around town feel the same. And even more than this, Spike, you’re very dear to a certain unicorn we both care for upstairs.” No bro-moment was to be allowed as heavy hoofbeats signaled Twilight’s return.

“Cerulean? Could... could you...”

“Of course, Twilight. Come on, Dawn; it’s star time!” Where once lethargy had been kicking in, the filly was immediately bursting with life, dashing over and hopping onto her father’s back. His mane became reigns, and with an encouraging nuzzle to Twilight and a few whispered words of encouragement, he left the library. Dawn took but a moment to gaze in wonder as Cerulean summoned his snowy wings before doubling her grip as he took off into the night, alighting on a low cloud and holding Dawn close as they both turned their eyes to the stars.

Rest

Chapter 27: Rest

Given that Whisper’s peace offering had come out looking like he had scooped the remnants of a hearty hearth fire into a bowl, Fluttershy decided that in the honor of their tradition, he would once again have to face the microwave. Meeting her challenge with mixed emotions, he obeyed Fluttershy’s directions, pulling a package out of the box that he had forgotten to return to the cupboards and pausing with his snout halfway inside as Fluttershy gently corrected him, explaining that the plastic coating on the outside needed to be removed, and definitely would not improve the taste.

“Oh, ok. That makes sense. This clear stuff doesn’t taste good anyway.” Tearing free the glorious snack and promptly sending it to its torture chamber, Whisper prepared himself to receive further instructions. Unfortunately, while he recognized her words, he didn’t have the faintest idea what two minutes and thirty seconds looked like in writing. “Um...” I should know this! Come on, brain. How about... “This one?”

“Whisper, you don’t know... oh, right, you can’t read.” Deciding that holding his head aloft was too much work, his neck muscles let his thinker fall to the countertop with a soft thud, clearly indicating the stallion’s embarrassment with his lack of knowledge. “Oh, don’t do that. Come on, I’ll teach you.” Fluttershy gently lifted his head and massaged his chin, which he found strangely enjoyable, after which he watched patiently as she gave him a lesson on numbers, and while he couldn’t say the numbers back verbally, his mental repetition was flawless. At the patient mare’s request, he punched in the desired time, hit the green button known to him now as “start,” and watched as the dastardly appliance began its gruesome task with morbid fascination.

“Fluttershy? Why does it keep making noise like it’s exploding? It doesn’t smell anything like corn, and I’ve never seen it pop, either. Is this more magic?”

Hmmm, I wonder... Oh well, if it makes a mess, we’ll just clean it up. I want to see how he reacts. Whisper grew confused as Fluttershy stopped the ritual, tearing the bag asunder and setting it back inside.

“Wait, that’s not corn, is it?” Pulling out a single kernel for the stallion to scrutinize, Fluttershy closed the door, restarted the beast, and took a few steps back so she had a clear view of Whisper’s reaction, but not before she heard a rather painful sounding crunch as Whisper bit down on the kernel and promptly bequeathed the unpleasant tasting, painfully crunchy whatever it was unto the lower cupboards in front of him, along with generous amounts of spittle. That was gross... and now my tooth hurts. She could have warned me at least... And then, with a bang, Whisper’s mind witnessed the true wonder of popcorn, a kernel suddenly leaping from it's place of rest, reborn as the tasty white treat it was meant to be.

Somehow, with the right stroking of the sensitive spots on the right of the door, the ill-tempered white box had begun to turn the little yellow rock things that Whisper still wasn’t convinced were derived from corn into the proverbial manna that was popcorn. Fluttershy had a moment of panic as she feared he would put his horn through the door, so great was his haste to watch the spectacle up close. Another came, and he turned to Fluttershy beaming ear to ear before another explosion called out with its cacophonous siren song, gluing his eyes to the wonders of kitchen magic.

The frequency with which they began to pop became proportional to the decline of Whisper’s sanity, and unable to contain it any longer, he began romping in circles, stopping every so often to take another look at the amazing jumping popcorn. Were he vocal, he surely would have been shouting with glee, and in a sense he was, as Fluttershy could only smile and close her eyes, her vision clouded by a wall of green text that made no sense from a literary perspective, but perfectly communicated the elation radiating from the stallion who gleaned every drop of joy from the world around him.

It was a once in a lifetime event. Carrot Top, as much as she would love to give a mare like Rarity a good ride, had never imagined that the prissy, uptight fashionista would bother to give her the time of day, let alone invite her over to the boutique late at night. She couldn’t help but hum the tune of one of her favorite, dirty dance songs as she imagined what kind of fun she would be having that evening. She knocked with confidence, and took a moment to salivate as she beheld the white unicorn that answered the door.

“Carrot Top? You’re a tad bit early, don’t you think?” Rarity asked, glancing around to make sure she wasn't seen.

“Oh, my apologies, Rarity. I am... a little eager, shall we say?”

“I see. It can’t be helped, then. Do come in.” Rarity stood to one side as the bouncy earth pony all but bounded inside, scanning the dimly lit room and pondering the many options they could experiment with as she beheld the racks of magnificent dresses.

“So then...” Carrot Top began, turning to face Rarity with an alluring smile and a voice dripping with lust. “What’s your pleasure, Miss Rarity?” The white unicorn gave a bashful smile, encouraging Carrot Top’s advance until Rarity suddenly snapped her head upright and fixed her with a piercing glare; it wasn’t one that could possibly be misconstrued. Carrot Top had no time to flee or cry out before Rarity’s horn glowed, grabbing several bolts of fabric and binding the mare tight.

“Whoa, this is a good deal kinkier than even what I’m used... mmph!” Grabbing one last stretch of fabric, Carrot Top found herself effectively gagged and staring into cold eyes that bore not a lick of mercy.

“Purity may be something you know nothing about, having cast it aside long ago, but I am nothing like you.” If I had caved, if Sweetie Belle hadn’t stepped in, then this mare... may in fact be a very good glimpse at what I’d be. But no, I shall not allow it! “Look at me, Carrot Top! I am a lady, and I will not tolerate such filth!” Carrot Top’s eyes glanced to the many pincushions filled with needles, a very real fear that her life was in peril prompting her to let out a muffled cry against the canvas that was bound around her muzzle. Carrot Top watched wide eyed as Rarity pulled out the carrot she received earlier, holding it in front of the mare’s eyes and snapping it in two.

“That... will be your legs if you ever... try to taint me with such perversity again.” Her cold, even tone brought more fear to the mare than any enraged shriek every could, as she knew that Rarity meant every word. “Hear me, Carrot Top; I will rip you to pieces if you even so much as look at me with such depravity as you have here tonight. Now, get out of my shop.” Carrot Top needed no second bidding, and scrambled away with all haste, leaving Rarity alone.

“I don’t know who you are, or why in Equestria you are taking so long. But to my stallion, wherever you are, you had better... make this worth my time.” The tinge of bitterness faded as she reaffirmed her resolve. “Oh, if you are anything like I see you in my head, then I’m sure... you will be. And even if you’re not, as long... as you can love a mare like me, then I guess... It will be all right in the end. I will wait... for as long as I can. And, if you choose to be so incredibly stubborn, then I will drag you back to Ponyville myself!” That night, for the first time in a very long while, Rarity slept with ease, the flames of confidence reignited and leaving her feeling ready to face anything life may toss her way, bringing rest to a troubled mind.

A wordless procession, one dragon and one pony, slowly made their way up the stairs of the library. Spike couldn’t accurately assess Twilight’s mood for once, though that was likely because she couldn’t even identify it herself, but after such a meaningful and, in the end, uplifting time with Sweetie Belle that afternoon, he couldn’t quite bring himself to worry. They came to a stop next to his bed, Twilight sitting down next to it and letting a slip a soft laugh.

“Spike, why didn’t you say something? I know you haven’t grown that much, but isn’t it a little cramped? You’ve had the same bed since the day I adopted you...”

“Well, now that you mention it, I guess it is a little... small,” he agreed, smiling at what amounted to little more than a basket with some bedding. “Nothing wrong with being snug, though. I’m not complaining or anything,” he quickly assured, not wanting to sound ungrateful given Twilight’s condition, if there was one. I mean, she sounds fine, and she not crying, so I can’t say for sure anything even is wrong.

I guess... it’s time I brought this to light. Celestia, give me strength... “Spike... I have a question for you, and it’s really important that you’re honest with me, ok?” She really only had the one. Every other nagging doubt could be ignored if the answer was simply yes, but as she took a deep breath and posed her inquiry, she knew it wasn’t going to be the simple. “Are you... happy here, Spike?”

“Of course, Twilight!” His answer was prompt, almost automatic, but all it took was a single glance from the lavender mare beside him to know she knew better. All the things he’d been thinking about were pushing towards the surface, and it was time to let them out. “I’ve... been really, I don’t know, lonely? Up until recently, I just felt like I was... here. Just another part of life, not really somepony.” Twilight nodded sadly, doing her best to keep herself in check. It hurt hearing what she knew to be true from the mouth of the one she’d unintentionally ignored, and for how long? She couldn’t say, but it was likely in the years, not months, and it made the feeling growing inside even worse.

“But then you started to notice me again, and I felt a lot better. It was great! We hung out, I helped you practice magic... it was just like things used to be.” I don’t want to say it. I don’t want it to be true! But she wants... me to be honest. Twilight, don’t hate me. “It didn’t feel like it was enough, though...” Twilight flinched but maintained a level expression, even as her worst fears came rushing to the forefront of her mind.

I knew it... I waited too long, he’s not happy here anymore. He’s... he’s going to leave...

“I enjoyed every second, but recently, it just feels like... something’s missing. Something important, something I need to find. As I hang out with other ponies, it feels like I’m starting to get closer to finding it.”

Spike... I can’t let go... not yet... The young dragon looked into the violet eyes of a face that conveyed understanding, but the tears creeping into the corners of Twilight’s eyes betrayed her. I knew this day was coming. I knew it would be painful, but you said it wouldn’t be like this, Celestia! You said he wouldn’t leave... You said... Twilight would admit she was probably being irrational, jumping to such conclusions, but by virtue of the fact that she was as distressed as she was, it could only mean she truly felt guilty for having left his needs and desires for her presence in his life unmet for so long. If Celestia had ignored me the way I ignored Spike, then I probably would have wanted to leave too. Just the thought of being cut off from her makes me... She shook her head, coming to terms with her actions and ready to accept whatever the dragon decided.

“I’m not... ready to leave just yet.” If one had visualized Twilight’s inner state, she would have been sitting down, patiently watching as an avalanche raced towards her, but with those words everything froze. “I... still need you, Twilight. I’m not ready to leave the library, but I just... I feel like I’m starting to finally grow up, spending time with other ponies... I am happy, Twilight, I really am, but I just feel like I need something more than what I can find just spending time with you. So, is there any way... I could maybe spend a little less time as your assistant so I can try to find what’s missing?”

“That’s...” That’s all this was? I really need to stop jumping to conclusions... Had Twilight known a spell to reverse the flow of tears back into her eyes, she would have done so, if only to spurn them for their needless exodus. “Spike, you’ve always been a dear friend to me, and I never meant to make you feel like you had to stay here so much. If you want to go spend time with other ponies, I don’t mind at all. In fact, I think you could learn a lot from others that you couldn’t learn sitting around here stacking books. You’ve already made a few friends, right?”

“Yeah, I’ve been hanging out with Applebloom, Scootaloo and the rest of them a lot lately. It’s a lot of fun, and sometimes we fight, but then I stop, see how much fun I’m having, and...” he paused, noting the thrill infusing his voice as he recalled a few of his memories. “I feel like I’m betraying you, somehow.”

“You know, I struggled with the same thing when I left Canterlot to come here,” Twilight said, smiling and wiping her face with a hoof as she released Spike so she could make eye contact. “Up until that day, I had spent nearly every day since leaving home with Celestia. And for a while, the fun I had here was tinged with a sadness that it wasn’t being shared with her. But finding my friends here filled a void I never knew I had, which is why,” she paused, placing a hoof on his shoulder, “you are no longer my assistant.”

“What? But... I... Twilight, how is that...”

“Hush, Spike, your teacher is speaking.”

“Teacher? Wait, then that makes me...” His eyes grew wide as the realization dawned on him.

“Spike, there’s more to a young dragon’s life that sitting cramped in an overstuffed library. Thus, my new task for you is to go out and make some friends, although I think you’ve already started to work on that.” I thought it would hurt a lot more than this, and it does a little, but if it makes him happier, then it's for the best. Contrary to Twilight’s reluctance when she had been charged with the same, Spike accepted the task wholeheartedly, letting for jubilant cries as he all but danced around the small upper level. Just don’t forget about me, Spike. That’s all I ask. “I do have but one request though, Spike. Make sure you report what you learn to me, ok? I would love to hear about everything, and I’m sure Celestia will, too.”

“Well, duh, of course I will! But, if it’s ok, could I still be your assistant every now and then? Seriously, this place will become a disaster if I just stop helping,” he teased, cheering on the inside as Twilight let out a genuine laugh.

“Of course, Spike. I know you’re probably going to be spending a lot of time outside the library in the coming months, but I’d still like a little time with you too. And not just to clean and organize, either! In fact, could you maybe spend some time with me now?” It was a needless question, and the two of them passed the time just like the old days, Spike helping Twilight do a spot of research while indulging in none-too-healthy study foods of which they were both fond. Eventually, Cerulean returned, and after Dawn had been put to bed, the stallion joined in, burning the midnight oil as a family, and as friends.

Attempting to both yawn and glance at the clock at the same time is fairly difficult, but as Fluttershy again found her eyes open fully, she noted that it was nearly midnight and prepared for some much needed sleep, using the restroom and brushing her teeth. Whisper followed after, and by the time he climbed back into bed, Fluttershy was half asleep, the fatigue of the day combined with staying up past her usual time leaving her utterly exhausted. And yet, she still felt a spark of excitement as Whisper slid in beside her, and she lazily rolled over to seek his warmth, which he readily gave.

“Good night, Whisper. Sleep well,” she mumbled, nuzzling into his chest fur.

“Good night, Fluttershy. See you in the morning.” Bringing a hoof around, he released a sigh much the same as the mare’s while he gently stroked her mane. I’m glad that everything we talked about didn’t change anything. I was... really worried when we got home, and it’s still in my head, but... I can wait. I don’t want to do anything that makes her nervous or sad, and when she’s ready, we can explore together, bit by bit. Just this... is more than I ever dreamed I’d find. Fluttershy cracked her eyes open as she felt the gentle connection of his lips with the end of her muzzle, too relaxed to return the motion but brimming with affection that required some kind of outlet, and thus she simply kissed his chest, as that was closest.

I had always thought that I’d need somepony big and strong to make me feel safe, like Big Macintosh. And yet... even though I’m normally the one helping you, Whisper, I still feel safer in your hooves than anywhere else. I mean, sure, you can’t read, and you nearly ruined my microwave, but... you’re kind, and sweet, and I know that you’d never let anypony lay a hoof on me. Thank you, Whisper. Oh goodness, what am I doing? Fluttershy suddenly snapped out of her revery to find that she had done more than just simply kiss his chest, but had kissed it nearly as passionately as the ponies in the movie had with each other, tongues included, during a rather awkward scene in the movie. As she suspected, Whisper’s face was flushed, his horn aglow, and his eyes strategically pointed away from her own. “Um... I...”

“It was... nice...”

“T-that’s... good, I think...” Is that... really what happens when I start to think about him? I mean, I don’t mind, really. I guess I’m just a little surprised with myself is all. Still... “Did I... make you uncomfortable?”

“No... it just...” he started, slowly bringing his eyes back to hers. I hope this doesn’t make her frustrated again. “It kind of makes me... want to, you know, explore. But I’m not asking, or anything!” Whisper instantly reassured her, despite the fact that she bore the faintest hint of a smile, frowns having no part or portion in her mind. “Storm said it’s wrong to press for it, and I’m not ready anyways... but it still felt... really nice.” What on... why are her wings... but, she was kissing me, wasn’t she? She’s smiling, though. She looks... really happy.

“Whisper... if... if you’d like to, well, kiss me too, I... would really like that.”

“Are you...” Finishing the question would have been a needless expense of magic, as all it took was on look into the mare’s eyes to know she had no doubts in her mind. Shifting slightly to allow her wings a comfortable position, she suddenly found fatigue was a subjective term, and easily set aside in the face of adoration.

“Don’t feel like you have to, ok? I wasn’t trying to say that you should...” He stopped just shy of her lips, each steady breath brushing across her face and chest, and nodded slowly, leaning into a gentle kiss, but strong desire kindled within bidding him press just a little closer, and rather than simply holding the position, he readjusted and kissed again. Even had Fluttershy been completely prepared in her mind, there wasn’t any way she could have anticipated the surge of passion that swept over her like holding a fire to her chest, and soon she found herself filled with a portion of Whisper’s wonder with exploration.

With just a small motion, Fluttershy opened her lips a little wider and ever so softly touched her tongue to his lips, and a shudder of joy ran through her as he let slip the softest sigh she had heard. It brought her even more exhilaration the wealth of pleasure she was already experiencing, and while she hadn’t been planning on taking that step soon, she couldn’t help but make an exception, resolving that it would only be permitted on occasion. Whisper’s hesitancy was like a drug, and after a few moments, he slowly returned the gesture, and they shared their first deep, passionate kiss. There, in the pale light of the moon, innocence joined hooves with kindness.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the two ponies pulled away, beaming at the other. No words were necessary to describe the elation shared, and thus none were spoken as Fluttershy gratefully sank deeper into his embrace. She savored the burning in her flushed cheeks, a small giggle escaping as she quietly wiped her muzzle with a hoof, too enraptured to care what anypony may think should she tell them. Why should she feel sorry for being in love, and showing it? To her, if the gift was given in pure, honest love, then there truly is no reason to be ashamed, and with the thought dancing through her mind along with a plethora of unsung praises for her stallion, she quietly drifted off to sleep, eager to see what the days ahead would bring.

Somehow, even sleep hadn’t dampened the bliss, leading Fluttershy to wonder if there was some kind of limit to how much contentment she could awaken to, and as she eased into consciousness with a smile amidst birdsong and a heartbeat very dear to her, she felt that she was close. Her smile widened as the memories of the previous evening came flowing in, and she felt no shame at the sudden twitching in her wings. Reaching up a hoof, she let it lay softly on the slumbering Whisper’s cheek, silently thanking him again for not being like other males, his every move registering as passionate yet unassuming.

Last night was wonderful, Whisper, and it wasn’t just because of all the butterflies. I really do love you, and I hope you love me too. I’m pretty sure you do, and one day, I’ll get to hear it for myself in your own gentle voice. Heat rose from within as she cherished the thought, and she lay as still as possible, wanting to savor the peace while it lasted. Whisper was to spend the day with Cerulean and Twilight, and Fluttershy had little doubt that at some point, Whisper would be confronted with his magic.

On one hoof, Fluttershy was eager for him to get things under control, because a growing desire to hear him speak had been building in strength in proportion to her love for him. And yet, she knew that anything pertaining to magic was nothing short of terrifying for a stallion that had only seen it wreak destruction on the world around him. The seriousness of the subject began to tug at things lurking below the surface, but in the face of such beauteous morning, Fluttershy refused to pay them any heed, resolving to deal with them at a more appropriate time. For now, it was time for a role reversal, one in which the timid princess woke her prince with a kiss.

Trouble with Magic

Chapter 28: Trouble with Magic

While gaining control over one’s faculties when awake was a challenge in its own right, controlling one’s dreams is an entirely different matter. Rarity couldn't help but curse her mind a little for conjuring such tempting dreams, but as she sat up and looked around, she came to a startling realization. Her tea parties had, due mostly to her own negligence, been entirely ignored, and her weekly spa trips with Fluttershy had been cast aside. In fact, on the whole, she had all but isolated herself within the boutique, and if she were going to make it till whenever it was that her “prince” came to sweep her troubles away, she would need their help.

I know that this is to be expected, what with half of my friends moving towards motherhood... Lives move on, and sometimes ponies drift apart, but I can’t let that happen, not yet. Her mind made up, she threw back the covers, leapt out of bed, grinned at a morning free of a hangover, and set about preparing herself for the day, a process long, tedious, and time consuming. But, honestly, who could expect her just rush out of the house in such an undignified state? Excitement or no, the mare had her priorities, and after treating herself to a luxurious shower, she set about tending to her mane, humming as she did so. She had just finished her hair and was starting on turning her tail from drab to fab when a knock at the door bid her pause.

“Who in Equestria...” she muttered, levitating her brush and myriad of styling products back in place before trotting over to the front of the shop. “I’m sorry, but the boutique is not yet open. If you’d like to make an appointment, please...”

“Appointment? Since when do I need one of those, sis? Come on, we’re waiting!” Sweetie Belle called out. Disregarding her half-kept state of appearance, Rarity threw open the door and welcomed not just Sweetie Belle inside, but Applebloom and a very defeated looking Scootaloo.

“Scootaloo, dear, is it really so bad that...” Rarity started before the filly's outburst cut her off.

“Bad? It’s worse than bad!” she shouted, stomping over to where her friends were sharing a most aggravating laugh at her expense. “Mom caught me in a dress at home, and now she’s teaching me lady stuff, and... and... why does it matter what kinda fork I eat with? Or how straight I sit in a chair? It’s sitting!” Slumping down with a notable slouch, she heaved a sigh and glared daggers at nopony in particular. “I spent all morning with books on my head. Books! I don’t even like reading them, let alone walking up and down the staircase with them on my head!”

“Oh, I remember doing that,” Rarity murmured, remembering back to her foalhood, though her training in etiquette was self-inflicted. “No matter... Sweetie Belle, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

“Well, I wanted to see how you were doing, and then I met up with Applebloom, and one thing led to another, so... wanna do our manes?”

“Of course. Scootaloo, if it makes you feel any better, you can always say your friends pushed you into it,” Rarity offered, smiling as the filly instantly brightened.

“Yes, of course! They did! Me first, me f...” Dang it, not again! “Ugh, what’s the point in hiding it anymore... everypony knows anyways...”

“Finally, ya got yer noggin on straight. Nopony is gonna care one bit if you get yer mane done all fancy, Scootaloo,” Applebloom encouraged. Motioning them to follow, Rarity laid aside her plans for the morning, as well as her tail, and set about her task. It filled her with a strange sense of gratification, and she couldn’t quite identify why, but she relished it nonetheless. Given that Scootaloo was so reluctantly eager, Rarity started with the tomcolt and worked her way through to the starlet.

Scootaloo’s mane was kept quite short, so Rarity didn’t have as many options as she did with the others, but after some searching through her memory, she found just the perfect style for the blossoming lady. Brushing her mane to the left, she smoothed out the spikes sticking up various directions and curled it, similar to her own fabulous mane though not quite as bold, given her lack of mane, and her tail was given similar curling though not so tight as to look like a drill. Applebloom was a little easier, given that she had mane to work, and Rarity couldn’t help but laugh a little bit as the filly grew nervous the moment her bow was removed.

“Is there anything in particular you’d like, Applebloom?”

“Could you maybe do mah hair up like Applejack’s was at Shining Armor’s weddin’? Ah thought it looked right nice.”

“Are you sure? If I do that, I won’t be able to use your ribbon.”

“Alright then, how ‘bout a ponytail?”

“A ponytail? Applebloom, I mean no disrespect, but... wait a moment...” And without a further word on the matter, Rarity went to work, pulling most of the filly’s hair back into a ponytail, tying in multiple spots with a few ribbons of her own, leaving just a little hair loose to fall down the other side of her neck. Four ribbons instead of one, functional, and classy? Applebloom was ecstatic, and she joined Scootaloo to watch Sweetie Belle’s transformation. Rarity sat deep in thought for a moment, dabbing a hoof at her sister’s curls and nodding. “Sweetie Belle, would you allow me the honor of experimenting a little?”

“Sure thing, Rarity! I trust you.” With free license to work wonders and plenty of hair product to back it up, Sweetie Belle was soon gaping in awe at just long her mane was when uncurled. Not wanting to make it look like wet mane, Rarity left some of the natural curl towards the ends and straightened the rest. Putting in the final touches, Sweetie Belle held nothing but praise for those with fashion sense, and proudly trotted over to join her friends, ready to sport her new look with pride.

A sudden shift in weight, accompanied by the slow removal of hooves, signaled Cerulean’s exit from the bed at an hour a little earlier than normal. This alone wasn’t any cause for alarm, but the way he stopped at the edge of the bed and just sat, saying nothing, sent off warning signals in Twilight’s head. However, in her just-awoken, mother-of-the-highest-maintenance-foal-in-equestria, I’m-still-slightly-worn-to-the-bone state, she didn’t allow herself any more than a soft grunt, to which he paid no heed.

The day just started. His brother is going to spend nearly an entire day over here, so what does he have to be upset about already? Besides, according to Rainbow Dash, he doesn’t even have to worry about giving his brother “the talk.” She watched him carefully as he rose, as much as she could through groggy, bleary eyes, and made his way over to the dresser, pulling out a simple, silver band and sitting back on the bed, staring at the magic limiter. “What has you worried, Cerulean?” she managed, yawning and rubbing sleep from her eyes.

“Everything, really. I mean... I think Whisper will adjust to you and Dawn pretty quickly, but...” He fell silent, searching for the right words. “I thought at first that this magic limiter would, for a time, fix everything. Theoretically, Jade would be able to speak, and he wouldn’t be bothered by his magic anymore... but I can’t help feel that this isn’t the right path to take.”

“There’s a really simple solution to that, you know.” The skeptical glance she received from over his shoulder was slightly irritating, but she let it slide. “Explain the risks and benefits, and let him make the choice. If it turns out to be a bad idea, I’m pretty sure you’ll both know pretty quickly.” Oh, he did NOT just give me the shrug. Unacceptable! Cerulean found himself very hastily yanked onto his back, and as his vision reoriented, he found it dominated by very stern eyes and a devious smile. “Your brother is basically back from the dead, your sister isn’t a skank anymore, and you have a wonderful, pain in the flanks filly to accompany a fiery wife, who may take that term literally if a certain little blizzard of a pony doesn’t cheer up! You have three seconds.”

“Or what?”

“Three.”

“Twi, really?”

“Two.”

“I’m not a foal, you...”

“You’re acting like one,” she whispered, leaning close. “One!” And with that, she asserted her forbidden knowledge pertaining to the more sensitive areas around his ribs, tickling him relentlessly as only she knew how to do. Contrary to his proclamation, he soon found himself unable to do much of anything save squeal like a foal, which roused both Dawn and Spike who gathered to watch the spectacle. Dawn wasn’t one to watch from the sidelines, and readily joined in, forcing Cerulean to restrain his flailing limbs and giving Twilight even more power over his already struggling oxygen intake. Happiness was better than oxygen though, and relief better than functional lungs, so he allowed his “torment” to continue, knowing that he couldn’t go blue in the face.

Eventually, Twilight eased up, and together the parents set about feeding the other occupants, followed with a hasty meal themselves. Spike left to make good on his newly appointed role as Twilight’s student, and Dawn had only ask to receive a good brushing of her hair which, much like Whispers, was quite long, and gave her grief on many an occasion. Despite this, the foal refused the assistance of a razor, and as Cerulean wrapped up, a knock yanked her attention away from her blocks and to the door. Twilight had to teleport into her path to keep the foal from giving their guests for the day a most unexpected welcome.

“Now, remember Dawn, you have to be really, really calm around daddy’s brother. He’s very easily startled, so play really nice, ok?” Twilight cautioned, smiling as her daughter raised a hoof in a loose salute.

“Kay~!” The terms of war had been scribbled in crayon, and Dawn followed them to a tee... for all of five seconds. She would have broken them sooner, but alas, her filly mind was consumed by a single thought - a thought that signaled her subsequent attack and immediate invasion of Whisper’s personal space.

“Hello, Whisper. My name is...” Twilight started before an indigo thunderbolt tore past her and struck the green stallion, leaving him dazed, though not quite terrified, due mostly to the stature of the filly ensnaring his hoof, the fact that Hope had all but melted his heart the day before, and the unabashed look of adoration and amazement stamped on her muzzle.

“Big hair! Really, really big big hair!” There was a loud gasp as the filly mentally kicked herself for taking more than two seconds to realize what this meant. “Brushie time! Brushie time!” Leaving an embarrassed mother, nonplussed stallion and a giggling pegasus, Dawn took off at breakneck pace, and nearly found herself thus as she again became tangled in her own ample mane, bidding Cerulean descend the stairs and tend to his daughter and her smarting nose with a soothing puff of snow. “Buckin hair...” Twilight’s ears shot straight up as she whirled, her husband’s suppressed smile letting her know she had indeed heard their daughter’s utterance correctly, who yet remained to hit the one year old mark, muttering such words.

“What? Don’t look at me like that, Twi, you say it too.” Stomping to where Cerulean sat cradling his brave little soldier, he attempted to steal a little confidence for himself as Twilight gave him a very good impersonation of Fluttershy’s stare, although it was more a glare than anything else.

“Cerulean, if I hear our daughter say that again, you’re both in trouble, understand?” He searched her eyes for a moment, realized that she was still in good spirits, and gave her a cheeky grin before lifting his filly in front of him, his face serious.

“Dawn? Please don’t say ‘bucking’ like that, or daddy may go bye bye. Mommy doesn’t like that word.”

“Why mommy no likes bucking?”

“Oh, she likes it ple...” Hmmm, now THAT is a glare. “It’s inappropriate to say when you’re not an adult,” he instantly covered, saving his wife’s good graces. Dawn swept the matter aside, struggling free and again throwing caution to the wind, tearing up the stairs and into the bathroom to look for her brush.

“Fluttershy? Twilight is scary. Can I go home now?”

“Um, I’m sorry Whisper, but you need to stay. Twilight is actually very nice, but I guess she can be a little frightening when she’s, well, being a mother.” Forgetting she had an audience with an extremely skittish pony, Twilight instantly calmed herself, not actually being all that upset, and trotted back over to Whisper with a warming smile.

“Sorry about that, Whisper. Come on inside, and sorry about the mess.” Living in the veritable jungle that was Fluttershy’s critter-infested cottage, the stacks of books were of little consequence to Whisper, who found himself suddenly engrossed in staring at all of the strange squiggles marking the pages of a tome laying open just near the couch. His concentration was suddenly broken by the romp of tiny hooves on a mission to give Whisper a Dawn-certified grooming, and without time to even conjure a subliminal response, the emerald unicorn watched in awe as the brush suddenly doubled in size before starting in on his hair. Having been well trained, he dutifully sat up straight and remained still.

“Fluttershy, what method are you using to have my brother so well trained already? I sure could use that kind of technique on a certain little unicorn here. Oh, and Dawn, too,” Cerulean snickered.

“Strange, all I have to do is mention ‘library fines’ and you instantly...” Twilight purposefully trailed off, noting the expected blush rising to her stallion’s cheeks with affectionate amusement. Cerulean took a moment to appreciate Twilight's subtle attempts at keeping his spirits high, and after a brief nuzzle he turned his attention back to his brother. Whisper was listening quite intently as Dawn praised his mane and the color contained within, the two blends of green meshing together in spots to make an entirely new color rather than the well-defined streaks of teal within her own. Rather than interrupt the two, Cerulean and Twilight cantered over to Fluttershy, who made no effort to suppress her smiles. “He really seems taken by Dawn,” Cerulean murmured, watching the two bond.

“He really likes kids. I bet he’ll make a great father someday.” There was a moment’s silence as Cerulean and Twilight both shared a knowing look, but seeing that Fluttershy hadn’t even noticed her implication, they left it alone. There weren’t many mares, if any, that could come close to Fluttershy’s level of innocence, and they weren’t about to mention anything that could sully it. Eventually, Whisper’s grooming came to an end, and while Dawn was pleased with how quickly the stallion picked up on the proper use of building blocks, she had began to wonder why he was using his hooves.

“Whisper, why you not use magic?” Cerulean sighed, knowing that perhaps the biggest hurdle of the day was fast approaching, and rather than let it wallow in the back of his mind, he dredged it up, preparing himself for what may lay ahead.

“Dawn, Whisper has strange magic that sometimes makes a mess,” Cerulean said softly. “Baby brother? I have something important I need to talk to you about, ok? You too, Fluttershy.” Once they were both together, he took a deep breath and continued. “Back when Jade... Whisper, sorry, was in the hospital, I asked Princess Celestia for a horn limiter. Basically, it’s a device for sealing away a unicorn’s magic. Because Whisper was hurt, I didn’t want to use it right away, but now that he’s recovered, I wanted to present you with an option.” Fluttershy nodded, waiting patiently for him to explain further.

“Whisper, if you wanted, you could use the horn limiter and talk normally. I don’t really see there being any problems, unless you had a very strong emotional spike and your magic broke the limiter. It’s very difficult, which is why they are still used, but should that happen, you’d likely lose your horn, and if there were other ponies around, they could get hurt really bad.”

“No.”

“Let me finish, Whisper. If you were calm, then it wouldn’t be an issue, and you could talk normal. You could laugh and sing, just like you used to, but you wouldn’t be able to use any kind of magic. It’s up to you, Whisper. I have my own... misgivings on the subject, but the choice is yours.” An uneasy silence descended as the stallion gave it due thought. Just the thought of hurting other ponies, or that being a possibility, was enough initially to make him refuse it outright. But the allure of being able to talk to Fluttershy was great, and against his better judgement, he swallowed hard as he looked back at Cerulean.

“I’d... like to try it, if that’s ok.” His brother nodded and trotted upstairs as Fluttershy grew nervous.

“Um, Whisper? Are you sure this is a good idea? I don’t mind waiting. You know, until you get your voice back the normal way.”

“I know, Fluttershy, but I want this for you. Just let me try, ok? If it... doesn’t work out, then I’ll never use it again.” It eased her mind a little, as did his comforting nuzzle, but she found her breathing shallow as Cerulean returned.

“Whisper... if anything doesn’t feel right, let me know and I’ll take it off immediately, ok?” Whisper nodded, trying to keep his nerve as the ring slid over his horn and activated. He didn’t feel anything at first, and for just a split second, he thought he may have found an easy out, but his smile quickly faded as he was plunged into a world of uncertainty and silence. His magic, controlled or not, wasn’t just in charge of his communication, but also his ability to sense the emotions with others. He had no idea just how much he had come to rely on it until it suddenly disappeared, and for the first time since he had met Fluttershy, he felt truly alone.

“Brother, take it off... please, make it stop!” Wait, that’s right, he can’t hear me... But I’m so scared... if I speak, it might explode. Fluttershy, Cerulean... Dawn... No, I can’t... Cerulean noticed the shift immediately, and he gently caught his brother’s frantic hoof as he tried to pry off the device, sealed in place by a spell known by very few outside of the royal guard. A tap of Cerulean’s horn and quick spell rendered the limiter inactive, and he quickly slipped it off as he held Whisper close, his messages fragmented as his mind struggled to shrug the feelings of isolation that had threatened him once more. It wasn’t until he found himself locked in a massive group hug that he felt his anxieties began to ease, and he let the tension in his limbs drain away as his magic let the feelings of comfort and care come trickling back in like a soothing cascade.

Anypony, regardless of upbringing, save perhaps a scholastic shut-in under royal instruction, can look back on their youth and remember having crushes that burned oh so fiercely. For Spike, he was well aware that he had a fixation on Rarity, though it had waned as his mind matured past his body. While young for a dragon, he had been with Twilight since she was just a little filly, and he’d learned a lot of things. What he hadn’t learned yet was how to deal with suddenly finding that it wasn’t just his long standing crush that made his head swirl, but now the three fillies stepping out of the boutique, a certain unicorn with a talent for singing standing out amongst them all.

“Hey look, it’s Spike! Ah wonder what he’s doin’ ‘ere?” Applebloom exclaimed as she stepped out the door with her friends in tow, followed shortly after by Rarity, looking fabulous as usual. The three friends rushed over to find not a dragon, but an incoherent babbling idiot that had somehow found its way into the mind of a dragon they knew to be cool, energetic, and always one to give his two bits on any given matter. Unfortunately, due to the wealth of beauty surrounding him and a strange fire that apparently flared bright enough even he could feel it, he simply stared from face to face.

“Dang it, I knew somepony was going to stare!” Scootaloo moaned, blushing and covering her face with a hoof.

“Ah don’t think it’s just you, Scootaloo. Spike, you all right?”

“Duh... huh?”

“Is he... Spike, you’re drooling. What’s gotten into you?” Sweetie Belle asked, already having a fair idea of why exactly he saw fit to let his jaw hang loose.

“Oh Spikey-wikey~!” Rarity called, trotting over. “Make sure you treat them like ladies. Especially my Sweetie Belle, all right?”

Sure, Rarity. I’ll get right on that... as soon as I can move again! Oh man, I never expected... well, this! Come on, Spike, you can handle this! Holding up a claw, he slowly turned his back to them, stuffed his tongue back into his mouth, wiped away the excess spittle, and slowly turned back to face the trio, clearing his throat. What I wouldn’t give for my moustache right now... Unfortunately, his biggest problem was attempting to think as he couldn’t unsay what came out next. “Wow, Sweetie Belle, you... I really like your... moustache!”

“He likes yer what, now?” Applebloom murmured, glancing across at Sweetie Belle who couldn’t figure out whether to be flattered, offended, or simply ruin her sister’s work by falling to the ground in a fit a laughter. Rarity made it terribly difficult not to choose the third option, trotting over and patting Spike on the head.

“And that, my dear fillies, it what happens when a young colt, or dragon, as it were, suddenly finds himself confronted by three charming ladies such as yourselves. Don’t hold it against him, all right? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some business to attend to. Tata~!” As Rarity trotted away, Spike was left at the mercy of the Crusaders, and despite his fragmented state of mind, one thing rang out clearer than the rest: this day was going to make an interesting report.

Leaving Spike on the proving grounds of bachelorhood, Rarity made her way towards Sugarcube Corner. If anypony could guarantee her plans be lively and full of festivity, there was only one mare to talk to, and since she hadn’t taken the time to eat anything, Rarity found herself walking briskly to the counter, where she greeted Mrs. Cake and asked about Pinkie’s whereabouts. Not surprisingly, the bubbly mare was hard at work in the kitchens, but Rarity was immediately concerned as she noticed a lack of pep in the mare’s motions. Sure, she was swift, turning out sweets at a still alarming rate, but there was no humming, no singing, not even any dancing to accompany her actions.

“Pinkie? Is something the matter?” She froze in place for a moment, turned and looked at Rarity for a split second before reverting to her usual self.

“Nope! Nothing at all! I’m a little surprised to see you here, Rarity. Don’t you normally stay away from sweets?”

“There’s nothing wrong with indulging some sugar every now and then. Besides, I have a request to make, and only you are qualified to assist. How do you feel about throwing a party?” In truth, there was nothing Pinkie would have liked more, and she soon found herself on the floor rubbing her smarting skull while the ceiling lamented its newly formed cracks.

“I always thought that thing was low. So, who’s it for? How many ponies? How full should I stuff the party cannon?!?”

“Well, I do not know just yet. I was planning on trying to get all of the Elements together, though I imagine those with significant others will come as pairs. Add for unexpected entries and extended family... Perhaps twenty, maybe more? I do not know if the rest can attend, as you are the first one I’ve asked.” Rarity couldn’t say for what reason Pinkie suddenly embraced her, but it didn’t mess up her mane or leave any marks, tight though it was, so Rarity accepted and returned the motion, wondering just what had gotten into the mare.

“Thanks, Rarity.” While the words themselves made perfect sense, Pinkie’s alarmingly serious tone of voice gave the mare cause for worry.

“Pinkie, are you sure that...”

“I’m ready to par-tay? Yes! Just leave everything to me! Round up the guests and then come let me know what’s going down!” Resuming her baking duties with renewed vigor, Rarity watched for a few more moments before heading back into town, the pink mare’s enthusiasm bolstering her own. Her soft humming drew to a close as she found the carrot stall closed and a certain orange maned mare nowhere to be seen. I know I was harsh. I don’t regret what I said, and I shouldn’t find it so odd that she would close early, but if it’s because of me, then... well, I suppose I was a mite threatening. I should probably at least make an apology... Hmmm, perhaps after I deliver the invitations...

It was decided that the issue of Whisper’s magic would be temporarily set aside, given his scare with the limiter, and Cerulean allowed a slight breach of the norm by making pancakes for all. Whisper watched the process start to finish, asking questions and gleaning every ounce of information to be had from his brother. To say that he found the sweet breakfast food acceptable to his palate was an understatement, his bouncing in place at the table giving Fluttershy a slight cause for concern, worried that he may give himself indigestion from his nearly constant movement. After receiving a syrupy pat on the head signalling Dawn’s approval of his love for flapjacks, breakfast drew to a close, and Fluttershy sat next to Twilight and Cerulean as Whisper gave the indigo filly his full attention, her eager spirit mirroring his own.

“So, Fluttershy, is he like this at home, too?” Twilight asked, watching as Whisper declared a coloring contest, of which the reigning champion was quite sure she would win.

“You mean really energetic and excited about, um, everything?” Fluttershy clarified with a grin. “Yes, more and more he’s starting to be less afraid of the world. It’s really great to watch...” Twilight glanced over, confused as to why the mare had let her words trail off like there was more to say and finding her deep in thought.

“Fluttershy, is there something on your mind?”

“Um, well, I don’t know... maybe?” Cerulean and Twilight both shared a curious look. “I guess that there probably is, but I’ve been trying not to think about it...” Fluttershy grew a little more nervous as Cerulean whispered something to Twilight, who nodded and stood.

“Come on, Fluttershy. Let’s go for a walk and figure this thing out. Whisper?” Unused to being addressed by Twilight, he snapped his head up, twitching his ear a moment before turning towards the lavender mare with a crayon still held loosely between his teeth. “Is it alright if I take Fluttershy shopping for a little bit?”

“Um, sure, I guess. Will you be back soon? I mean, it’s ok if the answer is no, but I really like having her near.”

“I don’t know how long we’ll be gone, but hopefully it shouldn’t be too long. Don’t worry, I’ll tell Cerulean to be nice to you while I’m gone, ok?”

“Ok!” Begging Dawn’s pardon, he set the wax color transference device aside and cantered over to give Fluttershy a goodbye hug, nuzzling her cheek and wishing her well. Fluttershy cast a fond glance from the doorway before stepping out with Twilight and making straight for the market place.

“So, um, what are you shopping for?” Fluttershy asked, not terribly enthusiastic about trying to figure out what exactly was on her mind. Unfortunately for the hesitant mare, Cerulean had a habit of bottling things inside at times, and Twilight had developed a no-nonsense, straight to the point approach to dealing with problems.

“Shopping is secondary. My primary goal here is to help you get things sorted out in your head. So come on, talk to me,” Twilight quipped, setting an easy pace.

“Twilight, I really, really don’t think...”

“Nope, no excuses!” Twilight declared cheerfully, giving the mare a reassuring smile. “You’ve got a problem, and I want to help fix it. I know I’m not Rainbow Dash, but you can still trust me, ok?”

“Twilight, I never said anything about Rainbow Dash! You’re a really good friend too, I just...”

