Lost Soul

by Gryzzli

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Original Character
Length: 40697

Young man woke up in an unknown world. Will he return home or leave behind everything he loved?

Awoken in the unknown world, in a strange body and with shattered memory, a young man is going to find out that magic is something more than spells and that the hardest of battles are fought within one's soul. While trying to return home he will face the pain of the hardest decision in his life, for there are dilemmas where none of the choices is a good one.

Published 2012-05-23 06:44:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-04 13:56:23 UTC

Awoken

A note from the author:
This is my first fic ever so any comments, critiques, hints and muffins are welcome.
Please forgive me my grammar I'm doing my best but I'm not native english speaker.

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Wind and dark sky. The heralds of the storm.
It was one of these days when everyone wants to stay inside their houses, safe from the whims of nature.
But there was one soul, who couldn't find peace in warm and safety.
Chalenging the storm he rode forth, with the roar of the engine and howling of the wind as his only companions.
He rode ahead at breakneck speed trying to escape the world and his own thoughts.
As the drops of rain started to crash against his face he saw the blinding flash.

.....................................................................................

Light of the sun awoke him. "Owww... My head!"
He was laying on the grass in the middle of the forest.
What happend?
He tried to stand up but stumbled and fell face-first on the grass.
Can't feel my legs...
After a few minutes he sitted down and looked around.
The storm! I was hit by a lighting and crashed into the forest!
He looked around once more.
Where is my motorcycle? And where is the road? It's not possible that I flied that far...
This time he managed to keep balance and stood up. He felt strange but couldn't point what was wrong.
He walked to the nearby pond, then when he reached to get some water his breath stopped.
"WHAT THE!?" He realised that instead of hand his forearm ended with a hoof and his face resembled the snout of a horse, he had grey fur and short black mane.
"Wha... thi... wha..." He lost his consciousness again.

............................................................................................

He woke up in bed covered by white quilt, with a soft pillow under his head. It was only a dream.
"Fhew! I shouldn't drink that much." He felt pain in his back.

Then he realised that he is not in his room.
A hospital?

He heard voice outside. "Nurse! I think he woke up." The door opened and the sight of what entered shocked him to the core. "P-p-pony?" He stammered, staring at the white mare with pink mane, his eye twitching and his mouth agape.

I guess that I hit my head harder than I thought.

"Hello, I'm nurse Redheart and you are in the Ponyville Hospital."

"You are a pony." His brain still refusing to acknowlage what he saw.

"Why yes. Just like you." Answered the mare gigling. "You are still in shock. You were lucky that they found you, Everfree forest is not the best place for a nap."

Looking at his hooves he asked with slightly trembling voice. "Where am I again?"

"Like I said, you are in hospital in Ponyville." She noticed that he still didn't know what she is talking about.
"South-west from Canterloth?" Still nothing.
"Equestria?" He just shook his head.
"I guess that you realy had a rough adventure in that forest."

"How is he nurse?" Asked purple maned lavender mare that just entered the room. He noticed that she had a single horn on her forehead.

"He is still in shock, slightly dehydrated but aside from that he is going to be fine in no time."

Lavender mare walked to the side of his bed. "Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle and this is Fluttershy." She pointed at the door but nothing was there. "*sigh* Oh Fluttershy come on."

In the doorway first appeared a pink mane, then slowly and cautiously entered a yellow mare with wings thightly pressed against her sides "Um... Hi..." She squeled quietly while hiding her face behind her mane.

He felt weirder and weirder each passing second. Talking ponies? Horns? Wings?
He touched his forehead then looked at his back. Wings. "Eheh... I have wings." He said to himself.

"Well yes, all pegasi have them." Said Twilight looking at the two other mares with slight confusion.
"Soo whats your name?" Twilight continued.

"My name is ... eeee..." His eyes widened in shock. He didn't remember his name.

"Are you alright?"

"I... I don't remember... I don't remember my name..." He looked at three mares in front of him with terror in his eyes. "I'm so confused..."

"It's ok. Take your time." Said nurse patting his back.

"The last thing I remember is riding my motorcycle into the storm, flash, and then nothing. Was it you who brought me here?"

"Yup. Me and Fluttershy. We were on our way to our friend's home in the forest when I felt something strange, we stepped from the path and found you lying unconscious near the pond. We had no idea what happened to you so we brought you here."

"Thank you. I realy doubt that I would get out of this forest now."

"It's nothing realy. Overypony should help ech other."

He tried to get out from the bed, but when his front legs touched the floor he fell on his face.

"Ouch!" The nurse helped him to stand up. "You realy shouldn't leave bed yet."

The three of them looked at him as he straightened himself.
"Ow my... He is almost as big as Macintosh." Pegsus looked at yellow mare.

"What do you mean?"

"You are rather big for a pegasus." Explained Twilight.

"I've always been a tall guy." He smiled then raised his wings and rotated to get better view of them, knocing some bottles from the nearby table. "Sorry. I'm just not used to this body."

Nurse looked at Twilight with confusion on her face but she just raised eyebrow and still looked at pegasus in fornt of her.
"What do you mean by 'Not used to this body'? Are you saying that you were something else before that day?"

He folded his wings and sat on the floor. "Yes. I'm a human... Or at least I was before I got to that forest where you found me."

Nurse slowly walked to Twilight's side. "I think he is suffering from some kind of mental disorder." She wispered to the unicorn.

"No. I think he is telling the truth." She took a step twards the disoriented pegasus. "That would explain the lack of his Cutie Mark."

"My what?"

"A Cutie Mark." She pointed at the mark on her flank. "It appears when somepony discoveres his or hers special talent. Of course it takes a long time. If you have just became a pony then it is unlikely that you would have one."

"Uhuh... I think I understand the concept."

"Besides, when I carried you here, I noticed something I couldn't explain, it appears that you warp magic nearby you."
She concentrated and suddenly he was surrounded by purple aura. The same fenomenon appeared around the horn of the unicorn before him, but he noticed that the one around him starded to flicker. After a moment Twilight broke her spell.
"So you are not from Equestria?"

"Nope, in fact I have never heard about it."

They stood in silence for a moment.

"We need to find out what happened to you. And how to reverse it... But first we need to give you a name until you recall your true one." She looked at him and scrathed her chin. "How about Longwing?"

"Longwing?... Yeah, I gues it would be appropriate. Better than the Clumsywing anyway." He smiled at the nurse.

"We should move to my library. I will check if there is anything about such cases in my books. And you can live there until we find a way to send you back home."

He didn't know what to think. Can I trust them? Hmmm... Not that I have any other choice anyway. "That would be great. Thank you Twilight."

"Are there any counter-indications for Longwing to leave hospital nurse?"

"Not at all. Phisically he is alright and even if something happenes you can teleport him here."

"Can you walk?"

Longwing stood up and slowly made few steps. "I think I'll be alright." They headed towards the exit.

"Thank you for your care miss Redheart."

"It's no problem at all. Take care and good luck with your research."

When he left the building he saw a beautiful town full of ponies of different kinds and colours.
Well, I better get used to it.

New pony in town

It was a sunny afternoon, the streets of Ponyville were full of ponies on their daily errands.

"So Equestria is a monarchy."

"Yes, we are ruled by Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna."

Twilight, Fluttershy and Longwing were walking along the main road of Ponyville, while Twilight was answering Longwing's questions about the Equestria.

"Are they Unicorns?"

"No, they are Alicorns."

"Alicorns? I never heared about alicorns."

Twilight was smiling, happy that she could share her knowlage with somepony that was wiling to listen.

"They are ancient beings, eternal and very powerful. Physicaly they resemble winged unicorns but much taller. Celestia rules the sun, while her sister controls the moon. They guard harmony in Equestria and in the whole world."

"Wow! That sounds incredibile."

"Princess Celestia has been my teacher since the time I jojned the academy for gifted unicorns, she is very wise, I'm going to ask her if she had ever heared about any incidents like yours."

"Friends in the highest places eh?" He smiled and looked around, he was still a bit nervous about this whole situation. He was in the unknown land surrounded by creatures he knew only from legends and fairytales, and in addition he was one of them.

The weirdest day in my life...

"Twilight?" He wispered to the unicorn next to him. "Is it only my imagination or most of the locals are looking at me?"

Lavender mare gigled. "Forgive them, they are curious, Ponyville is a small town and you are new here. Besides your size makes you hard to overlook."

He relaxed a bit. "Not to mention that I'm propably the most handsome ma... em... pegasus they've ever seen." He smiled widely and winked at Twilight.

"And certainly the modest one." She laughted, Fluttershy walking next to her smiled.

They continued their walk towards the library talking about Equestria and Ponyville, by the time they got there it was already an evening and the town was basked in the orange light.

"Here we are, the Ponyville's library."

"A library inside the tree, your town suprises me again and again." He was suprised that despite the fact that there was a house built inside it the tree seemed to be alive and healthy. When they got close to it Twilight used her magic to open the door.

"Um... I'm sorry Twilight but I have to go back to my cottage and feed my animals."

"It's ok Fluttershy. See you tommorow."

"Goodbye Fluttershy. And thank you again."

"Goodbye Twilight, goodbye Longwing." The yellow mare trotted in the direction of the forest leaving Twilight and Longwing alone.

Unicorn entered the library. "Spike! Spike we have a guest!"

Longwing followed her inside the tree. When he looked around he saw the biggest collection of books he had ever seen before. Bookshelfs occupied almost every inch of free space on the walls and a lot of books were laying on the floor or tables.