“Fluttershy, it’s fine. You’ve known Dash for a long time, and you’re very close. I’m not hurt by that, just so long as you don’t push me away.” Twilight’s understanding went a long way in easing Fluttershy’s misgivings, and realizing that she wasn’t going to escape her fate, she yielded, falling silent as she attempted to find a place to start. The lavender mare beside her respected her silence, and after a few minutes, turned towards the anxious pegasus as she spoke up.

“I’m... worried, I think. About Whisper and I...”

“Worried? About what, exactly?”

“I don’t know. I guess I just don’t feel like I’m very exciting. I mean, Whisper is becoming very, very energetic, and he thinks that everything around him is wonderful. With so many different things making him smile, I just don’t see... how a quiet mare like me could keep his attention for very much longer...”

“Fluttershy, that’s ridiculous. And no, I’m not just saying that to cheer you up,” Twilight stated confidently, standing in her friend’s path and speaking softly. “That stallion is more fixated on you than Rarity is on shiny things, and that’s a fact. Listen, Fluttershy, I don’t know Whisper at all, so I know you may be hesitant to accept the word of somepony that just met him, but...” she paused, placing a hoof on the doubting pegasus’ shoulders. “Fluttershy, Cerulean has told me all about Whisper and how he was at your house. ‘Those two haven’t known each other very long, but already I’m sure that they are deeply in love,’ were Cerulean’s words. And Fluttershy?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Don’t sell yourself short. There are far too few mares like you in the world, and nopony in their right mind would ever leave somepony so kind.” Twilight matched Fluttershy’s smile, her eyes communicating without words her thanks for the encouragement. It didn’t completely rid her of doubt, but she found herself light-hearted once more, at least until Twilight turned it into indignant embarrassment. “Also, you’re not quiet. I’m pretty sure they heard you all the way down in Baltimare when you shouted at the ponies that were trying to get Crimson’s ring.”

“Twilight! They did not. And, well, they deserved it,” Fluttershy defended, trotting ahead.

“That they did. Come on, let’s have some fun!” Unsure of what qualified as “fun” but eager to try, Fluttershy increased her speed to a gallop as Twilight took off, her worries drifting off to the back of her mind.

Unfortunately, said worries seemed to find their way into Whisper, who was at that time being given a very basic introduction into magic theory. Cerulean expected his trepidation, and after his brother looked over at the door yet again, he decided to take action. Calling his brother’s attention to himself, he closed his eyes halfway and released a small bit of magic, creating a small sculpture of ice that bore a striking resemblance to Fluttershy, though before he could use it for its intended purpose a certain little filly snatched it over and immediately added an occupant to her book fortress, desperately in need of a guard. Whisper’s frown at having his idol snatched away soon disappeared as yet another, slightly larger figure of his favorite pony formed, and after enchanting it to resist melting, he levitated it over to his brother’s side.

“There, see? Fluttershy is watching over you, so relax.” It had its intended effect, and Whisper returned his attention to Cerulean. “Now, even when you remembered everything, you struggled with controlling your magic for little things, but I don’t think it’d be safe to try and let you use the magic in your heart just yet. So, first, let’s try teaching you levitation. Do you remember the spell?”

“No... I only remember that moment on the beach. Maybe I’d remember more if you sang again? It was a really nice song.”

“Perhaps another time, I’ll try that. Hmmm... Can you read?” Green hair temporarily obscured the stallion’s vision as he shook his head, a hoof drawing back the curtain to find Cerulean deep in thought. “I guess I could always just transfer my memory of the spell directly... Yeah, I think that’ll be the best way. Whisper, come sit in front of me, please.” Grabbing his figurine in his mouth, Whisper plopped down in front of Cerulean and set her down with the utmost care, amazed that it didn’t feel quite as cold as he imagined it would have.

“Ok, what next?”

“Just sit still and close your eyes. I’m going to share a memory with you.” The idea was fascinating to Whisper, who eagerly complied and sat staring at the black, waiting for a picture to arrive. What he felt instead was suspicious at best, and he grew horrified as he opened his eyes to find Cerulean pressing his horn to his own. Now, Whisper wasn’t aware that terms like “incest” even existed, but he wasn’t allowed to let anypony save Fluttershy, much less his brother, touch his horn. That area was off limits, and determined to maintain his purity, the spooked stallion yanked his head away, stumbled backwards, and tore up the stairs. “What the... wait, Whisper, where are you going?” Cerulean called out, bewildered.

“I’m telling Fluttershy you were touching my horn! That’s a no-touching spot, Storm said so!” Allowing a soft facehoof, Cerulean wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cringe at what his action had been marked as.

“Whisper, come back down!” he called out, stopping at the base of the stairs.

“No,” Whisper sent, popping his head into view and staring down as his defiler.

“Look, I was just trying to transfer my memory, and there has to be a connection, ok? It wasn’t anything like... ugh, that...” Cerulean asserted, shuddering at the thought.

“Wasn’t anything like what, huh little brother?” Crimson chimed in, not bothering to knock and waltzing over.

“Nothing, sis, I was just...”

“Crimson, make him stop! Cerulean was touching my horn!” Whisper pleaded, peering at the mare from the second story with a smile on his face.

“Oh ho, was he now? Cerulean, even at my worst, I never...”

“And neither did I, would I, or could possibly ever even consider it, ok?” Cerulean shouted, stomping a hoof.

“But you did,” Whisper pointed out, no longer upset but finding his brother’s facial expressions from their sister’s entrance quite entertaining. “Crimson, protect me!” Even had she not been spurred on by her joy at being requested to assist over Cerulean, even given that he was the target, Crimson would have readily agreed to the request anyway, and a red flash landed Cerulean on his back near the door, his sister’s teleportation magic being used for nefarious purposes.

“You know, I make it a point not to threaten mares, but you’re my sister, and therefore you do not fall under the protection of that creed.”

“Oh dear, is the big, mean stallion going to get me?” The ensuing magic battle was extremely low scale, but to Whisper it was the grandest display of mind-boggling unicorn awesomeness he’d ever seen, his eyes glued to the action as he resolved not to miss a single bit. Cerulean could easily have trumped his sister, being far more learned in magic than she, but he meant her no real harm. Besides, as he took a moment to glance at the steps and saw the wonder stamped on Whisper’s face, he set about adding quite a bit more flair than he normally would allow, resulting in a rather large snow mess which added a third combatant to the mix. Cerulean grew concerned for his daughter’s safety, but true to her name, Crimson used her Glitter Burst spell to flood the room with shimmering lights, occupying Dawn and causing her no end of amazement.

Calling a ceasefire, Cerulean created a small blizzard, the wind and snow mingling with the scarlet lights to form a dazzling maelstrom that utterly wrecked the library, and gave Whisper a newfound fascination with magic. As the spells dissipated, Cerulean turned to find Whisper romping through the snow towards them, his face alight as he all but stabbed Cerulean in his haste to accept, just this once, Cerulean’s uncouth memory transfer method. Whisper stared straight ahead as the knowledge sunk in before turning his attention to a book, his eyes narrowing as a commanding focus encompassed his being. Pouring all his effort into the action, and after a few moments of straining, a faint green aura appeared around the book. Then, as it looked like he were about to succeed, he lost control and let out a burst of magic, tearing the cover from the book and leaving him borderline traumatized that he had turned a basic spell into something dangerous.

“Whoa, easy there, Whisper. I don’t know what happened, but you let out way too much magic at once. Here, let’s have you try again with this,” Cerulean encouraged, forming a solid sphere of ice about the size of a baseball. Whisper nodded, his magical aura surrounding the orb for a moment before again, he put out too much magic and shattered it. Cerulean stared at the shards for a moment before turning back to his brother who looked all the world like he had just blown up another house, and it was impressed upon Cerulean that his brother’s path to controlling his magic would be long and arduous indeed.

Cause to Worry

Chapter 29: Cause to Worry

“Um, really? Twilight, did Rarity really just say no to a spa trip?” Fluttershy asked, tilting her head to the side. Both Fluttershy and Twilight were shocked. They had seen the mare wandering through town and waved her over, whereupon they were surprised to find the mare planning a party for her friends. They had no real misgivings on the matter, but seeking to spend a little time together, Twilight had suggested they have themselves a relaxing afternoon at the spa, and thought that Rarity might like to join. It was true, Rarity could entrench herself in work, but given that she was out at that hour, and not carrying fabrics, it meant work wasn’t the issue. While the idea of Rarity planning a party rather than Pinkie struck them as odd, having her turn down the spa was even more confounding.

“I really would love to join you two, but I must inform everypony else. I’ve just finished telling Rainbow Dash and Storm, and now thit takes care of you two... There’s still Applejack, Silver, Crimson, and Big Mac. Oh, and Sweetie Belle, of course.”

“You know, it’d be great if she could sing. I’ll bet I could even get Spike to play the piano.” Rarity grew a faint smile, one that Twilight found strangely vexing.

“My dear Twilight, Sweetie is a little young to be paired up so soon, don’t you think? They do get along well, though...”

“What? Rarity, I wasn’t even talking about that!”

“Oh, so Spike hasn’t said anything about Sweetie Belle to you?”

“Nothing along those lines, no.”

“That’s a mite disappointing...” Rarity muttered under her breath. “No matter, I think having Spike accompany Sweetie Belle with his musical talents is a lovely idea. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have invitations to give out. Seven thirty at the barn. Do not worry about a thing. Pinkie Pie and I will take care of the preparations. Well, likely just Pinkie Pie. She was terribly excited about the idea of a party, more so than usual, I’d say.”

“A party? Oh, this is exciting! I hope I can go... I mean, I don’t want to leave Whisper by himself, if he’s not comfortable with it, and I don’t think he’d want to go. He’s not quite ready to be near so many ponies just yet.”

“I don’t know, he might be,” Twilight countered. “He dealt with meeting Storm and Rainbow Dash alright, and he seemed fine with me today. Maybe tell him that Bright Hope and Dawn will be there?”

“Maybe, we’ll see,” Fluttershy replied, unsure of the odds but secretly hoping Whisper could make it.

“Well, he is invited too, of course, should he choose to attend. Now, I must be off. Enjoy your time at the spa!” Rarity said as she departed at a dignified trot. As the clamor of town died out and she neared the outskirts of the orchard, she found her thoughts again disturbed by a nagging within, one that pointed her towards a house she wanted nothing to do with. Reassuring herself that Carrot Top had crossed a line, and she had responded accordingly, she accepted her justification and made her way through the trees. However, she had forgotten just who it was she was inviting, and the Element of Honesty immediately picked up her half-truth the moment she had said “I’m fine, thank you.”

“Sugarcube, ah think you better come inside fer a bit. Somethin’ is goin’ on with you, an’ now that you’ve gone an’ lied ‘bout it, ah’ve a right t’ know.”

“I’m not sure I quite agree with you, but I wouldn’t mind coming inside for a bit,” Rarity conceded, following Applejack back inside and taking in the quaint little love pad. Clearly planning ahead, there were two spare rooms, and the interior was as drab as she would expect of a farm pony, though Applejack defended it as being “functional an’ well made with none o’ that fancy stuff.” What it lacked in flair, it made up for in booze, and Rarity gratefully accepted a mug of cider, relishing the cool fluid as it soothed her parched throat. “Ah, that’s quite nice, I must say. Oh, good afternoon, Silver.”

“Afternoon, Rarity. What brings ya t’ our humble abode?”

“Well, the main reason is that I was planning a party for this evening, and I’d like you both to attend. Oh, and I was hoping we could use the barn, if possible. I’ve already invited over half the guests, and it would be dreadfully tiresome to track them all down again...”

“Subtle as always, Rarity,” Applejack murmured, choosing to chuckle rather than sigh. “Sure, we’ll come along. Been awhile since ah had a good hoedown. Is that alright with you, sugarcube?”

“Of course, Sweetheart. Ah’m sure Berry and Freefall can handle the tavern fer a night.”

“My, my, it seems your Manehatten accent won’t be around much longer. And you sounded so sophisticated, too...” Silver couldn’t help but grin, all too aware that he had been adopting his wife’s dialect more and more, though it came out when they were alone more than in public. “Well, thank you both. Now, I really should...”

“Sit yerself back down, Rarity. I ain’t lettin’ you off the hook that easily. Silver, could you give us some privacy?”

“Certainly. Ah ain’t about t’ go treadin’ on nopony’s hooves,” he replied, adding extra emphasis on his drawl before giving her a short kiss and trotting away.

“Thank ya kindly, sugarcube.” The door closed quietly and Rarity found herself transfixed by a stare that meant business but held no malignancy. “Ah’ll right, Rarity, what’s goin’ on? Is it the usual thing? Ah heard from Applebloom that you had a rather rough night yesterday...”

“Gabby Gums strikes again, I suppose...” Rarity remarked, glancing away. “Yes, it is true, I very nearly gave in.”

“If you don’t mind me askin’, why do you believe what you do, Rarity? Ah mean, ah wanted the same thing, t’ stay pure until marriage, an’ it was ‘cause I wanted t’ make mah pa proud.”

“Why I... I’m sorry, Applejack. I can’t answer that,” Rarity said, glancing away.

“Why not?”

“Because you’d think me dreadfully silly.”

“Rarity, trust me, ah already think you’re right silly.”

“My, well isn’t that comforting... Fine, if you must know, it’s because I want to live my life like a fairytale.” Applejack stared back, nonplussed, waiting for Rarity to state her real reason and wondering why her internal lie detector wasn’t working.

“Ah... you’re tellin’ the truth?”

“No, I’m lying to you.”

“Well, now you are. Care t’ explain a little bit more?”

“Exactly what I said. Haven’t you ever read any of the stories about a knight rescuing the princess and other such nonsense? I want that for myself, but in every one of those stories, the mare is always pure, never touched or tainted by another. If I expect to have the best, then it’s only right I present myself as such, is it not? I... know it’s silly, but I’ve held that dream for so long that I... I can’t simply just give it up now. And besides...” she paused, dropping her gaze to the tabletop. “After getting this purity band from Sweetie Belle, I couldn’t possibly let her down. I don’t know what I’d do if I hurt her like that.”

“So you don’t care a lick about morality, huh?” Rarity blinked once before adopting a half-lidded stare.

“I believed it was implied, Applejack. I am a lady, after all. My parents didn’t raise me to be a mare of ill repute, and in that sense, you and I are both old-fashioned.”

“Ah suppose so, though ah think... that love should dictate the how and when. Ah was right devastated that ah hadn’t kept mahself clean fer mah pa like ah wanted, but lookin’ back, ah can’t say ah’m sorry fer showin’ mah love fer Silver that night. Rarity, ah’m not tellin’ you to ease yer standards by any means. Just be true t’ yerself, an’ you’ll be fine. It ain’t always easy, ah can tell ya.”

“Thank you, Applejack. I really do appreciate your words, and your wisdom. Well, I have one more thing I yet need to do, so I’m afraid I must be about my business. Oh, and be a dear and tell Big Mac, would you please? And make sure the barn is as clean as a barn can be. I’d still like to maintain at least some standards of civility.”

“All right, ah’ll try t’ make sure it meets the highest standards o’ the prissiest mare in Equestria,” Applejack replied with a grin, waving Rarity off as she left with her head held high. Prissy? No doubt in mah mind, but there’s more t’ you than all that flash, ain’t there, Rarity... Don’t settle fer anypony but the one who digs deep enough t’ see it.

Just because a pony does not typically concern herself with fashion, or grooming in general past that which is necessary for functioning within society, does not mean that said pony cannot enjoy a full treatment with all that the spa had to offer. Fluttershy found it greatly amusing how much Twilight was enjoying herself, chattering nearly nonstop about this, that, and the other magical whatsit in a chain of stories and explanations the simple pegasus couldn’t possibly hope to keep up with, though if Twilight’s focus was making her forget her troubles, it was working. As they started off with the sauna, Twilight fell silent for a moment as her curious intellect formulated a question that simply had to be answered.

“So, Fluttershy...”

“Um, yes? What is it, Twilight?”

“How far have you and Whisper gone?” Wait a second... that squee... there’s no way!

“Um... well... after Whisper found out about, you know, how to roll in the hay, we came home that night and...”

“Yes?” Twilight pressed, disregarding the blushing mare’s obvious discomfort.

“He was... curious, that night, and... we um...” she trailed off, not so any longer out of embarrassment but joyful remembrance. Twilight looked at the whimsical, satisfied look on the mares face and lost it.

“No, don’t tell me you didn’t... already? Fluttershy, really?” Twilight all but shouted, gawking at the mare. “I mean, I know me and Cerulean kind of took things fast, but I would never have thought...” Twilight stopped mid sentence, gasping as Fluttershy started giggling, of all things. What happened in the last few days that changed Fluttershy into... I don’t even know!

“Oh, Twilight, you’re funny when you get start going crazy. Whisper and I haven’t done that yet.” Twilight heaved a sigh of relief, reassured that all was still right in the world.

“So, what did happen last night, then?”

“Oh, right. Um... we kissed. We kissed a lot.”

That’s it? All this build up over kissing? Yep, still the same Fluttershy. Since they were on the subject of Whisper, Fluttershy decided to do a bit of talking herself, and she didn’t slow down until they had finished their time in the spa and returned to the market place, at which point Fluttershy realized she had spent nearly an entire hour yammering non-stop about Whisper and apologized for talking so much. “Fluttershy, that’s what happens when you’re in love. You’re catching onto it a lot faster than I did, though. It took me far too long to realize that your focus has to be on the other pony, and theirs on you. I’m glad to see you won’t have the same problem.”

“Nope, I’m always thinking about Whisper.” She fell silent, but it wasn’t allowed to last for long as she was yanked from her inner questions and back to reality.

“Come on, don’t start that again. Remember when you told me about the picture he drew of you? Or when he tried to make you popcorn? He thinks about you plenty, Fluttershy, so don’t let your mind tell you what your heart knows is a lie.”

“I’ll try. I’d still like to hear him say it, though.”

“Don’t worry, between me and Cerulean, we’ll have him babbling a storm in no time! In fact, what say we check on the boys, shall we?”

“Yes, I’d like to get back to Whisper. I’m a...” she started before a blinding flash of light landed the two of them back at the library. “Oh, that’s, um... convenient.” Twilight’s glee drained away like moonshine in front of Berry as she opened the door to find her library in utter disarray, with books knocked from the shelves and small puddles of melted snow still trying unsuccessfully to soak into the finished wood floor. The three conscious ponies within stared back at Twilight, knowing they were busted.

“Cerulean... what happened?”

“Daddy did it!” Dawn squealed, pointing an accusing hoof leaden with justice.

“Why, you cheeky little traitor. See if you get any sweets tonight,” Cerulean murmured, glancing sidelong at his filly who experienced a sudden change of heart.

“Crimson did it!” Dawn instantly covered, the threat of not being allowed to indulge her cravings being a punishment too painful to fathom, but unfortunately, the deed was done. “Bye bye, daddy. Love you!” And with that, she fled the scene, barely managing not to score another bruise in her haste to hide from the motherly one. Fluttershy stepped in before Twilight could dole out any justice, much to Crimson’s disappointment.

“Excuse me, I know Twilight is about to undo her massage, but where is Whisper? Isn’t he here?”

“Yeah, he’s here. He’s upstairs sleeping. He practiced magic for an hour or two straight, but it was too much for him and he exhausted himself. He hasn’t been asleep very long, but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind waking to you, Fluttershy.” Nodding her thanks, the mare greeted Crimson and made her way upstairs, while Cerulean’s sister made her escape. Twilight’s features no longer conveyed anger, but she was rather difficult to read sometimes, so Cerulean was still a touch nervous as she sat down in front of him.

“Was this afternoon worth the time it’s gonna take putting all these back?”

“It was worth reorganizing the whole library. Twice.”

“I see. Well, no reason for me to fret, then. Spike’s not here, and you made a mess, so you know what that means?”

“Meh, I don’t like playing the maid as much as other things, but I suppose I can suffer the indignity for you, Twi,” Cerulean quipped, closing the distance and kissing the end of her nose before a distressed Fluttershy came rushing down.

“Cerulean, what happened? Whisper’s words are very hard to read, and it’s really scaring me...”

“Fluttershy, it’s ok, calm down,” Cerulean reassured, trotting over to her and motioning Twilight to be in charge of physical comfort. “Whisper communicates with his magic, and since he spent a ton of it, it’s not surprising that it would be hard for you to understand him now. Give him another hour or two, and then try again.” Fluttershy accepted Twilight’s embrace, holding it for a few seconds before returning upstairs to sit with Whisper while he fell back asleep. After about an hour she descended to the main floor and leant her hoof returning the library to order.

After a short discussion regarding the possibility of moving Whisper, Fluttershy was again impressed with Twilight’s magical prowess as she teleported Whisper, Fluttershy, and herself back to the cottage, the stallion still remaining asleep as she held him aloft with her levitation spell. Placing him gently in the bed, she accepted Fluttershy’s praise and left the two alone, returning to the library on hoof so as to not needlessly spend her magic. The party was still several hours off, and Fluttershy felt like doting on Whisper, though it wasn't long after she joined him in bed that her quiet snores were mingling with his own.

With the venue being taken care of and the host alerted to the guests in attendance, Rarity stepped out of Sugarcube corner and let slip a long, drawn out sigh. Viable distractions had run dry, and there was no longer any way to avoid what she’d been dreading most of the day. Driven by a necessity reinforced by the abandoned stall still bearing a foreboding “closed” sign, Rarity made her way to Carrot Top’s house, unsure of what she would find or how her apology for possibly taking things a little over the top may go over. While she hoped things would go smoothly, such hopes felt hollow and unfounded as she neared a house with the shutters drawn.

Either she’s suffering from one nasty hangover, or she’s not home, or... more than likely, she is home, but isn’t particularly receptive to dealing with other ponies. I suppose I would feel much the same, had I received such treatment. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to leave in good conscience until she had said her peace, she gave the door a few good knocks and waited. Not receiving a response, she repeated a second, and a third time. “Oh well, she must not be home. Come on, time to go get... ready...” she told herself aloud, the transparency of her own ruse causing her words to trail off. Staring at the door didn’t change her path, and casting aside her will to fight it any longer, she quietly let herself in.

It came as a surprise that the door was unlocked, as if Carrot Top was home, she clearly wasn’t expecting any visitors given the messy living room and lack of a single light being on in the house. Even with the shutters closed, there was still enough illumination from the shafts of sunlight filtering in to light her way, and while the rational side of Rarity’s mind gave her a Twilight-esque list on all the reasons why she shouldn’t be there, she not only stayed, but moved deeper into the small house, just big enough for one pony. Kitchen, livingroom, and bathroom were fruitless in her search, and as she came upon a single closed door, Rarity steeled herself to face whatever lay on the other side. Nothing could have prepared her for what she found.

Rarity opened the door as quietly as possible, revealing what may have once been a tidy room, but had now been torn apart. Carrot Top lay on her side in the center of a bed much too large for a single pony, staring at the wall through red rimmed eyes, and as Rarity drew closer, she could see visibly the sheets and pillow casings that had been soaked with tears that had only recently run dry. A single large carrot, broken and unused, lay against the opposite wall, an orange juice stain splatter proving that the vegetable was hurled with great force. Seeing the mare in such a condition, too distraught to even notice her walk into view, made Rarity question everything she thought she knew about the mare, filling her with a gut-churning guilt that would not easily be satisfied.

Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. What could she have said? There was simply no way a simple “I’m sorry” could come close to healing the crushing blow Rarity had dealt the mare in her self-righteous fervor. Excuses fell flat, and regardless of her personal misgivings about physical conduct, the mare’s brokenness was Rarity’s fault alone, and she knew it. Remembering back to how Twilight had held Applejack when she had nearly drank herself to death winning what was to be an impossible challenge, Rarity teetered back and forth before finally caving to the only solution that would even begin to show just how sorry she was. Carrot Top stirred as Rarity laid down beside her, wrapping her hooves around the mare and drawing her close.

One Night Changes Everything

Chapter 30: One Night Changes Everything

How does one reconcile having their hopes dashed to pieces, followed by the most frightening threats they had ever received, only to have the one who broke them show up unannounced in their house the very next day? Carrot Top simply couldn’t understand what Rarity could possibly be thinking, but she was too drained to care. The warmth of another’s touch, contrary to popular belief, was something she hadn’t felt in some time, and she wouldn’t have fought it anyways, even if it had been somepony she detested. Convinced her tears had run themselves dry, she looked up through burning, bleary eyes to a pony that was as confusing to her as she was beautiful.

“As much... as I like having a... a mare in bed with me, it’s rather... mean to tempt me like this, don’t you think?” Rarity shifted, her mind not having been anywhere close to anything sensual until the mare had said something. In truth, it was, perhaps, the most suggestive setting she’d allowed herself to be in, and thus she released the mare and scooted far enough away that another pony could have lain between them.

“I apologize, I was not attempting to lead you on.” Neither of them said anything, each gauging the other to try and figure out what they were thinking. Rarity soon grew frustrated with failed telepathy and, with a sigh, made the first step towards reparations. “I... may have been a bit forceful in my... warning against carnal advances, so for any undue emotional distress I have caused, I’m sorry.”

“Yes, well, that’s the last time I try to lend my hoof to the more elite members of society. Clearly, the lower rung is where I belong...”

“Stop that.” I know not why, but I find this mare’s self pity most aggravating, and I won’t abide it. “I may consider myself an upper class mare, but believe me when I say that many of the ponies I seek to impress are quite hollow and worth little more than showering me with praise. The fact that... you are as broken as you are means I woefully misjudged you... You were trying to help, weren’t you.” Carrot Top closed her eyes, not responding immediately.

“I was... really hoping that the carrot wouldn’t be enough...” It was lewd, and offensive to Rarity’s sensibilities, but what the mare was really saying was that she didn’t want to be alone, and that was something Rarity could commiserate with.

If it... weren’t for my commitment, to myself and to Sweetie Belle... the decision I made the moment I donned this ring, I’d... readily give you want you want, Carrot Top. Though... maybe there is another way. “I know that my friends are not the type of ponies you usually hang out with. In fact, it’s a little bizarre that we stick together as well as we do, because honestly, we come from many different walks of life. Especially that hard-headed Applejack! Trust me when I say that we’ve had more than our fair share of squabbles...”

“What exactly are you...”

“I’m organizing a party for this evening, and I would like you to attend as my guest.”

“You’re... you’re serious?” Carrot Top replied hesitantly, sniffing. “I know for a fact there are several ponies there who won’t want anything to do with me, Applejack first and foremost, so why... would I go?”

“Because...” Rarity started, pulling the stubborn mare upright, “A night spent with others isn’t a night spent alone. Even if it’s tinged with pain, or disappointment, it’s time where, for just a few precious hours, one can forget their troubles. Or, perhaps, that is simply how I feel. Besides... I know of a mare that could likely be a great encouragement to you.”

“Yes, because there’s totally going to be another slutty mare that spends most every night longing for somepony to bed.”

“Well, she used to, until she found somepony worth staying with.” Carrot Top said nothing, continuing to stare down at her hooves. “I wouldn’t dream of forcing you, but the offer stands. I will stop by here again tonight to hear your final decision. Do think about it.” Rarity stood to leave, but one final, pointed question bid her pause.

“Why the buck are you trying to help, Rarity? You can’t stand mares like me. If it’s guilt or pity, I don’t need any from a prissy mare like you.”

“As of recently... I’ve found that helping others is a better use of my time than spinning dresses for fame.” Prissy? On the outside, I suppose so. “I don’t think we’re really that different, you and I, as much as it pains me to say it.” With that, Rarity made her exit, leaving Carrot Top to ponder her words. The mare needed time, and Rarity had some thinking of her own to do.

Fluttershy couldn’t really say when she had fallen asleep, or for how long, but she awoke quite refreshed with a hankering for a nice cup of tea. Knowing she hadn’t been giving Angel near enough attention, she arose, set some water to boil, and trotted outside where she found her ill-tempered friend looking surprisingly demure, sitting by the pond and staring at his reflection. It was rare that he become contemplative, and she didn’t really want to interrupt, but she extended an invitation for him to join her anyways. He quietly agreed, plodding inside and plopping down on the couch.

“Would you like something to eat? I bet your favorite salad could help cheer you up!” He nodded once, offering no additional demands or complaints, and Fluttershy set about fixing her specialty which, fortunately, she had nearly all the ingredients for. Carrying the dish out, she set it down and watched him set in, slightly worried that he didn’t even pause to point out the missing cherry on top. This is very unlike him. I guess I really haven’t been giving him enough attention, but I would have expected him to be angry, not all quiet. He paused about halfway through his meal, looking up at his caretaker for a moment before gently shoving the bowl towards her.

“You want me to eat the rest?” He nodded once, pointing to what remained. “Did you not like it very much?” He shook his head, pointing again. “Are you full?” Another head shake. Fluttershy couldn’t figure it out, at least not until he cast an eye towards the bedroom where Whisper lay sleeping, a place he use to frequently do the same. He offered no resistance as he was gathered into caring hooves and held close. “I’m sorry I’ve been so busy, Angel bunny. I’ll tell you what, if you’re nice to Whisper, you can sleep inside with me tonight, ok?”

Finally, the mare gets it! I was afraid I was going to have to scrape the bowl for cream and draw her a map. Still... if it means I can be with her, and not spend another night outside, then I guess I can handle being just a little mushy. His purpose achieved, he quickly reverted to his old self, popped out of her hooves, and set about devouring what remained of his special meal, though he did feel the tiniest pang of guilt as Fluttershy suppressed a smile and walked away. He followed her into the kitchen, and she turned as he tapped on one of her hooves, holding up just a single leaf of lettuce.

“You’re so cute when you’re generous.” It was a bit much for the bunny’s image, but under the circumstances, he fought the urge to snatch his paw away and munch it himself, though he still maintained a look of boredom as Fluttershy ate it out of his paw. She had just begun to pour herself some of her favorite rosehip tea when a knock on the door bid her set the kettle down, and who else should she find at the door but Rarity. “Oh, do come in. I just brewed some tea, and I made extra, if you’d like some.”

“That sounds lovely, but won’t I startle your stallion if I enter?” she replied, scanning around the room.

“Um, well, he’s sleeping right now. He got really tired after practicing magic with Cerulean, so he’s getting some rest. If you’re quiet, it should be ok.” Not one to pass up a nice spot of tea with her old spa buddy, she agreed readily, trotting inside and setting herself on the couch, gratefully accepting her drink, immediately blowing steam from the top of the cup. “So what did you need, Rarity?”

“I was just curious if you had made a decision on whether or not you were coming, and your stallion as well. I’m sure he could have a good time if he gave it a try.”

“That’s probably true, but I haven’t had a chance to ask him yet, he... oh!” she stopped suddenly, turning as the sleepy stallion staggered out of the room. “Whisper, are you ok?”

“My head hurts,” he sent, adopting a pouting face not becoming of his physical age but entirely appropriate for his youthful personality. He glanced over at Rarity as Fluttershy rose to meet him, shrugged it off, and followed his mare back into the livingroom. “You still really like my mane, don’t you?”

“Hmmm? Oh dear, I was staring, wasn’t I?” Rarity muttered, shaking her head. “Well, it really is quite fabulous, so of course I do! I must say, you seem quite a bit less frightened than I expected you to be.”

“After... this afternoon, I don’t think anypony will scare me quite so bad,” he replied, shuddering as he remembered the terror of wearing a horn limiter. While not quite ready to brave heading to town on his own, meeting ponies individually had, on the whole, become much less frightening when compared alongside being thrust into a world of absolute silence.

“Whisper? It’s actually good that you’re awake, because I have a question for you. Would it be ok if I went to a party with Rarity?”

“A party? What’s that? Can I come, or would there be other ponies?”

“A party is like... like a big gathering of friends. You eat tasty food, and dance to music, and, well, everything is really fun. But yes, there will be a lot of ponies you still haven’t met yet, which is why I didn’t ask if you wanted to go.” He could feel just how badly she wanted to go, the excitement bubbling under the surface readily apparent, and not just in her heart. And yet, it would mean his being alone for a space of time he couldn’t guess.

I kind of want to go, but... I’m still really tired, and my head feels like it’s been microwaved. “Fluttershy, it’s ok if you want to go. I’ll probably just sleep some more, but can you spend a little time with me first?”

“Yay! Thank you, Whisper, and of course I can spend some time with you. When’s the party, Rarity?”

“Well, originally I had told everypony seven thirty at the barn, but given the time, I'd say closer to eight is our best bet. That will give Pinkie somewhere close to an hour and a half to prepare by the time I make it back. Will that work?”

“Yes, that’s fine. Oh, this is exciting! I can hardly wait.” They bantered a little bit more while Rarity sipped her tea and Whisper rested his head in Fluttershy’s lap, and after draining her cup, Rarity bid them both farewell and set about making her rounds, doling out her final invitations before reporting back to Pinkie that the party was on, and everypony was coming. Fearing she would fall into a sugar coma just by looking at the mounds of sweets Pinkie had baked, Rarity bid her farewell, noted that it wasn’t long before the party was to begin, and steeled herself for yet another visit to Carrot Top’s abode.

The faint crackle of static added its voice to the first eager crickets heralding the darkness of the evening, Whisper’s reward in the form of a movie having ended some ten minutes past. Fluttershy glanced at the clock, finding herself excited to see her friends and yet unwilling to move from bed. Whisper had enjoyed the movie, for however much he had stayed awake for it, but soon found the comfort of a warm lap to lay his head and a soothing hoof running through his mane to be too great a narcotic to keep his tired eyes open. A faint smile arose from his lips as Fluttershy kissed his cheek, cradled him a few moments long, and gently eased herself out of bed.

Don’t worry, Whisper. Someday, you’ll have a party of your own. Oh, I really hope he’ll be ok at home alone for a bit. “Sleep well, Whisper.” Turning off the television and the lights, she stepped out into the night and made for Sweet Apple Acres. She heard the sounds well before she made it to the barn, and even though she was used to Pinkie Pie’s parties, she had clearly pulled out all the stops in an attempt to make the event what she felt the Grand Galloping Gala should have been. Sweets enough to feed everypony present for likely a week, her special punch which even Silver had to admit was divine, complete with a smaller bowl Gummy could have to himself, streamers galore and enough confetti to constitute a rainbow colored blizzard: it truly was a marvel. The queen of parties herself bounded over, grabbed Fluttershy by the hoof and whirled her into the throng of dancing ponies, and any worries soon melted away as she enjoyed a time of fun with all of her friends.

All her friends save Rarity, who was strangely absent from a celebration of her own planning. Fluttershy excused herself from the dancing ponies and made her way over to Applejack who was watching the scene from afar with Rainbow Dash, neither of them wanting to get too rowdy given their condition.

“Hey there, sugarcube. How’re you likin’ the party?” Applejack called, waving her over. “Ah haven't seen Pinkie this excited in quite some time.”

“Yeah, she really outdid herself this time. It’s almost as crazy as your engagement party was, Applejack,” Dash chimed in, devouring a slice of cake and washing it down with some punch.

“It’s a lot of fun, but has anypony seen Rarity?” Fluttershy asked, continuing to look from face to face.

“‘Fraid not, Fluttershy. Ah was hopin’ to... yer kiddin’...” Applejack’s expression soured like milk left on the countertop on a hot summer day as the mare in question made her entrance, with a certain orange maned earth pony in tow. “What in tarnation is she doin’ here? She better keep her filthy hooves off of Silver, or there’s gonna be trouble.” Between her low growl and narrowed eyes, Fluttershy knew it was both pointless to try and calm her friend and that she spoke the truth. Carrot Top hesitated at the door, looking straight at Applejack before turning to leave when Rarity barred the way. “Rarity... with that mare... she’s got some explainin’ t’ do.”

Shooting Applejack a glare of her own, Rarity led her charge over to where Crimson and Big Mac were having a merry time indulging in dissipation, but a few whispered words induced and instant calm, and quietly excusing herself, Rarity left Carrot Top with Crimson so she could deal with the glowering farmer in the back. “This was supposed t’ be a party fer friends, Rarity, not floozies that organize hostile stallion takeovers.”

“Has it ever occurred to you, Applejack, that Carrot Top may be more than she seems?” Rarity countered, defending her unlikely guest.

“Yeah, it has, but that don’t make what she’s done any different, and I ain’t heard any kind o’ apology, so you’ll have t’ fergive me fer bein’ a little put off by the fact that she’s here.”

“Applejack, don’t be like that,” Fluttershy urged, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “Remember how much you didn’t like Crimson, but she had a reason for, um, being like that too. So maybe just try to give her a chance?”

“Always the kind one, Fluttershy,” she murmured, sighing. “Ah won’t say nothin’ so long as she behaves. Ah’ve gotten mahself into trouble jumpin’ t’ conclusions many a time, an’ ah don’t really want t’ repeat it again. Ah’ll go apologize fer givin’ her the evil eye, ok?”

“Ever the lady, Applejack,” Rarity quipped, donning a faint smile as her stubborn friend rolled her eyes and cantered off through the crowd. “Thank you, Fluttershy. Where’s Whisper, is he not with you?”

“Well, he didn’t ask to come, and he was really tired. I left him home, but... I wish he was here.”

“Dear, you didn’t have to come if you didn’t want to.”

“But you sounded really excited, and I really do want to spend some time with you, and Rainbow Dash, and Twilight, and everypony else,” she replied, shaking her head and looking around the room at a sea of familiar faces. “I may be pretty shy, and I spend a lot of time at the cottage, but it’s always really nice to spend some time together like this. Don’t worry, Rarity. Next time, I’ll bring him for sure.”

Finding his head, which was now no longer pounding, not in the lap of his mare, no longer present, bred mixed emotions within Whisper as he awoke. The house was dark and silent, much like the forest all the nights he had spent alone in the wild, and for no other reason than that he didn’t feel like sitting still, and moving would make noise, he hoisted himself out of bed, waited for the head rush to wear off, and trotted out into the living room. He hadn’t expected to find Fluttershy, but he was disappointed nonetheless, and stood still for a time, not having any idea what to do. At least, not until a sudden soft, furry foot landed itself on his hind quarters, prompting a soft yelp, which shook the windows but did no immediate damage, and bid him turn to find Angel on his back, glaring at the unicorn for his unnecessary magical punishment. Hauling himself upright, he pointed at the door, giving Whisper a look more condescending than he would have guess possible with such a cute, furry face.

“You want me to go outside?” Using his paws to mimic wings, he flapped them a few times and pointed again. “Oh, you want me to go find Fluttershy, right?” Nodding once, Angel hopped over and threw open the door, looking expectantly at Whisper. “But... what if she doesn’t want me at the party? She said she wanted to hang out with her friends...” Whisper suddenly found that Angel contained quite a bit more strength than he would have guessed, and a firm tug on the stallion’s mane brought him to the bunny’s eye level, where he gave the unicorn a sharp rap on the forehead and pointed one more time, as if to say “go now before I have to get nasty.”

Whisper complied, but what Angel hadn’t planned on was accompanying him most of the way. Having no idea where the barn was, never having been there, Angel soon found himself being carried in the most undignified manner he could possibly imagine, and no amount of struggling seemed to loosen the fur around the scruff of his neck from the blasted unicorn’s teeth. Whisper, on his part, was bewildered over how so much anger could be contained within one tiny rabbit, but as they entered the orchard, all such thoughts came to a halt.

To fully understand Whisper’s amazement, first imagine a world where food was scarce, each and every day a struggle for survival in a land fraught with dangerous beasts, scarce water, and the horrible monstrosities known as ponies. Now, imagine being yanked from such a wasteland and thrust into a modern pony orchard, with more apples than could ever possibly be eaten by a single pony. Whisper’s trot slowed to an awed walk as he found himself nearly breathless at the bounty of the earth, growing in unnaturally straight lines and brimming with fruit. It was simply too much for his mind to fathom such wonders, and he stopped his advance, closed his eyes, and took a deep draft of the fruity fragrance swirling all around him, marveling that ponies could create such a utopia.

His revery was shattered by the fury of an enraged bunny, and he dutifully continued towards the sounds he could clearly hear echoing through the night. Deciding he had tormented the critter enough, and he would likely never be forgiven, he set Angel down and watched as he took off, disappearing quickly into the night. He approached the building cautiously, using all his knowledge of stealth to make sure he wasn’t noticed. Sidling up beside the building, he slowly rose and looked in through a window, his mind blown by the sheer number of ponies and levels of excitement being displayed.

Fluttershy has this many friends? This is crazy, there are like... a lot of ponies in there! And they’re all acting like... like... And then suddenly, the light went on. They’re having fun, just like me. Chancing another peek, he watched in amazement as ponies danced, sang, ate and all around had a great time. A group of little fillies and a purple creature he didn’t quite recognize where making an absolute mess of themselves, pelting each other with all manner of gooey sweets, and above all else, as he scanned the room and saw Fluttershy, he could see just from her face that she was having a blast. And yet, there he was, alone on the outside. Sinking back down, he placed a hoof against the barn, feeling the bass from the music shaking the building. I want... to be sharing this with you. I’m tired of being afraid, of being on the outside, but I can’t... I can’t even talk yet... He placed his other hoof to the building, opening his eyes as something inside shifted. I’m done hiding. I refuse to be afraid any longer. I’ll find my voice, my song, and when it’s safe, Fluttershy... you’ll be the first pony to hear it. He gave one last look inside before trotting away, the fires of determination stoked and ready to forge a new path; one where fear had no part or portion.

“Ewww... Spike, that’s gross! There are ladies present, you know,” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as Spike’s tongue made short work of the dessert covering him from spine to claw.

“Gross? I’m clean now, and you’re still covered in pie, Sweetie Belle. I’m just glad I’m not you. Rarity is gonna have a fit when she sees what...”

“Sweetie Belle! What in Equestria... your mane! I spent nearly an hour on that!” Rarity wailed, rushing over. “Now, what have you got to say for yourself? I may be generous, but that’s just insulting the way you tossed aside your beauty for... this,” she muttered, drawing back a bit so as to not get any on her.

“Spike started it.”

“Huh? Wait, no, no I didn’t! Scootaloo threw the first pie!” he countered, pointing an accusing claw at the filly who was completely unbothered by her regression back to her normal mode of operation.

“Well, you were the first one to attack Sweetie Belle. Actually, now that I think about it, did he even come after us, Applebloom?”

“Ah don’t think so. Spike, what’ve you got against Sweetie Belle, anyhow? You should be ashamed o’ yerself.”

“Wha... but... I don’t... why do girls always team up like this?” he shouted, holding his head.

“Spike, there are better ways to show affection than ruining my little sister’s mane like this. Come, Sweetie Belle, let’s get you cleaned up before your performance. You two as well, and I daresay I may need your assistance, Applebloom.”

“Sure thing, Rarity! Spike, don’t ruin anypony else’s mane while we’re away, alright?” Twilight, who had observed the proceedings from afar, chuckled as her student’s jaw came unhinged, making repeated attempts to close but not getting more than a fraction of an inch.

“So Spike,” she started, cantering over and sitting beside him, “did you learn anything yet?”

“Yeah, I did. Fillies are a total pain in the tail!” he huffed, folding his arm across his chest.

“But that’s what you said yesterday.”

“I guess I learned it twice, then. Seriously, none of your friends are this annoying.”

“Slumber party. The whole Miss Smartypants escapades. And I don’t even need to remind you about my brother’s wedding when nopony believed a word I said.”

“Oh... right. Ok, fine.”

“Come on,” she encouraged, nudging him and motioning for him to follow. “Let’s get you ready. You’re playing the piano, right?”

“Yeah... I’m a little nervous, I haven’t had much time to practice.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll just cast a noise cancelling spell so you can get some warm up time in while the ladies are away. Besides, I think you could stand to be spruced up a bit too.”

“Does that mean...” As they neared the makeshift stage where Sweetie was to sing, Twilight bid him stop, concentrated her magic, and soon he was sporting not just his favorite stache, but a tuxedo to match. “Now, come on. You want to be at your best for Sweetie Belle, I’m sure.”

“Why does everypony keep talking about us like that? It’s not like we’re a couple. Sheesh!” Setting himself down on the stool, he wriggled his fingers, looked over the music, and gave Twilight the nod. Ugh, not you too, Twilight. “Do you have a spell to wipe that ridiculous smile off your muzzle, Twilight? I swear, sometimes you’re just as bad as Rarity.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, thank you. Don’t worry too much, I’m sure you’ll do fine.” Erecting the sound barrier and ignoring his mumbling, she gave the dragon his space and returned to mingle, wondering if there were any truth behind her teasing. Around an hour later, Rarity returned with the fillies, looking every bit as fabulous as the moment they arrived, and Pinkie stopped the record so that everypony could enjoy a live performance. Casting a quick spell on Spike to calm him down, he played almost as flawlessly as Sweetie Belle sang, resulting in rousing cheers and cries for more after every song.

Rarity found her concentration broken as she looked over at Crimson and noticed that she had completely lost track of Carrot Top, though it didn’t take long to find her. She was sitting on a hay bale outside the barn looking into the fields, her thousand yard stare undisturbed by Rarity’s approach.

“While I can appreciate natural beauty, I daresay that you don’t seem to be taking much notice of it,” Rarity mused aloud, seating herself beside the mare. “Did... somepony say something to you?”

“No, everypony has been far kinder than I would have expected,” Carrot Top replied softly, blinking a few times and lowering her gaze to the ground. “I appreciate you introducing me to Crimson, but her story... has only made me think more than I’d like, rather than bring me any comfort.”

“I see. I apologize for my assumption, then.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t find comfort in coming, Rarity,” the mare corrected, a faint smile lighting her otherwise sullen features. “You were right, that getting away even for a little while was worth it. Even though I’m thinking now, on the whole, I’ve been less absorbed with my problems. I think... I need to start repairing some of the friendships that I’ve let fall through.”

“What’s this, a mare of ill repute indulging serious thought? I must say, I find such a change rather becoming of you, Carrot Top.” Rarity’s smile was brief, as she saw it wasn’t shared.

“I never said that I stopped wanting it, Rarity. It’s not that I feel better, more that I feel... I don’t know, convicted or something. Seeing so many ponies inside, so different and yet sharing such a bond... I’ve all but severed myself from such things.”

“Sometimes, all it takes is one pony reaching out to make the difference. Come back inside, Carrot Top. I shan’t have you moping about out here when there is booze to drink and sweets baked to perfection. I believe there were some rather classy cookies inside that require our immediate attention.”

“Thanks, but I think I’ll stick to something more my status, like mud pie.”

“Oh, now that does sound dreadful. Is that even a food?” Rarity asked, holding open the door as Carrot Top let slip a small laugh.

“Looks like there is a thing or two I can teach a prissy mare like you.”

Ok, this is as good a place as any. Whisper had made his way back to the cottage, the path from Sweet Apple Acres being fairly easy to remember, before wandering into the surrounding woodlands. He didn’t want to travel so far as the pond at night, but he did manage to find a small clearing in the trees that would present minimal hazards should his magic get out of hoof. Picking up a small branch from the forest floor, he set it in front of him and closed his eyes, trying to remember everything Cerulean had taught him that afternoon. Unlike when he listened to other ponies emotions, or shouted, or whatever it was that was happening in the forest, his magic fought him every step of the way. A green aura lit up the scene as he attempted to lift little more than a twig, but rather than rise from the ground, the brittle stick collapsed, snapping as it was assailed by Whisper’s uncontrolled magic.

Brushing it away, he grabbed another and tried again, straining to let his magic out slowly, and again crushing an object he simply wanted to lift. Frustration rose and the magic suddenly flowed much easier, but he quelled it, calming himself and repeating his failure again and again, slowly draining his strength with each try. After somewhere around fifty times with not even the slightest hint of success, he looked around him at the ring of broken sticks, a smoldering anger at his ineptitude rising from the pit of his stomach. Yanking over another stick, he threw caution to the wind, letting his embitterment run freely as he poured out another dose of magic, but instead of simply snapping the branch, it burst into flames, and his startled cry blasted the pieces back, extinguishing the fire.

It wasn’t the fear of lighting the forest ablaze, or that he had hurt somepony with his outburst, but an indescribable terror over what he had seen that threatened his resolve, and for a time, he sat staring at the ground, deep in thought. Seeing the flames had stirred something deep in the recesses of his mind, but as he remembered back to the party, and how happy Fluttershy had been, he knew he had to continue. Calming his heart and mind, he shook off his fears and continued in practice until he was forced to stop, his chest heaving from expending far more magic than Cerulean would ever have allowed. The lancing pains in his head came back, and knowing he was likely to get an earful from Fluttershy if she were to see him, he trudged back to the cottage, climbed into the shower to wash away the dirt, and collapsed under the downpour, his head resting against the wall as his body dictated a necessary shut down to recover.

Carrot Top had, on occasion, hung out with Berry Punch, so she knew a buzz when she felt one, but given her usual mode of conduct in basically every situation, she feared what would happen should she exceed more than a few drinks. Rarity, on the other hoof, was well past buzzed by the time the party drew to a close, and Carrot Top was beginning to grow quite tired of supporting the drunken mare as they made their way back through town, and thus posed the near delirious fashion queen a question.

“Rarity, as much as I love a good workout, I prefer a more enjoyable way of going about it,” Carrot Top strained, supporting likely half, if not more, of her new friend’s body weight. “Is there any chance I can convince you to just spend the night at my place?”

“Oh, now doesn’t that shound delightful!” she replied, convinced in her head that she wasn’t as drunk as she was letting on. Not bothering to follow up her question to make sure she wasn’t just saying so, Carrot Top deviated from their path and gratefully set Rarity upright, the mare swaying a bit but proving quite capable of carrying herself. “Any reason you made me carry you if you can walk?”

“Now that’s no fun! Beshides, I am... a lady, remembher?”

“Clearly, I forgot, your highness,” Carrot Top replied, allowing a grin as Rarity tottered inside and looked around in a daze. “Couch is all yours. I’ve had enough for one night, so make yourself comfortable. There should be an extra blanket in the closet if you need one, though in your case... I doubt you’ll need it.”

“Come now, you expect shomepony as refined as myshelf to sleep... on a couch?” Ignoring the inquiry and labeling it as further teasing, Carrot Top waved her off and flopped gratefully into bed, burying her muzzle into her pillow and letting slip a long sigh.

It’s certainly been an interesting evening... I still can’t believe that Applejack apologized, after I’m the one that led an army of mares against her husband. Seriously, what’s with those ponies? Still... She rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling for a moment before again closing her eyes. It wasn’t so bad... And I’d probably do it again. But now that I’m here alone, it’s gonna come back... Hopefully, I can just get to sleep before I feel it. Already warm despite the cool breeze wafting in through the window, the mare forsook her covers and settled deeper into her bed, wondering if she really would be so lucky as to drift off quickly. A sudden weight on the bed accompanied by the squeaking of springs bid her open sleepy eyes - eyes that held nothing but confusion as to why Rarity saw fit to stand over her with a faintly glowing horn. “Rarity... I’m really, really not in the mood for teasing. Just go to sleep.”

“I believe... I said that I require a bed,” she murmured, giggling as she let her eyes roam.

Seriously? I walk you home, give you a place to stay, and you demand I give you my bed? I can be giving sometimes, but that’s just... “Fine, whatever, Rarity. The beds all yours, I’ll sleep on the couch.” She attempted to sit up when firm hooves shoved her back down, and any semblance of fatigue fled as her sensual nature flared, waking her completely. “Rarity, what are you...”

“Shhh...” she hushed, pressing a hoof over the mare’s lips. “I like to be generous.” Carrot Top swallowed hard as the mare’s hoof slid away and began twirling her mane.

“What... what about what you...” Her words cut off as Rarity leaned in close, her mouth hovering from Carrot Top’s for just a moment before pressing in deep. Common sense told Carrot Top to push her away, to stop what was happening, but she couldn’t find the strength. Hesitation lasted for but a moment before she pressed back, cursing her hooves even as they ran the length of the mare’s body, tracing her curves as she felt her most carnal desires flaring within.

Rarity, this is too much... There’s no way I could... bring myself to stop now, so I’ll at least make this worth your while. Elation replaced trepidation as she slid her tongue along the length of Rarity’s horn, relishing the the heat that coursed through her veins and the moans of a mare who had clearly kept things bottled inside for a very long time. Any last fragment of self control disappeared as Rarity pulled away, and without breaking eye contact, used her magic to shut the window. It's time for me to show... some generosity of my own. But... I'll make sure you still have something left to give, Rarity.

With an unintentional slam, a partially inebriated Fluttershy closed the door much louder than she had meant to. Not wanting to deal with the lights and having plenty of lunar glow lighting her path, she noted the light on in the bathroom and the sound of running water, paying it little heed as she climbed into bed. Alcohol, unless she drank enough to make her pass out, made sleep difficult for the mare, and even as tired as she was, she found herself staring at the ceiling and wanting her snuggle buddy to arrive and whisk her away to the land of dreams. She glanced at the clock, noted the time, and closed her eyes, lamenting the lack of a stronger breeze to cool the heat of dissipation.

“Ouch, what on...” she mumbled as a soft blow landed on her shoulder, and she pried her face from the pillows to find Angel pointing urgently at the door to the bathroom. “Ungh, he’s just taking a shower, Angel.” Her attempts to hug the bunny was avidly resisted, to a point that Fluttershy’s concern began to outweigh her fatigue. Angel pointed again to the bathroom door, and she cantered over, hesitating to bother him but knocking softly as Angel folded his arms across his chest, a sure sign he wasn’t about to budge.

“Hey, um, Whisper? Sorry to bother you, but is everything ok?” She waited for a time, and knocked again after receiving no message. “Whisper? Please, if you’re in there, can you tell me you’re alright?” After receiving no reply, she gently cracked open the door, staring inside for just a moment before rushing to the shower and throwing open the door, finding a terribly soaked Whisper still unconscious under a shower that had long since exhausted its supply of hot water. Slamming a hoof into the knob, she quickly shut off the flow and gathered the stallion into her hooves, checking for external signs of trauma of some kind but finding no indicators as to why he wasn’t responding. His breathing was shallow, but stable, and he was freezing cold from being under cold water for what Fluttershy guess to have been at least half an hour.

It was fortunate that Whisper was approximately the same size as Fluttershy, or she wouldn’t have been able to move him much at all. She pulled him out and dried him off, testing his pulse and breathing a sigh of relief that, as far as she could tell, he wasn’t in any immediate danger, but he’d have a dreadful cold it she didn’t warm him up soon. Cursing the alcohol that attempted to hinder her motor control, she managed to get him into bed, and without a thought crawled in beside him, ignoring the cold and shaking not from the discomfort, but the fear that whatever had happened was due to her leaving him to his own devices.

“I’m sorry, Whisper... I would never have... never have left if I had known this would happen...” Without thinking, she squeezed him tighter, and a moment later he stirred, coughing a little as consciousness slowly returned. “Whisper? Whisper, are you ok?” Her eyes tried to follow his message, but it was fragmented, and the letters faint. He let out a whimper and feebly brought a hoof to his head as a terrible headache set in. “Is there anything I can do to help? Anything at all?” Again a fragmented message tried to communicate, but she couldn’t understand. His eyes cracked open, staring at a mare who was clearly beside herself with worry and on the verge of tears, and rather than try again with what little magic remained, he removed his hoof from his head and gave a weak tug at her shoulders.

“You just... want me close?” He tried to nod, lowering his head, but not feeling the strength to bring it back up, let it sink into her chest. Fluttershy understood, and cradled him in her hooves, trying to be strong in his stead despite a mind wracked with uncertainty. No more messages were attempted, and he soon found himself mercifully within the realm of sleep. Fluttershy lay awake late into the night, making sure that his condition remained stable, and after two hours, she finally allowed herself to sleep, planting a kiss on his cheek and offering one last, heartfelt apology before caving to the urge for rest with Angel curled up beside her.

Strengthening Resolve

Chapter 31: Strengthening Resolve

It was a clash of emotions unlike anything Rarity had ever experienced, waking up the next morning. The pounding in her skull from the all-too-familiar sensation of hangover was set in direct opposition to the physical relief from her foray into night time revelry. Unfortunately, as she slowly sat up, she found herself bombarded with a million thoughts at once and startling clear memories. The physical ailments couldn’t hope to top a consuming guilt as she came to terms with what she had done.

The party... the alcohol... last night... everything happened as I hoped it would. I knew it could end like this, that I might be overcome, and I... wanted to be. I willingly stacked everything against myself, gave myself all the excuses to make it a reality, and then I... I gave in. She knew she had no right to be angry with Carrot Top, as she was all too aware she had started it, and she drew the sheets closer as bitter tears woke her slumbering companion, who could only lay still and curse her own weakness. Carrot Top knew that Rarity was of a split mind, on one hoof wanting to let her wildly passionate side run loose, but her other side wanting to keep it bound in chains. While the mindset wasn’t something Carrot Top could fully understand, the mare falling apart beside her was something she had expected would happen, but been too weak to stop.

How could I be so full of conviction one moment, only to turn around and throw it all away? My dreams... all gone... I can never undo last night, and how can I... Everything, even her sobs came to a halt as her eyes came to a rest upon her purity band, laying abandoned on a floor. It was a stake to the heart, a stark representation of exactly what she had allowed to come to pass. Strength fled from her limbs as she slumped back, weeping softly for what she’d lost. “It’s all gone. Years upon years of clinging to my dreams... shattered in one night...” Carrot Top felt a lump rise to her throat as she blinked back tears of her own.

I tried, Rarity. It wasn’t much, but I tried... Carrot Top’s feeble attempt at self justification fell flat as she watched the mare’s tears soak the sheets. I never wanted this, Rarity. Please, there has to be something I can do... I can’t undo last night, but maybe... maybe I can save the future. Slowly rising from the bed, she walked over and carefully picked up the purity band, turning it in her hooves for just a moment before approaching Rarity’s side. “Rarity... all is not lost,” Carrot Top said softly, bringing her hoof over and preparing to return the band when Rarity knocked it away, her face contorted in rage.

“Do not speak to me like you could possibly understand, Carrot Top! I remember everything, and I assure you, there is no stallion in the world that could possibly consider me pure!” she howled, glaring fiercely as her disgust for her actions threatened to rob her of rational thought altogether.

“If you’re so damn confident you’re as ‘unclean’ as me, then answer me this, Rarity: why the hay did you do it last night, huh? It wasn’t just because it felt good! You know how I know? There’s lust, and then there’s passion. I’ve seen a bucking lot of both, and last night was the latter!” Carrot Top shouted back, restraining the urge to knock some sense into the mare. Rarity’s glare slowly melted as the words sunk in, but she didn’t respond other than falling as silent as she could. “I may not... be your special somepony, but there was something else, wasn’t there...”

“I wasn’t... nearly as drunk as I appeared last night.”

“I figured as much,” Carrot Top conceded, letting slip a small sigh of relief. “It would certainly explain your sudden recovery of motor control upon arriving to my house...” Rarity nodded, continuing to cry softly as she came to terms with just how much blame she carried for what had transpired.

“I can’t begin to tell you how truly grieved I was, seeing the condition I put you in, so I... pushed myself to a point where I knew I wouldn’t have the strength to resist. I wanted to give in, Carrot Top. I cannot blame you, especially not after pushing you to drink as much as I did...” She didn’t have a chance to continue as Carrot Top threw her hooves around the unicorn and fell apart, a crushing sense of unworthiness accompanying the gratitude that came from the most selfless act of kindness she had ever had bestowed upon her.

I’ve never been like you, Rarity, even if it is... something I always admired. Maybe that’s why I gave in, why I wanted... to have you, just for a moment... But how could you... possibly justify sacrificing your dream for somepony like me? “It doesn’t... bucking make sense...”

“No, I suppose not,” Rarity murmured, returning the embrace. “Tell me, Carrot Top, why are you so fixated on eroticism?”

“Because I like it.” The unicorn stared blankly for a moment before shaking her head, unwilling to accept the statement at face value.

“I hardly believe that’s all there is to it.”

“No, it isn’t,” Carrot Top said softly, herself becoming contemplative as she wiped her eyes and pulled away. “There are a lot of reasons why, Rarity, but I think you’re after the more ‘deep,’ philosophical one. There’s nothing special about growing carrots for a living. I mean, honestly, what kind of pony is going to find that impressive? So I figured I’d find something else I could do to make ponies happy, and found that I was exceptionally adept at seeing another pony’s ‘needs’ are met. Every moan, every shriek and plea for more...” she paused, noting with faint amusement that Rarity appeared to be confused as to whether she should feel touched or revolted. “I like giving something to others, and sex is the most enjoyable way for me, ok?”

“I... see.” Well, I certainly can’t dispute the enjoyable part... “It doesn’t matter... I can’t share your perspective, despite how much I wish I could, and now I’ve defiled myself... Given something I can’t take back...” Rarity cringed as she felt the purity band slide into place once more, and she turned to find Carrot Top looking not sensual, but caring.

“Just because... you gave in to something you craved, it shouldn’t mean you can’t dare to dream. I still do,” she said with a weak, airy laugh, staring at her hooves. “If a pony... can’t accept you because you made what you believe is a mistake, then ask yourself, is that really the type of pony you’d want to try and live with for the rest of your days? Living a life with a constant need of unalterable perfection? That sounds more like a curse to me.” Rarity’s heart longed to accept it, but her mind pointed accusing hooves at her from all directions.

“But... I’m still...”

“Still Rarity.”

“Yes, but I’m...”

“Still bucking prissy, now stop cutting me off!” Carrot Top commanded, receiving a haughty look of indignation. “Good, at least you still have enough left in you to act like a snob,” she teased, Rarity’s mock outrage taking a slight hit as her scowl faltered. “Rarity... stay on the path you’ve set for yourself. In your mind, you fell, and I’m... truly sorry for playing a part in that, but that doesn’t mean you have to walk away from it. I... made sure that there was no penetration for a reason; I wanted you to still have something left to give...” Her gaze hardened as she put her hoof down, leaning closer and making sure Rarity knew she wasn’t going to budge. “I won’t let you walk away from your dream. Not everypony... can be as strong as you, walking the path you’re on.”

Rarity couldn’t help but wonder if she was speaking from experience, or just displaying an unexpected bout of wisdom. “We can only do as we feel is best. Each pony walks their own path, and I don’t hold yours in contempt, far from it. It’s going... to be hard, and it’s going to hurt, but Rarity... Look me in the face and tell me that you feel all hope is lost for you.”

“I... cannot. Carrot Top, I want to believe you, but it... it is difficult to reconcile what I know is true and what I feel inside...” A hoof tapped gently against her purity band, bringing a faint smile to her face as she grabbed hold of what little hope she felt remained. Even if... I cannot rightfully say that I have remained completely chaste, can I still seek to live as I used to? To pursue the path of a noble lady... Oh, but it’s going to be difficult with such vivid memories... “Do you think... that maybe we could...”

“Nope, not a chance,” Carrot Top interjected, not even letting the mare finish. “You were... astonishing for a first timer, I’m not going to lie. Nice blush, by the way, “ she commented as Rarity pointed her eyes elsewhere, though she was unable to hide the flush in her cheeks. “But you and I both know that any remedial lessons would just cause you further regret, and it kind of ruins the experience to wake up to a gloomy cloud of self-loathing, you know?”

“Listen to you, sounding so confident when we only started talking yesterday...”

“You did take things a bit quickly, even by my standards.” Rarity’s ears shot straight up, twitching as she suddenly realized that should word ever escape, her friends would give her no end of grief. “I know that... this may sound wrong, but... thank you, Rarity. I enjoyed being able to make somepony happy again, even if... it didn’t end the way I would have liked.” She watched as Rarity slowly stood, standing still for a moment before turning to face the mare.

“The outcome wasn’t ideal, no, but... perhaps this will somehow work out for the best. Truly, I have no idea how that could possibly be, but I can hope... I can dream. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I wish to sulk in the privacy of my own home. I wish you well, Carrot Top. Oh, and do feel free to drop by, so long as you leave your carrots at home.”

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that. Your horn was plenty enough to keep me for a while.” Not having any comeback save her cheeks deepening a shade and a slightly glowing horn as one of the more steamy memories came filtering back, she shook her head and gave one last half-hearted glare before trotting back home. She gently closed the door behind her, leaned back against it as she slid into a sitting position, and burst into tears as the effects of the encouraging words wore off and she was left with nothing save her fragmented dreams and crushing guilt.

What... have I spent my life chasing? A dream... a sweet, childish, wonderful dream, but... one that could only benefit myself. Is it selfish to want such a thing? To want perfection to simply find me... She knew it was, and as she looked around at a shop filled with dresses that screamed excess, pomp, and elitism, she was struck by how little all of it seemed to matter. What is praise from somepony I’ve never met before? What is being on the cover of a magazine... Glamour has its place, but it seems... I’ve been walking the wrong path. This isn’t the life I want, and I’ve simply been waiting for somepony to come and whisk my worries away.

“My, but that sounds... selfish,” she murmured, listening to her own voice. Praise from strangers isn’t anywhere near as gratifying as giving something back to somepony I care for. In my pursuit of beauty and fame, I seem to have... deviated from what I truly find enjoyable. Her tears slowed to a stop as the voice within her heart cried out over the choking despair. Like a photo album, every moment she’d spent exercising her selfless nature flashed before her, showing her the way. Her morality, the longing for a special somepony, and her high standards weren’t meant to be given up, as they were part of what made her the mare she wanted to be. But the selfishness of sloth, of wanting her dreams given to her with minimal effort, and the chasing of empty, materialistic pursuits...

“I daresay I’ve fallen quite a bit farther than I would have liked to admit... And I...” she paused, glaring at nothing in particular for a moment before heaving a sigh. “If I hadn’t... wound up in another mare’s bed, I doubt... I would have realized this, and I would have continued on chasing the wrong things. In the end... this is likely a much less harsh reality to face... than finding perfection and falling short.” It didn’t stop the pain, and it certainly didn’t heal a heart that had just been shattered, but amongst the debris she may just have found the true essence of her beauty; a giving heart. Picking herself up, she held her head high, determined to become the mare she wanted to be, to hold herself to the same standard of purity, and strive to use her talents for the good of others, not amassing fame and fortune.

She knew that she would likely feel the aftershock come nightfall. There was simply no way to recover from such devastation in a day, but as fervor slowly simmered down, her first priority became easing the pounding in her skull, and she noted ruefully that she was low on her supply of hangover cure upon delving into the fridge. Downing a vial, she sighed softly as the headache receded, after which she cantered to the shower, switched it onto a cool setting first, and gasped as the frigid downpour robbed her of breath. After the shock wore off, she upped the heat and let the worries wash away with the sweat from the previous evening.

Carrot Top’s encouragement, especially coming from a mare such as that, had managed to lead her to find a truth buried within, one that gave her a hope that transcended the pain of falling. In fact, she found herself humming happily to herself, feeling strangely refreshed, and she made a point of finding a way to thank Pinkie for throwing such an amazing party. What Rarity didn’t expect was to suddenly find Pinkie inside the shower with her, and she couldn’t help but scream as she cracked open her eyes to find the party mare herself beaming up at her, her body trembling with excitement that her mortal shell could scarcely contain.

“Woohoo~!” Pinkie cried, matching the duration of Rarity’s scream before devolving into giggles at the mare’s surprise.

“Pinkie, what in Equestria are you doing in my shower? This is a private activity, one that I do not share with other ponies!”

“Why not? It’s just like playing in a pool or running through the streets on a rainy day!”

“Clearly, the subtle nuances of romance are lost on you,” she replied with a sigh, her droll tone having no effect on Pinkie’s ecstasy. “Again I ask, why are you here?”

“I just wanted to give you a extra big, super duper thank you for helping me throw that party! I mean, that was, like, the best party since... a really long time! I had sooo much fun, and it was all your idea! Now, all that funny stuff that was rattling around in my head isn’t bugging me anymore, and I’m totally excited about it!”

“You’re, eh... quite welcome, dear.” Goodness, Pinkie, but you are a lot to handle in the morning... “Was there something else?”

“Nopey dopey! Sorry, I’ll let you get back to getting clean. Oh! And I left some cupcakes in the kitchen for you. Later!” With that, the mare bounced out and away, leaving the door wide open and Rarity wondering what exactly had gotten the mare so excited, given that parties were nearly a weekly event for the mare. Still, her worries had been pushed down further still, and she found herself grateful for the untimely, and slightly unsettling, intrusion. Finishing up and drying off, she cantered out to the main room and sifted through the work orders that had been piling up as her struggle had mounted.

“No play for me anytime soon, it seems. All right, let’s make things fabulous!” Within minutes, she was absorbed in her work with a focus she hadn’t felt in ages, and she was whipping out stunning dresses with ease. A renewed vigor coursed through her veins, and she made a mental note to make something special for Carrot Top when she had the time, which, given her backordered state, may be in weeks, not days. Nevertheless, she was not by this intimidated, and she applied herself wholeheartedly.

Morning birdsong sounded like a dirge to Fluttershy, the rooster’s crow like funeral bells. Whisper lay asleep in her embrace, just as he had when she had fallen asleep, and though his breathing was stronger, the fact that he was still asleep worried her greatly. Yet, as much as she wanted to feel some comfort herself, to see those green letters form a coherent sentence, she grew frightened as her mind conjured horrible scenarios that could cause such a thing to happen. A sudden intake of breath caused her to flinch, and she waited to hear something shatter as Whisper woke with a sneeze, but his body was too tired, his magic still not fully restored, and himself too exhausted for anything to be translated magically. Unfortunately, this was even less comforting than the sound of breaking glass would have been.

“W-Whisper? Are... are you ok?”

“I... think so...” The words formed slowly, like it as difficult for him to manage. Fluttershy knew it was selfish to want to pry further, and for a time, she didn’t, choosing to hold him in silence. “I’m sorry... for worrying you. I’m really... ok.” His hooves pushed weakly against her chest, and she pulled away a little as he leaned forward, kissing her for just a moment before his head dropped down to her chest.

“Whisper, what happened while I was gone?” She waited ten seconds, twenty, and on to a minute, but no messages came. She glanced down to see if he had passed out, but his eyes were opened halfway, and he glanced up at her for just a moment before breaking eye contact. “Whisper, if you could, um, please talk to me.”

If I tell her that this is what happened from trying to practice on my own, she’ll probably try and stop me. I need to keep going, but that means I have to hide it. I don’t know that I can... But I have to try. For her. “I’m...” What can I say? I don’t want to tell her something that isn’t true. I’d be really hurt if she did that to me, but... “I can’t talk about it.” It was a weak reply, one that begged to be dissected and pulled apart, and while not always the most forceful pony, Fluttershy wasn’t about to accept that for a moment.

“Whisper, you need to tell me. Did somepony do this to you?”

“No.”

“Did you do something naughty?”

What, like rolling in the hay? He struggled away and opened his eyes fully, quieting her anxious questioning with a single, pleading look. “I’d never do anything like that with somepony else. Fluttershy, can you trust me?” Simply knowing the correct answer doesn’t always make it easy to give. Fluttershy knew that he had never given her a reason to doubt, had always remained faithful, and always thought of her first, but as she saw him wipe a slightly runny nose, her concern clashed with her better judgement.

“Whisper, I...” I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what to say. I... Her thoughts paused as he shifted forward, bringing his muzzle forward and gently pressing his lips to her forehead, holding them there for a while before nuzzling in under her nose. “Ok... I’ll trust you Whisper, but please... whatever it is that you’re up to, be careful. I don’t like seeing you like this.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful from now on, and Fluttershy? Thank you. Everything is going to be ok.”

“Silly, that’s what I’m supposed to say, you know,” she murmured, returning his nuzzle and placing a hoof over his cheek. They shared a little more time together before Fluttershy was forced to go about her usual chores, during which Whisper continued to doze. He didn’t awaken again until some time after one in the afternoon, and when he did, the first thing he did was ask for food, followed shortly thereafter by a request for Cerulean to make a house visit. It wasn’t long until the blue unicorn was standing by the bedside, and at Whisper’s behest, Fluttershy left the two alone.

“It must be serious if you don’t want Fluttershy around, Whisper. What’s going on, little brother?”

“I tried to practice more magic yesterday...”

“I see. That explains why you’re so out of it today. You didn’t stop until you collapsed, I’m guessing.”

“How did you...”

“Trust me, I’ve exhausted myself many a time, just like you. Whisper, magic is as important to a unicorn as it is dangerous. If you ever run yourself completely dry of magic, you may die. You have to be careful, and especially as much trouble as you have controlling it, well, you tend to let a lot out at once. How long were you practicing?”

“I... don’t really know. I had a horrible headache, and it was really hard to stand. I remember climbing into the shower, and then I woke up here, in bed. I thought my head was going to split open or something...”

“Why, Whisper? Why are you doing this to yourself? Take it slowly, just...”

“I wanna talk!” Whisper noticed the softness fade from his brother’s features but he didn’t stop. “I know Fluttershy wants to see me get better. I wanna sing again, and laugh like when I was at the beach! I have to get better for her, so I can make her happy!”

“Tell me, Jade...”

His voice... got really scary.

“Is Fluttershy... pushing you to this?”

“No, not at all. She actually wants me to stop. Brother, why are you acting so scary?” Whisper couldn’t have known, not having no memory of home, but what Cerulean saw was a parallel between Whisper’s position and his parents. It was like poison oak to the soul, and it took all his self-control to maintain an even expression.

“I’m sorry, Whisper. I’m probably wrong.” Whisper saw past the feeble apology, as the war within his brother was still raging full force. “Don’t over do it. Please, for my sake, don’t strain yourself.”

“I won’t, not like this again. I... brother? Brother, wait!” Even after Cerulean closed the door, the messages kept coming, but he didn’t want to be seen in what he knew was likely an unjustified rage. Watching his parents’ relationship crumble had torn him apart then, and he wasn’t about to sit by and let the same happen to his little brother. Rationally, he knew there was simply no way a mare like Fluttershy could do something like that, but fear, by its very nature, is often unmerited.

“Cerulean, is everything ok? You look really upset...” Covering his face to give himself time to calm down, he took a deep breath and managed a neutral expression.

“Fluttershy... please, don’t hurt him.”

“Hurt him? I would never do that! Cerulean? Wait, what do you mean?” she called out as he walked to the door, pausing with it half way open and looking over his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Fluttershy. You didn’t deserve that... Can you forgive me?”

“Yes, of course, but, um, can you at least tell me what I did?”

“You didn’t do anything, Fluttershy. Just...” I shouldn’t even say it. She wouldn’t dream of it, Cerulean, so get that through your thick skull and stop acting like such a bucking jerk. “I was... reminded of something really painful,” he answered, turning to face her and trotting back over. “Jade has... been through a lot. And seeing you two together gives me hope for him. He doesn’t belong with anypony else, but sometimes... it’s hard not to let doubt creep in. I’m not... the strongest pony out there.”

“Um, well, neither am I,” Fluttershy said softly, matching the stallion’s rueful smile.

“I think you’re a lot stronger than you think, Fluttershy. I don’t think many would stay with a pony that could blow their house up with a single shout.”

“And, well, not many ponies would forgive somepony who, well... you know...”

“Heh, I suppose not,” he answered, chuckling softly. “Who knows, maybe I’ll even find a way to forgive her...”

“Who, Bangles? I thought you already had, though?” He shook his head, contemplating telling the mare, but as he saw his brother peek out from the room, he decided against it.

“No, Fluttershy, not Bangles. I’ll tell you at some point, just not now. Again, I’m sorry for getting so bent out of shape. Now, I believe my brother could use some pampering.” He raised his voice at the end to make sure Whisper knew he had been noticed, and as expected, he immediately closed the door and hopped back into bed. “I swear, that brother of mine...” Fluttershy looked up at Cerulean as a slow grin spread across his muzzle, and despite her curiosity at his enigmatic words, she said nothing, bidding him farewell as he took flight towards the library. And, taking Cerulean at his word, she returned to find Whisper playing innocent, and she was soon laughing beside him as they set the issue on the shelf, and there it stayed for the rest of the day.

On most days, Twilight didn’t particularly care to have her magic studies interrupted. While setting Spike off into the wide world of friendship filled her with almost as much pride and excitement as it did worry and anxiety, it also gave her a little more freedom in her studies, although she had to admit that the library had quickly fallen into disrepair. Yes, Dawn had made the most of it, finding books not just entertaining to scour for pictures, but also a good substitute for building blocks, herself having masterfully crafted several large forts under which to hide and play. Her magical developments seemed to be slowing down, which meant that her mind was progressing to a point where her magic had to be focused, and unexplainable magical feats were becoming few and far between. This was fine with Twilight, as she didn’t particularly care to have to be ready with a ward every time a tantrum was thrown.

However, she was in high spirits after the prior evening’s party, and given that Rarity hadn’t stormed over in a rage, she assumed that all was well on that front, and thus regarded Cerulean with curiosity as he gently closed the door behind him, let out a slow sigh, and plopped down beside her, resting his head heavily on her shoulder.

“Hmmm, now let me think... I just know there was a cure for the frumpies here somewhere...” she muttered, concealing a smile as she flipped through the pages. “What’s on your mind?” He willingly explained, and he couldn’t help but smile and nod as she rolled her eyes. “First, I’m proud of you for keeping your temper under control. Dash can be hard enough to handle sometimes. Secondly, I’m glad you didn’t do or say anything ill-tempered to Fluttershy. Given Whisper’s condition, she’s probably frightened enough, and I don’t even want to think about what Dash would try if you had freaked out. That being said... come here,” she said softly, holding him close as she remembered how hard it was for Cerulean to recount to her the details of his home life.

“You know... I kind of wish that I could get that out of the way... Whether it ends poorly or not, I can’t stand having it hang over my head. But... I can’t take the risk of letting Jade find out he has parents, only to have my mother push him away because he can’t speak.”

“Would she really do that?” Twilight asked, shaking her head. “The more I hear about her, the more I want to give her a lesson. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t really help resolve the problem.”

“Keep in mind she also believes he’s dead,” Cerulean added, wondering for what reason he was defending somepony he despised. “I’ve learned to cope with pain... but I can’t stand seeing Jade hurt any more. And... I really want to hear him laugh, too.”

“If he has even a smidgen of your tenacity, he will. He’ll find a way, just like Crimson, just like you.” Comfort turned to a more physical nature, and Twilight decided that she could postpone her studies for a while, but they had just made it to the bed when they realized two things. Firstly, leaving Dawn unattended was a bad idea, and Spike wasn’t around to tend to her. Secondly, the front door had opened and shut, signalling that somepony was inside, though they didn’t have long to wait, as Dawn made it quite clear.

“Spike? No noise, mommy and daddy thumping!”

“Thumping?” Twilight murmured, barely containing a laugh.

“Well, it’s better than bucking, right?” Cerulean replied, chuckling softly as Spike made his way up the stairs, rubbing his forehead. “Twilight, you are more learned in the field of biology than I, so correct me if I’m wrong, but is that not the imprint of a young filly’s hoof on young Spike’s forehead?”

“Very astute, Cerulean. Spike, what’d you say?” Twilight inquired, sharing her husband’s smile.

“Apparently, Sweetie Belle doesn’t like it when I compare her vocal warm-ups to... shoot, what did I say? I think it was something about stepping on a cat’s tail.” Sympathy was the opposite of what he received, Cerulean laughing unashamedly as Twilight the Teacher struggled to keep a straight face long enough to instruct her student.

“Spike... whatever would...” she paused, looking away and covering her muzzle with a hoof, shaking as she did so. “What would possess you to say something like that?”

“We tease each other all the time! I didn’t know she was going to freak out like that,” he defended, rubbing his head with a claw and wincing.

“And from this you learned...” she continued, offering a hoof and helping her stallion upright.

“Well... sometimes teasing is ok, but some things shouldn’t be made fun of?”

“Excellent work. Now, I’ll write out a letter later. First, go ice your head so the swelling goes down. Sweetie Belle will likely feel bad when she sees the mark she left. Secondly, apologize. You shouldn’t let things sit if you can take the initiative and fix something. Oh, and Spike? Is there any way you could watch Dawn for a little bit?” The young dragon faked a retching motion before rolling his eyes and waving as he left.

“Yeah, yeah, as long as I can do it sitting down.” The barrier went up behind him, and he grabbed his ice for his head, some ice cream for comfort, and sank into the couch, soon becoming lost in thought as he mulled over how much crazier, fun, and fulfilling his life had become since stepping out and mingling with ponies closer to his age. Sure, as far as years go, he was older by a good amount, but inside... Well, it was hard to say, but hanging out with Applebloom, Ruby, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle just felt right. As he licked the spoon clean and prepared to dig for another scoop, he stopped as he realized that, for the first time in a while, he had found peace despite thrusting himself into a whole new lifestyle, and it was the lavender pony he had to thank for helping him make the change. And, if he was to repay that by watching their daughter so they can “thump,” well, he could tolerate that.

“Ice creams! Gimme!”

“Dawn, you can only have some if you promise not to tell Twilight, ok? I don’t want to get in trouble.”

“Kay~!” Knowing it would be futile to attempt to limit the filly’s sweet tooth, he gave her the rest of his portion and laid back with a sigh, having a moment or two of peace before Dawn, in a rare bout of generosity that was to be savored, thrust a rather large spoonful into the dragon’s mouth before continuing her meal. She glanced back over as Spike coughed and sputtered, noting not to show such gratitude in the future to a dragon who clearly didn’t appreciate her giving nature, and merrily demolished the rest herself as Spike wondered how the hay Twilight and Cerulean could manage their little bundle of giggling crazy.

“A walk through town? At night?” Fluttershy repeated, wondering if she had read Whisper’s message correctly, but judging by his vigorous head nodding, she had. “Well... I guess I don’t mind, but, well, how do you feel? Does your head still hurt?”

“Nope. I feel a lot better, after all that sleep.”

“That’s good to hear, Whisper. I was worried. Can you stand up?” Whisper all but leapt from the bed, though he had planned on his legs being fully awake, but after being in bed all day they were slightly stiff, and gave out the moment he touched down. Fluttershy immediately rushed to his side to make sure he was all right, only to find him shaking with silent laughter at his own error.

“Oh, ouch, tingly! Tingly pokies!” Accepting Fluttershy’s offered hoof, he righted himself and sat still for a moment before gingerly testing a hoof, pressing down. “Ok, I’m all better now. There should be less ponies out at night, right?”

“That’s right. Most anypony that’s out is going to the tavern at this hour, so there shouldn’t be many ponies on the streets.” She started to lead him out when a question flashed across her vision. “Well, a tavern is a place where ponies can go to eat and drink. There’s also a place for ponies to sing, if they’d like.” His curiosity piqued, he bolted ahead with energy not befitting one that spent most of the day bedridden, but Fluttershy accepted his recovery with glee and adopted a faster pace, though she slowed to a comfortable canter as they entered city limits.

As usual, Whisper bombarded her with a steady slew of questions, and she patiently answered them all, letting him explore a few of the closed stalls and even letting him pull a cart around a little bit, which he found to be one of the best things ever. He was reluctant to leave his wheeled friend, but he soon became distracted by the newest ponyism, and the next, and more after. As Fluttershy predicted, there were few ponies about, and those that did take notice of the couple paid them little heed.

“Fluttershy? What’s that noise I hear?”

“That’s the ponies inside the tavern. It’s a very lively place, and it was a little much for me when I first went. It’s ok, though. Most of the time, everypony is really friendly inside. Come on, we can peek in through the window.” Bolstered by the excitement in the mare’s voice, she led him over to the window and placed a hoof around his back to keep him from shrinking away.

“I think... that’s the most ponies I’ve ever seen at a time.” Giggling quietly, Fluttershy reached over and gently closed his mouth with a hoof, seeing that it was having trouble doing so of its own accord.

“Now let’s see... that over there, that’s the bar. They serve drinks for adults there that make your brain do funny things. This area, closer to us...” and on she went, pointing out all the wonders of the tavern that she had, sadly, not been able to enjoy since taking Whisper in. “And that there is the stage. Oh, look, Sweetie Belle is about to sing! She’s got a great voice.” Whisper’s ears twitched with anticipation, and a voice rang out over the crowds, clear and strong. Enchanted, the stallion closed his eyes and let the music wash over him, tapping his hoof in time with the beat that he could feel in the earth better than he could hear with his ears. He found himself longing for more as the song drew to an end, but then she selected another and started fresh.

Eventually, they moved on, exploring the rest of the town before heading back. Whisper, due to having slept most of the day, wasn’t all that tired, so Fluttershy allowed him to stay up later than normal while she turned in, and he promptly pulled out the crayons and got to work. Whisper, rather than simply using colors, had started to push more towards realism, and as he admired his work, which amounted to little more than a foal’s sketch, he glanced back towards Fluttershy’s room, reaffirming that no matter what it took, or how long or hard it was, he was going to keep practicing. Turning out the light, he quietly slipped away into the night, repeating his routine without frustration, only a drive to succeed. Stopping a good deal sooner than he had the first time as he felt himself start to tire, he snuggled in next to Fluttershy and closed his eyes, eager for the next day to begin; a day that would bring him one step closer to breaking free.

Applescarred

Chapter 32: Applescarred

There wasn’t a whole lot Fluttershy could have done to prepare Whisper for his trip to Sweet Apple Acres, other than let him know there were going to be a few new ponies to meet that were quite friendly and would likely, with or without his consent, give him a hearty greeting. Whisper, while slightly nervous, had come a long way in a short time in his efforts to overcome his fears, and Fluttershy moved him through the next phase, introducing him to the Apple family and having him spend a day amongst a group of ponies he already knew. He had hoped to practice his magic more that morning, but given that he was hiding this from Fluttershy, he had no excuse he could offer to escape the snare of her plans. Regrets found themselves left out in the cold as he again found himself walking through the orchard, the tantalizing aroma of apples pervading the air all around, convincing himself the whatever pony had contrived such a paradise had to be nice.

“So who all is going to be here?” Whisper asked, unconcerned as he glanced from tree to tree.

“Well, it’s hard to say, really,” Fluttershy replied, noting Whisper’s fascination. “Applejack comes from a really large family, and they’re all really nice, so they’ll probably want to meet you. But there will be a lot of ponies you know here too, like Rainbow Dash, and Storm, and Cerulean’s family... so don’t worry, there will be plenty of friends to make you feel safe. Oh, look, see that orange earth pony in front of the house? That’s Applejack. She runs the farm with her brother, but I don’t see him right now.” Glad to see the last of the gang to show up, Applejack and Silver trotted over to meet the couple halfway.