"I'm sorry for the mess, please take a sit." She pointed at the chair while relocating the books from the table with her magic.

"Hi Twilight! Who is your guest?" When Longwing turned in the direction of the voice he saw a small bipedal creature covered in green and purple scales and with green spines streaching from the tip of his tail to the top of his head.

"A dragon... And just when I started to think that nothing could suprise me. My name is... er... Longwing." He streached his right front leg to greet the dragon, but wasn't sure if the ponies do that until Spike shook it.

"Hi! I'm Spike, I'm Twilight's asistant. I have never seen you around here before. Are you new in Ponyville?"

"Yeeah sort of."

"Spike, I think that our friend here is from another dimenion." Young dragon started to laugh. "Ow that was a good one Twilight! Haha!" When he realised that no one else is laughing his eyes widened. "You are serious." He looked at Longwing. "But how is this even possible?"

"That's what we hope to find out. Until then could you please prepare something to eat? We are starving."

"Okie-dokie Twilight!" And then he disappeared in the kitchen.

Longwing smiled and returned his attention to the unicorn in front of him. "Your dragons are a lot nicier than in our legends."

Twilight returned the smile. "He is just a baby. I hatched him myself during my entry exam to the school back in Canterloth."

"A baby dragon in a library huh? I bet that your insurance rate is higher than my yearly income!" Both of them laughed. After a moment Longwing's face became serious. "Twilight, I don't want to sound ungrateful but... Why do you help me? I'm complete stranger to you, telling unbelieveble story and you not only agreed to help me but you invited me to your own home. Why?"

Twilight was suprised by his question and it took her a moment to gather words. "Well... I just believe you... When I speak with you I can feel that you are honest with me."

He smiled a bit. "A unicorn magic thingy?"

She gigled "Perhaps."

"In my world I would be ignored at best, at worse, beaten by some thugs or closed in some kind of psyhiatric facility."

They sat in silence for a while.

"I wondered if..." Twilight seemed a bit nervous. "Could you tell me something about your world?"

He sighed heavily. My world... His memory was shattered, he couldn't recall names or faces but he remembered the general picture of his world and his life. The pain of the recent events returned to him. For the first time this day he was thinking about his family and how scared they will be if he doesn't return fast.

Twilight noticed his hesitation. "It's okay if you don't want to talk about it."

"No no it's ok. It's just... I'm thinking about my family, they will worry about me." He saw the sad expression on the Twilight's face and waved his hoof. "Don't worry, we will figure this out. And about my world..." He changed the topic quickly, the last thing he wanted now was to make his host feel bad. "In general it is similar to yours. But we don't have pegasi, unicorns, dragons or magic and perhaps many other creatures that live here in Equestria, for us all of this are only legends."

"No magic?" For Twilight this statement was unbelieveble.

"Nope... There are some that say that they are magicians, but most of the people don't believe them. They just manipulate our percepction so we think that they art is magic."

"It's hard to believe... When we talked in the hispital you mantioned that you were riding a motorcycle... What is that?"

"Hmm? Ow, it's a kind of vechicle. Two wheels powered by engine conected to the steel frame." He smiled as the fond memories flooded his mind. "Riding it is a real fun. I personally think it's the closest thing to flying that a human can feel."

"Sounds great"

"Yeah... It seems that we are more technologically advanced than you, at least that was my impression when we walked through the town."

In that moment Spike entered, he was carrying a large tray with bowls and plates on it and started to set it on the table.
"There you go, a hay and carrot salad and daisy sandwiches!"

"Thank you Spike"

"Thank you..." Longwing looked at the plate in front of him.

"Is everything allright?"

"Yeah... I'm just not used to eat hay or daisies" Ow come on be a man! He thought and after a moment took a bite from a sandwich. It tasted good. "Hey it's realy good." He smiled and devoured his meal quckly not realising until now how hungry he was. They ate in silence and when they finished he yawned loudly. "Uh... Sorry."

"It's ok, you must be exhausted." Twilight led him the the quest room. It was a cosy room with one bed, a desk and of course a bookshelf.

"This will be your room until we find a way to send you back."

"It's nice. Thank you Twilight."

She headed to the door. "Sleep well, tommorow I will send a letter to the princess and we will start our search... And if you want I could show you the rest of the Ponyville."

"That would be great."

"Goodnight Longwing."

"Goodnight." He climbed on the soft bed. The weirdest day of my life...

New friends

The songs of the birds filled the air in the Ponyville as the sun rose over the Equestria.

*yawn!* Longwing woke up and looked around. He was still in the quest room in Twilight's library. "Hmmm... No mysterious dreams about angels foretelling the end of the world, that only I can stop. I'm almost disappointed." He smiled and stretched his front leg. "No changes here. I'm still a pony." His back ached. He rolled off the bed and stood up stretching his wings. "How can they sleep with those things." He wondered if somepony could teach him how to use wings, when the smell of scrambled eggs reached his nostrils.

He left his room and saw Twilight and Spike sitting by the table. "Good morning Twilight, good mornig Spike."

"Hello Longwing, how are you today?" Twilight moved one of the chairs so he could sit with them.

"I'm fine. I just need to figure out how to sleep with these things to not wake up in pain every mornig." He pointed at his wings and sit by the table. "Scrambled eggs with spring onion,mmmmm the best breakefast in the world."

"I looked through the tons of books but I can't find anything about interdimensional travelers, this is frustrating." Pegasus looked at the place where yesterday he saw a desk, but the only thing he saw was a pile of books.

"Twilight I appreciate your help but I can't allow you to overburden yourself becouse of me." He said before devouring another portion of scrambled eggs. He still had problem with using his hooves but his hosts didn't seem to mind that he eaten directly from the plate.

Spike waved his hand at the lavender unicorn "Nah don't worry Longwing, thats Twilight's normal behaviour to bury herself with books before sleep."

"Ha ha ha veeery funny Spike, just don't forget that you promissed to clean this mess."

Little dragon hopped from the chair grumbling to himself. "I'm in this for the ice cream."

Longwing snickered. Like siblings.

Twilight returned her attention to pegasus "I prepared a few spells this morning that should give us hints about the nature of your transformation, I can cast them as soon as you finish your breakfast."

"The last meal of the convict." Spike murmured from behind the pile of books.

"Did you say something Spike?" Twilight rised her eyebrow and turned to the dragon.

"Who? Me? Nope."

"But it won't turn me into chicken or something? Right?" Longwing smiled uneasy.

"Nah, at worst she will put your mane on fire or catapult you through the window." Lonwing gulped loudly.

"SPIKE!" Twilight glared at the dragon.

"Ok! Ok! I'm sorry. Just kidding, geez..."

"I'm sorry Spike sometimes overdo in joking."

Grey pegasus relaxed a bit. "It's ok... I guess that at his place, I would do the same thing." He 'whispered' conspirationally.

They spent the next three hours among the machinery in the basement laboratory, trying a serries of spells prepared by Twilight. At first Longwing was afraid, especially when one of the spells lifted him two meters up, or when his mane for a couple of minutes changed it's colour from black to pink. But after a few spells he learned to trust the unicorn in front of him.

"No no NO! Again nothing!" Twilight was frustrated, none of the spells brought any satisfactory results. "None of the readings match any known patterns." Unicorn sighted and sit in the armchair. "I will look for other spells tommorow. Now lets take a break."

"Um ok!" He didn't want to admit it to Twilight but he was happy that the tests ended, beeing a target for spells freaked him out a bit.

They emerged from the basement.

"Hello Twilight darling!" "Hey Twi! We were waiting fer ya. Ready ta hang out?"

Before them stood two mares. A unicorn of milk white coat and long, stylish purple mane, and an orange, blond maned earth pony with a stetson hat on her head.

"Hi girls!" Twilight happily trotted to the newcomers. They smiled to her and locked their eyes on the pegasus that walked behind her.

"Twilight would you be so kind and introduce us to your handsome friend." White mare smiled warmly at blushing pegasus.

"Rarity, Applejack meet Longwing."

He walked to the mares, white one lifted her right front leg towards him, he recognized the gesture, lifted her hoof with his own and kissed it. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Rarity giggled. "Oh a real gentlecolt." He proceeded to the other mare but that one just shook his hoof. "Howdy partner Ah'm Applejack!"

"Ah've never seen ya around here, where are ya from?" Orange mare smiled awaiting answer, but Longwing just looked at Twilight.

"Spike please make some tea. Let us sit girls, it's rather complicated." Two puzzled mares looked at each other but followed Twilight and sat on the chairs.

As Twilight was explaining the situation Rarity's and Applejack's eyes were widening more and more, and by the time she finished both mares were sitting stunned.

"Wow... That's... Unbelievable." Orange mare stared at the pegasus.

"So you don't remember how did you get here? Or what your real name is?" Rarity's voice was soft and caring.

"Nope and nope..."

"Ow you poor thing." The silence fallen for a moment but was disrupted by growling of the Longwing's stomach.

"Ops... Sorry." He grinned.

Twilight giggled. "I guess that we are both hungry after these tests. How about we head to the Sugarcube Corner for a snack and then we will show you the rest of the Ponyville?"

"Fine by me." He was excited by a thought of exploring the town.

"Are you going with us Spike?" Twilight turned to her assistant.

"Umm... Maybe next time Twilight. I'm kinda busy right now." The dragon answered from behind a large bowl of ice cream.