“Hey there, Fluttershy! Welcome t’ Sweet Apple Acres, Whisper. We’re glad t’ have ya here,” Applejack called out as they approached. Whisper slowed to a stop, staring wide eyed at Silver who, having found his acceptance among the townsfolk, hadn’t bothered covering his scars. “What’s the matter, sugarcube? Somethin’ wrong?” she asked, noticing the stallion’s reluctance to come closer.

“What... what happened to that pony next to you?”

“What do you mean, ‘what happened' to him, Whisper? Ain’t nothin’ wrong with Silver,” Applejack replied, her husband’s marred frame not even registering in her mind at first.

“Sweetheart, I think he’s probably worried about these,” Silver offered, motioning to his chest, both apologetic that he was worrying Whisper and filled with affection that his wife remained entirely unbothered by the more harrowing side of the alchemy he practiced. “Your name’s Whisper, right?” He nodded slowly, standing his ground as Silver drew closer, stopping a few hoof lengths away. “I know it’s not easy on the eyes, but sometimes my magic... doesn’t quite do what I want it to. These... well, these are the price I pay.”

Another pony with dangerous magic? Feeling safer in an instant, seeing somepony that clearly had suffered a good deal from his magic too, Whisper edged closer and, minding his boundaries, gave Silver a good examination, paying particular attention to his chest. “Do they hurt?”

“Not really. Go ahead and touch them, if you want.” Whisper took just a moment to wonder if mind reading was one of the unicorn’s talents before running a hoof over the scars that coated much of Silver’s chest.

“The magic you used that did this... was it worth it?”

“Yes, it was, and still is. I can’t deny my talent, but I’ve got a mare and good friends who accept me just like this, so there’s really nothing to regret. I make magical drinks, and if Fluttershy doesn’t have any objections, I could let you taste some, if you’d like.”

“Please, Fluttershy? Please please please?” As much as his own magic had frightened him in the past, and still did, seeing other forms of magic produced the exact opposite effect, and as Fluttershy’s eyes tried to keep up with the green blur dancing around her, she couldn’t well say no. She did, however, impose a limitation.

“Silver, it’s fine if you’d like to let Whisper taste your drinks, but, well, let’s not let him have the alcoholic ones. That could be... bad.” Fluttershy was well aware of her habit of getting quite loud, at least for her, when under the influence, and she couldn’t imagine what would happen should Whisper suddenly get vocal.

“Well, what’re we waitin’ for? We better get this show on the road if we’re gonna get in a proper afternoon harvestin’. C’mon, let’s go find Big Macintosh and the rest. Ah think they’re over by the barn havin’ a bit o’ sport, last ah checked.”

“Are you going to have a baby?” Whisper asked before they could get going, noting that Applejack, much like Rainbow Dash, was notably larger around the middle than anypony present. A prouder mother didn’t exist, and Applejack ushered him over as she rested a hoof on her stomach with pride.

“You bet ah am, sugarcube. Come here, you can say hello. Place your hoof right here.” Glancing back at Fluttershy to make sure he wasn’t breaking any kind of rules, given that it was the mare’s stomach which, during his questioning, Fluttershy hadn’t given him a straight answer as to whether or not it was ok, he waited until she gave him a nod to obey. Fluttershy trotted over and sat down beside him as he placed a hoof over Applejack’s stomach, not knowing what to expect. “Hey, you awake down there?” she chuckled. “Day’s awastin’, little one. Say hello to mah friends, would ya?” Ever the obedient one, the foal promptly gave a few light bucks, and not wanting to leave the foal hanging, Whisper tapped back a few times, grinning widely.

“What does it feel like, having another pony in your tummy? Is it like being full after eating?”

“Trust me, Whisper, just be glad yer not gonna be the one carryin’ a child. Much as ah love mah child, bringin’ a foal t’ term ain’t an easy task. Ah just make it look simple,” Applejack stated confidently, standing again and motioning them to follow. After giving Whisper a quick list of all the more uncomfortable side effects of pregancy, he had to ask why anypony would want to do so, and Applejack assumed as they entered the barn that his silence was due to her way with words. “Why? ‘Cause they’re worth it, o’ course. Oh, come on now, that ain’t a fair fight, pittin’ Cerulean against mah brother.”

As is usual among males when left to their own devices, things had gotten physical among the friends, having grown tired of talk and boasting, and thus they shifted to good old fashioned wrestling. Storm stood on the sidelines with Dash as Big Mac and Cerulean had a merry time trying to pin the other, kicking up dust and rolling amongst the hay that littered the interior of the barn. Cerulean hadn’t the strength to even begin to imagine pinning Big Mac, but what he did have was an incredibly frustrating knack for squeezing out of holds at a moment’s notice. Eluding the stallion yet again, Cerulean nimbly hopped onto his back grinning like an idiot. At least, until he saw his brother’s face, a more horrified, disgusted expression he couldn’t possibly conjure in his mind.

“Whisper? Come on, don’t look so down! Join the fun!” It was with great confusion that Cerulean watched his brother ignore his gracious offer and instead use himself as an eye mask for Fluttershy, not wanting the lewd display to taint his mare further, and after he had effectively blinded the mare by burying her face in his chest, he looked over his shoulder at his brother which he saw in a newer, much darker light.

“You’re really gross, brother! No wonder Twilight isn’t with you right now. Wrestling Big Mac, and rolling in the hay at the same time? No! No, I won’t join in on any of that kind of fun!” Comprehension lit the light bulb too fast, and Cerulean’s mind burned out as Big Mac, oblivious to the conversation, promptly flipped the stunned stallion off and easily pinned him.

“Wait, stop, Big Mac!” Cerulean wheezed, his lungs partially crushed by the weight.

“Yer callin’ it quits already? Come on, Cerulean. I know you’ve got a little more in ya,” Big Mac taunted, grinning as he waited for the stallion to fight back.

“Come on, little brother, surely you could make things a little harder for my stallion,” Crimson added in, not entirely sure why Cerulean blanched at her comment. He glanced over at Whisper who, as expected, was slowly shaking his head in disbelief.

Jade, this is so not what you think it is! Stop looking at me like that! Ugh, this is embarrassing... Could it possibly...

“Well, this ain’t much of a show. Storm, git in there an’ give mah brother a good tussle!” Applejack shouted with a whoop, trotting past Whisper and leaving him wondering if he and Fluttershy were the only tame ponies in existence. Storm promptly cast aside his own lessons and tackled Big Mac with gusto, backed by Rainbow Dash’s cries of approval. Cerulean slowly stood, holding eye contact with Whisper as he tried to imagine just how mind-blowing the display must be for his brother. It couldn’t be resisted. Cerulean simply couldn’t let such an opportunity slip by wasted, and thus, he threw caution to the wind, gave his brother a malicious grin, and stepped back into the fray.

“Yeah, way to man up, Cerulean! Stick it to ‘em good!” Dash shouted.

“Come on, darling, they’re not big enough for you! Show ‘em how it’s done!” Crimson countered, clapping her hooves as Big Mac held his ground, even with two opponents. Returning with some snacks for the healthy stallions, Twilight walked in the door, cheerfully welcomed Whisper to the farm, and promptly ruined her reputation by adding her voice to the crowd.

“Cerulean, think strategically! You both need to come at him from either end! Get behind him!” During all of this, Fluttershy had patiently bore her stallion’s attempted protection, but knowing that they couldn’t possibly be doing what he thought they were, she pulled away, took a glance, and froze. The two pronged assault had ended poorly for all ponies involved, and as everypony devolved into fits of laughter, Fluttershy could only share Whisper’s embarrassment as she looked to find all three ponies in a heap, Storm’s wings splayed out and Cerulean’s horn dangerously close to somewhere it never should be.

“Twi, ah think you better put the reigns on yer stallion. He seems t’ be gender confused again,” Applejack managed, tears streaming from her eyes as Cerulean yanked his head away and shuddered, rising shakily to his hooves.

“Eeyup. Sorry, Mandarin, ah already got a special somepony, an’ ah don’t need a horn up there anyhow,” Big Mac chuckled, rolling away from the other two and standing up.

“Storm, would you... you mind putting your... your wings away? I can’t... can’t breathe!” Dash wheezed, desperately fighting for air. “I knew you had... some earth pony in ya, but... I never thought it was...”

“Gentlecolts, I believe we did well here today,” Cerulean declared, doling out brohooves all around with full knowledge that somehow, the universe was bound to repay him for his deeds. “Silver? Got anything to drink around here?”

“Of course I do, though I think we should tend to the other guests first,” he replied, shaking his head and looking outside where two thoroughly disgruntled ponies were attempting to blot out the memories. “Hmmm... maybe they’re both gonna need alcohol after this.”

“Maybe just a touch, sugarcube. C’mon, everypony, daylight’s wastin’!” Applejack encouraged, ushering everypony out. “Ah hope you all have plenty left in ya, cause ah’m gonna put you three t’ good use.” It was the final nail in the coffin, and Whisper, unable to allow further defiling of his mind, tore off into the orchard, screaming silently as he went. “What’s ‘is problem? Was it somethin’ ah said?”

After a short search, a brief explanation about euphemisms and an apology from the males, Whisper took a few moments to calm down before returning with Fluttershy to a group of amiable ponies no longer filling Whisper’s mind with thoughts too horrid to contemplate. Having learned enough about pony biology, Big Mac didn’t get the traditional examination, Whisper making a point of avoiding everypony who would dare to wrestle in public, be it regular or naughty. He was still a little fuzzy as to how what they were doing was different, but he didn’t particularly care either, and was eager to begin working the fields to occupy his mind.

Before this could begin, it was decided that they would all head over to Applejack’s pad for some pre-work refreshments, and not having tasted much of anything save water and tea, Whisper’s apprehensions with his male company soon dissipated under the oppressive optimism that established its totalitarian regime within his head, courtesy of a glass of chilled butterscotch soda. Applejack stood to one side as the ponies filed in, and as the last pony entered, she prepared to follow when she was halted by the untimely entrance of Ponyville’s resident eccentric and Zap Apple jam aficionado.

“Applejack! Where’s the new pony, eh? I need t’ give him a wallop!” Granny Smith called out, trotting creakily over with a serious glare stamped on her face.

Whoa nelly, she’s got the cookin’ pot on. What could he... “Granny Smith, calm down or you’ll frighten the poor colt. An’ what’s Whisper done, anyhow?” she asked, walking over and meeting her grandmother halfway.

“Done? Why, I hear he’s quite fine, and everypony knows yer supposed to put age before beauty! An’ I got both, doncha know! Now, he better... eh... what was I gonna say...” she muttered, dropping into thought with the risk of never coming back out. “Pony feathers, ah’m gettin’ too old fer chasing colts... Oh well, what’s one more? Where is he?”

“He’s inside. Granny, please be nice to him. He’s got enough to be scared of without you playin’ the stern drill sergeant,” Applejack chuckled, gently lifting the pot from her grandmother’s head.

“Nice? I’m always nice! Fillies these days, no respect for the elderly. Callin’ me mean after invitin’ me over...” Applejack rolled her eyes as the rickety mare creeped inside, where Whisper was beside himself with sheer elation at the magical bubbly drink that tasted like nothing he’d ever eaten or drank. Sitting still was not an option, and even though the living room was rather large, given the size of the house itself, it was quite crowded and thus Whisper was unable to romp it out of his system. “Silver? Be a dear and bring me some of that cider!” Granny called out, making her way over towards the green unicorn avidly sending out messages of bliss to everypony around.

“Fluttershy, you’ve got incoming,” Applejack called out as her grandmother edged closer. Fluttershy, with some difficulty, managed to grab Whisper’s attention, pointing at the grinning mare with wrinkles and a gray mane. Little ponies were fine, adult ponies were a challenge, but he had no idea what to make of the elderly, and Fluttershy did her best to answer his questions before the meeting.

“Huh? No, she’s not sick. That’s just what happens when ponies get old is all. Yes, I suppose her wrinkles are a little, well... Whisper! That’s not very nice. Come on, everypony gets old. Now, when she gets here, I want you to be polite, ok?” He nodded, and waited as the mare took her sweet time making her approach.

“Youngin, if you get any prettier, Rarity’s going to get huffy with ya fer stealin’ the show!” she called out cheerfully, stopping uncomfortably close and eyeing him up and down.

“Granny! Come on, now, ah thought ah told you t’ be nice,” Applejack interjected, not wanting to cross her elder but shocked that she’d open with something so possibly offensive.

“Callin’ a pony handsome ain’t no insult, Applejack. Now then, what’s your name?” He would have answered, but unfortunately, carbonated beverages produce a need to burp, and since he had some trepidation with the mare lingering in the back of his mind, he let forth a mighty belch in conjunction with a small ripple of magic, not enough to do any kind of damage save perhaps spill a few nearly empty glasses. “Well, that’s... oh, pony feathers...” Granny Smith muttered as her dentures popped out, landing with a plop and covered in saliva. Convinced he had just blown part of the mares face out with his unwitting release of magic, Whisper fainted dead away with nary a sound, leaving Granny to celebrate the most obviously conclusion.

“Oh yeah, this mare’s still got it!”

The scent of raw earth, of apples hanging from laden trees and ripe for the taking, and the clear, crisp country air: Celestia cherished these things as she made her way slowly through the orchard. True, the experience wasn’t exactly perfect. Discord, when he wasn’t out playing in his personal wonderland and scarring any poor soul that happened to wander into it, usually passed his time at the palace, causing just enough mischief that she couldn’t justify kicking him out, but still more than sufficient to make her assess the structural integrity of her desk via her forehead many a time. However, even he seemed to be lulled into the closest he could come to docile by the tranquil farmlands, and with Luna at her side, Celestia found a genuine smile forming on her lips, the kind she didn’t get to show all that often.

Discord, on his part, was living the dream, as much as a highly watched, all but chained down lord of chaos could be. He had a livable amount of freedom, his own private playground, and a relationship with an eternal being like himself that was the very definition of love and hate, although it did admittedly fall more towards the latter. Never in a hundred years, though perhaps two hundred would be sufficient, would he dare to admit he was developing a small fascination with somepony who, like the trees, was so rooted in order that it drove him sane, leading him to random bouts of lucidity, generosity, and other such horrendously sensical things.

Waving a paw, several apples fell from a nearby tree, sprouted legs, and ran to meet the draconequus as he stooped down to collect them. Celestia paused and watched as he hunched over, muttering too low for her to hear before there was a bright flash and he presented the Solar Princess with her favorite of treats.

“Cake?” Celestia cried in a manner not befitting the ruler of Equestria, and she immediately composed herself and adopted an officious tone. “This pleases me. I shall accept your gift.”

“But, dear sister, just last night you had...” Luna started before she was idly brushed off by the uncaring hoof of a sibling too enraptured with the confection levitating in front of her to listen to such idle chatter. One bite and she was in her own world, and Luna dropped back to where Discord was trotting a few pony lengths behind. “Discord, it’s not right to manipulate my sister in such a way.”

“The only thing that may be manipulated is our favorite alicorn’s flanks,” he whispered back, eliciting a stifled giggle from Luna.

“I’ll bet you wish you could be that cake, am I right, Discord?”

“Don’t you?” he replied easily, giving her a sensuous leer.

“What?!? What kind of depraved accusation is that?” Luna cried, recoiling.

“The best kind.” Luna’s indignation was cut short as a surprised yelp from Celestia bid them both catch up.

“Sister, whatever is... what’s this, a letter from Twilight?” Luna asked, staring at the scroll held aloft.

“Can’t read. Cake,” Celestia said dismissively, moving into the second half of the slice.

“But what if it’s something important?” Luna pressed.

“Ugh, fine, then you read it aloud so I don’t have to,” Celestia conceded with a sigh, taking another mouthful, mumbling as she did so and casting aside any semblance of manners. Luna was a bit shaken, but had seen her sister in such a fervor before, and taking up the mantle of responsibility, she unfurled the scroll and clear her throat.

“Dear Princess Celestia... Today I learned that...” she started, pausing as her eyes scanned ahead. Her gasp was meant to be one of indignation, of outrage, of horror that Twilight would dare speak of her sister in such a manner, but instead she found herself on her back, breathless as she laughed loud and long. Celestia turned, peeved that her cake time was being disrupted by such an uncouth display, rolling her eyes and fixing them on Discord.

“Discord, would you mind reading in my sister’s stead since she’s clearly incapable of such a trivial matter?” He accepted the scroll, scanned the contest, and adopted perhaps the sweetest smile Celestia had seen. Were she not in cake mode, she would have known to be very, very worried.

“Oh yes, certainly, Celestia. Listen closely, this one is real important. Ahem...” He paused, savoring every fleeting second.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned that cake is loaded with fat and carbohydrates, and one should avoid over-indulgence lest it go straight to the flanks.

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle

P.S.: If your hind quarters cause a lunar eclipse when you go for a night flight, it may mean you have a problem.”

Discord looked up from the letter just in time to watch the last bit of cake fall to the ground. Celestia regarded the frosting on her hooves and face as if it were blood, and she slowly turned around, looking first to Luna who was still struggling for air, then to the letter still held in Discord’s claw. Yanking the parchment away, she read it line for line, and then lost all concentration, the paper floating gently down to the ground just beside the cake. Her lack of neural activity roared back to life with all the blazing intensity of the noonday sun as Discord gave her a playful smack to the flanks, chuckling as he did so and not knowing just how close to immolation he was treading. At least, not until he heard the princess speak.

Whisper paused for a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow, blinking a few times as a droplet ran into his eye. His chest was heaving, his hooves hurt from bucking trees, and he was loving every minute of it. It was true that his experiences on the farm had been less than ideal, but once he had been reassured that Granny Smith was alright and the group headed out to an unharvested section of the orchard, he found that doing things with more than a few ponies at a time was invigorating. A break was called as the sun reached its zenith, and he sat down next to Fluttershy under the shade of a large red delicious tree, gratefully accepting a glass of chilled soda and some kind of wondrous pony food known as a fritter.

This is really fun, more fun than I thought it would be. Everypony is so nice. He glanced around at the sea of faces, many of whom he had only known for days, but yet felt almost like he couldn’t live without them. I can’t wait until I can talk. It’ll be nice to actually be able to tell everypony how much I appreciate what they do for me. His thoughts were disrupted as a stealthy kiss was snuck to his cheek, and he again returned to the present to find Fluttershy offering him a bite of a different treat of some kind that smelled every bit as delicious as his fritter. “Mmm, this is really good! What is this?”

“Apple pie. Pinkie may be really good at baking sweets, but if it’s made of apples, then the Apple family can make it better.” Whisper couldn’t really say which he liked better, but not wanting to hog it all for himself, he returned Fluttershy’s kindness and offered her a bit of his fritter, unaware of the fact that many of those present were watching the sweetness of the two exceed even that of the desserts they were putting away. Cerulean lifted a hoof as Twilight finished her meal and leaned against his chest, gratefully letting her head droop a little, her thoughts drifting from subject to subject before coming to a rest on Spike, who was out doing just what she had commanded him to.

“You did fairly well bucking trees for a librarian,” Cerulean murmured, giving her a light squeeze and breaking her contemplation.

“That doesn’t make it any less exhausting. Ugh, I’m gonna be sore tomorrow. Still...” she paused, a faint smile playing at her lips. “It’s given me a little more of an appreciation for the day you worked the orchard with Applejack.”

“And I’d do it again, if I had to. However, I’d like to avoid a repeat of the next morning, if at all possible.” Twilight attempted half-heartedly to pull away, but wasn’t permitted an escape.

“You know, I still feel bad about that...” Twilight said softly, turning her head away and averting her gaze. With the memories at the forefront of her mind, she could almost still see the burn scars.

“Sorry, I wasn’t trying to poke at old wounds...” There was a moment of silence before she took a cue from Fluttershy and pulled Cerulean into a gentle kiss. He held her gaze for a moment after pulling away before ruining any seriousness of the moment by shooting her a cheeky grin and throwing his hooves wide. “All better!”

“You’re such a foal sometimes. I swear...” she muttered, pounding her hoof lightly against his chest before snuggling back up to him and turning her attention to Dawn as she pranced about, pulling apples from the tree one by one with her magic and loading up a basket of her own, with frequent intervals to pay due attention to the generously provided pastries and other such goodies, the first and foremost of which was cake, second only to its delightfully diminutive cousin, cupcakes. Whisper was also watching, frowning at the fact that a little filly had better magic control than he.

“Oh, don’t look so sad, Whisper. You’ll get better someday soon, I just know it,” Fluttershy encouraged, holding him close.

“Do you really think so?”

“Sure I do. Why don’t you give it a try now? Now, come on, don’t be nervous,” she urged, reaching over and pulling his muzzle back towards her. “Just look around, Whisper. You’re surrounded by friends. So, you see, there’s really nothing to worry about.” Emboldened by the mare’s confidence, he stood upright and trotted a short distance away, fixing his attention on a laden tree ripe for harvest. His eyes darted from apple to apple before settling on a particularly large fruit on a low hanging branch, and narrowing his eyes, he recalled the spell as Cerulean had shown him and focused his magic. A few seconds passed, and a faint green aura shimmered around the fruit.

“Whisper, you’re doing it!” Fluttershy cheered softly. His concentration broken, he lost control and what was once a pristine apple suddenly fell to the ground as a pile of sludge.

“Well, that sure is an interestin’ way t’ make apple sauce, Whisper,” Applejack chuckled, giving the frustrated stallion a pat on the back. “Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it. Until then, there’s work t’ be done. C’mon, everypony, there’s still plenty o’ daylight left! Lunch time is over!” There was a chorus of groans, most in good humor, and Applejack dismissed the rest, not fazed by the daunting task even in pregnancy. Whisper offered his hoof and helped Fluttershy upright, and as they joined the rest, he realized that he truly felt at ease, despite being surrounded by unfamiliarity.

“TWILIGHT SPARKLE, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?!” Celestia hadn’t been intending to scare Whisper beyond rationality, and it was only with great fortune that the stallion remained conscious as the furious Solar Princess swooped down and landed in front of everypony, her piercing glare singling out her unruly student. Certainly, he wished he could have simply passed out, as whatever type of pony had both horns and wings was making a horrible first impression, but fate would not grant him this. Twilight filtered through the ponies towards Celestia, trembling as she did so and wondering what she possibly could have done.

“Celestia, what’s... what’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong? You know very well what’s wrong, Twilight! How could you say such things about me?”

“Say what things, your majesty?” But before either of them could work further to sort out their differences, Dawn bolted over and made an unfortunate offering to the princess.

“Celly! Want cake?” Celestia recoiled away from the morsel like it was the vilest of concoctions before yanking it away with magic and stomping it into the ground. It was a combination of seeing the foal begin to sniffle at the horrid waste of a perfectly good piece of cake and watching her student burst into flames at such a threatening act towards her child that informed the ruler she may be overreacting. Fortunately, the timely intervention of a blue mediator doused the flames while Luna tended Celestia, and there was a mutual sigh of relief from everypony else as some semblance of order was restored, even if tempers were still running hot.

“Celestia, what’s gotten into you? I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about, and whatever it was, it wasn’t enough to justify stomping Dawn’s cake!” Twilight yelled, surprised at just how quickly her temper had risen. Being a mother sure changes things... "Nopony stomps my daughter's sweets, Celestia! You'd better have a good reason for making Dawn cry. Oh, wait, there isn't one!"

“Just explain this, Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia demanded, holding out the letter. Twilight extinguished herself long enough to peruse the scroll, looked up at Celestia, read it again to make sure she was indeed reading what she thought she had, and disappear without warning in a flash of lavender light.

“Oh, this is going to be priceless!” Discord quipped, throwing his arms wide.

“Celestia, what was in that letter?” Rainbow Dash asked, everypony just as curious. Not seeing a point in hiding it, she suffered the snickers with great patience as the note passed from pony to pony.

“Oh, don’t worry, Celestia. Your flanks look fine,” Fluttershy assured her.

“Quite,” Discord agreed, nodding sagely.

“Discord, not now,” Celestia barked, not in the mood for his teasing.

“Oh dear, it looks like somepony is on her cycle...” Discord whispered to Storm, who happened to be closest. He didn’t even have a chance to respond before Twilight reappeared, a scroll of her own levitating beside her.

“Celestia, send this to Spike. That dragon is SO busted! Applejack, which way to your sister’s tree house?”

“Right down that way.” Wasting no time, Twilight took off in the direction she had pointed, and an uneasy silence fell over the workers who were unsure of how to respond. For a time, nopony moved, and as Celestia looked first at Dawn, and then to Whisper who was cowering behind a cart, she heaved a sigh and summoned her patience once more.

“I apologize, everypony. It was unbecoming of me to appear before you all in such a way.”

“Bad Celly! Bad! Squishy my cake...” Dawn pointed an accusing hoof, scowling from behind her hair to let the princess know just how much trouble she was in. While Celestia attempted to restore Dawn’s good graces, Luna noticed a certain green unicorn eyeing her with as much wonder as he did fear, and she slowly made her way over to Whisper and Fluttershy, stopping a few hoof lengths away as Whisper trembled.

“Fluttershy, is this Whisper? I have heard much about him from Celestia.”

“Yes, that’s right. Whisper? That’s princess Luna. She’s the one who puts out the moon and stars at night. Can you say hello?”

“What... what is she? She’s got a horn, but she has wings too!”

“That’s because she’s a very special kind of pony called an alicorn. Don’t worry, she’s really very nice, and she had trouble fitting in at first, too.” Whisper peered out from behind his hair, studying the princess and regarding her with awe.

“Did you really have trouble getting used to other ponies?”

“Verily, she speaks the truth. In fact...” she paused, wracking her mind and sifting through many years of knowledge. “I was away from Equestria for a thousand years. Things had changed quite a lot when I finally made it back.”

“How... how are you talking like me?”

“It’s really quite simple. All you’re really doing is sending your thoughts and emotions with your magic.” Fluttershy wasn’t sure at first, but watching their facial expressions, she knew they weren’t just having a staring contest.

“Um, Luna? What’s going on?”

“Huh? Oh, I’m simply speaking to him the way he speaks to me, of course.”

“But... how does that work? He can’t read.”

“I shall attempt to explain. From what I can tell, Whisper isn’t sending the words themselves, but simply conveying emotion and thought with his magic. Your mind interprets it as words, since that’s what makes the most sense. Whisper, have you spoken with animals before?”

“Yes, a few times. They normally get it, but I never understand what they say back.” Luna isn’t as scary as that other one, and she even talks like me! I never knew others could do it. “Luna, if you know how to speak like me, then... do you know how I can control my magic?” Luna frowned a little at this, knowing she likely could circumvent the condition but provide no permanent solution.

“Unfortunately, that’s a little more complicated. I’m afraid that is something you’ll have to solve on your own. But fear not, little one. I’m sure your time will come.”

Everypony keeps saying that, but it just doesn’t seem like I’m getting any better. I mean, I know I’ve only been practicing a little while, but still. I wanna talk now. Sulking was not permitted around Fluttershy, and Whisper’s worries over the white alicorn pleading for forgiveness from a very stubborn Dawn were nearly forgotten before being introduced rather suddenly to something else entirely. Whisper couldn’t even recognize all of the different animal parts that made up Discord’s body, and he didn’t know whether to laugh silently at his comical appearance or run away.

“Discord, keep thineself reigned. This colt requires special treatment.”

“Special treatment? You should know full well that in that area, I excel above all others,” he chortled, floating over and landing in front of the unicorn. “Now then, I supppose an...”

“You look funny.” Discord was rather caught off guard by the statement, expecting to be holding the stallion in a state of awe or fear, not have his physical appearance appraised, and poorly at that.

“Look fu... all right then, since you’re clearly the expert on how a draconequus such as myself should appear, what do you think I should look like?” Whisper glanced around, grabbed a stick, and drew a very crude representation of an earth pony in the ground, highlighting all the place Discord had gotten it wrong with circles. By the time he stopped, it was an incomprehensible mess of circles, to the point that one could no longer tell it was once a pony.

“Fluttershy, I daresay your stallion is most intelligent," Luna declared with a laugh. "Discord, you’re clearly quite confused, and even this poor colt knows better.” Discord gave the drawing a bored look before snapping a claw and causing a rain of apples from a nearby tree, and another dose of magic made them mobile, dancing in a circle around Whisper. It was, perhaps, the greatest magic trick Whisper had ever seen, and rather than spook as Discord had intended, he simply joined the dancing ring and romped with them. Luna was growing more fond of the stallion by the moment, if only for the grief he was causing Discord, and she laughed freely as the hapless draconequus covered his face with a paw, heaving a sigh.

“Don’t feel bad, Discord. You see, Whisper just really enjoys, well, everything.”

What, and now sympathy from Fluttershy? Catching on to the universe’s scheme to make his attempts at chaos fall flat, he snapped his claws once more, causing the apples to explode, and sauntered off, muttering as he went, but fate held one last mockery for the draconequus in the green letters that flashed across his vision.

“Yay, apple sauce!”

“What is wrong with you!” Discord yelled, whirling and marching back over to Whisper. “Here I am, knowing that you have an acute fear both of new things and of ponies, so I try to have myself a little fun, and what do you do? You dance with apples! It doesn’t make any sense! What have you got to say for yourself?”

“You’re all messed up.” Discord’s arms, held aloft, fell to his sides in disbelief. “Luna’s really nice, maybe she can fix you up! See, like right here, and here, and...” And on he went, pointing to the drawing of which he was quite proud.

“...I give up.” His interest in the stallion lost and his confidence being seriously called into question, he decided that, if he was going to receive verbal abuse, it may as well come from Celestia. Everything was so much different the first time I came back to Ponyville... Do stallions really change mares that much? Ridiculous. It hadn’t been long since Twilight had left, but Discord prepared himself for one more show as the livid lavender mare appeared before Celestia with a very guilty looking Spike.

“Celestia, here’s your culprit. I will apologize for my student, who will definitely be getting a lecture this evening on peer pressure!” Twilight barked, looking pointedly at Spike for a few seconds before turning her attention to Applejack and Big Mac. “Oh, you two may want to find Applebloom before they continue their kissing game. I caught Spike and Sweetie Belle about to go for it, and there were colts with the rest.”

“Oh ho, she better not be gettin’ frisky in the tree! Come on, Big Mac!” Applejack cried, tearing off before Silver could get a word in. He instead turned to Storm and Rainbow Dash, who weren’t taking anything seriously, as usual.

“Aren’t you worried about Scootaloo?”

“Are you kidding?” Dash scoffed, shaking her head. “Kissing is the last thing on that filly’s mind. She’d sooner frolic through town in a dress than be caught kissing anypony. Besides, if she’s with Applebloom, Applejack’s tirade will be plenty to stave off anything like that.”

“Eeyup,” Storm mimicked in wholehearted agreement. “Spike, word of advice; don’t ever, ever comment on a mare’s flanks in a negative light. You just don’t do that.”

“Scootaloo approved it.”

“She what?” Storm cried, mostly to save face and keep himself from laughing. “That’s... that’s horrible, I would never...” Dang it, can’t hold it... Dash was less amused by the revelation, being a mare herself and knowing exactly what kind of pain Storm would be due for if he ever made such a callous remark. Looking up from the ground, he caught her pointed stare and dusted himself off, coughing once to clear his throat. “I think we may want to tell mom about this one.”

“Yeah, you think?" Dash replied sarcastically before turning back towards the dragon. "Spike, come on... you had to know you were crossing a line on that one.”

“Thanks, Dash. I’m well aware that I messed up, ok?” he shot back, snappy enough to give Twilight pause.

“Ok, everypony, that’s enough. Spike’s aware of his mistake, and we don’t need to dwell on it right now. Spike?” she said softly, giving him a nudge. I don’t know what exactly is going on, but he’s clearly a little overwhelmed right now. “Tell Celestia you’re sorry, and then let’s go for a walk, ok?” When it came to a battle of wills, Twilight was queen, and his sullen glare melted as she stood her ground.

“I’m sorry for calling you fat, Celestia. You’re not. It was a joke, and one that clearly wasn’t very funny.”

“It is forgiven. I should not have been so offended, nor should I have jumped to conclusions. Twilight? Tend to your student. I will still be here when you are done.” Whisper watched the pair depart, staring until they disappeared amongst the trees before turning his gaze skyward, noting that it was just past noon and wondering how much more crazy could be packed into one day at the orchard.

As much as Twilight knew her duties as both teacher and friend dictated she confront Spike for his actions, as she glanced at the stalking bundle of gloom, she knew that simply demanding an answer was out of the question. “So...” she started, hoping he’d come clean himself. He instead made no sound at all, and Twilight decided that the first order of business would be to restore his good graces, and thus he found himself suddenly outside the library. “Come on, then,” Twilight said gently, holding open the door. Spike sat immobile for a moment, simply staring at her, before heaving a long sigh and marching inside, depositing himself on the couch and staring down at his claws.

Did I do this? I mean, I know I was angry, but it wasn’t nearly enough to do this to him. Did he really... want to kiss Sweetie Belle that bad? Twilight had to wonder if there really was something between the two, but given that he was young, and crushes normally flare bright, she knew it was the last thing she should bring up. Instead, she trotted to the kitchen, filled two bowls with a generous portion of ice cream, and sat down beside him, offering him a bowl with a smile.

“Positive reinforcement, huh, Twilight?”

“Of course. I’m rewarding you for continuing to learn about friendship.” Reluctantly, he accepted the bowl and started in, his expression softening in proportion to the amount of the sweet, icy treat he consumed. He paused about halfway through, staring at an empty spoon.

“I’m sorry.”

“I know,” Twilight assured him, motioning him to continue eating. They both finished, and rather than wait for Spike to cave under whatever dark, brooding emotions were plaguing him, Twilight gathered him into her lap and held him close.

“Friendship is tough...” he said after a while, glancing up at Twilight who was giving him her full attention. “I suppose... you’re wondering why I’d write such a thing, right?”

“Actually, I’m more concerned with why you're so upset, Spike,” Twilight corrected. “I mean, you’ve seen both Celestia and I upset many times, but you never get like this. There’s something else going on, isn’t there?”

“Can I take a pass on that?”

“Is that what you really want?” Her question hung in the air as Spike weighed the option, but he knew that he had been wanting to unload on somepony, and Twilight was likely the safest option.

“It’s been a little strange for me, hanging out with all fillies. I know about crushes, and how temporary they can be. I also know about... obsession. But... recently, I’ve been... geez, this is embarrassing...” he muttered, obscuring his face with a claw and peeking out with one eye. “Take a guess, because I can tell by that smile you know exactly what I’m thinking.”

“Sweetie Belle?”

“Gee, how’d you know?” he muttered sarcastically. “Look, I know we’re still really young and everything, and I’m not saying I want anything to happen now, but...”

“Yes?”

“Gah, stop looking at me like that!”

“Like what?”

“Awww, that’s so cute~!” he sang before dropping to a mock glare as Twilight slipped and let out a chuckle. “I don’t even know why it bothered me so much, not actually getting my kiss...”

“Maybe because everypony else had already gotten theirs? There were other colts with you, right?”

“What? Twilight, we weren’t there to kiss!” Spike immediately defended, shuddering at the thought of participating in such a thing.

“Well, what were you doing, then?” Memories flashed through Spike’s mind, remembering all the horrors and laughter that came with them, and he hopped from Twilight’s lap onto the floor where he’d have plenty of room for extravagant arm motions.

“Oh man, listen to this story. Twilight, have you ever heard of a game called ‘Truth or Dare?’” Twilight could only cover her face with a hoof as suddenly, everything made sense.

Song of Broken Silence

Chapter 33: Song of Broken Silence

After having a thoroughly traumatized Sweetie Belle lament the bereavement of her first kiss, Rarity decided that some good, old-fashioned sugar therapy was in order, and seeing how ice cream could sometimes be a mare’s best friend, she laid aside her work to tend to her sister, offering what wisdom she could while fighting to keep her inner struggle out of visible sight. If there was one pony she didn’t want to know about her night with Carrot Top, it was Sweetie Belle, and she quickly diverted her attention from herself and into cheering up the once downcast filly. Halfway through her desert, Scootaloo and some of her other friends walked in, and Rarity gave her a nod, watching her sister dash off before returning her attention back to the pink mare who sat down across from her, finishing Sweetie Belle’s dessert before it went to waste.

“So, Pinkie, you certainly seem cheery.”

“Well, duh! Why wouldn’t I be? Being happy is way better than being sad.”

“I cannot argue with such infallible logic, but you seemed...” she paused, having difficulty determining if she even held the mare’s attention. I may as well be as direct as possible... “Pinkie, what did you mean by what you said to me in the shower? Did you have something on your mind?”

“Oh, um... well, maybe, but I’m not worrying right now, so it’s no biggie!” she exclaimed, giggling profusely.

“Pinkie, you know you can talk to your friends if you have a problem, right?” Rarity pressed, unable to shake the feeling that there was more going on than Pinkie was letting on, and as the mare paused for just a fraction of a second, her hoof dipped into the ice cream dish to collect the excess syrup, Rarity knew she was right.

“Of course, Rarity!” Pinkie asserted, throwing her hooves wide and sending a small spray of chocolate syrup to the ground. “I mean, that’s what friends are for, right? Laughing, and talking, and having loads of fun! I have to get back to work now, so see ya!”

“Pinkie, wait.” Pinkie’s stood still for a moment before whirling around with her ever-present grin still intact. “Why don’t you come with me to Sweet Apple Acres? There’ll even be a new pony to play with.” The fact that she didn’t launch into the air at the mere mention of the new pony, whom she still hadn’t been introduced to other than testing his taste, sent off all kinds of warnings, and she actually paused in what appeared to be deep thought.

“Yeah, ok, I guess I can skip out on baking. Mrs. Cake? Is it ok if I take the rest of the day off?”

“Of course, Pinkie. We’ll take care of everything here. Go have fun with your friends.”

Limitations placed on one’s conduct are foreign to somepony who thrives on chaos, so it was sometimes difficult for Discord to know how much he could liven up the lives of the many boring ponies going about their mundane tasks before pushing things just a bit too far. Surveying the scene, he found little more than good, clean fun and happy spirits, which was about as exciting as to him as dipping one’s muzzle in paint and proceeding to watch it dry. The obvious conclusion? Mess with Applejack. If nothing else, she’d get upset and chase him a little.

Hmmm, let’s see now... oh, I have just the thing! Applejack was busy setting baskets around her next mark, and as she picked another up, she turned to find that one was missing. Glancing around, she didn’t see anypony acting suspicious, so she placed another and prepared to resume, only to find the one she had just set down had also mysteriously vanished.

“Applebloom, are you stealin’ mah baskets?” Applejack called out, wondering if it was revenge for pulling her away from her friends.

“What’re you talkin’ ‘bout, sis? Ah’ve been collectin’ the ones from the last tree!” she retorted, expertly balancing a loaded basket on her head as if to prove her point.

“Well, somepony’s messin’ with mah baskets, ah think. Ah know ah can’t be goin’ that crazy...” Applejack muttered, looking around. With a sigh, she turned to grab another basket only to find they were gone, and upon looking back, she found a whole cart’s worth under one tree. “Discord...” The draconequus was nowhere in sight, and with a sigh, Applejack began removing the extra baskets to the base of a different tree, uttering dire warnings against further unwanted roaming.

“Applejack, why’re you talkin’ t’ the baskets?”

“‘Cause they keep actin’ silly, Applebloom, that’s why!” she asserted, setting down the last of the extras and eyeing each tree with a glare, silently commanding everything to stay put. Discord was watching with glee as she prepped to rain down a shower of apples, and he snapped his paw once, folded his arms across his chest, and sat back to watch.

“What ‘n tarnation?” Applejack murmured, turning to face the tree she had just given a solid buck, only to have no apples fall. “Oh ho, gonna be difficult, are ya now? Watch this, Applebloom. Ah’m gonna teach this tree a lesson!” Second buck, no apples. Third buck, one apple. “Ah’ll right, Discord. If that’s the way you wanna play, then take... this!” Summoning all her strength, she braced herself and planted the tree with a mighty buck, splintering the trunk with a resounding crack as the tree toppled over, falling with a crash. Applejack stood staring a moment, horrified at the loss of a good tree. “Discord! That’s gonna be yer face when ah find you, ya hear me?” she shouted, scoring the ground with a hoof.

“Applejack, that was amazin’! Ah didn’t know you could buck a tree down flat!” Applebloom exclaimed in awe, rushing over and inspecting the stump. Her sister’s praise temporarily dispelled the frustration, at least until she moved to the next tree, reared, bucked, and found herself buried as every leaf fell from the tree and all of the apples remained contentedly at their place of rest.

“Oh, if you could only see the look on your face, Applejack. Priceless!” Discord chortled, slithering over and placing a claw around her shoulders.

“Trust me, Discord,” she started, sounding bored, before whipping around, mistaking him for a tree, and winding him as she acted accordingly. “Still think it was priceless? Now, stop messin’ with mah orchard!” Luna broke off her discussion with Whisper and cantered over to Discord, who remained on his back as he conjured new ploys with which to harass the ponies present.

“Art thou having fun?”

“Oh yes, quite! It’s hilarious the way she thinks a single buck would keep me from spreading chaos.”

“And what might be next on thine devious mind, hmmm? More jokes at my sister’s expense? Perhaps a bit of fun with Rainbow Dash?”

“Actually, I was thinking it might be fun to mess with the newest addition to the random stallions appearing in Ponyville and bedding with the Elements.”

“I advise against such things, Discord," Luna warned, growing annoyingly serious. "Everypony is quite protective of Fluttershy, and if you do anything to upset Whisper, you’ll have everypony here after you.”

“That sounds absolutely delightful!” Discord chortled, brushing himself off and eyeing his next victim.

“I know not why I even deign to bother... Don’t do anything too drastic, or I shall be after you as well. He’s such a sweet little colt...”

“Good job, Whisper!” Fluttershy stooped to pick up a few of the stray apples that had missed the baskets after Whisper’s buck. Every encouraging word seemed to fill him with more excitement, and while she knew he was going to be plumb exhausted by sunset, he was too busy dashing from apple to apple, making sure not a single one was lost. He allowed his inner energies to go idle for a moment as Fluttershy loaded a basket onto his back, and together they moved them to cart. Taking a moment to rest, she watched him dance through the leaves, his mane swishing to and fro as he sang on the inside. It filled her with as much affection as it did worry, the fact that such an energetic stallion would take an interest in somepony as quiet as herself, and she found her anxieties bubbling to the surface despite her efforts to cram them down.

Whisper’s never been anything but kind to me, but I wonder... if things will always be like this? She shook her head, trying to expel thoughts she knew she shouldn’t be having. Whisper ceased his antics just long enough to wave her over, signalling he was ready to begin working on the next tree, and she crammed her misgivings down and trotted to meet him, her smile confusing the stallion who sensed something else present, however faint it was.

“Fluttershy, is everything all right?”

“Oh, well, um... mostly. I’m fine, I think, so don’t worry about it.” Whisper’s stare became uncomfortable as he tried to decipher what exactly she meant, and while she knew it wouldn’t help, she again found herself hiding behind her mane.