"Just don't eat too much Spike or you will get a tummy ache again."

"Ok don't worry Twilight, I know what I'm doing." She shook her head knowing well what will happen when they go out.

...............................................................................................................

The sky was free from clouds and you could see spring in every corner.

"What do you mean by 'this day was scheduled to be sunny'?" Four ponies trotted between the buildings on their way to the centre of the town.

"The pegasi take care of the weather in Equestria. The magic in them allows them to move the clouds and by it controll the weather. Of course there are places where the weather is out of pegasi controll but it's rare that it affects areas like Ponyville." Longwing felt like a child trying to understand the world around him.

"Hmm thats very convenient."

"Soo, in your world weather is totaly out of controll?" Rarity's curiosity seemed to be as big as Longwing's.

"Yup. We can only predict it to some degree. I heared about machines that can force rain or fog but nothing more."

"Thats awfull, can you imagine how difficult it would be to keep my mane in order if i didn't knew about incoming weather?" At first he thought that she is joking but white mare sounded serious. Twilight snickered and Applejack just shook her head.

"I mean, sometimes I need to get out when the weather is bad but..." She was interrupted by an odd sound, something like a piercing whistle.

"Watch out!" Twilight shouted before all three mares gone to ground.

"What?" Longwing managed to turn around before he was hit by a blue projectile and landed on his back a few metres further.

"Ouch!" When he opened his eyes he saw that there was a blue pegasus with rainbow mane lying on him.

"Owww..." The pegasus opened her eyes, lifted herself a bit and stared at Longwing. "Wow. You are one big pegasus."

"RAINBOW!" Twilight shouted at her, and Rainbow realised the awkwardness of the situation. She blushed and chuckled while flying to his side. "Heheh. Sorry."

"That was very rude and thoughtless of you Rainbow Dash! You should be more careful when flying nearby other ponies!" Rarity trotted to the blue pegasus and pointed her hoof at her in theatrical gesture.

"Hey! Lets see how you would land, while slowing down from almost supersonic speed, drama queen! Besides he is fine! You are fine, right?" She turned her attention to Longwing.

"I'm fine don't worry. My name is Longwing. Who are you?"

Blue mare smiled. "I'm the fastest, the coolest, the most awesome, one and only Rainbow Dash!" By the end of the sentence she made a few backflips in the air. Applejack rolled her eyes and murmured. "Same as always."

"What were they feeding you with? I've seen wyverns smaller than you." Rainbow said still smiling widely, Twilight facehoofed. "Rainbow."

"Come on, relax Twilight. Whats up anyway?"

"We were on our way to Sugarcube Corner and we are going to show Ponyville to Longwing."

Rainbow thinked for a moment. "Hey! I got and idea! Why don't you go to Sugarcube Corner and order something for us, while I will give Longwing a quick aerial tour around Ponyville? That way I could make up for this crash for you."

"It's very kind of you but... I can't fly." Rainbow stared at him for a moment and fell to the ground laughing and rolling on the street. "Hahaha! That was a good one! Can't fly!" She realized that it wasn't a joke.

She rised and looked at Longwing. "What? You realy... I thought... Sorry but a thought of an adult pegasus that can't fly..." Rainbow stood there dumbfounded. "How is this even possible?"

Twilight sighed. "Here we go again."

......................................................................................

Group now reinforced by pegasus hovering above them, made their way through the busy street, as Longwing told his story to Rainbow Dash.

"Hmmm... That's interesting."

"Just interesting?" Rarity rised her eyebrow.

"Well, ok that's quite weird, but come on, we met many strange creatures: Discord, Parasprites, Pinkie Pie... A transdom... Transdem... A pony from other world is not at high place in strange creatures list, for me."

"Hehe good to know that I'm considered almost normal." He and Rainbow laughted.

"Speaking of normality, we are here. The Sugarcube Corner!"

As they approached the bakery door, Longwing stepped aside to let the ladies go inside first but Rainbow objected with a chuckle. "No no, you are the guest, go ahead." He didn't argue and as soon as he got inside he was tackled and slammed to the ground for a second time this day. The attacker appeared to be a pink pony with curly pink mane.

"HI! I'm Pinkie Pie! It's nice to se you but I was expecting Dashie. You are not Dashie. Or maybe you are Dashie in disquise! Wait, no, Dashie is smaller than you. I have never seen you here before. *GASP* You must be the new pony in Ponyville that I pinkie-sensed yesterday but couldn't find you. I should prepare a suprise-welcome party for you! No, wait you already know about my plans so it should be normal-welcome party but maybe..." Longwing just stared at the pink pony that was standing on him bombarding him with words, while trying to figure out what the hay happened.

"Pinkie." Twilight rescued him by lifting Pinkie Pie with her magic.

Rainbow Dash was laughing and rolling on the floor. "Your face! Hahaha! Priceles!"

After about an hour (and about three apple pies) they were all sitting by the tables and enjoying milk shakes made by Pinkie.

"... and then out of nowhere, this masked unicorn appeared, frightening the robbers and saving the day!"

Applejack, Rarity and Longwing stared confused at the Pinkie.

"Eeeh... Pinkie Ah thought that ya told it's a story about how ya invented yer new cupcake recipe."

"Yes it is you silly filly." Pink pony grinned.

Longwing looked at Rarity, she wispered "Just nod."

"Anyway it's awful that you can't fly Longie. There must be a way to fix that." She scrathed her chin and after a few seconds she locked her eyes on the next table, were the rest of her friends were talking. "Applejack, do you think about what I think that you think that I think?"

Orange mare followed her look and smiled. "Great idea Pinkie!"

Rarity realised what were they talking about and her smile faded. "No. Girls don't do this! It's too dangerous!"

Longwing was confused and a little scared at this moment. "What are you talking about?"

........................................................................................

"Ok let's get this straight, you want me, to teach Longwing how to fly?" Rainbow Dash was suprised.

"Yes please please please Dashie! Just look at him! He is so sad about this that he can't even ask about your help despite the fact that you are the best flyer ever!" Pinkie lay her hoof on the Longwing's head.

"Wha..." Applejack nudged him and whispered. "Play along."

"I mean, I would be grateful if you could train me Rainbow Dash." He smiled but still had the Rarity's expression about this plan in his mind.

"Well..." She scanned him with her gaze. "I think I can reschedule my friday's nap a bit so we can make your first session."

"Thank you Rainbow. I won't fail you." He saluted, excited like never before. I will learn how to fly!

"Yay!" Pinkie and Applejack highhoofed but Rarity looked at Longwing with a stare that could mean only one thing.
You're doomed.

Adapt

*YAWN* Still sleepy and sore after yesterday, Longwing was sitting by the table in the Ponyville's library, supporting his head on his hoof he was reading ,,The Guide to Equestria".

Yesterday Twilight, Applejack and Rarity showed him big part of the Ponyville what took them most of the afternoon. At the way back to the library they went to the bakery again to buy some snacks, but it appeared that Pinkie Pie had other plans for them.
When they entered, there were dozens of ponies there and a big banner "WELCOME TO PONYVILLE LOGNWING SURPRISE PARTY".

He smiled at the memories of the last evening, he met a lot of new ponies and had fun till dawn. Twilight advised him to not tell anypony about his origin to not freak them out, and ponies at the party were decent enough to not ask about the lack of his Cutie Mark, although he could feel curious glances on him all the evening.

So that was it. Longwing, the traveler from distant lands, who stopped in Ponyville for some time, was officialy accepted by the local community. Technically there wasn't any lies here. He has always been a sociable person so it was easy to make friends with the ponies there. Tales about the lands he seen, aroused quite the interest, nopony had to know that he was talking about the other dimension. When asked about locations or names of the places he visited he replied that he wandered without a map or plan of any sort, he said that by this approach the world was infinite for him. Such vision of the errant traveler seemed very romantic for some mares and earned him a few dreamy glances.

He couldn't believe in what was happening around him. Despite the fact, that he was a total stranger to almost all of the ponies there, they accepted him as if they knew him for a long time. This place is really magical...

He was so absorbed in reading that he didn't notice when a big mug of tea appeared in front of him. "Thanks Spike."

"No prob." Spike sit on the opposite chair with an identical mug in his hands. "Still doing your homework?"

"Yup." He chuckled and closed the book. "The letter from the Princess indicated that it may take some time to send me back, so Twilight said that I should learn something about Equestria." Letter from the Princes arrived earlier this morning by rather strange way.

Dear Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student.

First of all I want to say that I'm happy to hear that, no matter how unusual and strange situations happens, I can always rely on your judgement and wisdom.
Your letter intrigued me greatly, for as far as I or my sister can remember there were no such incidents in Equestria.
I ordered the librarians in Canterloth to search the chronicles for any useful information.
I'm sorry to inform you that neither I nor Luna will be able to visit you and seek into this matter.
Tensions in our relations with Kairak Empire keeps me in constant diplomatic mission, and Luna is still getting used to concept of ruling modern Equestria.
I will visit you as soon as possible, but I don't think that it will happen this month, until then, take care of our guest.
Please pass my best regards to Longwing and assure him that I will do everything in my power to help.

Yours Princes Celestia.

"Just don't let Twilight know when you finish it, she will bury you under the dozen of similar books." Dragon chuckled sipping his tea. Then they heard knocking.

When Spike opened the door his sight was obscured by a big wooden box and a grey, blond maned pegasus lying on it panting heavily. "Hello... Spike... A delivery... for Twilight." She rolled down on the grass.

"Oh my." Spike tried to drag the box inside but with no success. " It's so heavy. Longwing could you help me?"

Longwing trotted to them and looked at the grey mare. He remembered her from the yesterday party. She seemed to be very nice and lively pony, bu as soon as the dances started she retreated to one of the tables and spent the rest of the party talking with a brown stallion with an hourglass mark on his flank. Longwing could swear that he was watching him all the evening. When he asked Twilight about them she said that Ditzy doesn't dance because of her clumsiness which was legendary in Ponyville, her companion was called Doctor, mysterious earth pony that was often disappearing for weeks, sometimes even months only he knew where and what for. "Oh hi! I think we met at the party yesterday, you are Ditzy Doo right?"

She smiled, still breathing heavy. "Yes hi." Longwing pushed the box inside the library.

"Hey it's realy heavy. Why did you bring this on your own?"

Ditzy walked behind him an sit on the couch. "Sun Jump broke her wing last week, and Sky Hopper is still in Fillydelphia so I'm the only mailmare in my area."

"That's awful." Spike managed to open the box. "I told Twilight to order books in smaller batches."

After a few minutes Ditzy jumped from the couch. "I wish I could stay but I still have a lot of letters to deliver."

Longwing walked with her outside the library. "Se you later Ditzy, just don't overwork yourself like this okay?"

She smiled at him. "I promise. Bye Longwing!" She took off and hit a branch but quickly corrected herself and flew away.

He watched her go and wondered what it must feel like to fly on your own. He tried to flap his wings but with no effect. I hope that Rainbow Dash will teach me how to do this.

Longwing helped Spike to unload the crate and catalogue the books, but even then it took them over an hour.

"Twi... Twilight realy should order books in smaller batches." They were both sitting on the floor, next to the empty crate back to back breathing heavily.

"And I thought that being a librarian is an easy job."

"Hey guys!" Twilight entered the library with smile, carrying two bags on her back.

"Ow you got to be kidding me!" Spike cried out and facepalmed. Angry that they had wasted that much time to do a job that would be done in fraction of this time with Twilight's magic, and she appeared just as they finished.

"Hahaha! Nice timing Twilight!" Longwing laughed and rolled on the floor.

When she spotted the dragon and the pegasus she gasped. "I forgot about the delivery! I'm really sorry guys."

"Heh, thats no problem Twilight." Longwing was still laughing but Spike glared at the unicorn. "You owe me one Twilight."

"Sorry. I will make it up for you, I promise. How about ice creams?" She giggled as Spike pressed his hand against his mouth. "No no more ice creams!" The memory of his yesterday ice cream overdose was still fresh in his mind. "Just kidding Spike."

Half hour later they were eating lunch made by Twilight, when Longwing saw that Spike was eating gems he wanted to check if it's real and almost broke a tooth.

"Twilight I was thinking... You are taking care of me, feed me, allow me to live here, and Princess Celestia said that it will last more than three weeks before she will be able to look for a way to send me back. Maybe I can help you with your work? I don't want to behave like a parasite." In fact he wasn't the hard worker type, but he wanted to make a good impression on the ponies he met, after all he was on their... mercy? He shrugged at this thought hoping that they are as kind as they seem.
Besides he didn't like the idea of living at someone's expense, especialy if that someone saved his life.

"Don't worry, it's realy not a big deal. And I don't think that there is anything you can help us with. For most of the time it's quiet here and Spike manages to do everything."

Spike opened his eyes wide and rised his hand triumphantly . "Aha! I have an idea! Why don't you ask Applejack if she needs some help? There is a lot work at the Sweet Apple Acres this time of the year. And she wont need to hire anypony else to help her."

Twilight turned to her assistant and smiled. "Spike that's brilliant idea." Though Sweet Apple Acres for most of the year were run only by the Apple familly, for spring they always hired a pony or two to help them preparing soil and sowing the plants.

Longwing stood up and headed to the exit. "Sooo... What are we waiting for?" Eager to help his new friends and to test capabilities of his new body, work on the farm would be a perfect opportunity to do both.

...............................................................................................

The sun was slowly starting to set as they reached their destination. Apple trees were cowered in white flowers, orange light reflected in the nearby lake, all this composed in the sight like from the painting. Under one of the trees they spotted the mare they were looking for.

"So... Ya want ta help me here on the farm?" Applejack seemed a bit surprised.

"Yup. I don't want to prey on Twilight's hospitality, besides sitting in one place all the day doing nothing drives me crazy."

After a few moments of consideration the orange mare replied. "Well we could use two pairs of hooves here.Ya look like ya are fit for the job. Have ya ever bein' workin' on the farm?"

"I used to work on my uncle's farm. I will of course need to readjust, the new body and everything... But I don't think I'll have any problems."

Applejack smiled. "We'll see. Ok ya'll move ta one of the guest rooms here, so you wont have ta run all way from the library every day. Go pack yer stuff and Ah will show ya yer room."

"Applejack. I don't have anything." He grinned.

Applejack laughed. "Right, sorry. Now meet my brother Big Macintosh." She pointed in the direction behind Longwing.

When he turned around, he came snout to snout with a biggest pony he has seen this far, a bit taller than himself and a lot bulkier. How he managed to come that close so quietly Lonwing didn't know. "*gulp* Ehh Hi. I'm Longwing."

"Howdy. Big Macintosh." Red stallion shook his hoof.

"Hey Mac, Longwing is goin' ta help us with the fields so don't hire anypony else."

"Eeeeyup!"

"Ok come on, Ah will show ya the farm and introduce ya to Granny Smith."

"Okie dokie!"

Twilight and Spike left him on the Sweet Apple Acres and Applejack led him through the farmstead telling him the history of the farm and what duties he will have next day. When they finished he met the matriarhh of the Apple family and ate a supper made of their own crops. Tired and full, he was led to his new room by Applejack there he went asleep fast, thinking about tommorrow and his upcoming lesson with Rainbow Dash.

It will be so awesome.

Apples, rain and Rainbow

"GIT UP YA LAZY BAG OF FEATHERS! It's almost five in the mornin'!"

Longwing's head ached from the sudden and loud awakening. He rolled in the bed and fell down on the floor. "Ouch!" When he stood up he saw that the sun hasn't yet raised. "Ooowww... You've got to be kidding me." He left his room and trotted down the stairs to the kitchen, in the half way he stumbled and rolled down landing on his back right beside laughing Applejack.
"Yeah veeery funny..."

"Ah'm sorry!" She tried to stop laughing but couldn't do it. "Just remember ta not do it every mornin' or you may hurt yerself."

"Eeeyup!" He heard Applejack's brother as he lifted himself and sit by the table. Granny Smith was cooking something humming happily while Big Mac and Applejack were eating their breakfast, he joined them as soon as his portion reached him.

"Ya better get used ta it cous' we always start our work early."

Longwing looked at her with almost unconscious look. "But why in the night?" His head almost fell to the bowl in front of him, it was filled with some kind of apple and oats mash, which he had to admit was delicious.

"Lots of work ta do. Ya will help Mac at the corn field today. Then we will renew our barn, the one near the lake."

"Yhhymm..." Pegasus just nodded, eating his breakfast only half aware that she was talking to him.

"Ya should eat more sonny. Fer such a big boy you are awfully skinny." Granny Smith refilled his bowl and returned to pans. "When Ah was yer age stallions were big and healthy, today's lifestyle completely drain colts."

Applejack chuckled. "Just don't stuff him too much Granny, he has a flying lesson planned for tomorrow and extra kilograms won't help him."

Flying? At this thought his mind woke up instantly. When they finished three ponies went to the barn linked with the Apple's house. There Longiwing saw a number of different farming tools ranging from the rakes to the plows.

"Okay time ta test your muscles Longwing! Put on these." She threw him a leather harness. Grey pegasus looked at it and turned to the Applejack smiling sheepishly. "Ya don't know how to put this on do ya." After three attempts they finally managed to harness him to the wagon.

"Eighteen years of education, the degree of Master of Arts, and I ended harnessed to a wagon. Just great." He hung his head low.

Applejack smiled. "Come on stop whinin'. It's not that hard."

Longwing grimaced. "Why I don't believe you."

"Ya can always swap with Mac. He's doin' the plowin'." She winked.

"No thanks. I will stay with the cart." They made their way to the next barn where Applejack filled the wagon with seeds. Loaded wagon was much harder to pull, but Longwing was determinated to not fail Applejack. She explained that he will have to follow the Big Macintosh as he will plow and steadily drop the seeds from the wagon by operating the lever on his right. As they got to the field Applejack left two stallions and joined Caramel working on the second field. The job was hard as the wagon was weighted and Big Macintosh's pace was very impressive. No one said anything through the hours they spent at work. Longwing let his mind to wander,as always while doing monotonous jobs, thanks to this he didn't feel exhaustion or boredom. He didn't even noticed when the wagon was emptied and they both went to rest. As soon as they unharnessed themselves and sit down by the table behind the house, his body reminded him of the last few hours activity.

He laid his head on the table and murmured. "I am officially dead." Red stallion just looked on him and smiled. Longwing raised his eyebrow and asked. "You are not tired are you?"

"Eeenope!"

"Are you sure you are a pony, not some kind of magically animated working machine?"

"Eeeyup!"

"I give up..."

"Don't ya worry Longwing. It all comes with experience."