I can’t tell what this is, but it isn’t good. It’s not very strong, and it’ll probably go away, but I don’t want to just wait for it to leave. There’s got to be something... “I’ll be right back.” Cantering away, he sought out Cerulean, who had resorted to using magic to aid in his harvesting endeavours, a stomp of his hoof sending out a blunted pillar slamming into the base of the tree, every bit as effective as his hooves. “I’m jealous.”

“Whisper, trust me... the spell you taught me is far more impressive than a bit of ice.” Whisper sat down, blowing the hair out of his face so he could see better.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s there or not, I still can’t even lift things. I mean, if I could use magic, then I could make Fluttershy happier right now.” Remembering both of his conversations the day prior, he glanced over at Fluttershy, who immediately averted her gaze.

“Whisper... I don’t think Fluttershy needs magic right now. She just needs a little reassurance that...” Cerulean paused, unsure of if Fluttershy wanted their conversation to be kept secret or not. “Whisper, is it exciting for you to be with Fluttershy?”

“More than anything. I mean, I know I get a little crazy exploring, but...” he paused, not bothering to fight the longing within just to be with the mare and make her smile. “There’s nothing better in the world than being with Fluttershy. Why do you think I’m trying so hard? I want to tell her that...” He accepted his brother’s embrace, but it wasn’t the pony he wanted a hug from.

“There’s a really old saying, ‘actions speak louder than words.’ Think about what makes her happy, and find a way to show her.” Whisper nodded slowly, wracking his brain to try and find a solution. He idly scratched at the earth with a hoof, tracing random lines before stopping cold.

“Thanks, brother. I think I have just the thing!” Bending down, he grabbed a small branch and trotted over to Fluttershy, who didn’t look up as he approached.

I hate worrying him like this, but I can’t just make it go away... I know what Twilight said is true, but I just... A scratching noise bid her open her eyes again, and she glanced up to find Whisper with a stick in his mouth, sketching in the dirt as he had when he first saw Discord. He finished the first form, which resembled himself, and moved on to the second, drawing Fluttershy a short distance from his first sketch. As he put the finishing touches on her mane, he straightened up, looking at the drawing and then to her.

“Do you see the problem?”

“Um... I... No, I’m sorry...” she said softly, head drooping as she tried to understand. He motioned her over and bid her sit beside him, and as she took her seat, he scooted a little closer so there was no distance between them.

“Here, I’ll show you.” He slowly drew a circle that encompassed the faces of both ponies before setting down the stick and beaming over at her with shining eyes. “See? They’re much too far apart. But I can’t fix that on my own.” Whisper gave her muzzle a gentle nudge with his own while he wrapped his hooves around her, and together they closed the distance.

Discord watched in silence from the tree they were huddled under, and as the kiss ended, they took a break from harvesting, Fluttershy curling up against Whisper’s chest and whispering words of thanks as her worries were again beaten back. Not even the king of chaos could bring himself to disrupt the pair, the sickening sensation of love thick in the air and too plain to deny, and thus he quietly left the two and wandered off, sitting by himself as he experienced a rare moment of deep contemplation. Luna had been watching the proceedings with great interest, and she cantered over to the disgruntled draconequus with curiosity.

“What is this? Discord, this is quite unlike you. Art thou not going to continue thine pranking?”

“Some things are not meant to be disturbed.”

“Hmmm, it would seem that my sister is having more of an effect on you than I thought,” Luna mused, sitting beside him and looking out at the other ponies just in time to see Celestia having a bit of fun herself, teleporting an entire tree out of the way as Storm attempted to buck it, his hooves missing their mark, no longer present, and landing him flat on his stomach as he lost balance. “And you on her, it seems,” Luna concluded, chuckling as Rainbow Dash high-hoofed Celestia.

“So it would seem,” Discord replied a faint smile coming to his face as he shrugged off the contemplative and reverted to normal while Celestia replaced the tree and cantered over.

“Hast thou a special love for trees that thou wouldst steal, sister?” Luna asked, noting Celestia’s beaming features and greeting them with her own.

“Well, I wouldn’t...”

“Trees?” Discord interjected, teleporting atop a nearby gala tree. “Let’s see... rooted, unmoving, boring, and in this one’s case, tasty.”

“Your point?” Celestia offered, trotting past and paying him no heed.

“Oh, no point at all, your highness, I was just struck by the similarities you share with them.”

“You find my sister to be tasty, then?” Luna teased, laughing at her own joke before realizing that Celestia had stopped moving, a blush rising to her cheeks as she slowly turned and gave Discord a warning stare.

“Oh, come now, Celestia. A smile it much more fitting for a princess, and I said not a word,” he said gleefully, appearing atop her back and lounging as if laying in a hammock before being hastily bucked from his perch. Luna was now intrigued by the development, and wasn’t about to drop it.

“Sister, is there truth in my words? Art thou... really...”

“Luna, some things are not for a little sister to know,” Celestia said quickly, knowing that her words carried no weight.

“So you are kissing that... abomination?”

“No, I am not!”

“Well, now, that’s not entirely true,” Discord corrected, adopting an aggravatingly condescending tone. “Do you mean with regularity, or one night stands? It is an important distinction to make.”

“Discord! Don’t you...” she started before she felt a sudden weight land on her back, and she put the reigns on her anger and smiled sweetly, offering but a single chance for the draconequus to escape a day on the surface of the sun. “Discord, I would have you not filling my sister’s mind with ridiculous notions... understood?”

“And what shall I receive for my good behavior, hmmm?” He was promptly bucked from her back, and he adopted a lounging position on the ground as Celestia towered over him.

“If I’m feeling generous, your life, perhaps.”

“How unbelievably stingy for a princess with everything, but I suppose a beggar like myself should take what he can get,” Discord murmured, staring up at the princess and gauging her words. Luna watched with growing concern as Celestia leaned down, whispered something she couldn’t make out to the now chuckling draconequus before cantering off, blushing lightly and prompting immediate investigation.

“Sister, thou hast explaining to do! Come back!” A tremendous gasp halted the procession, and Discord had no time to react before a certain pink catastrophe was upon him, fierce, jovial insanity burning within a pair of clear, blue eyes.

“Why, if it isn’t my favorite mmph!” he started, before he was unceremoniously “tasted” quite thoroughly. Applejack immediately covered her sister’s eyes as many of Pinkie’s friends pulled wry faces at the scene. Whisper, however, had just two questions on the subject.

"Um, Fluttershy? Who's that pink pony kissing Discord? And why is the white alicorn making a scary face?"

“T-that’s Pinkie Pie, and she, well, probably likes the way he... tastes,” Fluttershy managed. Whisper watched as she pulled up for air, said something really quick about chocolate milk, and then went back for seconds, all while Discord tried not to let the bubbling laughter tear forth as he glanced over at where Celestia stood with a regal glare stamped on her features, eye twitching slightly. Whisper was quite content to watch the strange proceedings, at least until Pinkie spotted him from afar and came bounding over, at which point he immediately became defensive.

“No, wait, I don’t want to be tasted! I don’t taste good, really!”

“Huh? Oh, nonono, I’m not going to taste you again, silly. That was a one time thing, and besides, you tasted like salad, and that’s boring! Maybe if I had a big thing of ranch dressing to dip you in...” she trailed off, her mind overclocked on just how she’d find such a thing in the middle of an orchard.

“Fluttershy, help! She wants to dip me in something and eat me!”

“Whisper, I don’t think she really wants to eat you. Just calm down, it’s...”

“What’s that, a big bowl of ranch? Consider it yours, Pinkie,” Discord chortled, a tremendous earthenware bowl arising from the dirt and filling itself with creamy ranch style dressing.

“Discord, a word?” Celestia called, and he gave one last glance as Pinkie disregarded boundaries and hefted Whisper into the vat amidst much non-verbal protest while Dawn pranced around the perimeter, singing praises of the only recently discovered "salad frosting," a delightful substance that turned something bland and healthy into a tolerable meal.

Pinkie Pie, you are such a delightful mare... Nothing like this pony that will likely have my horns simply for trying to have a good time. Discord's musings came to an end as Celestia and himself wandered off, with Luna none-too-stealthily trailing them to make sure nothing strange happened, or at least to ascertain if anything would. Whisper emerged from the white goop with a gasp, scrambling to clear his vision only to find the Pink mare equally coated and making little attempt to eat him as expected, but simply splashing like it was some kind of bath.

“Pinkie!” Applejack cried out, rushing over. “You’re goin’ t’ scare him!”

“Scare him? Name one thing that’s scary about taking a bath in salad dressing!” Pinkie countered, pointing a gooey hoof.

“It ain’t about the dressing, it...”

“Well, of course it’s not just about the dressing! You can’t have dressing without salad, and with the new pony here, it’s perfect!” Whisper could only stare dumbly as Pinkie argued her viewpoint with logic not of Equestria, blinking as the creamy substance ran from his mane. A familiar, comforting voice came from behind, and he turned to find a very apologetic looking Fluttershy peeking over the rim of the bowl.

“I’m so, so sorry, Whisper. Are you... ok?”

“I’m a mess,” he pouted, lifting his hooves for her to see before dropping them back into the mire.

“Yes, you are,” she giggled softly, leaning over the side and blushing as she licked his nose. “You’re pretty tasty, though.”

“Oh, really? I wouldn’t mind if you tried to eat me.” Did I? Yes, a smile! Woohoo! “You know... I’d feel better if you were here with me.” Fluttershy hesitated for just a moment, staring at the offered hoof, before accepting it with a soft squish, climbing over the bowl and sliding in with a plop next to her stallion. It struck her just how odd the setting was as a whole, something she never would have dared to try not all that long ago, but sitting in the soothingly cool bowl of dressing, looking back into shining scarlet eyes, she knew it was thanks to the stallion who playfully splashed her that she had grown as much as she had.

“Whisper? Thank you.” He paused, hoof raised, before Fluttershy took the initiative, splashing him back and squealing as the strange fight escalated. A lull occurred after a few moments, and as Fluttershy examined herself, and then Whisper, she found a spark of his exuberance had found its way into her heart, and the time they were sharing at that moment fanned it into a fire. Disregarding everypony present as her affection for Whisper blotted out any thoughts of social repercussions, she beamed over at him, wiped the excess from his mouth, and pulled him into a deep kiss, the kind they had only shared once. Ranch covered wings spread wide as her friends tried to appreciate the tender moment despite such an utterly preposterous venue.

“What... what was...”

“You said it would be ok if I tried to eat you, right?” Fluttershy whispered, knowing full well her audience was horrified but too enamored to care. These worries can all just buck themselves. Oh dear, did I really just think that? What in Equestria has come over me? She paused a moment, looking from face to face and blushing deeply. She looked intently into Whisper’s eyes, searching to find herself in the reflection. “Whisper? I’m sorry for making you worry before. I’m going to try and be strong for you, but can you... just tell me that I’m...”

“The best pony ever, the one who taught me that the world isn’t so scary afterall?” His hooves wrapped around her middle, sliding underneath her wings as he drew her close, gently pressing his cheek to hers. “You’ll always be my one and only special somepony, Fluttershy. Always.” It was too much for Fluttershy’s heart to handle, and she pressed in for another kiss, filling everypony with utterly conflicted emotions at the confounding happenstance laced with lethal levels of adorable.

“Sis, what ‘n tarnation am ah seein’? Ah don’t know whether t’ get a camera or run away screamin’,” Applebloom muttered, having broken free only to find that she wasn’t sure she wished she hadn’t. Applejack couldn’t answer, but simply shook her head at her sister’s expert summary.

“Hey, no fair! I want a ranch pony to taste!” Pinkie lamented quite loudly, instantly galvanizing Fluttershy into maximum Whisper defense mode, and she quickly stood between the two.

“Now, don’t you get any ideas about kissing Whisper, Pinkie. I, um, will do anything to stop you, so, well, please don’t make me... do anything.” Pinkie complied, just not in the way Fluttershy had imagined, and Whisper’s jaw dropped as the crazy mare took his place, planting Fluttershy with a tremendous smooch and effectively paralyzing the hapless pegasus. Rarity, who had fallen far behind do to an off comment about how Discord may have been present since she knew the princesses were at the farm, arrived at the scene just in time to see the fateful connection, and as Whisper caught Fluttershy to keep her from drowning in the gooey mess due to a sudden loss of strength in her limbs, Rarity spoke for everypony present.

“...I simply do not have the stomach for this,” she murmured, covering her face with a hoof.

"Rarity, you've gotta come join us. The dressing is great!" Pinkie exclaimed, motioning wildly not just to her favorite dressmaker, but to everypony else as well.

"As marvelous as bathing in, eh... that... sounds, I simply must decline your... generous offer.” Pinkie wouldn’t have it, and Rarity took a step back as Pinkie bounded out, slowly marching towards her and giggling like crazy. “Pinkie, I am warning you, if you lay a single...”

“Please, play with me...” Rarity stopped cold, shocked by the sudden shift, and seizing her opportunity, Pinkie expertly lobbed Rarity directly into the center of the bowl and dove in after her. Rarity was beside herself, limbs frozen as she felt the dressing oozing around her ears, dripping from her snout and mane.

“Pinkie, you and I are going to have words later,” Rarity said flatly, staring pointedly at the mare who spurned her frustration with an amiable grin.

“Yeah, sure! I love talking. Come on, everypony!” she shouted, looking from face to face.

“Oh, what the hay, why not?” Storm remarked, using his wings to launch himself into the air and landing with a splash, high-hoofing Pinkie Pie and waving to Rainbow Dash. One by one, the sizable bowl became crowded with ponies splashing and laughing, all save Silver, Applejack, and Applebloom, who simply shook their heads in disbelief.

“Come on, Applejack! It’s really not so bad,” Rainbow Dash called out, wiping her eyes and leaning over the rim.

“Sugarcube, ain’t no way I’m climbin’ in there.”

“Chicken.”

“What’d you say?”

“I said you’re scared, plain and simple!”

"Chicken!" Dawn repeated, attempting to splash some at Applejack but merely sending a small spout into her own face.

“No ah ain’t, now...” Applejack started before Dash's jibes became irksome enough to cast aside personal cleanliness.

“You totally are!” Silver didn’t even bother trying to restrain her as his wife joined the fray, and he could only smile as the princesses returned, adopting a formal tone as he addressed them, all while Discord fought back tears of pride at his handiwork.

“Welcome, your highnesses. Would you care for a bath?”

After an hour whipped past at startling speeds, Discord’s bowl was abandoned in a mass exodus of dripping, laughing ponies who made their way towards the barn, where Whisper was introduced to the fascinating pony technology known as a hose. He regarded the large coiled snake with fright, having seen a few in his roaming and found them to be of ill temper, and it wasn’t until Applejack turned the knob, grabbed it by the neck, and proceeded to shower everypony with a much needed cleansing torrent of water that he relaxed. She rolled her eyes as Storm and Rainbow Dash regarded each other’s dripping forms with looks even Whisper could understand, and after being cleaned himself, Applejack was about to move on to Fluttershy after having been cleaned by Silver when a silent request gave her cause to smile.

“What’s that now? Well, sure, ah don’t mind if you give it a try,” Applejack agreed, hoofing the hose over to the eager stallion who nearly caught her hoof in his haste to snatch it up, and Fluttershy suddenly found herself fixed with eyes that burned with youthful mischief.

“Whisper, now wait just a... eeek!” The spray didn’t just come from one angle, but many as he danced around her, cleansing her coat and mane of salad dressing. She found minimal success with her feeble attempts to block the spray, and succumbed to her fate, giggling and sputtering. “Ok, that’s enough, I think. I’m all clean.” Whisper stared at her for a moment, and she could swear he was grinning even with a mouth full of hose.

“What about right... there!” He doused her with a short spray, trotting a little closer and spraying her again.

Oh, so that’s how he wants to play? Well, he doesn’t know that I know how to stop any stallion. I was a model, after all. Fluttershy again reminded everypony present save herself that she had a rather unbecoming habit of becoming lost in the moment, to a point where she would take certain actions that fit her personality about as much as Rarity gluing rocks to her face. “Oh dear,” she started, adopting a sultry tone that brought a stunned hush over the yard, “it’s so cold and wet...” She took a step forward, whipping her mane back and leering at a stallion who, no matter what his level of ignorance, was entranced by the mare slowly walking towards him. “If only I had a nice, hot stallion to... heat things up... Make it just a little...” she paused, drawing her lips to his ear and whispering, “steamy...”

The hose fell to the ground with a small splash as his mouth fell open, a soft green light from his horn reflecting off of Fluttershy’s damp coat as she slid her hooves around his neck, and he couldn’t stop a shudder from passing over him as she gently nibbled on an ear. Pulling away, she held his gaze as she lowered her head, and while he wondered if this was some kind of prelude to rolling in the hay, or mud, as it were, she broke the spell by snatching up the hose and dowsing the hapless stallion with a torrent of water, not stopping until he ran out of range. “And let that be a lesson to you, Whisper!” she called out cheerfully, feeling quite proud of her assertive behavior and treasuring the messages being sent, and she indulged another kiss as Whisper came trotting back before turning around and realizing that she had forgotten one minor detail; all of her friends were watching.

“I... he... but...” Her face soon matched her mane, the sudden heat in her cheeks flooding through the rest of her body as embarrassment gripped her. “...oh dear.”

“Fluttershy... that was, uh...” Applejack started before Rarity began clapping her hooves with avid enthusiasm.

“Simply marvelous! Fluttershy, that was truly magnificent, the way you stood up for yourself. In fact, I doubt even I could have done that any better!” she declared, trotting over and giving Fluttershy a mighty embrace. “You make this mare proud, Fluttershy. I shan’t ever worry about you handling yourself again.”

“Um, thank you, I think,” she replied, glancing anywhere but her friends. I can’t believe I did something like that in front of everypony... again. And yet, as she felt a gentle pressure of a cherished hoof on her cheek and smiled, she could almost feel the joy radiating from the stallion standing before her, and Rarity gave them both a wink before trotting away.

“Storm, why are your wings like that?” Rainbow Dash asked, setting Fluttershy’s recovery time back by another few minutes as she turned to find both of her friend’s wings outstretched.

“Really, must you even ask that?” Rarity interjected, having stopped upon hearing the question. “This is Fluttershy we’re talking about, perhaps the only pony whose feminine wiles could even come close to comparing to mine.”

“Well, look who’s all full of herself! I bet I could get more stallions looking than you, easy! I’m a show mare, remember?”

“Yes, well, you’ve also put on weight, so...”

“All right, that’s it!” Rainbow Dash yelled, struggling against Storm’s hooves. “Lemme go! I’m gonna teach that mare a lesson!”

“You ain’t the only one, sugarcube,” Applejack defended, trotting over to her cyan friend and stomping a hoof. “Rarity, that’s just downright mean, an’ you know it.”

“Hmmm, perhaps,” she conceded, nodding to both of them. “You both have your charms, and I meant no real offense. I’ll tell you what, I’ll make you both maternity dresses for my apology, and perhaps a little something to spice up the night?”

“Sold!” Storm declared, squeezing tightly as Rainbow Dash ceased her struggle and imagined the possibilities.

“Ah already asked you fer some, an ah ain’t gotten it yet,” Applejack pointed out, cringing as she realized her blunder.

“Really, sweetheart? Now, that’s right kind of ya,” Silver said with a laugh, drawing his blushing mare close.

“Dangit, that was supposed t’ be a surprise!” she groaned, leaning against him before looking back to Rarity with a wide grin. “Ah think you’re almost back to yer old self. You better be sure t’ do somethin’ nice fer Sweetie Belle. That ring sure has changed you fer the better,” Applejack chuckled, cantering over and patting Rarity on the shoulder before trotting away with Silver to see if Granny Smith needed any help setting up for dinner. Rarity fell uncommonly quiet, jolting Fluttershy from her shame and bidding her wander over to her friend.

“Um, Rarity? Is everything all right?”

“Yes, I... was just thinking, is all...”

“Oh, all right then... Don’t think too hard, ok?” Fluttershy urged, turning away and scrambling to keep up with her stallion as he dashed away.

“Hello~! Anypony home?” Pinkie chortled. It took several waves of a hoof and a bubbly voice to yank Rarity from her introspection, and she blinked a few times and straightened up only to have Pinkie jam her ear against Rarity’s muzzle.

“Pinkie, may I ask what you’re doing?” Rarity inquired, pulling her head back and wiping her snout.

“Well, you said before that you had words for me, and words come from the mouth, and since your face was super duper serious, I figured it was really important and wanted to listen extra close!” Pinkie quipped, staring back expectantly.

“Pinkie, I was simply... Nevermind, do not worry about it,” Rarity replied with a sigh, shaking her head and trotting away to meet the rest as Pinkie watched from where she sat, letting slip a sigh of her own. She watched everypony pitching in to set up dinner in the orchard, but rather than join them, she returned to the barn, found a large pile of hay to lie down in, and closed her eyes, hoping a quick nap might make smiling at dinner a little bit easier.

That evening's dinner taught the ever willing to learn Whisper a number of things. Firstly, alcohol makes ponies act very silly, doing illogical things like dancing on the table, chasing one’s tail, eating said tail upon capturing the elusive beast, bucking trees that weren’t there, and so forth. It also made a certain beautiful mare, currently latched to his foreleg, pleasantly affectionate, giggly, and clingy, which only added to the wonder of an evening of revelry. The atmosphere, the laughter, the food, the ponies... Whisper couldn’t imagine a happier place, and thus it was that he decided he rather liked parties, and would have to brave the tavern very soon.

It struck him as odd that Pinkie Pie, whom he was warned beforehoof had a penchant for antagonizing ponies she had only recently met, all but ignored him, paying much more attention to one fashionista who became more and more receptive to the party mare’s antics in proportion with the amount of alcohol consumed. She had arrived later than expected, shortly after Applebloom left, but nopony paid the detail much notice, as she quickly switched onto maximum party mode. Fluttershy had only consumed two drinks, and it was enough to make her quite a bit louder than was usual for her, but Whisper couldn’t bring himself to complain. How could he? As he opened his heart and listened past the voices, almost everything he could sense was boundless joy. Oddly enough, it was Pinkie and Rarity that were giving off the strangest vibes, but not wanting to spoil the tone of the evening, he left the matter alone.

“All right, everypony, can I have your attention?” Silver called out, causing a lull and eventual quite. “It seems we’ve all let ourselves go a little bit tonight...” he started, waiting as a few rousing cheers shook the trees. “There are plenty of rooms here on the farm, so I’d like to extend an invitation to all of you. Free hangover cure for anypony that sleep here on the farm. Sound reasonable?” There was unanimous agreement, and the temporary halt was all it took for everypony to realize that they were worn to the bone from a good day of work in the fields. Silver stood by the door, handing out vials and graciously accepting compliments on his brews, but as Whisper and Fluttershy approached, he leaned in close and whispered something to the stallion too soft for Fluttershy to hear. He tilted his head a moment before nodding, and heading inside.

“La la... la la la~! Teehee, thanks, Whisper...” Fluttershy murmured as he held open the door, supporting her weight and moving her towards the bed. “Oh my, Whisper, how rude,” she giggled, standing by the bedside and giving him an irresistible smile. “You can’t just... offer to bed with me like that.”

“Fluttershy, I wouldn’t... I mean...” Throwing her hooves around him, she pulled him onto the bed with her, giggling uncontrollably and nuzzling his cheek. Nuzzling turned to tasting, and before he was overcome by whatever the primal urge welling from within was telling him to do, he carefully extracted himself and was immediately assailed by sadness from the mare.

“Whisper? Where are you going? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, come... come back, please.”

“Fluttershy, it’s ok,” he immediately soothed, holding her close. “Silver asked to see me, but I wanted to make sure you were safe here in bed first. I’ll be back soon, so don’t fall asleep without me, ok?”

“Ok... don’t take too long, though.” Parting with a tender kiss, he ignored the glowing of his horn, as well as the thoughts that fueled it, and returned outside where Silver sat with a small cask, and Cerulean beside him.

“Hey there, Whisper. Take a seat,” Silver said cheerfully, patting the ground beside him. Whisper obeyed, eyeing the cask with great interest. “Whisper? Tell me, what is it you want most?” Bewildered, he cast a curious eye to his brother, who nodded that he should answer.

“Well... I mean, I don’t want to sound ungrateful... I’ve found more than I ever thought I would have, but...” He paused, glancing back towards the house.

“Cerulean tells me you’ve been practicing your magic, trying to learn how to control it so you can talk normally. Why?”

“Because I... I want to tell Fluttershy that I love her. I want to sing for her, laugh when she laughs... I just want to make her happy.” Silver repeated the words for Cerulean to hear, who nodded his approval before making an offer that seemed too good to be true.

“Whisper... it’s not a permanent fix, but if there was a way to, just for a little while, give you a chance at being able to talk to Fluttershy, would you take it?”

“It’s not like the horn ring thing, is it? Brother, you know that was too scary for me...”

“No, no, it’s nothing like that,” Cerulean quickly assured him, sitting beside him and wrapping a hoof around his shoulders. “Silver can probably explain better, but let me just offer this little bit of advice, Whisper. I think that part of your problem with magic is that you’re trying to force it out. For most unicorns, just knowing the spell and releasing the magic accordingly is enough, but you... you’re different.”

“I don’t like being different. I wanna be normal.”

“Whisper, while it may be buried deep, your talent is likely just as special as the rest of your magic. I know it’s been hard for you, being so afraid, but dad... he gave all of us kids a piece of his gift, and you got most of it.”

“Wait, dad? I have a dad? Do I have a mom, too?” Cerulean cursed himself for his mistake in bringing it up, but it was too late to take it back.

“Whisper, some day... you’ll get to meet them. They live very far away, but listen close, Whisper. I want you to try something next time you attempt to use magic. Think of Fluttershy.”

“But... don’t I need to be thinking about the spell you showed me?”

“You have all the knowledge, baby brother,” he replied affectionately, giving him a tight squeeze. “Just try it. I have a hunch it will help. Think back on all the memories you’ve made with her, and let that guide your magic. Now, that being said...” he trailed off, motioning for Silver to do his part. He lifted the cask with magic, filling an empty cup with a small amount of Zap Apple moonshine and levitated it over Whisper.

“What is this? It smells really good, and it’s really... really pretty,” he sent, staring in awe at the faint array of lights dancing from the clear fluid.

“It’s a drink that draws out the deepest desires of the heart. If your truest desire really is to speak to Fluttershy, this may just show you the way.”

“But... but what if I...” he started, looking over at Cerulean with pleading eyes.

“I can wait outside the door. If anything happens, I’ll be right there to save you. You don’t have to be afraid of anything, Whisper.” No further messages came as Whisper fell into a deep contemplation. Was a single night of freedom worth the risk? He had all but leveled her house once in his fear, had toppled a tree on them both, and repeatedly proved that his magic had only ever served to worsen the lives of those around him. Cerulean could see his eyes scrunched tight as the most painful memories threatened to overcome, and he offered one last word of advice, learned through his own trials which had all been made worthwhile by the act of one pony giving him a chance.

“Whisper... don’t forget the good times. Life can seem like an endless string of bad things, but sometimes, it’s the one pony that makes the difference. Fluttershy can be that pony for you, but not if you refuse to let go of the past, and try to build a new future.” Like a floodgate, the myriad of pleasant memories that had been repressed by fear came rushing back. Fluttershy giving him tea for the first time, when they watched a movie and shared popcorn, when she laid with him in the great darkness during his long sleep, and perhaps his two most cherished memories came to the forefront: the time they had danced, lost in their own world, and the very first time he had been allowed to touch her cheek. Even before he tilted back the glass and drank deep, he made a promise to himself that he would speak. It may not be much, it may not even make sense, but he was going to try.

“Thank you, Silver. And you too, big brother,” he said silently, giving Cerulean a massive hug and peering back at Silver through his hair, beaming. “Now, I have to go. I told Fluttershy that I wouldn’t keep her waiting long.”

“Well, what’re you sitting around for?” Cerulean cried in mock horror, shoving Whisper lightly away. “Get back to your mare, Whisper. They never like to be kept waiting.” Not bothering to send a reply, he trotted back into the house, and cracked open the door to where he left Fluttershy as quietly as possible on the off chance she was sleeping. She was, perhaps, the opposite of sleeping, the pain of seperation combining with the alcohol to push her to new limits of frisky behavior, and Whisper was promptly tackled upon setting hoof inside the door. Cerulean discretely closed the door, commenting to Silver as he passed that he wouldn’t stay much longer if he heard anything other than talking, sharing a soft chuckle as he sat down and rested his head against the wall.

Come on, Jade... Just a laugh... He listened quietly for a time before his eyes snapped open, filling with tears of indescribable joy at the sound he heard.

“You were gone way too long, mister. Now, you’re in a lot of trouble~!” Her words and actions didn’t match up, but Whisper couldn’t rightly complain as she stood over him, leaning close and, surprisingly, not going for his lips but nuzzling his cheek. “Did you... have fun today?”

It’s so strange... normally, I’d be having a lot of trouble thinking like this, but right now... All I can think of is you, Fluttershy. Recalling his brother’s words, he let the memories come forth, and he slowly wrapped his hooves around her neck, pulling her in close. “Fl...” No amount of alcohol could have staved off the wave of elation and shock, and she pulled away, staring in disbelief. “Flu... Flu... ter... shy?” His words came slowly, and were hesitant, timid, soft, and beautiful to the mare whose name was spoken.

“W-Whisper? You... you’re...” He stood up as she back away, wonder shining in green eyes that were filling with tears of joy that only spurred him to greater efforts.

“Can... can we... dance?” Just like before...

“Whisper, I... yes. Yes, we can dance...” she managed, trembling as he stood and pulled her close. His nose touched lightly to hers as her hooves squeezed tighter, and even though she was crying, he knew it wasn’t the sad kind. Her one selfish wish, one that she hadn’t held for long, had been granted too suddenly for her to prepare, and with every step, every brush of his soft fur against her chest, she felt her love grow. It was almost too much, like she was about to burst, and a faint light caused her to open her eyes and behold Whisper with awe. “This is...”

“Don’t... be scared...” I’m not, so... please, don’t be afraid. Just like in the forest, his chest had begun to glow, right over the heart, and as she pulled away, she could see tiny tendrils of light begin to form.

Whatever this is, it can’t be bad. Whisper... She gently pressed her lips to his cheek as the light grew brighter, and she put her muzzle close to his ear, yielding with total acceptance. “Whisper... I’m not afraid.” They continued to sway as she pressed herself against him, and she gave a soft gasp as the magic stream reached inside, directly into her heart. There was no pain, no discomfort, just an overpowering sense of understanding as a pathway was built between her heart and his. Every ounce of love that he couldn’t verbalize flooded her mind, body, and soul, and as she felt his shoulders begin to shake, she knew that he was feeling the same.

It’s so much... this love is so strong, I... I can’t... Unable to think of anything else to do, she cracked open her eyes, placed a hoof on his cheek while he placed his on hers, and they both leaned in to a passionate kiss. Every fiber of her being lit up as the physical sensation was amplified by the love flowing freely between the two, and unable to stop herself, she let out a soft cry of joy, only to find afterwards that breathing had become very difficult. It’s too much... I can’t... keep from...

“Fluttershy?”

“Y-yes?” she said softly, barely able to find the strength to speak as the light shifted from white to a soft, rose colored pink to match her hair.

I’ve wanted to give this to you for so long, Fluttershy. I hope this is... everything you wanted it to be, because I... have everything I could ever want right here in my hooves. He kissed her once more, smiling faintly at the soft noise she made, before closing his eyes and letting the magic flow as it wished. The ground around his feet began to glow, and a moving melody drifted through the air. His tongue loosened by the magic within, he held Fluttershy close and began to sing.

“You would not believe my surprise...

When I found a mare that dared...

to look into these eyes.

Blood red and full of fear,

I thought for sure you’d disappear...

and run away... but you stayed...

Remember the first time I touched your cheek?

you’re so beautiful and brave, and yet so very meek

you’ve helped me realize,

that all the fear I hold inside is just a lie...

and I’m more than just a beast~

This is a song~ about a monster...

who found his hope... amongst the trees~

This is a song~ how from the water...

rose a mare... who reached for me...

Through every sorrow and every tear...

you never left my side, were always near...

even when I ran away,

you found a way to make me stay...

despite a broken wing... I still heard you sing...

“You’re all that I need,” as you are mine.

I didn’t even need to ask to see a sign...

the love you showed me there,

blushing from behind your hair...

a love that cannot hide...

so I sing of what’s inside!

This is a song~ about one’s kindness~

such affection... you’ve always shown~

This the song~ of broken silence~

such gratitude... I’ve never known~

a home, a heart,

a brand new start

I’ll never run away from you again...

a monster no more,

though I don’t know what’s in store,

with you I’ve felt new life begin!”

Just before the Whisper sang the final words, a faint flash lit his flank as he used his talent to the fullest. Where once there was only soft, velvety green fur, a pair of intertwining pink hearts lit by white light appeared. Whisper himself became choked, nearly unable to sing the final verse as two souls became intertwined, his magic nearing its limit. He closed his eyes, held her close, and let the final words dance softly from his lips as the last notes filled the room.

“This is a song... about a whisper...

a hush so soft... who heard me cry?

This is a song... of how I met her...

The one I love... my Fluttershy...”

Wake of a Whisper

Chapter 34: Wake of a Whisper

Mmm... that was good sleep. Wait, when did I fall asleep? Whisper cracked open his eyes, glanced at various objects around the room, and blinked a few times, making sure what he was seeing was real. This isn’t Applejack’s house. How’d I get back in the cottage? His vision still blurry, he rubbed his eyes and gave a cavernous yawn, feeling like he had slept for weeks and disappointed to find Fluttershy absent. He then looked at the clock, studied the funny markings without gleaning the slightest hint of information from them, and eased himself out of bed. Opening a window, he leaned his head out and looked around. The partly cloudy sky couldn’t hide the sun entirely, and he grew further confused as to how it could possibly be so late in the afternoon.

This doesn’t make any sense. I drank that amazing rainbow stuff, went back to the room, I sang, then... wait, I sang! One by one the memories started to come back, and he felt a fire ignite within his chest as he recalled the sheer elation he had shared with Fluttershy as their souls became one. “Flutter... shy...” Nothing happened? Wait, does this mean... “I can... talk? I can, I can talk! I can talk! Wait, that means I can... I can sing, too! I can talk and sing!” He reared in his excitement, smacking his head on the window sill, only to hit his chin as reflex yanked him back down, and next thing he knew he was on his back, holding his smarting head and pouting.

“Ouch, stupid window... that really hurt! Bad window! Fluttershy~!” he called out, laying on the floor. He tilted his head to the side so he could listen closer, but nopony came, and still lamenting his smarting face, he cracked open the door and looked around the cottage, finding it empty, save a bored looking Angel. It wasn’t likely that the furry critter would be of much help, but he trotted over and laid down before the bunny, eager enough to see Fluttershy to cater to the pampered pet’s ego. “I’m sorry to bother you, Angel. Do you know where Fluttershy went?” Sticking to his record of being little to no help, Angel simply pointed to the door and then waved the stallion away dismissively. “Well, I know she’s not here right now. Come on, tell me, please?” Again, he simply pointed to the door, giving the meddlesome stallion a glare. Ok, if that’s the way he wants to play, fine!

Whisper pulled out a piece of paper and sketched out a crude representation of himself carrying one devious furball in his mouth, showed it to Angel, and instantly achieved better results. Angel scampered over, grabbed some paper of his own, and drew a few market stalls, drawing an “X” in the center of them before high tailing it out of the room and into the relative safety of the surrounding woodlands. “Thanks, Angel! Good drawing!” He took a moment to recall the way to town, and proudly trotted out, noting the later hour and humming happily to himself. Ordinarily, he’d have been distracted by everything amazing along the way, but as memories of the previous evening came back, flashing before his eyes, his trot turned into a gallop as he became filled with thanksgiving towards the one who had given him the strength to break free.

“Whoa, Storm, look!” Rainbow Dash cried, hovering low to the ground as she got some much needed exercise and pointing towards the green streak rushing through town. “Hey, Whisper, what’s the rush? What’re you doing out here?”

“Gotta find Fluttershy!” he quipped, slowing to a stop and catching his breath.

“Your voice really is soft, just like hers...” Dash murmured, an affectionate smirk lighting her muzzle as she recalled just how elated Fluttershy was that evening, even given the fact that he had passed out immediately following his song due to magic exhaustion of simultaneously using two spells at once. “I never thought I’d feel safe letting her go, but with you, I know she’ll be happy, Whisper. Come on, follow me, she’s this way!” Rearing and letting out a whoop, Whisper charged after the rainbow maned pegasus and her husband, cutting the sky and heading straight towards the center of Ponyville. Dash stopped over Whisper’s mark and pointed down, and the timid pegasus found herself literally swept off her hooves as Whisper hoisted her up and spun a few circles, losing his balance and sending them both toppling into the dirt. Storm drew Rainbow Dash close with a wing as they landed, watching the tender scene unfold.

“Whisper, you’re awake? How do you feel, does anything hurt?” Fluttershy asked, lifting a hoof to his cheek. A short squeal escaped her lips as Whisper scrambled upright, romping in circles around her while he answered, and her heart leapt with every hoofbeat as he again graced her with his gentle voice.

“No ouchies! I feel super good! See?” he exclaimed, leaping into the air and falling to the ground with a goofy grin pasted on his face. He wasn’t normally so clumsy, but his energy levels were at an all time high and actively being spurred to new limits as he beheld the joy of the mare of a pink mane holding a hoof to her chest as she watched. She again found herself on her back as Whisper launched himself at her, wrapping his hooves around her neck and nuzzling her profusely. “It’s all thanks to you, Fluttershy. Thank you. I love you so much!”

It doesn’t matter who’s watching... “Whisper, I...” His words, his embrace, means more to me than anything. “I love you too...” Everypony around, even those that had once viewed her with lewd desire and Whisper with jealousy, burst into polite stomping and cheers as they shared a passionate kiss; even Rainbow dash clapped her hooves, nearly crying herself. Whisper slowly pulled away and looked around, unable to describe the feelings of peace surrounding his heart like the warmth of a blanket.

“This is your home now, Whisper,” Fluttershy said softly, beaming up at him as his eyes began to water. “Um, welcome to the place you never have to leave.”

“Never ever?”

“Never ever,” she repeated, sitting up and kissing the tip of his snout before touching her nose to his, nuzzling him gently.

“It’s... so... beautiful!” Rainbow Dash managed before losing it completely, burying her face in Storm’s chest as he grinned down at her, sharing her excitement.

“All right, easy on the waterworks, Dashie,” Storm said cheerfully, doing a little nuzzling of his own. “Why don’t you go tell Cerulean and Crimson that Whisper is awake? I’m sure they’d love to know he’s... up,” Storm finished, not getting the last word out before she shrugged off his hoof and took off faster than he’d ever allow his pregnant mare, but given the circumstances, he could let it slide. No more than thirty seconds later, a lavender flash signaled the entrance of Twilight and her family. Cerulean trotted forwards, slowing to a stop and sitting a respectful distance away, closing his eyes and simply listening as Whisper spoke quietly to Fluttershy, kissing her tenderly every now and again. Twilight sat down next to Cerulean, placing her hoof gently over his as Dawn watched from her place atop her mother’s head.

“Ewww, mushies! No mushy, Whisper!” Simply regaining a voice hadn’t made the stallion any more “mature,” and he grew a fiendish grin as he made eye contact with the filly and peppered Fluttershy with a barrage of playful kisses, which she failed to fight off with weakly flailing hooves and jubilant giggles. “Mom, make ‘em not mushy! Gonna thump thump!”

“Dawn, hush,” Twilight urged, chuckling as she lifted her daughter and set her down. “Why don’t you go play a bit?” Needing no second bidding to escape the harrowing scene, Dawn contented herself with using her wit and wiles to con some vendors out of some fresh produce while the rest looked on. Most of the ponies that had originally watching went back about their business with smiles on their faces, and as a flushed pegasus mare with unfurled wings sat up with a green unicorn, plus one faintly glowing horn, Cerulean interrupted and wrapped his brother in massive hug.

“You did it, baby brother... I knew you could.”

“Thank you, big brother,” Whisper replied, his voice almost the same as Cerulean remembered it. Whisper’s hooves seemed to squeeze out the tears, and even though he had shed plenty the night he heard him sing, he refused to fight the relief, the comfort, the joy of having his brother fully restored. The fear that had strangled the wonder from his life had been fully beaten back, and Whisper’s body began to quake as soft, almost feminine laughter came bubbling from within the stallion. Cerulean wanted to ask what it was that was so funny, but little did anypony know, Whisper didn’t truly have mastery over his magic, and has he devolved into mirth, a ripple of magic flooded through all those nearby, producing a tingling sensation akin to being tickled, and everypony around found themselves suddenly gripped by a serious fit of giggles.

After a few minutes of laughter, another minute or two spent gasping for air, and a sea of smiles, everypony calmed down. Crimson showed up on scene a short time later, accompanied by Big Macintosh, curious as to why all her friends were red in the face and breathing hard, though she kept her mind clean in honor of her little brother’s innocence.

“Sis! Listen, see? I can talk again!”

“That’s great, Whisper. And it seems Fluttershy is enjoying the change as well,” she remarked, matching her dainty friends smile with her own.

“Oh, very much so. His voice is just so cute, and, well, soft like mine. Even when he gets excited, he’s not very loud. He’s just... perfect!” Fluttershy exclaimed, pressing against Whisper and rubbing her face against his cheek.

“Hmmm, it shouldn’t be too much longer then, I shouldn’t wonder... You did seem pretty disappointed last night when he passed out after the song,” Crimson teased, her smile suddenly not seeming very sweet as Fluttershy blushed hard. It was true that she was very... aroused, both emotionally and physically after Whisper’s declaration of love and the magical bonding of their souls, and if it happened again, well, she couldn’t promise anypony anything. More than anything, she craved not the act itself, but simply the closeness, the absolute peace and safety that she felt when she was alone with Whisper, and it was for this reason that she brought a shocked hush to her friends.

“Yes, well, you’re probably right.”

“Fluttershy? What’re you talking about?” Whisper asked, tilting his head to the side and partially obscuring his face with his mane.

“Oh, um, nothing, really. Just, you know... stuff.”

“What kind of stuff?”

“You see, it, well... it’s kind of, um...”

“Erotic?” Crimson offered, drawing closer to Big Macintosh as she held a hoof to her face, the sweetness of her dainty laugh hoping to offset her quickly deteriorating line of thought.

“Crimson, don’t say things like that. He probably knows a lot more than you give him credit for,” Fluttershy urged. Wait, why am I trying to stop it? I don’t really mind if he thinks about it now... And if they’re all going to be mean, then I can stand up for myself too! I have Whisper with me, and together, we can handle anypony. “Actually, you can tell him.”

“Now that’s no fun,” she pouted, making a face.

“Fluttershy? What’s ‘erotic?’” Whisper asked, tapping her lightly on the shoulder.

“Oh, it’s a little hard to describe with words. I can show you, though. You know, if you’d like...”

“Yes, please! I love learning new things!” She took a few steps away, glancing around her to make sure she wouldn’t run into anything before rising to her hind hooves. “Oh, this is exciting! Look, ‘erotic’ means dancing!” In this case, it did, and Fluttershy fixed her gaze on Whisper, one that had moved from adoring to frighteningly alluring as she began to dance, her movements as provocative as the words to the song she sang.