"Good job boys!" It was Applejack, on her back she was carrying a tray filled with pies and bottles. "Heres your reward."

They were joined by Caramel and in half hour they ate everything. Apple juice quenched their thirst and pies filled their bellies. They enjoyed a moment of the free time chatting happily.

"So how do ya feel Longwing? Still thinkin' ya can keep up the work?" Applejack grinned teasingly.

"Certain as ever!"

"Haha! That's the spirit! Ah was worried if ya can keep up with Mac, but ya done well." Longwing smilled, happy that he didn't fail expectations. Then they heard a choir of laughs and screams. "Looks like the Apple Bloom returned." Applejack stood up and made few steps to look behind the corner and was tackled by a yellow filly with red hair and big bow on the head.

"HI SIS!" Small pony sqeeled as Applejack tried to free herself and pushed her on the grass. "Howdy Apple Bloom. How was your sleepover at Rarity's?"

"It was awesome!" Few seconds later two more fillies appeared, a white unicorn with pink mane and an orange violet maned pagasus.

"We made parachutes!" White filly was jumping around the Applejack.

"parachutes? Where did ya found materials ta do them?"

"We borrowed some from Rarity's closet."

"Did you ask her for permission Sweetie Belle?" Orange mare stared at the three fillies.

"Urr... Nah. But she didn't use it anyway, I bet she forgot that she even had it."

Orange mare shook her head. "We'll see. Okay girls Ah want to introduce you somepony, this is Longwing he is new in Ponyville and he's gonna stay and work at the farm, Longwing these are Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo." He stood up and as the three fillies saw him they gasped.

"Hi there girls." Fillies stared at him for a moment before they spoke.

"Hi Longwing." They trotted closer.

"Whoah. You are big one!." The yellow filly spoke.

"I hear that often recently." He smiled.

Apple Bloom turned to her sister. "Can we help ya? parachuting and scarf making didn't work to get us cutie marks, so maybe we will help ya on the field?"

Applejack's expression become uncomfortable. "Well... We sorta have a lot of work today... So maybe..." She looked around for inspiration how to evade bringing three troublemakers with them to work, then her eyes stopped at Longwing and she smilled widely. "How about you three give Longwing a tour around Ponyville."

Fillies thought for a moment and shouted in unison. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS TOURISTIC GUIDES! YAY!" The three turned around to Longwing grinning. He knew he was doomed. Little ponies trotted to him and dragged him away while bombarding him with words. The last thing three earth ponies heard was loud "APPLEJACK!"

....................................................................................................

Four ponies walked across the Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom led the way talking about the farm, Longwing knew it all becouse Applejack told him that yesterday but he listened patiently.
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle walked behind them, unicorn tried to talk with little pegasus but Scootaloo was concentrated on their guest.

"Hey Scoots? Equestria to Scootaloo, are you there?" Sweetie Belle waved her hoof before the Scootaloo's face.

"Huh? Sorry Sweetie Belle."

"Is something wrong Scootaloo?" She asked lowering her voice that no one else but her friend could hear her.

"I'm not sure. There is something about this Longwing that is bothering me but I can't point what's that."

They walked for a while when suddenly Scootaloo stooped her eyes wide. "*GASP* He has no cutie mark!" The group stopped, all eyes turned to the orange pegasus, then to the Longwing. He sighed and lifted his wing.

"Yup. No cutie mark." He hung his head low certain that the fillies will run away or something.

Cutie Mark Crusade stood there shocked, for a minute they tried to articulate the questions but nothing came. Then Apple Bloom jumped up. "Awesome!" Now the Longwing was the one surprised. He saw the three fillies smiling.

"You are just like us!" Sweetie Belle commented.

"But but... How is it possible for a grown up pony to be a blank flank?" Scootaloo asked her face confused. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle glared at the little pegasus, worried that this question will offend their guest.

Longwing smiled uncertainly. Shoot... Should I lie? Nah... She is an Applejack's sister, she will find out eventually... "Well... I think that you deserve to know. But you have to promise that you wont tell anypony... Not now at least."

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" Three little ponies shouted at the same time.

"I take this as yes..." Longwing told them the story of his arrival in Equestria, they listened with their eyes opened wide as he spoke, when he finished they were speechless.

"Awesome." Scootaloo was the first one to speak.

"So you are an alien!" Apple Bloom pointed her little hoof at him.

"No that's not what I... Well... Technically yes." He gave them sheepish smile. "But remember. Not a single word to anypony."

"Don't worry we Pinkie promised." Sweetie Belle mimicked their earlier gesture. "Hey since you are a blank flank too, you can be an honorary Cutie Mark Crusader!" Fillies smiled and jumped.

"Well I don't know if I will have enough time, since I help Applejack at the farm. But I'm honoured by this distinction." He bowed and fillies giggled.

Few minutes later they got to the Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse. Scootaloo attached a small cart to her scooter and drove it to the rest of the ponies. "Okay let's go! Guides cutie marks wont wait forever."

............................................................................................

They strode the paths across the Ponnyville at the high speed, Lonwing sit with the Apple Bloom in the cart while Sweetie Belle rode with the Scootaloo on her scooter.
Longwing thought that he must look ridiculous, squeezed in the small cart hauled by a scooter, wearing too small helmet, and with Apple Bloom on his shoulders. It's good that I'm used to doing crazy things.
Scootaloo drove their transport while Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were telling Longwing about the places they passed by.
Of course they aroused many surprised sights and smiles, but they didn't care.
The tour took them few hours, and when they saw rain clouds coming over Ponyville they hurried back to Sweet Apple Acres.
As they arrived the first drops of rain started falling.

"Thank you very much girls. It was awesome." Longwing struggled to take off the helmet stuck on his head.

"Any cutie marks?" Scootaloo asked trying to get look at her flank.

"Nope. Maybe next time." Sweetie Belle replied sadly, while Apple Bloom helped Longwing to get rid of the helmet.

"Let's park the scooter in the barn and go inside. Ah bet that Granny Smith baked us a pie!" Three little ponies run to house, while Longwing stood where they stooped looking to the sky.

"Hey Longwing! Ya comin'?" Apple Bloom shouted at him from the doorway.

"Nah. I will go for a stroll." Filly was surprised by his answer. "But it's rainin'!" He turned to her and smiled. "That's why I'm going." She shrugged and entered the house.

Longwing walked in the direction of the town, the rain intensified and whole sky was covered by the dark clouds.
He was smiling, trotting happily forward, he loved rain. The smell of the air purified by falling water. The tranquility of the world as most of the creatures hid from the weather. The silence and peace hidden in the hum of the falling water. And the feeling of the drops crashing against his body. He lifted his wings and observed as the water crashed against them and flowed down to the ground. What a wonderful world.

He climbed a hill with a single tree on it. From there he could clearly see the Twillight's library and distant Sweet Apple Acres. He was admiring the sight when he heard a familiar voice.

"Longwing?" He turned to the source of the voice and spotted a blue pegasus in the small clearing in the clouds.

"Hi Rainbow Dash!" Rainbow flew down to him with a puzzled expression on her face and hid under the tree.

"Hi. What are you doing here? It's raining if you haven't noticed." He joined her standing partially under the tree's canopy.

"Well... I enjoy walking in the rain... It relaxes me... Allows me to think clearly." Gray pegasus explained and Rainbow looked confused, but after a moment they both smiled.

"Soo... What are you doing here Rainbow?." In a moment she became nervous while trying to articulate an answer.

"Well... I... I was... I was on the patrol! Yeah patrol! Patrolling for a ponies in need. You know because it's raining and there could be a pony in need, and that's why I patrol the area." She grinned uneasy.

There was an awkward silence between them. Finally Longwing spoke. "Well... I guess that I should head back to the Sweet Apple Acres. Aand good luck with your patrol." He smiled dispersing the tension.

"Um okay. Se ya later! And don't forget about tomorrow training, noon by the lake at the farm." She flew away before he could respond, Longwing waved to her and trotted in the direction of the Sweet Apple Acres.

As he got back to the farm clouds slowly started to thin down.
I think i should get dry a bit before entering the house. Longwing entered the barn connected to the Apple family's house and laid down by the slightly opened barn's door. He almost fell asleep while watching the beams of setting sun piercing the fading clouds, when a sound of the three voices woke him up.
He turned his head to see three fillies he met earlier this day entering the barn.

"Hi Longwing! Ah thought ah've seen ya comin'. What are ya doin' here?" Apple Bloom spoke as she and her two friends closed to him.

"I didn't want to bring the water on me into the house so I hid here to dry and lost the count of time. It's a beautiful sight here." More and more orange sun beams was falling on the white apple trees and the beautiful rainbow appeared over the orchard.

"Well we were thinking..." Sweetie Belle took a step forward. "If could you tell us some stories about your world? Pleease." The three looked in his eyes.

He pretended consideration. "Okay. Let's sit everypony." Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle jumped on the bags of corn seeds and Scootaloo climbed on the wheelbarrow. "I will tell you the story form the middle ages of my land. A time of kings, heroes and tyrants..."

About two hours later Applejack entered the barn, searching for her sister and her friends. "Apple Bloom where are ya?" She smiled as she saw the four ponies sleeping in there. Sneaking so she didn't wake up anypony, she quietly and carefully carried each of he fillies one by one into the house. When she finished she looked at the large pegasus lying on the floor. "Sleeping like a foal." Applejack searched the room and found a blanked. She covered him and smiled. As she headed back to house she turned to him once again and whispered. "Goodnight."