“Grab my flanks,

I want to feel the pinch.

Flaunt what I got,

catching stallions is a cinch.

Stomp your hooves to the beat,

let me feel your body heat.

Yeah, right now, right now,

I’ve got my eyes on you.

So don’t be shy now,

here’s what we’re gonna do...

Let me hear you cry, put your hooves in the air,

I’m gonna shake my flank and toss my hair

I can’t hold it back, I wanna make ya stare

I think you and I would make a lovely pair...”

Lost in song, and fueled by the dance, Fluttershy drew up close to Whisper and pressed against him, running a hoof along the length of his body and stopping just short of his flanks. Her revery was broken as he took the words to heart and promptly grabbed her flank in the presence of all, and the sudden rush of pleasure and full knowledge of the fact she had an audience caused her to freeze completely, all save her wings which were simply not spread wide enough.

“My, my, Fluttershy. I see that passion is deeply ingrained in my family, and Whisper is no different,” Crimson tittered, her blush invisible against her red coat.

“Hey, Fluttershy, guess what?” Whisper said enthusiastically, withdrawing his hoof and bounding in front of her, too entirely focused on her to care about the myriad of stares directed at himself and his mare.

“W... w... w-what is it, W-Whisper?” she stammered, hiding behind her mane and fighting the urge to curl into a ball and wish for the world to disappear.

“Now that I got my voice back, and I don’t have to worry about blowing up your house when I go “woohoo!” we can have sex!” Rainbow Dash’s condition became worse than Fluttershy’s, and she sat down hard, teetered for a moment before flopping onto her back, her eyes unable to shut as the words seared themselves into her mind.

“Oh gosh, Whisper... You broke Rainbow Dash,” Storm lamented, chuckling evilly as he placed a fond hoof over her stomach.

“Broke her? But, that doesn’t make sense. I didn’t wrestle her, that’d just be strange! I only want to roll in the hay with Fluttershy! Right, Fluttershy?” he exclaimed, turning back and seeing nopony at first, and he looked around utterly confused for a moment before Twilight’s hoof bid him look lower. “Wow, you’re good at hiding. Hey, it’s just like when I watched you shower! Oh boy, I bet we can take showers together now too! Isn’t this great? I wonder what it’s like? Fluttershy?”

I really like his voice, but now he talks about everything! This is so embarrassing... A gentle hoof pressed against her back, and she removed her hooves long enough to peek up at a stallion’s face that was full of concern. Fluttershy knew that there was no going back now that he had his voice, and she could either continue to worry about how she was perceived, or cherish the gift for what it was, in all the awkward sweetness that came with it. She slowly rose, pulled him into an admittedly deep kiss, the kind not commonly viewed as acceptable in public, before nuzzling her shocked stallion and pulling him close. “You’re probably right, Whisper. But, um, don’t jump to any conclusions just yet, ok? Let’s just see where things go.”

“Ok! Not until you want it, and we’re both ready, right?”

“Right!”

“Thank Celestia! Fluttershy is still... still Fluttershy! Sweet, innocent, quiet Fluttershy! Yes, that’s right. Hahaha!” Everypony turned to Rainbow Dash as she cackled maniacally, and Storm sheltered her from public view with one of his massive wings, tilting her chin towards him to force eye contact.

“Are you ok?”

“Ok? How can I be ok? Fluttershy just... in public, and... and the talking... no! Fluttershy has to stay Fluttershy! She can’t just... just...”

“Act like us?” Storm finished, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, exactly!" Dash exclaimed frantically. "It’s just too weird! I mean, it’s great to see her growing, but... no, my mind can’t handle that!”

“Oh, Rainbow Dash, it’ll be ok,” Fluttershy soothed, stopping in front of the couple and peering in as Storm removed his wing. “You really don’t have to worry. Whisper gives me a lot of confidence, but I’m still the same Fluttershy.” Visibly relieved, Rainbow Dash grabbed her longtime childhood friend and held her tight. “That’s right, let all the worry go. Oh, there is one thing I need to, um, ask you about,” Fluttershy mentioned, pulling away.

“Anything you need, Fluttershy. I’m here for you, one hundred twenty percent!”

“Can I, you know, have some of your, um... ‘pills?’”

“P... bu...” Sensing another neural gridlock, Storm flung out a wing to keep Dash from falling over as she reeled from the crushing blow to her image of Fluttershy. “It’s over! The world is collapsing!” she wailed, taking a page from Rarity’s book and sobbing dramatically. “First the pole dancing, and then the singing, and now she’s... she’s gonna...”

“Goodness, whatever is this dreadfully ungraceful bawling about?” Rarity inquired, trotting in on the gathering as if summoned by the drama.

“Um, it’s really nothing huge, I think. You see, I...”

“Nothing huge? Nothing huge?!?” Rainbow Dash cried, leaping to her hooves. “Rarity, you gotta talk some sense into her! You’re all old fashioned and stuff, right? You gotta save me! I mean her! She’s going off the deep end!”

“And just what is she talking about, Fluttershy?” Rarity inquired, skeptical but not entirely convinced there was cause for panic.

“She’s gonna have sex with me! At least, soon, I think,” Whisper explained, trotting up proudly beside his mare and beaming all the while.

“What? Not my sweet little Fluttershy!” Rarity exclaimed, recoiling in horror.

“I know, right? It’s the...” Rainbow Dash started.

“Worst...”

“Possible...”

“Thing!” they both wailed in unison, holding each other and shedding buckets of tears. Whisper met Fluttershy’s nonplussed glance with a frown, having no idea why everypony was so upset.

“Um, I hate to interrupt, but is it really that big of a problem that I’d like to, you know...”

“That big of a... Fluttershy, of course it is!” Rarity asserted, still holding Rainbow Dash as the mare hyperventilated.

“Listen, I love Whisper, and I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t show it if I’m ready. I mean, if you had your special somepony, wouldn’t you, Rarity?”

“That’s quite beside the point,” she said dismissively, waving a hoof. “You are Fluttershy! A pinnacle of innocence that, while you may have deviated on some points, have a chance to be the first mare among your friends to actually make it to marriage before engaging in the utterly stimulating euphoria of intercourse!” Fluttershy blinked once, nodding slowly. “I’m not helping my case, it seems,” she chuckled nervously, cursing herself for so readily displaying her fascination with the subject.

“Nnnope,” Big Mac chuckled, whispering something to Crimson about needing to get back to the farm, and she gave Whisper a wink as she left with her farm pony, confident that whatever happened, Fluttershy was in the right hooves.

“Um, Whisper?” Fluttershy began, turning to face him. “What do you think we should do? It shouldn’t just be up to me.”

“Well...” He scuffed at the ground a little, giving it due thought. “I don’t mind waiting a little more, I guess.” There was an audible sigh of relief from Rarity and a gasp from Rainbow Dash as she returned to life. “I mean, I’m really, really curious about it, and I love being close to you, but we shouldn’t just think about ourselves, right? If there’s one thing you’ve taught me, it’s that I should always try my very best to be kind to everypony.”

“You’re right, Whisper. But, well, don’t keep me waiting too long, ok?”

“Of course not,” he murmured, kissing her on the tip of her nose and grinning ear to ear. “I just have to figure out what marriage is so I can do that.”

“Planning time! Fluttershy, come with me,” Rarity demanded, tugging at her with magic. “I’m going to need measurements so I can make you look even more marvelous than you already do.”

“Um, I... Bye, Whisper! I’ll see you at the cottage, I think?”

“Okay~!” he called after her, waving as she quit resisting and matched Rarity’s brisk trot.

“Well then, baby brother. It seems you’re just about ready to take the next step,” Cerulean laughed, beaming with pride. “Come on, I’ll tell you everything you need to know. Marriage is... special.”

Whisper glanced at the wall clock for the umpteenth time, each tick tock marking another second spent wondering about when Fluttershy was due to return home. The early evening sky was moving from deep violet to dark blue, and he turned his eyes back to the picture he was crafting. Setting down his yellow crayon, he shifted around for a pink one and continued his work, his mind mulling over everything his brother had told him about marriage.

The ceremony, the ponies, the dress, and the super important words we say to each other... I don’t get it. He paused for a moment, unsure of how long to make Fluttershy’s mane. I mean, sure, it sounds kind of like a big party, which would be fun, but I just want to be with Fluttershy. Ponies are strange. Still... He grinned wide, accidentally crunching through the wax and sputtering a bit to clear the bland taste from his lips. Being able to promise Fluttershy that I’ll be with her forever and ever, no matter what, in front of everypony sounds really nice. And she’s gonna wear a dress! “Wait, I don’t even really know what a dress is... Oh well! Guess I’ll just have to propose or whatever so I can see!”

That’s right, the proposal. I better start making plans. Brother said he’d help plan everything, and there’s even a place right here in town to get a ring! Grabbing a new page, he stared blankly, unsure of what it was he was yearning to draw. Will I really know the right time? What if I mess it up? “Ugh, why is this so complicated?” Heaving a sigh, he flopped onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. Upon hearing the door open, he adopted an appropriate pouting face and waited eagerly for some pampering as Fluttershy walked over and delivered.

“Sorry I was out so long. Rarity had a lot to talk about and, well, we kind of got carried away. Are you...” she started, stifling a giggle as he made the most ridiculously grumpy, adorable frowny face she’d ever had the pleasure of witnessing as he leaned his head back and looked at her with pleading eyes. “Awww, come on now,” she soothed, laying down in front of him and bestowing her sullen stallion a delicate kiss. “No need to look like that.”

“You're right, all better!” he snickered, pleased with the successful execution of his dastardly ploy. He rolled over onto his stomach and edged a little closer, just excited to have his Fluttershy back.

“So, um, what would you like to do tonight?”

“Be with my Fluttershy!”

“Whisper, you’re really sweet,” she murmured, feeling the faintest tinge of a blush but refusing to hide behind her hair. “But I’m sure you’re all energetic and, you know, would rather find something to do. Isn’t there anything you’d like? You know, something that the two of us could do together?”

“I don’t know. I just... feel really close to you after last night. Hey! Why don’t we go to the tavern? See, I was sitting here thinking, and then I remembered you said that you looked like you missed being able to go when we were peeking in, but I was too scared back then... But now I’m not!”

“Oh, um, are you sure you’re ready?”

“As long as you’re with me, I’m ready,” he declared, reaching over and nuzzling her gently. She returned the motion, bringing a hoof around and pressing it softly to his other cheek, and they both had a moment of silence, their actions speaking volumes. They had each other, and that was more than enough for two ponies of simple pleasures.

“Well, let’s get going then. I’ll warn you now, I may get a little... loud if I get into the mead. Is that, um, ok? You know, if I have some?”

“You mean that stuff you had at dinner?” Whisper inquired, standing up and stretching. “I don’t mind. You were really kinda funny, and more talkative like me! But...” he started, helping her to her hooves. “I like quiet Fluttershy, too. You’re you, and I love you, so you should always be you... right?”

“That’s right,” she affirmed, beaming as he shut down her worries before they could even begin. Had he simply lauded her rambunctious side, she would have had to wonder if she would need to drink more often to gain his affection, but as they trotted through the night, taking in the beauty of nature and making small talk, she knew it was already hers. Remembering seeing another stallion do the same, he dashed ahead of her and held open the door, standing up straight and chuckling as she brushed against him on the way in. They mulled over the menu, ordered dinner, and looked around for a decent place to sit.

Silver was the only one of their friends present, so they opted to sit in the dining area rather than the bar. It struck Fluttershy as odd, since more often than not at least one or two of her other friends were enjoying Silver’s ample supply of booze, but that just made it more like a date for Fluttershy, and she scooted closer to Whisper on the bench, savoring the peaceful atmosphere. Whisper’s dinner didn’t last long, nor did table manners, and Fluttershy looked over halfway through her meal only to wonder if he had simply used half of his as face paint. She gingerly cleaned his face, even daring to lick a little off, and as she finished her portion, she rose and bid him follow her over to the bar side. Silver himself set down the glass he was polishing and took a seat across from them.

“Welcome, you two. It’s great t’ ‘ave ya here, finally,” he said with a welcoming grin and a notable drawl, courtesy of his wife, no doubt. “Ain’t been the same without yer singin’ Fluttershy, but Sweetie Belle carries that mantle well enough.”

“Yeah, Fluttershy’s singing is really great, and so is her dancing!”

“It’s somethin’ else, that’s fer sure,” he chuckled, applying a little more effort to controlling his developing accent and shooting Fluttershy an apologetic glance for bringing it up. “Now then, what can I get for the two of you? Mead for Fluttershy? Soda for Whisper?”

“Well...” she began, glancing at Whisper. He can talk now, so it should be ok if he had just a little. What would he like, though? “Um, I’ll take some chocolate mead, but could you bring a couple of smaller servings of things for Whisper to try?” Silver raised an eyebrow, a slow grin spreading across his muzzle.

“So, the real stuff for Whisper, then? Coming right up.” Silver returned a short time later, setting a chilled mug down in front of Fluttershy and three much smaller glasses in front of Whisper, who tapped his hooves excitedly on the table as anticipation built. “So, here we have what Fluttershy is sip... well, chugging, it seems,” he started, chuckling as she slowed herself to a more appropriate pace. “Chocolate mead. Quite sweet, almost like drinking candy. Over here is your brother’s favorite, Everfrost Brandy. And this pink one here is one I’m sure you’ll find most interesting. Breezy Blush, a close second for your fillyfriend.”

“This one!” Reaching over, he pulled the mead over and took a taste before draining the rest of the cup. Grabbing the brandy and noticing that the cup was particularly cold, he downed it next and, while the flavor was good, he grew a terrible case of the shivers. Fluttershy immediately wrapped her hooves around him, blushing lightly as the alcohol hit her system. “I think I see why brother likes this so much,” he chuckled as Fluttershy’s body heat restored him to normal.

“I’d say you’re pretty close on that point. Hold up just a moment, let me get a mirror before you drink this last one,” Silver urged, disappearing into the back room and returning with a small circular hoof mirror. “All right, go ahead.” Fluttershy watched with anticipation as he gulped down the wine, and he was just about to comment on the delightful taste when he looked into the mirror and had his mind blown. His mane took on the appearance of fern leaves while maintaining their length, fluttering on an unseen wind. Even being able to speak, no words came. “Fluttershy, your stallion is a shameless flatterer.”

“Yes, he’s very sweet, aren’t you? Yes, you are,” she cooed, closing his mouth gently with a hoof and kissing him playfully.

“Well, it looks like two more rounds of mead, on the house,” Silver declared, rising to his hooves. “It’s great to see you well, Whisper.” Fluttershy became quite enamored with Whisper, and kissed and cuddled and didn’t particularly care what anypony else thought about it. Silver broke their love-locked gaze as he set two mugs down with a thump, returning to the counter to tend his customers.

“Teehee! Drink up, Whisper. I wanna see what you’re like when you have a little more in you.” Whisper nodded, and they both tilted their glasses back, quaffing half of their servings before bringing the mug back down and letting slip a mutual sigh as the warmth of dissipation filled their limbs, and the clouded judgement to go with it. Whisper became suddenly very giggly, and for whatever reason, Fluttershy seemed a bit different. Almost... stallionly?

“Hehehe, Fluttershy~! You look like a colt!”

“Whisper, now that’s not very nice...”

“No, really! Look!” he chortled, holding up the mirror. He was right. She did. She glanced down between her legs and let out a squeal as she found out her change went deeper than facial features. No amount of hiding made her feel any less mortified, and she lowered her head to the table and hid as best she could. A yelp from Whisper bid her cast an eye at her stallion who was quite openly scouring his body for what was no longer present.

“No, wait, it’s gone! My... my parts are gone! That’s not fair, I didn’t even get to use them, I... wait a second... You’re a colt now, and I’m... Fluttershy, you stole my parts!” Whisper shouted, drawing a host of eyes.

“Whisper, I never...”

“Yes you did, see?” he urged, lifting his tail and bending over. “I don’t have it anymore, and I want it back!” he demanded, standing upright and marching over to her where she stood. Trotting past her, she was about to speak further when she went ramrod stiff, a snout poking where it had no business being, not while she was a colt and definitely not in public. “Aha! I found my parts! How do I get them off, I wonder?”

“Whisper, no! Don’t touch... touch them...” she begged, backing away and barely maintaining consciousness as the sheer embarrassment threatened a total mental shut down.

“But... wait...” If I have her parts, and she has mine, then if I touch hers on my body, then it’ll make her...

“Whisper, I don’t like that look on your face. Um, whatever you’re thinking, please don’t, ok?”

“Give me back my parts, or I’ll touch it!” he threatened, sitting down and pausing with a hoof poised over what he perceived to be Fluttershy’s marehood somehow wrongfully transferred to him.

“No, wait, you don’t understand!” she urged as his hoof dropped lower. “Whisper, you really, really shouldn’t do that.”

“Last chance, Fluttershy.”

“...fine, if you won’t listen, go ahead and touch it. See if I care.” They took a moment or two to glare at each other, a first time occurance, before Whisper defiantly thrust his hoof into his marehood. His eyes grew wide and his ears shot straight up as Fluttershy remained unaffected and the strangest of sensations shot through his body.

“I don’t know what’s happening~!” Whisper cried, tearing out the door and into the night. Fluttershy raised a hoof but couldn’t get the words out in time to keep him from bolting. Silver had long since realized his little prank had likely gone over much more poorly than he would have guessed, but he didn’t realize that, were it not for the alcohol, he’d have been on the poor end of a full blown Fluttershy rant. Instead, her voice was eerily calm, a fact that frightened him even more.

“Silver... Two antidotes for the gender bender, please.” Pulling out two vials from under the counter, she downed one, discretely ascertained that she was once again female, and then took the other vial without a word, sauntering out the door. Silver blinked a few times as multiple ponies looked down at their drinks, back at him, then to their cups before tentatively continuing their revelry. Lamenting his self-inflicted fate, Silver heaved a sigh, smiling ruefully at the cup he was cleaning.

“I’m sleeping in the barn tonight for that one...”

Whisper, you never get any less adorable, you know that? It had been quite some time, it seemed, since Fluttershy had found Whisper under the bed, his tail betraying his whereabouts by trailing out behind him. A gentle tug led a thoroughly disgruntled Whisper, still in mare, to slowly reach out and pull his tail in, too ashamed to be seen. “Come on out, Whisper. Please? I have something that will, um... give it back.” There was a moment of hesitant silence before a green head popped out of the other side, looking around.

“Fluttershy?” Leaping onto the bed, she crawled over and peeked over the edge at him, her merry gaze dispelling a portion of his shame, though it was quickly replaced with the odd sensation of being flustered, grateful, and utterly confounded at the same time. Whisper’s eyes grew wide as the mare leaned down and kissed the tip of his nose. “No, don’t do that... I’m not a stallion right now, it’s too strange!”

“Whisper, it doesn’t matter what you are to me. You’re you, and I love you for you, not whether you’re a stallion or a mare. Although,” she giggle, blushing a little, “I think I prefer you normal. Here, drink this.” Upon swallowing, he gave a shudder as a strange sensation swept over him, and Fluttershy stifled her laughter as he ascertained that he was back to normal with a hoof.

“Whew, that had me worried,” Whisper sighed, beaming up at Fluttershy as he crawled out from the bed and sat down next to her. “Is Silver always like that?”

“No, not normally. I was actually very surprised he’d do something like that, and on your first night even. I wonder... Whisper, why are you, um, looking at me like that?”

“Can you kiss me?”

“Well, sure, but, why?”

“I wanna make sure it works!”

I’m sure there are other ways to find out other than just a kiss, Whisper. Oooh, Rarity... why’d you have to make me promise that? “Whisper... how long do you think...” No, I shouldn’t ask... I don’t want to pressure him about something like that. He’ll ask when he’s ready.

“Fluttershy? I don’t want to keep you waiting, either.” She turned to find him blushing lightly, horn glowing faintly and bringing her relief that she wasn’t the only one pondering intimacy. “And... it’s not just, you know, so we can wrestle, either. Cerulean said it’s the biggest, best promise you can make a pony ever. That’s why I want to ask you that one question.”

“I’ll wait for as long as it takes, Whisper. This isn’t about me, or you...”

“It’s about us,” he whispered, leaning in close. He got his kiss, no longer concerned with the functionality of anatomy that wasn’t ready to be used just yet, but with displaying an ounce of the passion he held for the mare within his hooves. “I don’t think waiting will be too hard, really,” he murmured, pulling away and touching his nose to hers, looking deeply into her soft, green eyes.

“Oh, really? Why is that?”

“Because every day with you is the best day of my life.”

“Did you get that from a movie?” Regardless of his answer, it was still touching to hear.

“What? No! I came up with that all by myself, ‘cause it’s true!” he asserted, hurt that she’d accuse him of such a thing. His tensions eased as she switched off the light and climbed into bed, holding out her hoof for him to join her.

“You know...” she began, running an affectionate hoof over his downy chest as he lay down beside her, “I feel the very same way, Whisper. Thank you for making life an adventure.” Gentle hooves wrapped around her, drawing her to his comforting warmth as he brought his muzzle to her ears, gently offering thanks of his own.

“Thank you... for giving me life to live.”

Extra: Through Every Kind of Weather

Extra Chapter: Through Every Kind of Weather

Sleep. Every mare wants it, needs it, and most value their disposition, appearance, and possibly the safety of everypony around them enough to maintain a consistent schedule. Those that shrug the last point typically attempt to compensate by increasing the duration of their somnolence, but sleep can be a double edged sword. Too much, and one may feel like they’ve received too little, and the negligence of proper rest will still yield moody, disagreeable mares with a scattered chance of violence, and that’s not to speak of what some poor mare may feel like if steeped deep in alcohol withdrawal. In short? Berry was the epitome of miserable.

Waking with a groan and not bothering to look at the clock, knowing that it was at least mid afternoon, she covered a hoof to shield her eyes from the sunlight that wasn’t there and lay helplessly as she was met with a mind that wouldn’t stop racing and a stomach that would gladly engage of copious upheavals should she attempt something so silly as consumption of anything more solid than a smoothie. In her heart, she knew that every bit of pain and discomfort that was wracking her body was entirely worth it, the sheer bliss at finally finding a pony she could give herself to without fear of abandonment outweighing anything her body could throw at her, but that didn’t stop the insomnia, profuse sweating not befitting a mare, the nausea that was currently at risk of initiating dry heaves, nor the splitting headache that would trump any hangover in recent memory without contest.

“Hey, you’re awake.” The voice was gentle, caring, full of love, and utterly aggravating, leading Berry to come to terms with what was, perhaps, the worst part of abstinence: emotional instability bordering clinical bipolarity. Snowdrift was as kind, considerate, and encouraging as any mare could possibly hope for, and yet, at just that simple greeting, she could feel a tension in her hoof that wasn’t the shakes, but rather an urge to become an object of blunt force. Determined not to delve into that path, recalling the hour or so she had spent sobbing after the last time she slipped, Berry chose rather to use Snowdrift’s chest as a muffler and have herself a bit of primal scream therapy.

“Yikes... it hasn’t gotten any better? It’s nearly been two weeks...”

“I... know...” she grit out, despising the anger laced within the statement and burying her face once more, determined to get a handle on herself. She took a deep breath, and Snowdrift braced himself for further screams, but rather received an anguished sigh, followed by a totally unexpected, though quite pleasant, smooch. Snowdrift grunted a little as his wings attempted to unfold, and he held her in place for a few more seconds as she tried to pull away before letting go, careful training allowing him to maintain a normal breathing pace despite the pain. “Sorry, that was selfish...”

“Eh... not really. Misery loves company, right?” Oh, buck, that was the wrong thing to say. “My turn to apologize,” he murmured, drawing her close as uncharacteristic sobbing soaked his chest with tears. “That was pretty thoughtless of me. I know you’d never make me suffer just to make yourself feel better.”

“No, but if my bucking mind had a face I’d break it!” she shouted, pulling away in a rage. “Do you know what it’s like, never being able to get a good night’s rest, never knowing what your feelings are gonna do, and living in constant fear of losing both your temper and anything that may be residing within your stomach?!?”

“Hmmm, no, can’t say I have. I’m not a mare.” Snowdrift couldn’t help but laugh a little as she growled, amused and offended at the same time. “Come on, you know it was funny.”

“No. It was.”

“Oh, come on, it... wait, what?”

“Exactly what I said.”

“Hey, at least you’ve lost a little...”

“Don’t even go there. Don’t you bucking go there, Snowdrift. I’m not in the mood.”

“Then why’d you start things?”

“...go get me soda.”

“Awww, but...”

“Go. Now.” Her tone of voice made it clear she was not kidding, did not find his jibes funny, and was, in her own desperate way, she was trying to spare him the wrath that was boiling just below the surface.

“Soda. Gotcha,” Snowdrift replied, speaking softly and kissing the tip of her muzzle before rolling off the bed and trotting to the fridge, where he found himself having his own conflict. Shoot, which one? One incorrect beverage and it’s all over. Butterscotch, maple, or peach... Judging by her tone of voice, he wagered he had just under sixty seconds with which to make a choice and throw himself at her mercy, with only a thirty-three percent chance of survival. A bead of sweat dripped down his muzzle as he became consciously aware of the ticking of a nearby clock, and glancing back towards the room, he made his selection and cantered back with a mug. A hoof snatched it away, and he sat patiently awaiting his sentence.

“Every time...” Snowdrift allowed himself an audible sigh of relief that, yet again, he had managed to postpone his inevitable demise for an indeterminate amount of time. “Sit with me, please...” Her voice was quiet as she gently patted the space beside her, staring at her mug of peach soda. “How did you know I wanted this?” Snowdrift took a seat beside her, draping a wing around her shoulder and a hoof around her waist.

“When you started screaming, I felt damp after you pulled away. If you’re sweating that bad, I figured you had to be feeling pretty warm, so I thought something a little extra cold might help.”

“Incredible,” she murmured, bestowing the highest honor she could upon the stallion she was, to be fair, treating with far less gratitude than she should be: a smile. I’m sure many a stallion would spend as little time around me as possible, the way I’ve been acting, but Snowdrift just won’t leave me alone. And despite all the grief I give him, if it weren’t for his constant support, I’d... I don’t know how I’d get through this. A genuine, heartfelt smile and a gentle hoof over his leg was all Snowdrift needed to find the strength necessary to weather the storm, one that was nearly over. “Let’s get the test done tomorrow. And, regardless of how it turns out, I’ll... find a way to repay you for these last two weeks.”

“You could repay me now.” She gave him an exasperated, glazed over look that bid him clarify. “I just meant another kiss. I think I’d worry about you... I don’t know, biting me, or something if we tried that right now.”

“The fact that you want it at all makes you a masochist, you know.” Ouch, that was low...

“Hmmm, I guess that’d make you the sadist, then.”

“I don’t own a whip, but I sure could give you a good beating...” Grrr, I deserved that, but...

“I bet you’d look good in a corset.”

Say what? There’s no bucking way I’d ever... ugh, no. “I’ll put you in a corset...”

“Kinky.”

“Get out of here, Snowdrift.”

“What, so you can get all dressed up? I just wanted a kiss, remember?”

“No, seriously, leave.”

“Oh. Nope, sorry.”

“Your stallionhood is forfeit if you are still within visual range after I count to five! One!”

“Three.”

“Two!”

“Forty-eight!”

“Three!”

“Four!”

“Six!”

“Seven! Wait, I... ugh, bucking stallion!”

“I am?” Snowdrift quipped, grinning widely as Berry gave him a withering scowl. “I’m pretty sure I’d know if I was. After all, I’m a masochist.”

“You... you just... I...”

“I love you too, Berry,” he chuckled, laying her down gently and drawing her close. “You can spank me if you must, but I’m staying with you, happy, sad, or full-blown psycho mare rage.”

“Gee, you sure know how to make me feel special...” she muttered, snuggling closer and letting slip a soft sigh. “Thank you... Really, thank you...” Her inner chaos calmed as a gentle nuzzling against her cheek brought a warmth not to be despised to her chest, and she closed her eyes, hoping that maybe, just maybe she could find rest in the arms of her stallion. Another sigh escaped her lips as Snowdrift’s hoof ran the length of her mane, the nurturing motion setting her nausea and headache to flight, and Snowdrift couldn’t stop an affectionate smile from creeping to his lips as he was rewarded not with a kiss, but the soft snores of an exhausted fillyfriend.

“Nurse Redheart?” She looked up from the desk as Nurse Softheart approached, her dire expression speaking volumes. As great a nurse as she was, Softheart couldn’t bear being the one to deliver bad news, and Redheart accepted the folder in silence, flipping it open and gasping softly as she read the report. “I... I just can’t...”

“It’s ok, Softheart. Are they here right now?” She nodded, pointing down the hallway.

“Room 12b.”

“Alright, just watch the front and calm down a little, ok? I’ll... go tell them.” Life is sometimes very cruel. For a pegasus to be robbed of flight is, to some, enough to question whether or not to continue living, but to add this on top of that... It’s simply too much, even for me. Stopping outside the door, she closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, steeling her nerves as she prepared to deliver what was, even to her, soul-crushing news at best. As Redheart entered, the pegasi couple stared at her with pleading eyes, and the closing of the door behind felt to her how she imagined being held in the Canterlot dungeons might feel.

“So... what’s the problem?” Cloudburn asked, doing her best to sound hopeful even as Nurse Redheart made little effort to conceal her discomfort.

“I’m... afraid I have some bad news...” It was the most dreaded phrase she ever had to speak, and Cloudburn’s reaction was the worst she’d seen in a long time. She didn’t even have time to explain before the mare leapt from the bed and bolted from the room, the pain evident in her eyes that had already begun to flow. Redheart dropped her gaze, unable to look at the dark blue pegasus stallion standing with a hoof placed over where his fillyfriend had been sitting just a moment before.

“Take a few moment to collect yerself if ye need ‘em, lass. What’s written in that folder won’t change between now and then.” Silent Gale’s voice was, for once, devoid of any kind of excitement or joviality. There was no room for mirth, as whatever was the cause, he knew the end result even before Redheart spoke them in a wavering, repentant tone, as if it were some fault of hers.

“I’m sorry, Gale. The trauma from whatever accident maimed both your wings and hers is likely at fault, but... Cloudburn is infertile. There’s... there’s not a single suitable egg left. They were damaged... quite badly.” The stallion nodded slowly, conveying no visible emotion.

“I don’t understand, nurse, how the pony with the least damage to ‘er wings could have somethin' like this happen.”

“Perhaps... the lightning struck her in the chest, or lower, I cannot say for sure.”

“It doesn’t really matter then, does it?” Gale said quietly, dropping his gaze to the ground as Redheart nodded.

“I’d suggest an egg donor, but the fact is that it’s not just the eggs that were damaged. Even were a foal concieved via a donor, she would almost definitely miscarry, and...”

“That’s enough, nurse,” he managed, nearly choking on the words. “I’ve heard... all I need t’ hear. Thank ye for yer time.” Redheart left without a word while Gale scrambled to pick up the pieces of his calm, knowing that what remained of the afternoon would be spent comforting a grieving fillyfriend. Cramming down his pain, he forced a neutral expression and almost lost it trying to leave the building, Softheart’s empathy laden glance nearly tipping him over the edge. Cloudburn was his number one priority, and with that in mind, he scanned the immediate vicinity, found no trace of her, and made straight for home.

“My dear lass... yer...” Gale couldn’t finish the statement as he heard the sobs even before he set hoof in the door. Cloudburn had talked about starting a family, not out of any petty desire to match Storm and Rainbow Dash in some bizarre form of rivalry, but a heartfelt longing to have a shot at raising a child in an environment that wasn’t suppressive at best, and violently oppressive at the worst. And now, with a single fateful message, they both had that dream wrenched away.

Gale made it to bed and collapsed next to Cloudburn, drawing her close as he let down the walls and made Cloudburn the first of any of his friends to see him cry. What comfort could be found? Their grief was just, and they let it come. Gale’s desire to raise a “proper swashbuckler” was just as strong as her own, if not more so, and it showed as he cast aside his strength for a moment of barren weakness. After quite some time, the tears began to subside, mostly due in part to their bodies’ inability to produce any more, but Gale still cringed as he heard Cloudburn's anguish-laden voice.

“There’s... there’s really... no chance, is there?” Gale could only shake his head, squeezing a little tighter. “I never... imagined I’d lose so much from one stupid mistake... In the end, I guess I’m not... not the luckiest one of us...”

“Nopony... left that day without their fair share o’ scars, lass...” Gale murmured, desperate to restore himself so he could be a shelter to his mare. “If it makes ye feel any better, I think ye may ‘ave been playin’ with a toy cannon this whole time, if ye catch my meanin’.”

“Still packs a punch...” she laughed, short lived though it was. “Tell me what she said...” Gale explained as plainly as he could, choosing lay it all out straight rather than beat around the bush. Cloudburn sat stonefaced through it all, and as he wrapped up, she closed her eyes and bowed her head to his chest. “If... you wanted to... to find somepony else, I’d...”

“Make a damn fool o’ yerself if ye dare finish that statement, Cloudburn.” Seeing Gale cry was harrowing enough, but as she pulled away, she couldn’t say if it was scarier than the cold fury burning in his eyes. “I’m hurt, Cloudburn, that ye’d even think o’ suggestin’ that I’d up and abandon ship just because ye can’t carry me child. If ye think I’m that kind o’ pony, that I only spend every night sharin’ yer bed, holding you close, an’ givin’ all that this sorry excuse for a pegasus can give just because I want a child, then yer not the lass I thought ye were.”

“I’m... I’m sorry, Gale.” Unable to meet his gaze, she rolled away, her shoulders quaking as a terrifying helplessness and fear of losing even what she had left crept into her heart, but like a light in the dark, Silent Gale shed his rage in exchange for tender affection.

“Even if ye weren’t, Cloudburn, I’d stick by ye anyways.” Cloudburn slowly turned back towards him to find healing in his calm gaze and warmth in the hoof placed over her cheek. “Don’t ye know... that a captain always goes down with ‘is vessel? No matter where the wind blows us, Cloudburn, I’ll be there until the very last voyage.”

“Promise?”

“Aye, on me honor, Cloudburn.” She melted into his embrace, finding a few fragments of hope amongst her shattered dreams, and as the overwhelming fatigue began to set in, Gale turned her eyes to new horizons, ones where dreams may yet come true. “I don’t need an answer right this moment, an’ I’m well aware o’ how sudden it is to be askin’ this, but... how would ye feel about adoption?”

“Yes.” Her answer was instantaneous, and Gale inwardly sighed with relief, her fervor for being a parent still perfectly synchronized with his own. “I know it’s selfish to want what I can’t have, but... we could change some little pony’s life forever. I... don’t know how good a job I’ll do, and I’m sure that my patience is going to need some work...”

“Aye, ye’ve got a fiery temperament at times, that’s fer certain. You sure ye could handle two little pirates runnin’ around here?”

“Would I have it any other way?”

“Good, I’ll talk t’ the mayor within the week.”

“Wait, what? You’ve already found somepony?” Cloudburn exclaimed, not sure whether to be upset she hadn’t been told or elated that there was somepony Gale had taken a shine to.

“Oh aye. Would ye like t’ meet him?”

“Not tonight... I’d... rather have a day or two to come to terms with everything.”

“Ye read my mind, lass. Can ye tell what I’m thinkin’ now?” he teased, leering at the mare and running a hoof across her side, bringing it to a rest just above her flanks.

“Hmmm, well, I’d guess you’re thinking about waving your toy cannon around and shouting nonsense.” Cloudburn couldn’t help but have a short laugh at the stallion’s expense, though maintaining a hurt expression was difficult when one simply treasured the other pony’s laughter over one’s own feelings. “I suppose you could take this vessel for a ride. I trust you’re well enough to steer?”

“Aye... thank ye, Cloudburn. I love ye dearly.” Cloudburn paused, smiling through the pain at the one who she knew would pull her through it, one day at a time.

“Captain’s always do have a strange fascination with their ships,” she murmured, pressing closer and stroking his chest. “I love you too, Gale. I’ll never... say anything that could make you doubt that again... But for now, let’s set sail on a little love cruise.”

It would be difficult to adequately describe the elation within a certain brain-dead stallion as he let eloquence drip from his tongue like honey. Smoother than the finest silk, Freefall was in his element as he dropped his voice to a tone so sultry, colts would turn colt-cuddler and fillyfooler would only want to fool with one stallion, fixing the object of his affection in a distant gaze as he unleashed a torrent of mushy praise. Unfortunately, his pillow found the whole experience rather tiresome, being neither pony nor half as sentient as the strange stallion seemed to be giving it credit for, but as Freefall’s eyes burned with triumph, it decided that it could get used to hearing the sweet nothings and, in some cases, blush worthy advances.

However, what stallion wouldn’t be stoked to have somepony who was, to them, the epitome of rapturous beauty, ask them over to the tavern to discuss “something special?” Freefall had suffered from a fear of commitment that barred him from giving in to his rather ample desires, but Bangles had quite nicely shattered such inhibitions to dust, scattering them with a gentle word, and he wrapped up his oration with a flourish, bestowing a gratuitous, open mouthed kiss to his trusty pillow, unaware he had an audience of one and, admittedly, a little too steeped in his fantasy to rightly call it “practice.” Applebloom stepped in and chided him gently with the voice of reason.

“That’s disgustin’, Freefall!” A short yelp preceded a thunderous crash as the stallion found himself on his back, spitting lint and glad it was only Applebloom that had seen him. “Ah can appreciate the fact that you wanna learn t’ talk nice t’ yer mare, but fer the sake of decency, keep yer tongue away from our pillows? Ain’t no amount o’ water gonna be enough t’ get that outta mah mind.”

“It’s not like I woke up this morning planning on making out with my pillow, you know,” he countered, fairly sure he was still outclassed in wits with a nearly half his age. It was depressing, but it made him want to win that much more. “Someday, you’ll be able to appreciate a good sense of romance.”

“Ah don’t think ah’ll ever compliment a colt on ‘ow nicely he kisses a dirty cotton sack,” she replied in a droll tone, smiling widely as Freefall showed a rare bout of wisdom and didn’t attempt a comeback. “Ah’m just bein’ a pain. Yer welcome t’ be as pervy as ya like, so long as ah don’t see it or hear it. Ah was just gonna say that you’d best get over to the tavern if yer gonna talk t’ Bangles before the whole place is packed full o’ thirsty, hungry ponies.”

“How’d you know about that?”

“Gee, ah don’t know. How about the fact that you were practically singin’ it earlier? Or the fact that ya picked me up, twirled me around, an’ got a right dreadful look from mah sis? Or...”

“Ok, ok, sheesh! You and Applejack are downright brutal.”

“Only ‘cause ya make it easy, Freefall.”

“Do I do anything right?” he mumbled with a sigh, brought low by a single filly. He glanced up as Applebloom bonked him lightly on the head, using a hoof rather than a mallet.

“Bangles sure seems t’ think so, an’ that’s what you should be thinkin’ about. Ah’m a right pain in the flank, but ah’ve seen how she looks at ya.”

“Huh, so you can be nice,” Freefall replied with a hopeful grin.

“Don’t go gettin’ used to it, ya hear?” she quipped, hopping down from the bed and trotting out. With no reason left to stay and every sign pointing to “oh, buck yes,” Freefall started out towards the tavern, his confidence high and his body quite ready for her much anticipated gift. It wasn’t until he started hearing whispers as he cantered through town that he realized he may have let his mind get carried away in his mind once more, and, finding no good way to hide his outstretched wings, simply donned an immature grin and continued on his way.

I’m finally going to ask. I know it’s soon, and kind of sudden, but I really think I’m ready. Sipping on some butterscotch soda, Bangles found herself humming happily as she awaited her stallion, in all his adorably moronic glory. After the night they spent together after he had unwittingly barged in on her showering, things had begun to shift for them both. Freefall had found his magical mare wooing abilities returning, though they were still laced with blunders so bad, some days she spent more time laughing than listening. And, even more precious to her, was a feeling she relished more than the tantalizing sensation of his kisses: innocence. She had never expected to feel such a thing, not after the crimes her own hooves had wrought, but there was something about the reverence and borderline obsession with which he held her that made her feel like she was worth something.

The telltale knock, confident and sure, bid her heart skip a beat, and she couldn’t help but beam as she opened the door, though her cheeks soon matched those of a stallion with little by way of mental self control.

“Um... your wings are... kind of...”

“Huh? Well, yeah! I mean, you’re hot, so it’s only natural, right? Wait, no, that’s not what I meant to say. Hang on,” he covered, blushing fitfully as he attempted to stabilize his thoughts and focus on Bangles, and not her sleek frame, rounded flanks, and everything else that seemed to be popping out at him.

“Just come on inside,” Bangles urged him, standing to one side with a faint hint of a smile, one that shifted to a confused smirk as Freefall trotted dutifully towards the stairs leading to her room. “Uh... where are you going?”

Is this some kind of trick question? She knows I’m not good at those... “Your... room?”

“Let’s stay down here for now.” Am I missing something? He’s acting way more nervous than normal, and he’s... quite aroused, by the look of it. Am I doing something different? Bangles examined herself, her bracelets klinking softly as she lifted her foreleg, glancing over it before again turning her attention to Freefall, his mind blown at the mare’s sudden shift towards maximum kinkiness.

Are we... really going to do it down here? On a table, where somepony could just walk right in? I thought I was ready, but I wasn’t expecting this! That’s, like, too much! Bucking here... I feel sorry for the ponies who are going to eat here later... Bangles was about to question the stallion, but he swallowed hard, nodded once, and promptly climbed up on top of the table closest to Bangles.

“...am I missing something here?” the mare asked quizzically, peering up at a stallion who was visibly just as confused.

“Uh, I dunno, maybe?”

“May I ask why you’re standing on the table?”

“I just thought... but... well, I guess the floor works, too,” he mused, glancing from her to the well kept hardwood floor. “Wait, you weren’t... you weren’t planning on using the stage, were you? That’s just... for the first time? Hold up, Bangles, I need to get my head around this...” Bangles blinked once, brought her hoof to her head in a desperate attempt to figure out what the hay her stallion was babbling about, before throwing her hoof in the air as a white flag and entreating him to end the madness.

“What’re you talking about, Freefall?”

“‘Something special...’ right?” Bangles slowly let her hoof fall back over her muzzle, realizing her unwitting blunder and, finding no way to cover, simply blew the stallion’s expectations out of the water.

“Freefall, I didn’t invite you over here to... to roll in the hay.”

“I... but you... what?” Bereaved of both anticipation and excitement, his wings slowly drooped to his sides, along with his smile and any confidence he had built in his training.

“I was going to ask if... if you wanted to move in... I know it’s kind of soon, and I... Freefall? Wait, Freefall, where are you going?” Her heart fell with every step he took away, and she found herself collapsing inwards as the door to the tavern shut, the latch echoing in the ensuing silence. I thought for sure he’d be ready, but I guess he had... something else in mind. I wish I could, Freefall. I really do. Ashen faced, she stared blankly at the floor, hooves in her lap and mind wracked with a doubt that was dispelled not by a kind word, but a dull thud against the door. This curious noise repeated twice, and then thrice, before Freefall trotted back in and sat down beside Bangles, appearing quite calm.