...............................................................................................................

Sunlight and birds woke him up. When he opened his eyes he was surprised to see that he wasn't in his bed but on the barn's floor. "*yawn* Guess I fell asleep during the second story." He stretched and headed to the kitchen. There was Applejack here, she was wearing a green apron and was kneading a paste.

"Mornin' Applejack."

"Howdy Longwing. Did ya sleep well? Ah took the girls yesterday, but couldn't make mahself to wake you up. Ya look so sweet while sleepin." She laughed and put the plate full of sandwiches in front of him.

"I guess that I'm really terrible story teller if I made the girls and myself fell asleep." He sit by the table and started eating. Mmm... Delicious. After filling up his stomach he asked. "What time is it? Shouldn't we be at work right now?"

She shook her head. "It's 'bout half past eleven. Thanks ta that Ya took the girls away yesterday we were able ta finish most of the work planned for today. Big Mac and Caramel will handle the rest. Besides Ah didn't want Ya ta be tired at yer first flying lesson."

His ears and wings shoot up instantly. "I forgot about the lesson!" Pegasus jumped from the chair and run in the direction of the lake.

"WAIT!" Applejack tried to stop him but he was gone. She knew that the last thing that anypony could expect from Rainbow Dash was punctuality, and he didn't have to leave that early. "*sigh* Pegasi."

Longwing sprinted across the fields, excited like never before in his life. I'm going to learn how to fly! He spread his wings as he run, imagining that he was soaring through the skies. He slowed down when he realized that most probably he wont be able to fly just yet. But it's still awesome! He returned to his crazy pace.

The lake was shimmering with light of the sun, beautifully composing between field's and hills behind the Sweet Apple Acres. But even this marvelous sight couldn't calm down grey pegasus that was walking in circles by the lake. What's taking her so long!? Am I late? Nah, no chance, I left early. I hope she didn't forget. He was torturing himself with thoughts when he heard familiar sound. Longwing looked up to see a blue dot followed by the rainbow trail closing in to him fast.

Rainbow Dash spotted Longwing and chuckled. Let's show him a professional in action! She didn't slow down and passed by him only by centimetres, then she shoot up and made a few barrels and sudden turns before landing in front of stunned stallion.

He stood there gaping at blue mare. "That was AWESOME Rainbow Dash!"

She let out a smirk. "Well you are talking to the best flier in Equestria after all." Her smile disappeared instantly. "Attention!"
He followed order quickly standing at attention. "So you want me to train you in flying, am I right?"

"Yes ma'am!" He saluted.

Rainbow jumped towards him almost crashing her face into his, glaring. "But do you have the guts to train with me?!"

"Yes Rainbow!"

"I can't hear you!"

"YES RAINBOW DASH!"

"Awesome." Her friendly appearance returned. As she made some space between them. "But don't think that it's gonna be easy. For a pegasus like me flying is as easy and natural as sleeping, but since you have never used your wings we need to start from scratches."

Big pegasus nodded. "Never expected this would be easy."

She smiled. "Okay Longwing, lets check your hardware."

He raised his eyebrow. "My what?"

"Wings. Spread your wings to the full length."

"At once." He did as she said, spreading his wings as far as he could.

Now it was Rainbow's turn to be surprised. With his wings unfolded he was quite a sight, looking a lot bigger than he really was. And quite intimidating she had to admit. "Wow. Thats one hay of a wing span." She muttered to herself. "You should consider taking a job as a royal guard you know. You look really impressive."

He blushed a bit, then grinned and winked to her. "Every girl I meet says so." Rainbow giggled. "If you work some more on your shape, then maybe one day you would be half as cool as me." They both burst into laughter.

Blue mare inspected the pegasus in front of her circling him. "You've got wings proportionally bigger than regular pegasi, this should help to lift your heavy flank up." She stopped in front of him. "Now I will inspect your flight muscles, strain those and you will be grounded for few days, and we don't want that."

"I didn't know that you were a physiotherapist."

"Phy- what?"

"You know the... muscle health specialist."

"Ow that one. Ya heard about the Wonderbolts?" He shook his head. "Well. Wonderbolts are the best flyer team in all of Equestria and I am aspiring to be one of them. Every Wonderbolt have to know how to keep herself and the others in shape to fly, recruits are also required to know first aid and stuff like that so I took a job as a coach at the summer flight camps for the young pegasi." She smiled. "It was kinda fun you know... Of course kids for most of the time were pain in the flank but some of them had a head for pranks. Heheh... Other coaches weren't so happy but I had fun." She closed to him and stooped by his side. "Now stand still." She put her hoof on his back, while he looked in the opposite direction hoping to hide the fact that his cheeks were red as Big Macintosh's coat. "Okay now slowly flap your wings." He did as she said, she could feel his flight muscles moving under her hooves. These big, strong muscles... She shook her head rapidly to get rid of her thoughts realizing that she was blushing.

"Ehem. Am Ah interruptin' somethin'?" Rainbow jumped away from Longwing like burnt, while his wings locked to his sides. From behind the nearby tree there was Applejack walking in their direction grinning widely.

"What the hay AJ!?" Startled blue pegasus almost shouted, but after a moment she regained her composure realizing how awkward her outburst looked in this situation. "I mean... Well I was... I was just checking if Longwing is fit for training. Yeah. And he is fit for training. Ok Longwing why don't you make a few laps from here to that apple tree over there to warm up."

"Okay Rainbow!" Gray pegasus steadily run to the tree pointed by the Rainbow, happy that he could hide his blushing face.

"And flap your wings while you run! You need to work on your coordination!"

Applejack walked to the Rainbow Dash with wide grin on her face.

"What?" Blue mare looked a bit uncomfortable.

"Nothin' sugarcube." Orange pony turned her attention on the grey pegasus.

After few minutes Rainbow stopped Longwing. "Thats enough. Now you will have to try jumping while flapping your wings." She thought for a moment. "AJ could we use your obstacle course?"

"Not a problem." She led them to the obstacle course nearby one of the barns. When they made it to their goal Longwing stretched his limbs readying for the challenge in front of him.

Rainbow stood at the start point with her hoof raised. "Ready? GO!"

He rushed ahead. He jumped over first few hurdles with no problem, but when he tried to overcome the taller one he stumbled and fell to ground. "Ouch!"

"Well those are set fer me. Ah'll lower them a bit." She dismantled top planks in the higher of the hurdles, while Longwing dusted himself and returned to the start point.

As soon as Applejack finished her job he tried again, this time overcoming every obstacle on his way. When he finished his third lap he heard Rainbow shouting to him. "Now use your wings while jumping!" He followed her instructions although it was hard to maintain rhythm while running and flapping wings simultaneous and several times he almost fell. He jumped over the highest hurdle when a soft melodious voice distracted him.

"Hello everypony!" He turned his head in the direction of the voice and crashed through the fence and then blinded from the hit he rammed an apple tree. The world gone black.

.....................................

Senses slowly returned to Longwing.

"Um. I think he is waking up."

"I'm terribly sorry Longwing. I didn't mean to disrupt your training. I'm really really sorry."

He opened his eyes and saw Fluttershy sitting beside him with a first aid box in her hooves, and Rarity looking at him with apologizing expression.

"It's alright. Ouch!" He brought his hoof to his forehead. "Note to self. Avoid trees."

Rainbow Dash laughed and closed to him. "Nice crash. But you are not going to give up because some tree beaten you, are you?" She asked giggling.

Longwing looked at her and gave her a sly grin.

"Are you kidding? I'm just warming up!"

Sunny days and small wonders

Three weeks.
It was almost three weeks from the day when Longwing got to Equestria.
At first he had doubts if he would be accepted by inhabitants of the magical land, but as it turned out Equestria was not only full of magic but friendship as well.

He was living with the Apple family at the Sweet Apple Acres, he was helping them at the farm in exchange for place to sleep and food, Longwing quickly became accustomed to the farm's lifestyle. Most of the time he was assisting Big Macintosh on the fields, first few days were real torture for him as he had to pull heavy cart but his body adapted to the hard work. Once he even asked Big Mac to let him try to do the plowing, but after few attempts the only thing he accomplished was to get himself a headache. Red stallion explained that the connection of the Earth ponies to the soil allowed them to do the hardest of works when growing crops, the trait that unicorns and pegasi lacked.

Sweet Apple Acres became his home, there he lived, worked and trained. Yeah training. After his first flying lesson with Rainbow Dash, she would visit him every second day, although he couldn't fly yet he was making progress. He could prolong his jumps using his wings, hard work at the farm and regular trainings improved his stamina so running and flapping wings for a long time no longer were a problem. Aside from improving his shape, Rainbow Dash lectured him about the flying techniques, he had to admit that flying was more complicated than he though.

Longwing was regularly visiting Ponyville's library where he and Twilight were working to discover the reasons of his appearance in Equestria and describing their worlds to each other..
This day Twilight finally received a letter from the princess concerning Longwing's case.

"Princess Celestia invited us to the ball that will be held in two weeks, she believes that she is able to help you and wants to meet you personally." Lavender Unicorn levitated the scroll she was reading to the one of the shelfs.

"Wow. I have never met royalty before." He scratched his cheek. "Nor been ever on the royal ball. Whats the occasion?"

"It's a first anniversary of the Princess Cadence and Shining Armor's wedding, and their victory over the changelings that invaded Canterloth year ago."

"Battle at the wedding? Sounds like fun..." Unicorn in front of him smiled and shook her head. "I'll be going now Twilight. Pinkie invited me to the bakery to check out her new pie recipes. Are you going to be there?"

"I still have some work to do but I will be there later." She walked him to the door. "It's good to see that you settled in."

"Ponies here are just too friendly to stand aside."

"So maybe... Considering how well you get along with ponies... Have you considered staying here? In Equestria?" She looked at him. He has been here only for couple weeks but managed to become very good friend of hers and the other ponies there. He seemed to beam with happiness all the time, in wich he reminded Pinkie. He once told Twilight that he fells free of any worries here in Ponyville, that in his world he felt overwhelmed and suppressed. She thought that if he was so happy here then maybe he should stay in Ponyville with them.

Longwing suddenly stopped. He frowned and lowered his head slightly. Of course I had. "I... I can't do this Twilight." He wasn't looking at her. "This place is wonderful. And I hate the think that I would abandon friends I made here, but... I can't leave my family like that." He looked in her eyes. "There are people back there that rely on me. I can't Twi."

She nodded. "I understand... I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you sad."

He gave her smile. "It's okay Twilight. It's just... A difficult situation." He left the library. "See ya later Twilight!"

"Bye Longwing!" She closed the door behind him and walked to her desk thinking about what she has learned from the grey pegasus.

.......................................................

The afternoon sun was warming Longwing as he trotted through Ponyville.
He was thinking about his conversation with Twilight. On the one hoof he was happy that ponies wanted him to stay, on the other... Why can't I be more selfish... Arrrgh!
"Okay, concentrate on here and now..."
He looked at the clock on the Ponyville's town hall. Hmmm... Ditzy should be ending her shift any moment now. He turned in the street leading to the post office.

His free time Longwing was spending either walking around the orchard or hanging out with his new friends, at first it were only Twilight and her friends but as the time passed on he befriended other inhabitants the Ponyville. One of his best friends was the local mail mare Ditzy Doo, he met her one day when going back from the Library to orchard and since then they were hanging out very often. He learned that Ditzy has very few friends because of her legendary trouble making capabilities and her weird-looking eyes, but under the mask of clumsiness and childishness he found a caring, kind and intelligent pony.They were both kind of outcasts in the Ponyville's society and understood each other perfectly.

He walked in silence, from time to time answering to the smiles of the ponies he knew. After several minutes he saw the post office.
"About time!" He smiled and speed up a bit.

"Leave m-me alone!" His ears perked up. Ditzy? He heard two more voices. "Owww. You hurt us! Aren't we friends? Derpy! Hahaha!" He heard quiet sobs. When he reached the corner of the next building he saw them.

Ditzy and two stallions, a unicorn and an earth pony. Ditzy was crying, her bag was levitating in front of her surrounded by an orange aura. Two stallions were laughing and teasing her.

"Hey Derpy make that eye trick again ok? Haha!"

Thats it! He sprinted and stopped right behind the bullies. "Leave her alone." His voice was cold as winter night.

When Ditzy saw him she stopped crying and stared at him. Stallions slowly turned back to him. "What's your problem? We're just having some fu-u-u..." The ponies were startled as they saw the large pegasus behind them, earth pony tried to back a bit but stumbled and fell to ground. Longwing stood there, his wings spread, his eyes filled with rage.

Orange unicorn quickly regained his composure. "And who the hay are you?" His horn started to glow menacingly. "And why do you care so much about this ret-" His voice was cut out as two hooves clenched on his neck in the iron grip. Longwing lifted him up and unicorn's horn stopped glowing his eyes showed suprise and terror.

"Dont. You. Dare. To call her like that!" Longwing shouted loud enough to cause the earth pony on the ground to tremble. Unicorn was squirming and flailing his legs in the air while trying to free himself, his cheeks became purple from the air deprivation. Longwing haven't felt like that for a long time, he wanted to crush the bully for what he done to Ditzy, he felt isolated from the world, just he and stallion is his hooves.

Blue earth pony regained his voice. "Let him go you're suffocating him!" He turned to the mail mare. "Der-Ditzy say something, he will break Spark's neck, we're sorry! We will leave you be just stop him! Please!"

Ditzy Doo was shocked by what she saw, she tried to speak but ended sobbing once again. "Lon-Lon..."

Longwing heard her sobbing and turned his eyes to her. She was scared. Then realized what he was doing. WHAT the hay is wrong with me!? He dropped the unicorn, who gasping run away with his blue friend.

Longwing walked to her. He was ashamed for his action. Please don't hate me. "Ditzy I... I'm sorry... I lost control over myself... I was so angry then I saw them harrasing you... I didn't mean to-" He was interrupted by a hug from sobbing pegasus mare. He returned the hug and they stood there like that for a couple of minutes before Ditzy calmed down.

Finally she spoke, her head still pressed against his chest. "T-thank you Longwing. Rarely anypony stand up f-for me." She hugged him even stronger.

So this world isn't so perfect after all. He stroked her mane. "It's okay." She pulled herself off him and looked in his eyes. He smiled. "Just trying to make world a bit brighter place." She giggled. "Come on, lets go to Sugarcube Corner, I bet a pie will fix you up in no time."

She picked up her bag and smiled. "Sure w-why not."

The grim atmosphere dispersed quickly as they walked in the direction of the bakery talking and laughing, nopony brought up the subject of the recent event.
When they reached their destination, they were greeted by the pink whirlwind of energy and laughter. Pinkie Pie stuffed them with her experimental new pies which, aside from the salty turnip pie, were really good. They spent wonderful time at the Pinkie's, wich culminated in an epic cupcake fight.
When they finally managed to escape the party pony's grasp, Longwing walked Ditzy home.

"I thought the Doctor was your husband." They were getting near Ditzy's home each carrying bag full of pies that Pinkie gave them.

"N-no he is my friend. I k-kinda take care of him. He lives at my place b-but we are not together. We're not but I-" She fell silent and blushed.

Longwing grinned. "But you what?"

Ditzy looked in opposite direction. "N-nothing."

When they arrived at her house Ditzy turned to Longwing. "I wanted to thank you ag-gain for your help with those two."

"Well... After today's events I doubt that they will bother you any soon. But if anypony tries... Just call me." He smiled warmly to the mare in front of him.

"Thank you." She hugged him again. "G-goodbye Longwing!"

"Bye Ditzy!"

He walked slowly in the direction of the Sweet Apple Acres, his lesson with Rainbow Dash was in three hours so he had no need to hurry. Just don't get yourself into troubles again.

.....................................................................

Humming to himself, the grey pegasus entered the apple orchard. The sun was high and the sky was clear except for few small clouds floating lazily above Ponyville. As Longwing trotted towards the farmstead he saw Applejack in the garden. She waved to him smiling. "Howdy Longwing! How's your day?"

"It's okay. Talking with Twilight, causing troubles, saving mares in distress... You know, the usual stuff. Oh and Pinkie gave me some of her new experimental pies for you to try." He gestured on the bags.

"That's mighty kind of her. Ah need ta finish waterin' the plants and Ah'm off. By the way could ya bring a bag of flour from the granary to the kitchen? Granny want ta make some pies today."

"Okie dokie Applejack!" Longwing walked off and navigated between the trees straight to the granary. As he entered he closed to the shelves. "Flour, flour, flour... Where the hay is flour?" He heard a silent snap behind him. In the moment he turned around he was hit by a three mud balls straight in the chest and saw three small ponies landing in front of him, they were wearing black suits and masks.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS NINJA WARRIORS! HIIIIIIIIIYAY!!!

Big pegasus stumbled and crashed into the shelves behind him, breaking most of it. The corn from the bags on the top poured out on him covering him whole. When three fillies closed to the corn pile a grey hoof shoot from it.

"Corn for the corn god!" They giggled and helped Longwing to get out.

After a bit digging, a pursuit around the barn and a lot of apologizing, the four ponies got to the Apple's house. Greeted by a table full of food they feasted and talked about the new ways of gaining the cutie marks. After two hours Longwing left the house and headed to the lake.

There he done the routine warm up and stretching, pacing in circles he awaited Rainbow Dash. Soon he saw the familiar mare landing in front of him, as always wearing a confident smile on her face.

"Ready to challenge the skies?" She asked, it became a sort of their ritual between them and he knew his line.

"Even in the middle of the storm Rainbow." He smiled and saluted slowly.

Then it begun as always. Sprints, jumps and a lot of wing flapping. Longwing knew the drill very good, every time he was pushing himself farther and farther, every time closer to his goal. Flight. Rainbow followed him hovering over his head and shouting to him. She was a demanding teacher but she knew that without hard work he will never take off. It's all about finding a rhythm in wich your muscles must work in order to lift you up. When you find it, it's impossible to forget it. Her words resounded in his head every time he flapped his wings.

Some time later they were joined by Applejack and Apple Bloom, both enjoined watching Longwing's training and cheered him as loud as they could.

He was tired. Long training was exhausting his energy and soon he was panting heavily. Okay you lazy git. One last time. Rainbow knew very well his capabilities and when he was too tired to continue. She watched as he speed up in his last attempt for today.

With determination in his eyes he run faster and faster, flapping his wings like mad. He closed his eyes. Then he jumped. He prepared his front legs to suspend the impact that he expected to come in next five seconds. But it didn't came. Huh?