“Are... you going to be all right?”

“I’m going to be honest, I’m... a little... no, ok, really disappointed, but not because what you asked was bad. It’s just been a while since I’ve had my wings go flaccid, and it’s not the best sensation in the world.”

“I’m sorry if you felt like I led you on...”

“I do, kind of,” he admitted after a few seconds of silence. “I’m sorry, Bangles, but if you’re not ready to indulge, then the answer is no.”

“I... see...” I really... thought he was going to... is that really all this is to him? “I’ve changed my mind, anyways... I’m sorry for dragging you over here, Freefall, but I’d... like to be alone.”

“Huh? Why?” he instantly replied, confounded and terrified of the sudden change. There was pain in her eyes as she stood, and Freefall grew even further distraught as she shied away from his outstretched hoof.

“...please, just leave me be.” Her voice came out a hushed whisper before she turned and fled up the stairs, leaving Freefall frantically searching to try and understand why exactly she was so hurt that he wanted to protect her from a desire that had been multiplying exponentially since they started sharing a bed at night. “If rolling in the hay isn’t something she’s ready for, then... living with her full time is just plain stupid. I don’t want to go crazy and do something obscene, so saying no was the right thing to do, right? I just don’t bucking... oh Celestia, I’m a moron.”

Realization set in fast, and it was a hoof to the gut, knowing that while he had intended to be protecting her, what he said meant something much different. Desire to be alone or not, Freefall would not let his blunder run rampant, stampeding through the heart of somepony he knew was fragile. Bangles gave a start as her door slammed open, but Freefall didn’t give her time to resist before he sat down on the bed beside her and pulled her close, taking a deep breath and letting it all out.

“What I said came out really bucking messed up and if that’s what I meant then you’d be right to hate me but it’s not, it got a garbled in my head and I didn’t say everything I needed to say so I’d really like it if you’d just give me the chance to... buck, I need air!” Bangles sniffed a little as the stallion took a deep draft and started in again. “...give me the chance to explain that I wasn’t bucking trying to make you have sex with me even though that’s exactly what it sounded like which wasn’t my intention because I’d never pull something like on anypony, especially not somepony I’m totally obsessed with and just don’t want to hurt because I freaking tried something too soon because I was... dying...” Another breath, but it wasn’t enough, so Freefall took two, held eye contact and let out the last wave. “...too soon because I didn’t have the self-control to keep my hooves to myself because it’s hard enough right now but I’m not complaining, just letting you know that I’m struggling and doing my best and I just didn’t want to end up being a bucking retard and making you unhappy because I really... really l... can’t breathe...”

It was absolute torture for Bangles, hear the beginning of those three special words only to have Freefall’s limbs grow limp and pull away as the stallion flopped onto the floor. His chest heaving, his lungs bursting, and a little more than slightly lightheaded, he made no attempts at dignity and simply lay gasping for air, nearing hyperventilation in his overcompensation. Like an alicorn descended from the heavens, the lights dancing across his vision framed the resplendent glory a face most fair, and his chest calmed as what oxygen he had managed to take in was promptly stolen by a deep kiss. Freefall sat still for a moment before closing his eyes, his breaths deep, slow, and measured as they closed the chasm and made their peace.

“I... I’m sorry I doubted you...” Bangles whispered, pulling away just a little and searching his face for anger, though all she found was a jubilant, though slightly paralyzed, stallion of unquestionable loyalty. “You were just trying to keep from being in a situation where it was too much... Freefall, I really do want to give myself to you, but I... you make me feel innocent again, like my past is all just a bad dream. It’s a wonderful fantasy, and I just... want to feel that way a little longer, but I didn’t even try to explain. I guess... it’s my turn to be the idiot for a day.”

“It’s really not so bad, once you get used to it,” Freefall murmured, his face flushed with passion and wings quite happily restored to their full spread. “Bangles? I, uh...” No. Just bucking no, don’t you start this on me, brain! Bucking tell the lady! “I really, you know... kinda...” Freefall wasn’t about to leave the mare hanging, and even as a familiar nervousness rose within his heart, he fought back tooth and hoof, focusing everything on the mare that lay across his chest. She’s a pillow. Just imagine she’s a pillow. A freaking sexy pillow that’s warm, and pressing against... gah, focus! Growing a pair, take... thirty-two? Buck, I lost count...

“Bangles... I would wait a thousand years for a chance to hold your hoof, nay, ten thousand for a single kiss. Gladly would I yield my wings for a single glimpse of your radiant smile, and yet I have been blessed with all these. Would it not be the pinnacle of ingratitude, of utterly contemptible foolishness not to allow my lady the pleasure of a fantasy?” Bangles was entirely unprepared, emotionally or physically, for a voice so sultry, every word was aphrodisiac. Spurred to greater efforts by her deepening blush, faintly glowing horn, and awed expression, Freefall brought a hoof to her cheek, caressing gently as he continued.

“For this humble pegasus, to be graced by your shadow is a sweet dream made reality, and to be here, in the presence of immeasurable beauty, what can I say to sing of my elation? I beg your patience, for I know it is foolish for the mortal to grasp the timeless, but I cannot deny my heart: I love you, Bangles, with all that I am.” Its strange, talking like this and meaning every word. Sorry, Bangles, but you’ll have to suffer my rambling a little bit more.

“Such a sweet blush becomes you, Bangles. Gold fades to crimson, like the setting of the evening sun, and your mane...” As he stopped to examine said feature and conjure further poetry, he became aware to two additional pieces of information. Firstly, Bangles was very visibly aroused, and two, so was he. Oh, Celestia, it’s... no, no no no, not now! Don’t... buck, too late. Being on the bottom, there was no discrete way for Freefall to hide himself or the rather embarrassing physical changes over which he had no control, and rather than pulling away as he expected she would, Bangles pressed closer, thirsting for his words like wine.

“Please, just... give me a little more,” she murmured, wrapping her hooves around his neck and pressing closer still.

A little more? How the buck am I supposed to give... anything when you’re... and I’m...

“Please...” What was a stallion to do? His lady had made her request, and he would be remiss if he didn’t deliver. Eyes wide, heart pounding, and blood racing, Freefall fell freely.

“I like your mane. It is very green. It is also soft. I like to touch it.” A knowing smile slowly grew as Bangles was given her request, and all the well-intentioned, bumbling glory that came with it. “If your mane smelled good, I would eat it.”

“‘If’ it smelled good, huh?” she giggled, releasing her hold and sitting up so she could watch the panic set in.

“Buck, wait, no, that’s not what I meant! It smells fine!” Desperate to prove his point, Bangles couldn’t help but laugh softly as the frantic stallion grabbed a mouthful of her mane, her head tilting to one side as he gave it a tentative chew, slowing to a stop as Bangles wiped the excess moisture of mirth from her eyes and beamed down at him.

“You’re a shameless flatterer, Freefall. It was... quite stimulating, I will admit, but I’m not getting any more romance tonight, am I?” Freefall stared back for a moment, heaved a sigh, and nervously glanced back up at a mare far too accepting of his “quirks.” He’d have loved to say yes, to continue singing her praises, but by virtue of the fact that he had a mouthful of her mane, he could really only answer one way.

“Nuh, prbly nt.”

The Greatest Gift

Chapter 35: The Greatest Gift

A small puff of white disrupted a fragile tendril of steam as a glass of tea, held captive by a soft green aura, rose to meet a gentle unicorn’s lips. The first pale rays of sunlight offered scant warmth in the chill of the early morn, the last day of autumn. Already, overladen trees full of various hues of leaves from gold to deep crimson awaiting the pounding of hooves to help them shed the weighty mantle of fall and move towards winter. Whisper had witnessed the change a thousand times, but as he sat sipping his tea, wrapped in both a hoof-made quilt and the easy embrace of a pegasus mare that warmed him more than the tea which he held aloft, he let slip a soft sigh of contentment, knowing there was no place he’d rather be.

“It’s really pretty...” he murmured, squinting as the sunlight began to break through the trees, scattered shafts of light illuminating the leaves that had already succumbed to the call of winter. He traced one’s path, fluttering on a gentle breeze as it slowly joined its brethren. Fluttershy cracked open her eyes and simply nodded, snuggling closer as a chilly breeze brushed her face.

“Can I have a little drink of tea?” The cup gently floated down, slowly tilting back as she took a small drink, savoring the life-giving heat and affection. A gentle hoof brushed away a small dribble from the corner of her mouth, and her smile grew a little more as she met the calm gaze of soft, scarlet eyes. “Thank you, Whisper. I’m glad I get to share this with you.” While Whisper had gained a reputation for being a veritable chatterbox, he still had an appreciation for quietude, and rather than give her a list of all the wonders apparent to his eyes, which he could conjure at a moment’s notice, he set down the tea, nuzzled her gently for a moment before scorning the natural beauty in exchange for one far greater, bringing their muzzles together in a gentle kiss.

Pulling away, they sat in silence for a time, speaking in hushed tones and pointing out various nuances and wonders of the season before heading back inside. Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle as the tip of Whisper’s tongue poked out of the corner of his mouth as he folded the blanket with magic, beaming proudly as he set it down gently on his back. Fluttershy had just started to head towards the house before Whisper pranced in front of her, hunkering down and glancing back at the blanket with a grin. “Oh, why thank you, Whisper.” Laughing softly, she sat down on the makeshift saddle and, with a light smack to his flank, he rose, carrying his princess to their magical castle.

A castle inhabited by a sourpuss of a bunny that had little appreciation for anything other than his own whims, something that, while Fluttershy might put up with, Whisper was less tolerant of his “quirks.” Whisper refused to frown as they opened the door to find Angel impatiently tapping a foot, no doubt eager for breakfast, with his little arms folded across his chest.

“Here, Angry bunny, have some tea!” Whisper quipped, sliding him out of the way while simultaneously levitating the tea cup over to Angel, who immediately raised a foot to kick the offensive offering, landing himself flat on his back as Whisper yanked it out of the way at the last second.

“Now, Whisper, be nice to my poor little bunny,” Fluttershy chided, doing a very poor job of staving off the giggles as she slid from his back and swept up her favorite little critter. “You know he doesn’t like it when you call him that, you know.”

“He doesn’t like it when I call him anything, Fluttershy. I’ve tried being nice. He just kicks me,” Whisper explained, pouting a little as he followed Fluttershy into the kitchen.

“Don’t worry, he’ll warm up to you eventually, I think. You know, if he doesn’t want to be punished, that is.” Angel grew sullen as tag teaming ensued, and he marched over to Whisper, glared pointedly at Fluttershy, and popped out his arms, slowly bringing them around Whisper’s foreleg in a loose embrace. “See? He’s doing better already!”

Doing better? Beady black eyes communicated what words couldn’t, which translated roughly in Whisper’s mind as, “don’t think this means we’re friends.” “What’s your problem, huh? Why you gotta be so angry all the time?” Angel released his leg and gave him a bored look, as if the answer was obvious. “You live with the nicest pony ever, she takes great care of you, and... oh, wait, I know! You don’t have a special somepony!” Whisper had meant it as a joke, but as the bunny’s features softened, Whisper realized he had just hit the critter where it hurt.

“Fluttershy?” Whisper called out, scooping up the bunning and setting him on the table. “Where do bunnies go to get fillyfriends? I think Angel wants one.” Fluttershy turned a curious eye toward the two, setting aside the salad she was mixing upon realizing that Angel was sitting quietly, two little paws in his lap and his eyes fixated on the table top.

Is that really what’s bugging him so much? That seems a little hard to believe. I mean, I never told him he has to stay or anything. “Um, Angel? Is it true that you’re, you know... lonely?” Having to hear it, coupled with the mare’s aggravatingly consistent mushy affection, made the feeling even worse, and Angel’s ears slowly drooped. “Angel, you silly bunny. You don’t have to stay cooped up in here if you don’t want to. I’d be delighted to have more cute little bunnies running around.” Whisper was becoming increasingly more concerned with Angel’s tame behavior and display of a sentiment other than indifference towards life and all it contains.

“If you wanted to meet more bunnies, why did you stay?” Rather than answer verbally, Angel leapt from the table and hopped outside, leading them both to his little house, where they found he had somehow managed to bury a rather sturdy safe. Demanding they both look away, they listened to the clicking as he input the combination, and the door opened with a creak. Upon hearing it close, they looked over to find a scrap of paper being held out, with Angel unwilling to make eye contact.

“Angel...” Fluttershy hoofed over the paper to Whisper as she scooped the bunny into a tight embrace. Whisper saw the bunny in a new light as he looked at what seemed to be a foal’s sketch of Fluttershy when she was still just a filly, holding a little white something with ears. Despite his outward displays of angst bordering malice, it appeared that there may just be more to the bunny than Whisper was giving him credit for, buried within a safe though it was. “You stayed all this time because you knew I’d be lonely, didn’t you?” A contrite nod accompanied the slow embrace of padded paws, and Fluttershy made a decision she couldn’t have before.

“Angel, I’ll be ok now. You’ve given me plenty of happy memories,” she said cheerfully, releasing her hold and adopting a motherly tone. “Now, I want you to go out there and find a nice girl bunny and make me lots of cute little... I mean, um... hibernate. Right.” He looked hopeful for a moment, but pointed to the picture still held by a unicorn who didn’t understand. Reaching down, Fluttershy adjusted his paw so it was pointing at Whisper instead, giving Angel the last push he needed. Fluttershy wouldn’t be alone anymore, and with that requirement met, he gave the mare one more hug before scampering off towards the woodlands.

“Winter... is always the hardest time of the year for me,” Fluttershy explained, sniffling as she watched with mixed emotions before gratefully melting into Whispers embrace. “I always have so many animal friends around, but when winter comes, I’m left with just me and Angel. I guess he realized that, and stayed around anyways.”

“So Angry bunny really is Angel bunny?” Whisper pondered allowed, receiving a small laugh for his assessment.

“Yes, that’s right.” A soft pressure against her cheek brought forth a soft blush and a wave of reassurance that this winter wouldn’t be so cold.

“Come on, don’t be sad, Fluttershy. Angel is happy, and I know I’m not a bunny, but I’ll stay with you.”

“Whisper... you’re much more special to me than any critter ever could be.” Whisper didn’t fully understand the weight of her words, nor how deeply she meant them, but it was still enough to bring back the butterflies as they held each other close. Tender kisses abounded, and Fluttershy carried Angel’s drawing inside, framing it and hanging it for all to see. Fluttershy placed an affectionate hoof over the picture, letting the memories flow freely before turning towards the kitchen where Whisper was already setting up, singing, humming, and radiating energy with every bouncy movement.

It’s strange... I always used to dread winter, but this time... I think it’s actually going to be a lot of fun. Breakfast was eaten, and resolve was tested as Fluttershy and Whisper helped prepare the many pets around the cottage for winter, doling out food and other supplies. The birds were already preparing for their migration, and by mid morning, winter’s somnolence began to settle in. She gave a weak smile as Whisper drew her close, and through the silence came a distant cheer. “Goodness, is it that time already?” Fluttershy murmured, looking up at the sky to try and find the sun. “We’d better get going, then. I think somepony is just a little excited.”

“Running of the Leaves! Running of the Leaves!” Whisper repeated, skipping a circle around Fluttershy before giving her a rueful grin. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be so happy when you’re upset...”

“Now, don’t start any of that nonsense,” Fluttershy replied, beginning to trot towards where the event was to take place. “I like seeing other ponies happy, and, well, it makes me happy too. So, um, don’t feel like you have to be sad too, ok? I’ll be fine,” she assured the stallion as he fell in beside her, matching her stride even though his body told him it was much too slow a pace. The mayor was still giving her speech when they arrived, and, sifting through the crowds, they found their friends gathered towards the front, no doubt on account of the fierce flames of pregnant rivalry.

“Hey, big brother!” Cerulean turned at his brother’s soft exclamation, waving them over as the filly on his head did the same. “Are those two going to be ok? They don’t look like they’re very friendly.”

“Observant as always, Whisper,” Twilight replied in Cerulean’s stead, himself going over a few guidelines to assure Dawn’s safety when the event began. “They’ll be fine, Whisper. They’ve been pretty good about keeping it clean since the Running three years ago, and if they overdo it, I’m sure their little ones will let them know about it pretty quickly.” Whisper believed Twilight, but didn’t want to take any chances, and Fluttershy grinned widely as Rainbow Dash gave a startled yelp at a hoof suddenly pressed against her stomach, Whisper instructing all three foals to keep their mothers in check.

“I think Applejack’s baby is gonna be really good at harvesting apples. It’s got a good kick!” The mayor wrapped up her speech, and Whisper eagerly pranced in place, awaiting a number with glee. “Thirteen, I got number thirteen!”

“Very good, Whisper. Yes, that’s right,” Fluttershy replied, smiling as he beamed with pride at his well-deserved praise. It wasn’t long after finding a voice that Twilight insisted Whisper be given basic education, and between herself and private lessons with Miss Cheerilee, Whisper was reading simple words and able to write short sentences, although hearing the alphabet song for a few days straight did strain Fluttershy’s patience on multiple occasions.

“All right, would the runners please line up!” Whisper trotted over, eagerly taking his place before realizing his very special somepony wasn’t beside him, but standing at the sidelines. Fluttershy waved back to him, his excitement almost tangible as he pranced in place while everypony else stretched, chatted, and in some cases, engaged in light smack talk. The final countdown began, and Whisper prepared himself for the stampede. “Three... two... one... go!” Countless hoofbeats exploded at once, like a hundred drums being played in unison, and Whisper watched in awe as the leaves whipped all around, his mane trailing out behind him as he felt the bonds of community. And yet, even in a kaleidoscope of warm hues to contrast the bleak, grassless path, there yet remained one beauty far greater.

“Energetic as always, it seems,” Rarity mused as the clamor receded and the tremors remained. Fluttershy simply nodded, turning her gaze from the horizon towards one who was simply too fashion sensetive to risk the sweat and dirt. “He must be quite a hoofful to take care of. I’ll bet your cottage is even more of a, well, a wreck, if you don’t mind me saying.”

“No, he’s really not bad,” Fluttershy said, shaking her head once. “He’s really very considerate, and he helps out a lot. He treats chores like a game, and he’s learned to pick up after himself, too.”

“You’ve no idea how extremely jealous I am of you, Fluttershy. He may not be what I would consider ‘my type,’ but I cannot deny his fixation on you, nor the love he makes all too evident.”

“Um, what do you mean?” Rarity was slightly vexed that she even needed to explain, considering the mare with whom she was speaking was the recipient of the best kind of pampering a mare could hope for.

“Fluttershy, darling, he dotes on you every second of the day. He’s excited about everything, but it pales when set alongside you. What more could a mare want from a stallion, but to be prized above all else?”

“Um, is that what you want, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked, blushing softly as she remembered all the ways that Rarity was right. All she had to do was ask, and Whisper was right there, ready to do whatever she asked. And yet, the true marvel was that they both extended this selflessness to the other at every opportunity, and that... that was something that was beautiful, and if anything, Rarity knew beauty.

“If you must know, I cannot say for sure what it is I want. At first, I wanted perfection, an ideal that I myself could never hope to live up to,” she explained, her words carrying the weight of acceptance. “I will not settle for somepony who will not treat me as a lady, but to hope to find somepony as avidly adoring as your Whisper, well... I think that may be too lofty a goal for this mare,” she replied, her rueful chuckle soft.

“Don’t say that, Rarity. You’ll find somepony to make your dream come true, even if it’s not how you expected. I mean, I was thinking I’d only be happy with Big Macintosh for a while, but, well, that clearly didn’t happen. And you know what? I’m happy it didn’t, because I know now that Whisper... is the only pony for me.” Her confidence brought with it inspiration, and Rarity felt her hopes grow a little more as she applied them to herself.

I had once hoped to be literally swept away by some Canterlot royalty, destined for a life of luxury, fame, and pampering, but now, I count such things as trivial in the face of a truer love, not founded on status or material possessions, but mutual generosity in all things. That... that is what I truly desire. And, if he’s rather skilled in the bedroom, I certainly wouldn’t complain. “Fluttershy, you are a fascinating mare. Thank you for being my friend.” Fluttershy smiled secretly as she drew Rarity into a gentle embrace, simply glad she could make another pony happy. “Come now, we should head to the finish line so we can see your stallion arrive. He’ll be quite disappointed if you’re not there, you know.”

“You’re probably right,” Fluttershy giggled, releasing her hold and standing upright as they cantered off. “It’s strange that Pinkie Pie didn’t take part this year. She normally loves the Running of the Leaves.” Rarity said nothing at first, her gaze falling to the ground. “Um, did something happen between you two?”

“Well... I guess you could call it that... Fluttershy, have you noticed Pinkie Pie acting... well, it’s rather strange to ask if she’s been acting odd, but I trust you’d know what I mean. Does she seem different to you?”

“It’s hard to say, really. I don’t see her very often, and I just assumed that was because she was helping with the twins. Do you... know something about it?”

“As you said, it’s hard to say... I certainly see a change, and she’s come by the boutique a number of times recently for nothing at all. She seems... melancholy.”

“Oh, well that’s no good. We should all throw her a party. She seemed really happy last time, and maybe it would help,” Fluttershy proposed. Rarity gave this some thought before nodding once.

“Perhaps you are right. I’ll speak with her about it.” I wish I had more of an idea. After the dinner at Applejack’s house, she asked to sleep in bed with me. She didn’t ask for or try anything else, and she actually fell asleep quite fast, but ever since... Rarity shook her head, determined not to let the thoughts get her down. Today was to be a celebration, a festival of sorts, and she certainly couldn’t abide the thought of being generous with doubt. Her opportunity arose sooner than she expected, finding Pinkie Pie next to the refreshment table bantering excitedly with Silver over some donuts and soda.

“Go ahead, Rarity,” Fluttershy encouraged. Not having any reason to resist, she nodded her thanks to Fluttershy before trotting over to the mare and joining in on the conversation. Fluttershy took her place with a few other spectators at the sidelines, waiting patiently for the arrival of her stallion. After a couple of minutes, she watched Rarity and Pinkie Pie wander off together, and she waved cheerfully as they left, Pinkie’s trademark bouncing in full display. The world faded from view as Fluttershy closed her eyes, concentrating on the vibrations massaging her hooves, the faintest hint of a smile tickling the corners of her mouth as they grew just a little stronger. It wouldn’t be much longer till Whisper was back by her side.

“Daddy, look! Jade Whishper pony!” Dawn announced from her vantage point as, sure enough, the stallion trotted towards his brother and his family, breathing hard and grinning ear to ear. The Running of the Leaves had already given him many memories he swore would never dim, but there was yet one more thing on his mind that he knew would never be forgotten. “Late, Whish... Whis... Whisper!” Dawn's foal magic had begun to recede, and as such her speech had suffered. She knew the proper way to speak, but now found the task cumbersome, and while every other pony seemed to find her newly formed impediment adorable, for her, it was simply aggravating.

“I know, sorry, Dawn! Sorry brother, Twilight. I got a little carried away...” he admitted, looking up at them sheepishly. “I was running, and the leaves were going whoosh! All around, and it was so pretty, I just...”

“It’s fine, Whisper,” Cerulean chuckled. “Twilight will help you get ready. I’d fly you, but then you’d be seen, and we can’t spoil a surprise, now can we?”

“Nuh uh! This is supposed to be a super extra special surprise just for Fluttershy,” he affirmed, looking eagerly over at Twilight as she stepped forward.

“Are you ready?” One look was all it took, and Cerulean resumed his path towards the finish line at an easy canter after a single lavender flash signalled the removal of two ponies, on a mission far more meaningful than lowering the leaves.

“C’mon, daddy, fashter!”

“Slavedriver,” Cerulean muttered, picking up his pace a little bit.

“‘tever, daddy. More fashter!” Dawn commanded, bopping him on the head with a spare hoof before finding she needed both to hold on, and she squealed delightedly as Cerulean burst into a full gallop. Dawn let out a whoop as the hair whipped her mane, while her father simply enjoyed the moment, a time when life finally seemed to be at peace.

“Thanks for walking with me, Rarity! This is way better than wandering willy nilly like a silly through the forest by myself!” Pinkie exclaimed, bounding in front of the mare and trotting backwards. “So, what’re we doing out here? Are we going to play a game? Let’s see, I think I stockpiled some rubber balls around here someplace...” she muttered, slowing to a stop and glancing around.

She seems happy enough right now, I don’t really want to disturb her. Perhaps... I should just keep quiet for now. If she is struggling with something, then I’d rather not be the pony to bring it to the surface. “Oh, I simply wanted to spend some time with one of my dear friends. Is that so wrong?”

“Duh! No? What kind of a question was that? If I had a ‘silly question’ sense, it’d so be tingling right now. You’re funny, Rarity,” Pinkie quipped before bounding off ahead, humming happily to herself as if she hadn’t a care in the world.

“Funny? Well, I should hope so. A lady of distinction and refinement will always have a taste for the more laughable things in life.”

“Uh huh! Hey, Rarity, would you ever date a mare?” Rarity slowed to a stop, too shocked by the sudden question to answer.

Do I even have an answer? Goodness, where in Equestria did that come from? “I’m not entirely sure why that concerns you, Pinkie. Is there some reason you wish to know?”

“Nope, just curious!”

“Well, then I’m sorry to say that...”

“Super duper, mega gonna-explode-if-you-don’t-tell-me curious! Come on, tell me, please~?” Pinkie begged, adopting the most adorable pouting face not belonging to a foal or Whisper.

“Eh... likely not, if you must know.”

“Oh...” Pinkie replied, staring blankly, appearing neither happy nor upset. “Why?” she asked, tilting her head to the side, confident that would enhance understanding.

“You sure are asking a lot of questions, Pinkie. Why is this so important to you?” Pinkie said nothing, but rather tilted her head to the other side, as clearly she hadn’t heard right, given that what Rarity said sounded nothing like an answer to her simple, straightforward question. I do believe this is the most serious I’ve ever seen her, and it’s somewhat... frightening. Perhaps answering is the best option available. “Because I... have a dream I wish to see come true, and part of it is marrying a stallion.”

“Dream, huh? That’s silly.” It wasn’t even voiced as an opinion, but as fact, and it hurt Rarity to hear it. “Making ponies smile in a dream isn’t nearly as fun as making ponies happy in real life. I’d rather live in the present, or at least... mostly. Sometimes... dreams can make wishes come true that could... never be real when you’re awake.”

I am fully aware that, even now, I may never attain what I desire, but that doesn’t mean... that doesn’t mean I can’t try! But, Pinkie... what’s gotten into you?

“Oops! Sorry!” she chortled, smacking herself lightly in the side of the head. “The ponies are going to be making it back soon, and somepony has to feed them, right? I gotta get back, so let’s walk again later.” She hopped right past Rarity, leaving the faint scent of frosting in her wake, and Rarity’s daze worsened as she heard a soft voice sound from behind her. “Thank you for walking with me, Rarity.” Not knowing what to make of what had just occurred, nor feeling entirely stable herself, Rarity lifted her eyes, looking around at the leaves falling all around.

Sometimes, Pinkie, I believe I outclass you in silliness. Chasing a dream... Will it be worth it, I wonder? Recalling the encouragement she’d received from Fluttershy, from Carrot Top, and from Cerulean and Twilight, she began her trip back to the finish line, determined to continue on the path she’d chosen for herself, regardless of whatever tragedy or triumph may await her in the future.

Not surprisingly, neither Rainbow Dash nor Applejack even came close to first, but given the fact that they were some seven months pregnant, the fact that they finished at all was laudable. Indeed, their friends gave them a hearty round of hoof stomping as the pair finished together, their rivalry set aside, definitely only on a temporary basis, as they shared the bond of motherhood and swore to each other never, ever to participate in the Running of the Leaves again. Applejack immediately made for Silver while Storm waited with open hooves, each mare taking comfort in their stallion’s while simultaneously admitting, each in their own way, that maybe it would pay to listen to the males next time they say that running such a distance while with foal may not be the most brilliant plan ever concocted. However, having Everfrost soda on tap was, and everypony downed grateful glasses as Fluttershy waited from the sidelines.

“He’s fine, I’m sure.” Fluttershy turned at the sound of Cerulean’s voice, acknowledging the stallion with a smile before plopping down next to her. “He probably just got distracted by something in the forest.”

“Oh dear, should I go look for him? He could get hurt, or lost, or... um...”

“Take it easy, Fluttershy. If he’s not here in a few minutes, we can go look for him, ok? In the meantime, would you like something to drink? Maybe a snack? I mean, you are going to be my sister in law at some point.”

“Heehee, that’s right, isn’t it? I can hardly wait. I was hoping he’d make a move sooner, but, well, just having him around is really amazing.”

“Yes it is...” Cerulean agreed, beaming as he saw a green pony appear in the distance. A yell very uncharacteristic of such a demure mare captured the attention of many a pony, and Dash chuckled as Whisper missed the finish line completely and ran straight to Fluttershy, stopping just short only to be tackled and smothered with congratulatory kisses.

“Wow, she hasn’t shouted like that since I made it into the Wonderbolts,” Rainbow Dash remarked, only slightly bothered as the tender kisses momentarily turned a little more intimate. Slowly, she’d begun to come to terms with the fact that Fluttershy was in a relationship, and thus would eventually delve deeper into intimacy as time went on. It still made her slightly crazy thinking about it, but simply watching the two in their everyday interactions helped ease her mind considerably. That, and Fluttershy had grown to a point that, if she felt like it, she could put her hoof down and stand up to just about anypony if she had a reason, and Rainbow Dash didn’t want to be that reason.

“Fluttershy, you should run with me next year! That was so much fun, and everything is more fun with you around, so if you ran with me, then it’d be even more fun!” Whisper exclaimed, holding the mare tight. A gentle pressure bid him release his grip as she removed herself and sat beside him, unsure of herself.

“Oh, I don’t know... I’m not very strong, and, well, we’d have to go really, really slow because, you know, I don’t run fast,” she explained, scuffing the dirt with a hoof.

“Fluttershy, it’s not the running that makes it fun, but sharing the experience with other ponies. And you’re the best pony in the whole world, so I just know it’d be more fun with you.” Whisper sat up, planting a gentle kiss to her forehead before looking back towards the forest, the trees nearly completely barren and the ground set ablaze with leaves bearing all the colors of fire. “Fluttershy? Would you trot with me? There’s something I’d like to share with you.”

It didn’t seem like a very long while before they were nearly halfway through the path, holding their very own first annual Trotting Through the Leaves, but there was a problem. Well, two, actually, the first being Whisper’s eerie silence, and the second being an overpowering bout of curiosity that was slowly whittling away at Fluttershy’s self-control.

“Um...” she started, glancing over at Whisper who gave her his full attention in an instant. “You sure are, well, quiet right now, Whisper.”

“Really?” Well, of course I’m being quiet! When I talk, I talk a lot, and then I’d talk too much, and I’d say something and ruin everything! How am I going to make it all the way there? I can’t refuse Fluttershy if she asks! Gotta think... no, wait, gotta speak! No, wait, can’t do that... “...sorry.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble, really!” Fluttershy immediately assured him, utterly confused as to why such a simple comment would lead to the stallion sounding so dejected. “I just wanted to make sure, you know, that everything is alright.”

“Alright? It’s more than alright! Today is one of the best, most exciting days ever, because I’m gonna... gonna...” Gonna spoil everything! Come on, distraction, I need a distraction! Red leaf? No, wait, yellow leaf. Orange one? No, no leaves, that won’t do. Um... shoot.

“...gonna finish that sentence?” Fluttershy urged, growing playful as she realized her stallion was definitely hiding something.

“Yes, ok, it’s... no! I mean, is that ok that I say no? I’m sorry!” he called out, breaking away and bolting down the path. Fluttershy’s athleticism, or lack thereof, was of no consequence in the face of the playful curiosity and borderline stubborn nosiness that had gripped her at the idea of Whisper keeping a secret, and thus she took off after him, the stallion never leading her by much as they raced through the leaves. She was almost close enough to catch his tail when he suddenly skidded to a halt, only to have Fluttershy tumble into him, giggling helplessly all the while.

“Teehee, I got you, Whisper! Now, you’re gonna tell me, right?”

“I, um... hey, look at that!” he exclaimed, pointing a hoof up at an old wooden sign with multiple arrows poking out in multiple directions. Fluttershy’s desire to know what exactly the stallion was up to exploded as she read the fresh paint coating one of the signs.

“‘Fluttershy’s Path?’ Whisper, did you write that? Whisper? Hey, get back here!” she demanded, darting after the stallion as he followed the sign and took off into the forest, grinning back at his mare as she tried to keep up. Ooooh, what’s he up to, leading me on like this? He better have a good reason for running away. Goodness, this is a lot of work. It’s not fair, I can’t even be upset with him! “Come on, Whisper, slow down!”

“Nuh uh! Gotta catch me if you wanna know my secret!”

Oh, so he wants to play hard to get, huh? Well, that’s just fine! I’ve got wings! They’re not very strong, but they’re still wings! Cream colored wings spread wide while confidence burned bright, and then burnt out as it realized its presence was superfluous. Whisper had stopped a good distance ahead, appearing to be trying to catch his breath, and Fluttershy seized her chance to capture her stallion once and for all. “I’ve... got you... now!” she cried, hurling herself at the stallion who, rather than bolt, or even brace himself for impact, turned and accepted her with open hooves.

For a moment, the world swung wildly, before they both toppled back and a rush of icy cold soothed the heat coursing through her limbs. Unable to reconcile how they had fallen into the earth, nor why it was cold and wet, Fluttershy emerged with a gasp, pulling back her mane to find herself eye to eye with Whisper, and suddenly, it all became clear. “This is...”

“...where you saved me.” Whisper slowly waded over, his mane flowing behind him in the currentless waters, collecting leaves as it went, and slowly brought his hoof to Fluttershy’s cheek. “I’d... be looking for a cave right now, someplace I could shelter from winter’s cold, if you hadn’t given me a chance. Another three months of wondering if... if I’d fall asleep and never wake up...”

“Whisper, I...” she started before he wrapped his hooves around her and held on tight, too overcome not to shed a few tears.

“Thank you so much, Fluttershy... I can’t say it enough, which is why... I’d like to ask you a question.”

Oh my goodness! Is he going to ask? I think he is! I’m not ready! No, wait, what am I thinking? I’ve been dreaming about this day for the last two months! Whisper... this place, this day... it’s so perfect! Whisper took a deep breath, preparing to take the plunge when his mind took a detour, noticing that Fluttershy was trembling and quite wet.

“Um... are you cold?” Anticipation went down in flames as one mare prepared to become a bride suddenly found strength to do little else but stare dumbly at the stallion.

“That... that was your question?” I thought for sure he was going to propose, or something. It’s just not fair! “You mean to tell me you dragged me out here, made me chase you through the forest, tricked me into a pond and got me soaking wet just so you could ask me if I was cold? No! No, I’m not cold, not after all that running, and laughing, and... and hoping you’d...” she fumed, slowly losing steam as he met her rant with radiant calm.

“Sorry, counted wrong. Numbers are really confusing; that was just the first question!” Why is it so hard to ask? I’ve been planning this for two weeks, and everything went totally perfect up until just a second ago, but now I’ve made her all upset and... and I’m shaking now too!

It’s ok, calm down. I don’t have any real reason to be upset... Oh well, I guess it won’t happen today. “I’m sorry for yelling, Whisper. You didn’t deserve that. What’s your question?”

“Why am I nervous?” Fluttershy’s head slowly tilted forty-five degrees to the right, holding as she watched her stallion slowly cover his blushing face with a hoof. “I meant you’re making you nervous. Me nervous! Making you... uh... um...” Conflagration in his cheeks, compounded by a useless, flaccid tongue, bid the stallion take a temporary marine retreat, slowly sinking below the surface of the water that seemed not nearly cold enough against his face. I’m ruining everything! Twilight helped me get everything ready, Cerulean helped me come up with the plan, and Silver helped me earn enough bits, and... and it’s just all going wrong!

Whisper? You’re not making any sense. Making you nervous? I never make you nervous! Fluttershy waited patiently as Whisper rose from the shallow depths, sitting still for a moment as water drained from his mane. A timid, crimson eye peered back at her from behind his wonderful mane, and without a word he rose, exiting the pond while Fluttershy looked on. “Whisper, is, um... is everything ok?”

“You’re, it’s... fine.” I’m so frazzled, I can’t even control my magic right now! Not enough to pick anything up... Disappearing behind a large rock nearby, Fluttershy watched with growing confusion as a soft shuffling indicated he was rifling through something, but from her position in the water, she couldn’t see what. Green eyes grew bright as Whisper slowly made his way back towards her, a simple wrapped package held in his mouth, which he set down at the water’s edge, averting his blushing muzzle.

“Whisper, is that...”

“Present.” He chanced a glance at her as she sat down across from him, but his nervousness couldn’t shout loud enough to turn his eyes away again. He nudged it forward with his nose, and she accepted the small box, wrapped in shiny pink tissue paper and clad with a tag that read “For Flutersy” in terribly messy letters, clearly Whisper’s own writing.

“Thank you, Whisper. Whatever is inside, I’m sure I’ll love it.” Her words sent a thrill of excitement through his being, and he found himself leaning forward, eyes shifting between her hooves opening the gift and her face, clad in a calm, grateful smile. Casting aside the paper, she found an unmarked, plain looking cardboard box, but what lay within...

“Fluttershy?” She wanted to look, to gaze upon the one turning her dreams into a reality, but she sat transfixed by the ring that lay inside. It was simple, the antithesis of gaudy, made of two intertwining bands of platinum, adorned with a gem of blended green and pink sapphires. For a time, all she could do was stare, any thoughts of being emotionally prepared melting and running down her muzzle.

“W... Whisper...” was all she could manage, tearing her gaze fromt he box only to find something every bit as cherishable held before her. Whisper sat with a paper held in his mouth; a picture, crafted solely for one purpose. Her eyes traced over her form, clad in white, to the green stallion standing beside her. Behind them stood Celestia and Luna, while their friends cheered nearby. And there, at the bottom of the page, were the words she longed to hear. “‘M... marry...” Whisper sat down the page in front of her, pointing with a hoof.

“Marry... me. That’s your question I wanted... my... the question I wanted to ask me. You, I mean...”

“M-marry you?”

“I... messed it all up, didn’t I...”

Messed... messed it... “What?!? Don’t you dare say that again, Whisper! You don’t just make me the happiest I’ve ever been ever and then start saying you did something wrong. That just... just...” Whisper was no longer nervous, simply frightened as Fluttershy take a deep breath, no doubt set on mimicking his tree trunk shattering vocalization, only to have something entirely different come out, though just as loud. “Yes! Oh, goodness, yesyesyesyesyes! He asked! He finally asked me, and I said yes!”

“But... but I thought...”

“Whisper, no talking, gotta kiss you!” Whisper fell back as Fluttershy lavished her overflowing affection upon him, blushing and unashamed. At length, she pulled away, and Whisper smiled sheepishly as he pointed behind her to a box that lay forgotten.

“Fluttershy, you forgot your ring.”

“Whisper, the ring isn’t why I’m happy,” she giggled, kissing the tip of his nose. “Would you like to know why? It’s because the ring represents a promise: a promise that I’ll never have to be alone, and that you’ll treasure me above every other pony. That, Whisper, is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.” It may not have been how I imagined it, and it certainly wasn’t, well, normal, but Whisper... Today was perfect. Thank you. Thank you...

“What about wrestling?” Fluttershy stared, blinked once, and fell backwards, her body convulsing with laughter at his genuine curiosity about how the activity ranked when set alongside the promise.

“You... you really... really just asked me that?” she chortled, standing shakily. It seemed to her that some things would never change, and as she let the mirth slide in to replace the tenderness, she knew that they never should. Whisper beamed as she slowly slipped on the ring, admiring it for a time before turning back to a truer gift. “Come on, Whisper. Let’s get back to the rest.”

“Ok, but are you gonna... hey, wait up!” he called out as she took off at a gallop, pausing a short distance later and grinning sweetly, beckoning him deeper into the forest. Oh, I just love it when she gets playful like this! Fluttershy let out a soft yelp of excitement as Whisper gave chase, her laughter trailing behind her and spurring the stallion closer, ever closer to the center of his whole world: the mare that held his heart with kindness. Hey, wait a second... “Aren’t you gonna answer my question? Fluttershy~!”

Butterflies

Chapter 7: Butterflies

Morning! That glorious time of day when the sun rises, the birds sing, and the sweet scent of stale bile, cider, and partially digested shepherd’s pie suffuses the air. Now lucid and repulsed by her habitual descent into the uncouth, Rarity again found herself worried over Fluttershy’s absence. True, it must be simply dreadful having so many suitors, but that is simply no reason to bail on one’s friends. Besides, Fluttershy had proven herself more than capable of standing up for herself, and there was no justifiable cause as to why she should have missed her little sister’s dazzling performance the night before. It would be greater still if she could remember the last half, but such thoughts were inconsistent with forward progress or the taming of her bedmane, so she pulled herself out of bed, cleaned up the floor, and let her minor annoyances melt away with her stress, standing under a cool shower and muttering dark threats against the lingering nausea and drum solo pounding in her cranium.

Crimson had a slightly cheerier awakening, feeling content, rested, and quite comfortable in the arms of her stallion. Despite the trepidation that was attempting to prompt her out of bed, she directed its attention to her stallion’s words earlier that morning, laughed as it sullenly stomped away, and snuggled closer to Big Mac. Now, she didn’t let anypony see it save her husband, but she hadn’t entirely forsaken her past persona, and given that such intimacy now actually meant something, she craved it all the more.

Despite the new trend being to conceive shortly after becoming active, Crimson had made it clear that, while she wouldn’t mind a foal or two in the future, she wanted some time to recover from her past and enjoy the present, and luckily their unprotected activity hadn’t resulted in conception. At her request, shortly after discovering how meaningful a good midnight romp actually could be, Twilight taught her the spell for temporary stallion infertility, an invaluable ability that had become something of a signal for her Big Mac. While eager when things started, he was a little hesitant to ask for anything, being somewhat shy about the subject. His eyes snapped open as the tingling sensation faded, and he found himself face to face with a grinning, beautiful, and all too willing Crimson.

“Mornin’, darlin’. Ah think ah know where yer mind’s at.”

“Oh, do you now? Well, I should hope a big, strong stallion like you would know how to handle that.”

“Handle? Beg yer pardon, miss, but ah believe that’s yer job.”

“Job? Oh, but that makes it sound like such a chore.” Big Mac had time for one more rational thought before devoting his attention to his wife, just as she silently asked that Fluttershy excuse her for showing up late.

Ah sure am glad Applebloom fixed the walls.

Being a light sleeper, always ready to dash away at a moment’s notice, Whisper woke before Fluttershy’s choir of birds sang their rousing wake up call. He nearly spooked, being wrapped in another pony’s arms, but then he saw the tranquility, the peace, and the unspoken gladness that tilted the corners of her mouth into a gentle smile. He didn’t want to ruin the moment, and simply watched her for a time, taking in the sights and sensations that seemed to be one of the only things that could ease his troubles. With every breath, her chest rose and fell against his own, and ever soft snore was a gentle breeze against his neck.

That strange tugging in my chest is coming back. I... her lips look... so soft. Having no framework with which to identify what is and is not acceptable, and since Fluttershy had nervously skipped out on her thorough explanation of arousal, attraction, and boundaries, he at first felt little need to resist, even glowing as his horn was at the mere thought of such a thing. And yet, there was something, some nagging doubt that warned him against such an act. It was faint, but recalling her reaction the other day when he had explored her wings, he settled for something he knew, beyond a doubt, that she enjoyed.

Fluttershy awoke to a warmth on her cheek, and cracked her eyes open to see Whisper... smiling? It filled her with joy indescribable, seeing the stallion’s sheepish grin. Shy, innocent, and bashful: Fluttershy saw herself reflected in his shining, scarlet eyes, and felt the fire in her chest ignite as she pulled back, holding his hoof in place a moment before returning the motion.

I wonder if maybe... maybe it would be ok, just a little one. But what would my friends think? I haven’t known him very long, but I... I love seeing him smile. She edged her muzzle just a little closer. Oh my goodness, am I really going to do this? I feel like I’m on fire, but... but it feels... Whisper made no attempt to move, curious as to why she was breathing so rapidly and moving closer. It was then that his original thought before placing a hoof on her cheek crossed his mind, and he found himself transfixed by her gaze and similarly short on breath. Whisper closed his eyes and waited, but what came wasn’t pressure to his lips but the very tip of his nose, lasting only for a second or two before the mare gave an embarrassed squeak and rolled away. I can’t... believe I just... missed. Oooh, I was so nervous! But it was actually kinda nice. At least to me.

Not having heard, or rather seen, any response from Whisper, she brought her hooves away from her face just enough to chance a glance back at him. He was blushing too, staring at her with wonder while holding his muzzle where her lips had graced his snout, completely unable to describe what was going on in his heart. Having noticed the form of butterflies on her flank the day prior, he had to assume that she had somehow transferred some living ones into his stomach, which, while not entirely unenjoyable, was a strange sensation all the same.

“That made my tummy go all funny. Was that magic?”

This is it. I’m gonna do it. This is totally the day I’m going to ask... er, chat... talk to... gah, Bangles, you even mess up my thoughts! Freefall shook his head as he approached the library, assuming that’s where Bangles would be. After nearly being brained with an encyclopedia for speaking out of turn and interrupting Cerulean’s child, he was informed that she was staying in the spare room of the tavern. It was a great stroke of luck, as he was less likely to make an idiot of himself without an audience. Well, less likely to be seen. Given how jumbled my thoughts are, I think me being stupid is a given. Dang, this is going to be rough. As he approached the tavern, he let himself in quietly only to hear voices, and was dismayed to hear Snowdrift call out to him from across the tavern.

“Hey, Freefall! What are you doing here?”

“Me? What about you?” he shouted back, using the opportunity to turn his thoughts away and give them a chance to cease tying themselves in knots.

“Having a drink with Berry, obviously. Come over here, Bangles may still be asleep.” An image of Freefall ramming his hoof into his face began to play on repeat for his mistake as he trotted over, sitting down opposite the couple and staring sullenly at the table. Berry and Snowdrift found it amusing seeing the womanizing stallion brought low by the mere mention of the mare, though Berry shushed him after letting him have a good laugh or two, seeing Freefall’s cloud of depression darken a little more.

“Come on, Freefall. Have some cider and calm down,” Berry offered, motioning to the casks lining the wall.

“No... I want to be level headed when I talk to her.”

“Level-headed?” Snowdrift mused. “Is such a thing even possible?”

“Snow, be nice,” Berry chided, making an effort herself not to laugh.

“Sorry, Berry. Look, Freefall, I’m sorry for ragging on you so much. It’s just so strange seeing you serious for once in your life.” The stallion simply nodded, nothing more. Oh man, this is worse than I thought. “Do you want us to put a good word in for you?”

“Like what?” He glanced up to see both ponies staring back, unsure of what to say. “Exactly. I don’t have anything to offer her, Snowdrift. The one thing I do have is a silver tongue, which unfortunately has been melted. Somehow, I don’t think “he can juggle onions” is going to get me very far.”

Sweet Celestia, she’s causing him to experience self-awareness? Finally! “Freefall, for what it’s worth, I’m glad to be your friend.”

“Why, because I make you feel smart? The world needs a moron here and there, doesn’t it...” Where once his hapless friend’s trepidation was cause for mirth, that last comment proved that, against all appearances and all odds, there was some depth buried within. But now, genuine concern came into play, and shooting Berry an apologetic glance before breaching his usually well-tamed table manners, climbed across to the other side, plopped down beside Freefall, and lent him a hoof.

“Freefall, you’re acting more awesome now than any other time I’ve seen you. You’re being real, and that’s hard to find.”

“That might be because it sucks.”

“I’m going to be honest, Freefall. I felt exactly the same when I spoke to Berry. I’m almost backed out of it, I was so nervous. I had no idea what the hay I was doing, but,” he paused, shooting her a grateful smile, “she found it in her heart to make room for me. You may be a bit more of a tail chaser, but we’re not that far apart, really.” Confidence rekindled, slowly smoldering back to life as Snowdrift’s words sparked all his many memories from Cloudspire. When there was trouble, they were always in on it together.

I guess if Snowdrift can find somepony, then so can I. Well, somepony who will stay with me, anyways. “Thanks, Snow. Now get offa me, I don’t like colts.” Berry couldn’t help but take one last jab, mostly because it was directed at Snow too.

“Really? I seem to recall being told that you were quite pleasantly lip-locked with my stallion not too long ago.”

“Thank you, Snow. I feel smarter now. Why the hay would you tell her about that?” Freefall prodded, shooting his friend a smirk while ignoring the implications towards himself.

“Because she asked what one of the most embarrassing things I’d done was! It’s not like I just up and threw it out into the open.” Freefall chuckled, standing up and feeling the confidence drain away much faster than it had built.

“Whatever. Wish me luck, I’m... gonna, um...”

“Who knows, maybe she’ll think stammering is cute.”

“Shut... up.” Stalking away from the table and finding it useless to try calming himself, Freefall stopped at the stairs and stared. On the off chance their noise hadn’t woke her, he ascended as quietly as he could, standing in front of her door for a full two minutes before finally gaining the courage to knock. Alright, here goes nothing. A gentle voice bid him enter, and after fumbling with the handle and acquiring a more severe case of the shakes, the door eased open and he found himself in her room. Unprepared, inarticulate, and entranced, he found himself unable to tear his gaze away from the soft, emerald eyes that stared back at him. I’m bo sucked... bucked, I mean, so bucked! Gah!

“So, you really did put butterflies inside me?” Fluttershy, in her bashful state, was having trouble explaining the concept of “butterflies in the stomach” to somepony when this was the first time she had experienced it herself.

“Um, well, you see... when, um...” This is too embarrassing! I’m glad Angel is still outside, he’d give me the what for, hesitating like this. “When... when you really like another pony, and you... do things together, it can cause all sorts of funny feelings, I think.” He seemed to drift off into thought at this, which gave Fluttershy time to calm herself and him time to contemplate the mystery of the non-existent winged miscreants who were still happily doing laps inside his stomach.

When you really like somepony... so, I guess, I like Fluttershy? That makes sense, she so nice. I don’t mind if she makes me feel funny again. “So I’m not really full of butterflies?”

“Nope, no butterflies.”

“Dragonflies then?”

“Whisper, there aren’t any animals inside your stomach. Just...” Wait, how is all that caused? I wish Twilight were here. I bet she’d know why it happens. “It just means you’re really happy, Whisper.” He thought for just moment more before he broke into a grin, scooting over and holding her close just like she’d taught him.

“That means you make me really happy, Fluttershy. Thank you.” Fluttershy slowly returned the motion, squeezing gently at first and then just a little tighter.

“You... make me really happy too, Whisper. I...” It’s so soon, should I say it? Wait, why does it matter if it’s soon? If it’s real, then why should I wait? “I really like you, Whisper. I’m glad we met. Now,” she continued, releasing him and easing herself out of bed, “I’m going to take a shower, then we’ll take care of your mane, ok? Feel free to help yourself to any of the food in the fridge. Oh yeah, um, please don’t run away while I’m gone, ok?”

“Ok, I’ll stay here for now.” Fridge? Shower? More words that he didn’t understand but felt like he should know. No matter, it was time to do more exploring! He examined everything around him thoroughly and soon became so fascinated by everything that he failed to hear the sound of running water. Sniffing around, he detected the scent of food behind some kind of white box. It looked like it had a handle of some sort, and a gentle tug revealed a fantastic array for fresh fruits and vegetables. This, clearly, was the legendary “fridge,” and he set about satisfying his gnawing hunger before a beauteous sound pierced through his revery.

“What is this place, filled with so many wonders~!” The words seemed to dance through his soul as he closed his eyes, focusing intently on the melody. It stirred the magic within, and just as he could sense intense sadness in the forest when she had been crying out to him, he now sensed an overflowing joy and happiness. He was powerless to resist the draw as she wove a spell within his heart, and without hesitation, he nudged open the door and sat down to watch. Had Fluttershy just been singing, this would have been no cause for alarm. However, as he watched through the glass, more indescribable feelings bombarded his senses. What anypony with a shred of awareness would have immediately identified as “arousal” was simply labled as a different strain of “curiosity,” to which he yielded without restraint.

“I’d have come here sooner, and never leave!

Yes, I... love...”

At this point she twirled, opened her eyes, and stopped breathing. He’s... watching me... shower? Her mind threw up a white flag and made for sunnier pastures, leaving her to fend for herself. After a few false starts that escaped as soft squeaks, she managed simply to name the stallion who, only vaguely aware of her discomfort, continued to wait eagerly for her to say what exactly it was that she loved. “W... w... Whisper?”

She... loves me?

The door gently closed behind Freefall, signalling his committal to the coming humiliation. Not able to recall a single instance where he was so thoroughly shaken simply by the sight of a mare, he had no experience to draw upon, and he summoned what little courage he had and took the plunge, every moment of eye contact an epic struggle not to bolt out the door and call it quits.

“Hey there.” Oh man, nailed it! I’ve so got this!

“Hi.”

Nope, I’m bucked. I’ve got nothin’. “Um...” Come on, something, anything!

“I don’t think we’ve met. May I ask who you are?”

“Nope.” Buckin’... what’s that look supposed to mean?

“No, I can’t know your name?”

Pull it together! “It’s, um...” Free-freaking-fall, just say it!

He must know... somepony must have put him up to this, as he is clearly afraid of me... “You must have heard all about me. If you’re that afraid, just go. You don’t need to torture yourself on my account.”

“I’m not afraid of you! It’s just you’re smoking hot and I want to ask you out but you make me really nervous ‘cause you’re too sexy and I just can’t think enough to even say my bucking name because just the sight of you fries my freaking tiny brain!” I said that. I said that really loud. I said that loud enough for Snowdrift and Berry to have heard. “I’ll be leaving now,” Freefall whispered, bolting out the door without giving her a chance to respond. Bangles sat staring at the place he had been standing just moments ago with utter confusion at how anypony could see her as anything other than a threat. But that pony, whose name she still didn’t know, was so enamored with her that he called her...

“Smoking... hot?”

“Whisper, what... what are you doing in here?” Fluttershy was again grateful to her mane’s ability to cloak her face, not daring to look at Whisper for fear of blushing harder, if that were possible. Doesn’t he know any better? What kind of pony would...

“Watching. And listening.” It was so blunt, so nonchalant, so devoid of sensuality that Fluttershy’s thoughts were proved false; he clearly didn’t know better. It didn’t do much to minimize her mortification, and she slowly sank to her haunches. “Oh, is this a game?” It was impressive to Whisper how the mare could manage to shrink herself so small, being entirely invisible after dropping down below the rim of the bathtub. “Are we hiding? I’ll play too!”

Fluttershy heard his hoofbeats dart outside the bathroom and clatter around the house. Not lifting herself, she snaked out a hoof and turned off the flow, determining that somepony was going to talk to that stallion sooner rather than later. She couldn’t bring herself to be angry with him, and after drying off and returning to her room, she found him crammed under her bed with most all of his tail sticking out. Any lingering trepidation was banished as she sat down, examining the silky fibers still strewn with twigs and leaves.

“You know, if you’re going to hide, you really need to keep better track of this,” she giggled, giving his tail a light tug and letting him know the game was up. “Come on out, and let’s get that mane taken care of.” The daylight flooding the house revealed the task was to be a monumental undertaking. Especially with no magic to aid her, just getting most of the foliage out took a good hour. Whisper sat patiently, enjoying the special treatment but wishing for something a little more.

I know that she’s already being really nice, but... “Fluttershy?”

“Yes, Whisper? What is it?”

“Could you... maybe... sing some more?” The brush paused for just a moment before continuing to work out the knots, and Whisper closed his eyes as a different kind of warmth filled his soul, her wondrous voice filling him with awe. And yet, his joy was tinged with sadness as a single thought rose from the stirring in his heart. I wish... I could sing with her. I shouldn’t be selfish, though. She still gives me butterflies, and that’s really nice.

Preparation

Chapter 13: Preparation

“Whoa, I can hear the ocean! Ack, sand in the ears, gross!” Cerulean chuckled as Jade desperately shook his head to one side, the symphony of the sea within the shell abruptly ended by an earful of grit, though he quickly resumed listening to the music upon clearing his ears, staring off into the distance in wonder. He was suddenly swept onto his brother’s back, the shell falling to the ground as he lost his grip. “Wait, Cerulean, I lost my shell!”

“Use your magic.” The jade unicorn blew a tuft of his admittedly long mane out of his face with a sigh, wondering how many times he was going to be forced to explain that his magic wasn’t any good for trifles like picking up objects.

“You know, we have hooves for a reason, Cerulean.” The abandoned conch shell was enshrouded in a blue aura, and Jade was gleefully reunited with his newest treasure.

“So how are you liking the beach, Jade? This your first time, right?”

“Liking? Try loving, this place is amazing! The sand feels great, and the water’s so blue...” A deep breath sounded, and Cerulean slowed to an easy canter, closing his eyes half way and listening to the melody ring out, the area below his hooves shimmering with a soft, green glow.

“Open skies, everlasting seas

sand in my ears and a nice cool breeze

you know, I think I’m starting to believe

in paradise~!

Running through the dunes

romping on the shores,

everything I see

leaves me wanting more~!

So many wonders,

so much excitement,

filling my heart so full...

So gratifying,

logic defying,

this place whispers into my soul~!”

Unable to contain himself any longer, he abandoned his perch and tore off straight towards the waves, attacking the sea and wrestling the shallows, his laughter carrying on the wind.

“Such a sweet sound...” Cerulean slowly stirred back into wakefulness, clinging to the memory as his brother’s laughter echoed through his mind. “Jade... I’ll find a way to make you laugh again, somehow.”

“And you’re not going to do it alone.” Surprised that his musings were heard, he met Twilight’s soft, violet eyes with gratitude, silently thanking fate for allowing him such a gift. “Princess Celestia should by soon with the horn limiter. Hopefully, that will be enough to help Jade overcome his fear of speech.” Cerulean brought a hoof to his muzzle, tapping it thoughtfully. Given the temperamental nature of Jade’s magic, it was clear that he was going to have to learn how to control it eventually, and the sooner the better.

“I wonder... Twilight, my brother has never been adept with regular magic, but things like levitation should be manageable by any unicorn, right? Would you mind, perhaps, helping me teach him magic when he wakes up?”

“You’re asking the Element of Magic if she’d like to teach magic to a pony who is skilled in a type of magic she knows little about? Do you realize how silly a question that is?”

“I suppose I could teach him myself, but...” Seeing that Dawn wasn’t around to give her father a good knock in the head, Twilight served as her substitute, giggling as Cerulean rubbed his forehead with a rueful smile. “Guess you meant the other way around.”

“You got it right in only two tries? You’re so smart...”

“I married you, that’s gotta count for something, right?”

“That was almost an acceptable defense, save how you turned it into a question.”

“Aye. Well, come on, Twilight. I’m sure Dawn is already awake and eagerly awaiting some kind of sugary breakfast,” he chuckled, throwing back the covers before a hoof over his chest bid him stop.

“Nope, not just yet. I want my snuggle time,” she commanded, snatching the stallion into her hooves and nuzzling his cheek. “And... as much as you’re smiling, I know better. It’s going to be ok, Cerulean. You don’t... have to be strong all the time.” He hesitated a moment before returning the embrace, cradling Twilight’s head with a hoof and letting slip a slow, drawn out sigh.

It's really that obvious? Either way, thank you for looking out for me, Twilight. Words can carry different meanings, varying by context, intonation, and a myriad of other things. Actions vary much the same, and as Cerulean leaned in to a deep kiss, Twilight’s senses were flooded not with any kind of carnal desire, but a wealth of unspoken thanksgiving. It was a moment when two ponies shared in something deeper than any physical touch could hope to convey: a love tempered by years of laughter and tears, fair weather and foul. Twilight’s glassy eyes and gentle smile let Cerulean know that the feeling was mutual, and he brought a hoof to her cheek and touched his horn to hers, enjoying the tranquility born of peace. Peace that could not last, as dictated by his daughter’s growling gut, her impromptu teleportation above the bed, and subsequent descent from the skies, landing on her father like a rock.

“Brekkist, daddy! Hungry!” Cerulean found the air forcibly evicted from his lungs with a whoosh and a groan, though his tickling hooves soon had the fiendish filly on the run. Eggs were cracked, the batter mixed, the fruit sliced, and doing just as Lemon had taught him, he made extra servings as if by some bout of clairvoyance he knew that Celestia would show up midway through the meal. She eagerly joined in on the proceeding, relishing the time away from the palace, the politics, and the ponies that truly believed they contained more wisdom after fifty years than Celestia had gathered over more than a thousand years. Fully satisfied, they quickly rinsed the dishes and bid Spike farwell, trotting out the door and into a fine autumn day, not too windy and carrying with it the last remnants of summer.

A familiar feeling of comfort, and lack of a desire to do anything but remain warm and safe in the embrace of her fortress of a stallion, bid Rainbow Dash refuse the sun victory in prying open her eyes. No, stubborn as usual, she silently screamed her defiance by burying her face in his soft chest fur, knowing that every second she spent in bed was a moment of isolated tranquility away from the world that invoked a mire of emotions she didn’t feel equipped to deal with. She wanted to forgive Whisper, as much for Fluttershy as for Cerulean, but every time she saw her friend laying in bed, bandaged and broken, it invoked the worst kind of anger.

Perhaps more worrisome was a new emotion breeding, something she hadn’t anticipated ever feeling save any motion towards infidelity from Storm, which she knew beyond a doubt would never happen. Time dragged on, and eventually Storm stirred into wakefulness, taking a glance at the mare pressed to his chest and silently sheltering her in his wings. He chose to say nothing, as did Dash, the course of the day already known but the outcome still riding on the wind. Wind that apparently carried the scent of breakfast, as even sound-proofed walls couldn’t keep the delightful aroma wafting from the kitchen from encouraging mutual growls from their stomachs and a gentle reminder to Dash that she was taking care of three.

“Storm?” Her desire for comfort and reassurance was met even before she bid him speak, his confident gaze being more than enough. No matter what happened between her and Fluttershy, even if the whole of Ponyville should turn against her, she found solace in the simple fact that there would be one pony that would always be there. The longer she held his gaze, the more it shifted towards alluring, her pent up “frustration” being at an all time high after some five months of abstinence. How Applejack managed to maintain herself, she’d never know, but it occurred to her then to ask, loathe though she was to bow to her rival in such a way.

“Was there something that was going to follow my name? Or is it just that melodious?”

If only that smirk made you less attractive, then maybe I could get my mind under control. “Come on, let’s get some breakfast. We’re starving, and my mind is starting to wander.” No more than usual... Unsure of exactly how unstable his wife’s temperament was at the moment, but guessing that it could be somewhat precarious given the recent events, he refrained from superfluous teasing and helped her out of bed, knowing that such things would likely be coming from his family the moment the exited their den of solitude. Such notions were proved accurate, Scootaloo’s laughter mingling with Hope’s as it filled the house.

Not a fan of the wooden chairs at the table, Rainbow Dash opted for the comfort of the couch, laying on her side and listening to the family banter, a sweet sound to one who hadn’t had one of her own until Storm had swept her off her hooves. Her mind wandered off to the destructive green unicorn once more, though in a slightly different light; if he really was Cerulean’s brother, and if Fluttershy really was enamored with him to the point of driving her to jealousy, then she had to concede that maybe what he needed was a home, not a beating. Her eyes opened halfway as she felt two tiny hooves press against the outside, with four more on the inside repeating the motion. Hope beamed up at Dash with her ever-present smile, babbling her encouragement. The twins offered their comfort as well, the sensation of their hooves not a frustrated buck, but more like an embrace of sorts.

“You’re right, Hope. And you two as well... I think my temper could use a good rest.”

Once, years back before everything took a turn for the crazy with the arrival of a blue stallion, Spike had savored the silence of an empty library, seeing that it meant he wasn’t being run ragged by a lavender mare obsessed with all things magical. Time marches on, and things begin to shift, even the motions of the heart. So, as Spike descended the steps and looked at the library’s main floor, abandoned by the other occupants in exchange for a bright and sunny day to be shared with the ruler of Equestria, a stirring within the heart of a young dragon edged in a curious notion.

“Is this... really where I belong?” Being with Twilight’s all I’ve ever known. I don’t want anything more, really! I’m really happy here... right? Even in his young mind, the fact that no answer came was reason enough to question the internal assertion, and as he sat down on the couch, he found himself seeking answers to questions he had never realized he had. During the dragon migration, I realized that I don’t want to be like other dragons. Scales or not, I’m a pony on the inside, and so I stayed. But now... He glanced over as Peewee landed beside him, looking up at the dragon with worry. “Twilight hardly pays any attention to me anymore, Peewee. I’ve always been her number one assistant, her close friend, but now all I do is clean and send letters. I mean, I’ve always done those things, but I can’t... remember the last time she took some time just for me...”

A nudge from the young phoenix bid him remember that he wasn’t alone, but it was of little comfort. How could he reconcile the growing distance between himself and the one mare that ranked above Rarity in importance? It occurred to him to ask the princess, since she knew so much about, well, everything, but she was with Twilight and Cerulean, so any letter would inevitably be known, and he didn’t want Twilight to worry. Being a mother, as he often had a front row seat for observing, was extremely hard work, so he resolved to find the answer on his own. This, however, was a task easier said than done, given that he had no idea where to begin.

“Huh? Now, who could that be?” Spike mused, staring at the door as the knocking receded for a short while before being followed by a familiar voice.

“Hello? Twilight, Cerulean, is anypony home?” Nearly tripping in his haste to open the door, Spike managed not to injure himself nor upset the floor by way of an undeserved beating with his face, whipping open the door to find a cheerful Sweetie Belle on the other side. “Oh, hey there, Spike.”

“Hi, Sweetie Belle! Did you need help with something?”

“Yeah, actually. I need a book. You think you could help?”

“Help? I’ve refilled these shelves more times than I can count. Come on in, I’ll find whatever you need in no time!” Is it just me, or did I sound a little excited there?

“You sound pretty animated today. Something special going on?”

Awww, man. It wasn’t just me. I’m just... glad to see somepony. “No, not really,” he replied, taking special care to keep his voice casual. “So, uh... what is it you’re looking for?”

“Well, I want to try my hoof at writing my own songs. Lyrics are easy, but I don’t know anything about writing sheet music. So... I guess I need something about writing music?”

“Music, huh? Wait, I know I saw something like that recently, it was...” Sweetie Belle watched with amusement, and slight worry over the dragon hurting himself, as Spike shot from shelf to shelf, carrying the ladder hither and thither. “You know, I’m really not in a hurry. I don’t have anywhere to be until I meet up with Applebloom and the rest this afternoon.”

Dang it, I’m doing it again. Why am I freaking out so bad? Come on, Spike. It’s not like she’s Rarity. Forcing himself to breathe evenly, he suddenly found an even flow of oxygen to lungs and brain increased memory, and he quickly located the text he sought, handing it to Sweetie Belle with a nervous smile. “Here you go. Sorry it took so long.”

“Long? You found it in less than a minute, Spike. Are you sure you’re ok?” Why is he squirming like that?

“Y-yeah, I’m fine.”

“Ok, if you say so. Thanks for the help, Spike!” She turned to leave when the dragon’s voice gave her pause.

“Wait a second!” What the, where’d that come from? I don’t even know what I was going to say next. Man, she’s looking at me. In the inner battle of honesty and denial, the latter was winning easily, Spike being too disturbed by his own sentiments to want to ask what was really on his mind. But yet, he had spoken. It wasn’t much, but maybe it would be ok, just this once, to seek comfort somewhere other than Twilight. “Would... maybe, uh...” Oh well, here goes nothing. “Do you think we could hang out a little bit?”

“Sure.”

What? Really?!?

“Learning with you will make it more fun, and it beats sitting at home anyways. Besides, since you hang out with Twilight all the time, I bet you already know a ton of stuff.” With nothing but his own trepidation to get in the way, he grabbed some parchments and two quills, sitting beside Sweetie Belle who had made herself comfortable smack in the middle of the floor. Spike hadn’t ever really been given to reading, much to Twilight’s dismay, but he couldn’t deny a tinge of excitement as Sweetie cracked open the first page.

Of the many words that could be used to describe Ceruelan, “quiet” was not normally one of them, but he maintained nearly complete silence as Twilight chatted away with Celestia, the purpose of the ruler’s visit completely set aside. Dawn was sure not to let him drift into anything she considered sulking, and he actually found himself rather enjoying the stroll through town, due mostly to Twilight’s ecstasy at being able to commune with her beloved teacher, something he knew she missed even more than unlimited study time. In the warmth of the sun and the cool of the breeze, Cerulean could almost be content, but there was something missing.

“Right, Cerulean?” She waited a couple of moments before her animated smile slowly fell. “Cerulean?”

“Huh? Sorry, Twilight, I was just thinking.”

“I’m sorry, I guess I got a little carried away. It’s just...”

“I know, Twilight. It’s fine, I know how much you miss your teacher,” he murmured, drawing close giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

Stop being so understanding, you’re making me feel even more selfish... “Go ahead, Cerulean. I’ll be quiet.”

Twilight, I was... happy just listening. “Princess? I know I explained a lot in my letter, but I was wondering... if the horn limiter has any side effects. Jade very nearly...” He paused, the mere thought of losing his brother bringing an uncomfortable lump to his throat. “He nearly died, so if there is any chance it could hurt him further, I want to know now.”

“Well... if he were to somehow overload the device, it may explode. It would require a tremendous amount of magic to do so, and I think it should be safe, but if he were ever to pour all of his magic into it at once, it could be disastrous. Also, a unicorn’s body uses their magic to aid in healing, so it would be unwise to use it until he has completely recovered from his injuries.”

“I see...” I guess... it will be a while longer yet before I get to hear your voice, little brother. “Celestia, would you... like to see him?”

“I would. Lead the way, Cerulean.” Conversation trickled to a minimum as a somber air hung over the proceedings, and it wasn’t long before they were all gathered within Jade’s room greeting Fluttershy and gathering around the bed. Celestia’s eyes traced over the gentle stallion’s bandaged chest and fair features, wondering what cruel stroke of fate had landed such pain upon not just this stallion, but all of Cerulean’s family as a whole. I sometimes wish that I didn’t have so much magic... I could wake him right now, but that... that should be his choice, not mine. If he wakes before he’s ready, I fear for what may happen. She glanced accross at Fluttershy, who was watching her expectantly, and then back at Cerulean and Twilight. Maybe I can intervene, just a little... A bright, golden light shone from Celestia’s horn, washing over Whisper and accelerating the healing process. This is all I can do for now. Forgive me, Cerulean. “Sleep well, little one... and know that when you come back home, your friends are waiting here for you.”

After offering Fluttershy a few words of encouragement, the group made their exit, leaving Whisper in the mare’s care. “Cerulean, it is most unfortunate what has happened, but at least your brother is still alive. I shouldn’t think he will sleep much longer, not with such a wealth of support. Still, don’t you think your parents would like to know?”

“No, you can’t. Don’t tell them, your Highness, I’m begging you.” Celestia knew plenty about Crimson and Cerulean due to Twilight’s letters, but as she cast her eyes towards Cerulean, she knew that the gaping hole in her information was likely there for a reason. The obvious rift between the stallion and his parents wasn’t something any amount of wisdom she could conjure would ever come close to bridging. Twilight’s heart fell along with Cerulean’s spirits as he closed his eyes and grit his teeth. “He doesn’t... need to be pulled into that kind of emotional warzone.”

Extra: Door Frames

Extra Chapter: Door Frames

It was an unfounded hope to think that being surrounded by a myriad of ponies one doesn’t know well would somehow miraculously enhance articulation. Then again, Freefall wasn’t exactly known for his sentience, either. It was meant to be a first date of sorts, that night in the tavern, but even after sharing their first kiss, it hadn’t gotten much easier to talk to the rapturous beauty who had, by whatever unexplainable stroke of luck, agreed to be his fillyfriend. Bangles ate her food in silence, glancing across the table at her coltfriend who was, no doubt, wracking what brains he had in an attempt to start a conversation. Either that, or he hadn’t figured out that eating and drinking tends to result in a necessity for a restroom, and was simply trying to will them away; it was hard to tell simply by the squirming.

I know I told myself that simply having him around would be enough, that I could be content just having some company. But then why... do I want something more? She attempted to make eye contact, whereupon the pegasus immediately gave the utmost attention to his baked potato, studying it with such an air of professionalism that even Twilight would have approved. “Freefall? I would...” I don’t... have the right to ask anything... I won’t take anything for myself. Never again...

“Annoy me.” Bangles removed her gaze from the table and returned it to the stallion across from her who had, apparently, discovered all the mysteries of his potato and was now attempting to decipher the heart of an uncommon mare.

“W-what?”

“I’ve said... barely two freaking words this whole bucking time. I can’t seem to think without some kind of pressure, so do... something to make me nervous, or agitated or... something!” Hey, that right there was pretty good, at least for me.

It’s not... selfish if he’s asking for it, right? Maybe, it would be all right if I... She glanced around the room, looking from face to face. Nopony was paying her the slightest attention, at least that’s what she thought, and thus she proceeded to fluster the stallion in the cruelest of ways. Adopting an utterly alluring half-lidded gaze, Bangles reached across the table towards the potato and scooped a small dollop of sour cream from the top, bringing it towards her mouth where she gave the stunned Freefall a meaningful look before daintily licking it off. “Oh, how rude of me...” Reaching across one more time, she dipped her hoof in ever so slightly before holding it out to the stunned stallion. “You know, I think you’ll find that I may be... tastier than your meal. Would you... like to find out?”

Oh, hay no... Bangles, stop it! I can’t handle that kind of... eat the hoof. What? Eat the hoof. No, I can’t... Eat the hoof! Frantic, overzealous, and completely unprepared for the physical and emotional arousal, he skipped the dainty licking and shoved a good portion of her hoof into his mouth, shocking Bangles and prompting several nearby ponies to relocate, lest the slobbery display somehow find its way towards their food. As the dawning realization of what it was he was actually doing slowly set in, he paused, staring up at the mares luminous green eyes and expression that clearly stated “what the buck are you doing?”

Bangles was similarly unprepared, and thus simply stared back for a time before a slow, unfamiliar feeling began to boil up from within. Freefall’s pacifier privileges were revoked as the mare fell from her seat, laughing uncontrollably and savoring every sweet second of mirth. Bangles couldn’t recall the last time she had laughed so hard, and even as she knew Freefall was likely mortified by his blunder, she couldn’t have been more thankful. Allowing what remained of dignity one final stand and enough time to have its last hurrah, she again adopted a sensual leer and stood.

While Snowdrift didn’t mind all of the work of the tavern, the extra hired hooves made it so he could relax every now and again, spending time with friends and more importantly, the plum colored mare beside him. Gale was about to draw a comparison with himself and Cloudburn, who were the definition of inseparable, before he saw Freefall’s sudden shift in diet and Bangles’ subsequent reaction to the attempted ingestion of her hoof.

“Ach, ah thought we were a strange couple, Cloudburn, but ah think the lad has us beat there too,” Gale chuckled, eyeing Freefall and Bangles from afar.

“You’re definitely... Oh wow, Snow, get a load of this,” Cloudburn snickered, trying to keep from falling over. Snowdrift and Berry turned in time to see Bangles climb up onto the table, whereupon Freefall immediately found his wings doing their very best to jab the imaginary ponies on either side of him.

“Huh, I thought Berry was the only mare that climbed over tables.”

“Snow! Come on, I’ve only done that... um... three times? And I was really, really drunk.” Berry responded hesitantly, blushing slightly and averting her muzzle.

“Aye, three by my count. Cloudburn likes the table plenty, though she normally keeps that locked up fer when we’re at home.”

“Gale! There’s a reason that stays at home. Now hush.”

“Easy, lass, I know my place. Heh, and Freefall is learnin’ his, by the look of it,” Gale chuckled, shaking his head and grinning as Bangles pressed her limits at Freefall’s request, standing over the stallion seemingly unashamed and leaning in close. It looked all the world like she was going for it, but then she paused just inches from his muzzle. “Ach, the maiden is going to abandon ship? That’s right disappointin’.”

“Come on, Freefall, go for it!” Cloudburn shrieked over the crowds, causing both ponies to notice that they were indeed being paid plenty of attention. The table burst into cheers and whistles as an overwhelmed Freefall caved to their demands and Bangles’ whispered encouragement, using his newfound strength to move his mouth just an inch closer and complete the action. “So, Snowdrift, how... are your wings doing?”

“Lad, ah don’t think you need to answer my bonny lass. The shinin’ in yer eyes speaks plenty,” Gale answered, matching the stallion’s smile.

“It still hurts like blazes, but... we’re finding ways to make it work,” Snowdrift replied, blushing a little as he recalled that special night’s jubilation. It was unfortunate, though. Berry would have to abstain from alcohol for a few weeks to make sure she hadn’t conceived, and Snowdrift had been warned and re-warned that she may become a fair bit more difficult to deal with in the coming days. The mare seemed happy enough now, but he saw the way she repeatedly glanced at the casks lined up behind her cousin, and knew that she spoke the truth. “Silver has this drink that eases the pain, but it’s in short supply. Zap Apple moonshine, the best, most delectable...”

“Snow, please, don’t make it any worse,” Berry pleaded, wiping her mouth as remembrance prompted an increase in salivation.

“Sorry, Berry. Anyways, he doesn’t have very much left. Originally, he gave it out by the mug, but since the harvest is only once per year, and a good amount of the crop is already spoken for, he has had to restrict its sale.”

“That’s got to be rough, Snow. I mean, my wings hurt pretty bad for a while, but they’ve gotten better slowly,” Cloudburn explained, her tone somber. “They’ll never completely heal, but I’ve been practicing my flight here and there. I can’t imagine what I’d do if the pain stayed. Honestly, I think you got it the worst.” Snowdrift shook his head, stretching his wings and ignoring the resulting throb as he draped one around Berry’s shoulders.

“I can’t agree, Cloudburn. I’ve got Berry, and that’s better than wings.”

While unconventional and, on all accounts, socially unacceptable, or at least awkward, Bangles’ advance had given Freefall the flood of adrenaline needed to formulate sentences and actually speak what was on his mind. This could be a problem in and of itself, but Bangles couldn't deny that she found his voice comforting, even if he had as much a way with words and she did an outgoing nature. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and a lull in the conversation allowed for the calming of the stallion’s mind, once again jarring neural operations in the face of his obsession. He heaved a sigh as he grew introspective, and slowly the night came to a close.

Amidst a sea of booze, high quality and varied cuisine, and more friendly ponies than, well, anyplace else in the entire town of Ponyville, there was one thing that nopony liked at the tavern: the dreaded last call. A necessary evil, Silver would admit, and as Quakehoof ushered the last drunken stragglers from the bar, he trotted over to the last two ponies that remained. Silver placed an encouraging hoof on Freefall's shoulder and prompted him to make the decision he had been avoiding thinking about all night.

“Freefall, I’m going to lock up for the night. You staying?”

“Staying? Like, here? Overnight?”

“Uh, yeah. If you’re not, then you need to come now. I have a mare waiting for me, a pregnant one at that, and she doesn’t like sleeping alone.”

“She’s not the only one,” Bangles offered, staring back at Freefall, her eyes neither assuming or pleading. I’m not going to pressure him on this one. Freefall, this is your choice to make, and I will accept it either way. I can’t... keep acting like I used to. As frightened as he is, with me pushing his actions, I can’t feel it’s mutual, and without that... I’m just reliving the past.

That look... dang it, why are you choosing now of all times not to give me the nudge I need? I want to, but... “Um... I’ll... I guess...” Just bucking say yes! “Yes.” Thank you! Geez...

“Good call, Freefall. I would have been very disappointed if you had followed me, and I’m sure I wouldn’t have been the only one. Good night, you two. Be safe.”

“B-be what? What the hay are you talking about?!?” Silver didn’t bother looking over his shoulder, waving as he left and locked the door, leaving the flustered pegasus to fend for himself and galloping towards the house he and Applejack shared on the Apple family property. Freefall continued staring at the door, the full weight of being in the building alone with the mare of his dreams hitting him like Applejack bucked trees. This is ridiculous...

“I’m tired. I’m going to head upstairs,” Bangles said quietly, standing slowly and trotting towards her room, the jingling of her jaden bracelets sounding much louder in the silence, echoing up the stairs before finally being muffled by the closing of the door, leaving Freefall to do some serious thinking.

She’s probably just being nice, but this seriously blows. I can’t do anything around her without having a bucking heart attack, and all I really want to do is make her happy. She almost never smiles, unless she’s faking seduction that totally works anyways, but I want it to be real. Dang it, I want her to... what is that... The sound of water running upstairs threatened to cause mental gridlock as he desperately tried to maintain control of his thoughts and wings. Bangles, that is so not helping! I guess I’ll just stay here until... He pried his eyes from the table and sat upright, staring straight ahead.

"What does she want?" he whispered to himself. It was earth-shattering. All the times he had let fear control his actions, he was focusing on his own discomfort rather than the needs of the mare who had suffered more than his mangled wings could ever hope to in a lifetime. She’s been shooting me signal after signal, giving me more chances than I thought I could ever blow, but can I really claim any victories? Every time I’ve acted, it’s been because she forced it, and given how quiet she is, there’s no way that’s normal for her. Buck it all, I’m an idiot! Standing upright and bolting for the stairs, he used his newfound confidence to make it all the way up the stairs and into the room, at which point he barreled into the bathroom and found himself staring at a startled, surprised, and temptingly blushing mare. The brain crash was instant, the wing-boner massive, and embarrassment complete.

Oh, I had so not planned on this! What was I thinking? No, stop, I’m just thinking about me again! Her, focus on that gorgeous, alluring, steamy... Freefall’s entrance into the bathroom was so unprecedented that Bangles found herself attempting to cover herself, face blushed crimson as she felt a strange feeling that she hadn’t ever thought she’d feel again: innocence. It was sweet, and even as she squirmed under his unintentional stare, she let the feeling flow, relishing every moment of it.

“Freefall, I...” You came. Of your own volition, you came... Thank you.

I can’t believe I’m here. She’s not screaming. She’s not yelling. She’s... smiling? What in Equestria is going on? I’m watching you shower, for crying out loud! Come on, this isn’t fair! I’m a stallion, I can’t hope to fight this! Push me! Please, I’m begging you! No, buck it, I made a choice! Come on, say something thoughtful or get out! “I’ve never...” Yes, yes! “Seen such...” Oh buck... “Beautiful...” Nonono, not flanks, not curves, and definitely don’t say... “Nostrils...” What... the... Shamed and humiliated, he turned and ran smack into the doorframe, hard enough to knock himself unconscious, and Bangles gave a small squeal as he fell to the floor. Bangles shut the flow of water off and cautiously made her way towards Freefall, kneeling beside him and gently stroking his mane.

“This makes the second time... I’ve had to carry you to bed. Honestly, making the mare do all the work...” Standing once more, she quickly toweled off and brought him to bed, drawing back the covers and setting him down gently with her magic. The swelling from the impact was starting already, and, retrieving some ice from downstairs, she wrapped the cubes in a cloth and set it on his forehead. The stallion stirred, offering a slight grown in lamentation for his smarting cranium.

“I should have just gone with flanks...”

“Um... I’m glad you think... I’m attractive.” What is... this feeling? When we first met, I’d have readily given my body to him if he had asked, but now...

I’m in bed. I’m in Bangles’ bed, her mane is wet, and I can feel her breath against my cheek. It feels so good... “Sorry for... watching.”

“It’s ok, it made me... feel innocent, if only for a moment. You did very well, and I think you deserve a reward.” Am I really going to do this? Freefall suddenly found Bangles standing over him, horn aglow and hesitancy in her eyes. This is... the only thing I can think of that I can give. But why... why does this seem so... She crammed the feeling down and leaned in to kiss him, but she pulled away again as her lips connected not with his muzzle, but his cheek.

“I’m not... ready for that.” Bangles quickly stepped away, sitting on the edge of the bed facing away with her hooves in her lap, a terrible fear churning her stomach into a frenzy, and a feeling similar to the one she had felt when she watch Spikeflail take Cerulean by force flooded through her.

I... did it again. I didn’t mean to, but I... I forced myself on somepony again... “I’m... I’m sorry, I just thought... that’s what you’d want.”

“I’ve never... taken a mare to bed. Shocked, right?” Freefall sat up, ignoring his wings and staring down at the blankets. “For as many times as I’ve had my wings touched, everypony knew I wasn’t for real. I just wanted to have fun, and that... well, nopony would even give me a second thought. And even if they had, I wasn’t ready to commit, and even I know you can’t just... sleep and leave. That’s just bucking messed up. There were a few that would have, but...” Bangles didn’t know what to make of the revelation, and as she prepared to face him she felt his hooves circle around her waist, drawing her close. “Bangles? Trust me, I want it. A lot. But... I mean...” Does it count for anything if I cut them off myself to make my mare feel better? It better. “I’m scared of it.”

“Don’t hate me...”

How the hay did she come to that conclusion? “Why the buck would I hate you?”

“I... I just nearly...”

“Nearly overloaded my brain with awesomeness I couldn’t begin to fathom? Bangles, I... don’t want it to be with anypony but you, but I also want to be able to... well, talk to you on a regular basis without having to knock myself unconscious and be cradled in bed just to squeak out a coherent thought.”

“So, you... don’t feel like I...” Bangles let the words linger in the air, hoping he would connect the dots, but as the silence dragged on she realized it wasn’t going to happen. She opened her mouth to speak when a sudden exclamation saved her the effort.

“Oh, hay no! No, I don't feel... violated, or whatever. I’m just surprised I managed to resist. You’re too freaking sexy, you know that?” He felt a hoof close over his own and squeeze tighter. “I meant that as a compliment...” The mare said nothing for a time before gently prying his hooves apart, pushing him onto his back, and laying down beside him.

“Thank you, Freefall,” she whispered, eyes shining with gratitude and a strange power that melted the stallion’s heart. “Although, next time, you really should just say flanks.”

“I bucking knew it...”