He opened his eyes and saw ground moving beneath him. I'm flying. "I'm flying!" He looked around with disbelieve and steered back in the direction of the three ponies. His dream became true. "I'M FLYING!!!" He screamed and laughed loud. Applejack, Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash cheered from the ground as he soared above the lake. Then exhaustion returned to him. In an instant he lost altitude and fell to the water below him with a loud splash. Moment later his head appeared over the water line and he swum to the bank of the lake. Two mares and a filly approached him as he laid down on his back breathing heavily.

"I- I did it! I did it Rainbow! I flew!" He was to tired to stand up, long training and swimming run out his energy completely.

"Yes ya did sugarcube." Applejack helped him to get out of the water.

"Longwing can fly! Longwing can fly!" Apple bloom was jumping around them and screaming in joy.

Rainbow dash looked at him and gave him a proud smile. "Great job Lon! Take some rest, tomorrow I will show you the skies." He didn't have strength to say anything so he just smiled widely. Rainbow began to walk away but after few seconds she turned her head back to him.

"Oh, and by the way... Welcome to the world of fliers."

To the skies

Sounds of conversation and laughter woke Longwing up. He yawned lazily and scratched his head, from what he could see outside the house he concluded that it's noon. It's my day off? Why did Applejack... He grinned as he recalled yesterday. And plans for today.

"This day is going to be perfect!" Grey pegasus jumped down from his bed and hasted through the corridor, he slowed down before the stairs not wanting to fall down. As he neared the kitchen he could hear three familiar voices, by the table there were Applejack, Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash talking and eating apple pies.

"Hello there ladies!" Longwing entered the room with a wide smile on his face.

"Look who's awake." Rainbow Dash waved to him. "Come on and eat something we don't have all day!"

He sit with them and begun to devour an apple pie before him.

"So whatcha up to today?" Apple Bloom asked with her mouth still full of pie, spreading crumbs on the table.

"I going to show Longwing the Ponnyville and its surroundings from the sky. Of course if he will be able to lift his heavy flank to the sky." She chuckled and sticked out tongue in Longwing's direction.

"Hey!" He almost choked on the pie he was eating. Three mares giggled.

After several minutes of teasing and joking four ponies left the building. Longwing followed Rainbow Dash and Apple siblings walked side by side right behind him. Then Rainbow Dash stopped and turned to face him.

"Are you ready?"

Longwing gave her a sly grin. "I was born ready."

"Sooo..." Rainbow chuckled and unfolded her wings. "To the skies!" Cyan pegasus shoot up from the ground before anypony could react.

Okay! Now my turn! He inhaled deeply and spread his wings, he glanced at the Applejack and Apple Bloom standing behind him, they were cheering him. "Lets do this!" He sprinted forward flapping his wings. At first nothing happened but after several metres he felt his hooves breaking contact with the ground. He was flying, slowly gaining altitude. His flight was clumsy, irregular and uncertain.

Rainbow was flying by his side judging his technique. "Take it nice and slow now. Remember, it's all about rhythm."

"Okay Rainbow." He felt fantastic, the ground was moving fast beneath him, trees and ponies getting smaller and smaller. Behind him he could see entire Sweet Apple Acres, in front of him there was Ponyville closing as he flew onwards. His wing beats were becoming more and more stable and confident. Rainbow Dash circled him, she was literaly dancing in the air around him.

"You're doing great Lon! Just keep it that way." She tried to sound casual but she was tense, ready to rush to help Longwing if anything go wrong. Relax Rainbow it's going to be ok... And if not, you're the best flyer in Equestria for Celestia's sake, you will save him from harm. She couldn't help but twich every time he lost rythm. "Try to glide when you feel the favourable current. You will tire less."

Longwing nodded, trying to maintain balance. He was grateful that the day was sunny and almost windless. With each beat of wings he felt more and more confident. He turned his head to Rainbow and smiled, she returned the gesture. He wanted to show her that everything was fine... But he was terrified, he was high above the ground and knew that fall would be dangerous if he made a mistake. Flight was terrifying but awesome.

After a while they crossed the border of the Ponyville, the colourful town looked even more beautiful from up there than from the ground, streets were looking like ant nest where all the ants were different colour. They lowered their flight and he could recognize individual ponies. Two pegasi headed towards the library, nearby wich they spotted white pony and small purple dragon pulling a cart full of books.

"I don't know what would I do without you Spike. Who could predict that Canterloth Opera would ask me to make historical suits for their next performance. Without you I would be still buried in these books. You are truly the best assistant ever. Thank you."

"Oh Rarity, that's not a problem. I'm just trying to help that's all" Spike was trying to hide his blush.

"I mean it. Your help saved me a lo-" She was interrupted by to voices from above. "Hey Rarity! Hey Spike!"

Little dragon spotted them first. "Look Rarity! It's Rainbow Dash and Longwing! And he is flying!" Spike waved to pegasi.

"What?" She looked up and saw them as they crossed the air above her. Surprised by the view she stared at the flyiers. So Rainbow dash really succeeded after all.

"Way to go Longwing!" Spike shouted as two pegasi circled the library.

One of the library's windows opened revealing a lavender unicorn peeking out. "What's the commotion?"

"It's Longwing Twilight! He is flying!" Twilight spotted the gray pegasus as he flew nearby her window with a wide smile on his face before he and Rainbow flew away.

Rainbow showed Longwing all of the Ponyville, after few hours they stopped at the Sugar Cube Corner, to eat something and rest for a moment before taking off again. Logwing almost crashed into one of the stands while landing but Rainbow managed to halt him in the last moment.

Beautiful... The surroundings of Ponyville looked amazing from his point of view. Longwing even managed to join Rainbow in some of the simpler manuevers as his body learned to control his movement across the sky.

Cyan pegasus led him above the large lake, then she suddenly dived, stabilizing her flight just in time to not fall into water below. Longwing followed her much slower and more cautious, gliding just above the water. Setting sun reflected on the lake giving it truly magical look. Grey pegasus was mesmerized by the light dancing on the water. He felt like the king of the world. Two pegasi flew neither of them speaking, sometimes they exchanged glances and smiles, but remained silent. Just two of them and the boundless sky.

Rainbow Dash landed on the one of the larger clouds and beckoned to Longwing to do the same, he landed clumsily his legs buried in the cloud. "It's so awesome." Rainbow giggled as she helped him to stand up.

"Not bad for the first day Lon." She gave him a proud look and warm smile.

He stood before her, shaking, his green yes beaming happiness and excitement. Suddenly he hugged her. "Thank you Rainbow Dash. For everything."

At first she was startled, not expecting such action, after a moment, blushing, she hugged him back. "N-no problem Longwing. I'm happy I could help." She felt a bit uncomfortable but didn't push him off.

They broke the hug and looked at the setting sun. "Beautiful." He whispered.

"I didn't know that you were into such stuff. Just don't recite poetry ok? I can't digest it." Rainbow smiled slyly.

He chuckled in response.

"Ok let's go back to the Sweet Apple Acres, I bet AJ is worrying that you crashed following me or something." Cyan pegasus stood up and spread her wings.

"Lead the way Rainbow." She jumped from the cloud and soared in the direction of the orchard.

Longwing looked down from the cloud and gulped loudly. "Here goes nothing!" He jumped.

........................................................

Longwing and Rainbow Dash were on their way to the Sweet Apple Acres, soaring above the Ponyville, sun almost set behind the horizon and most of the ponies were preparing to sleep.
When the familiar farm appeared in sight Rainbow Dash unexpectedly turned in the direction of the outskirts of Ponyville away from the orchard.

"Hey Rainbow! The farm is that way!" Surprised Longwing pointed his hoof in the direction of the farmstead but still followed cyan pegasus. "Where are we going?"

"You will know soon enough." Rainbow answered with a smirk. They flew two more minutes before Rainbow dived, Longwing did the same and spotted an orange pony standing in front of a house nearby the road.

Applejack turned to them as they closed to her. "Yer late RD."

Rainbow landed first. "Hi AJ! Sorry but Longwing is slower than I thought."

Grey pegasus landed heavily next to her causing a cloud of dust to rise from the ground. "Hey it's my first day flying. I would rather not end splashed on the ground."

Orange mare shook her head and smiled. "How was your day? Did Rainbow give ya time ta cath your breath?"

"It was AWESOME! I never thought that flying is so much fun." He jumped excited. "But could you finally tell me what's going on? What are we doing here?"

Both mares trotted to the door of the house and turned to him, gesturing him to come closer. As he approached the door, Rainbow opened it. Releasing the pink missile that tackled Longwing to the ground.

"SURPRISE Longwing!" Pinkie quickly helped him to get up and shoved him through the door. Inside he saw dozen of ponies. "Happy First Succesful Flight Day!"

"Whaa?" Longwing looked at Applejack with surprised expression on his face.

"Me and RD decided that your success should be celebrated, and Caramel granted us his house to hold a party here." Longwing smiled looking from face to face. Everypony in the room was cheering him. "And for this occasion Mac brought his famous..." She paused and pointed her hoof at the red stallion standing next to the barrel, seeing the signal he opened it. "... Party Hard Cider!"

"Thanks everypony! I don't know what to say." Longwing was delighted, it was the best day in his life.

"Don't say anything, just drink the honorary round!" Rainbow Dash gave him the mug of cider, even by smell he could tell that it was strong drink.

"Hehe! Cheers!" He lifted the mug and drunk all the contents in few gulps, as he finished he coughed two times. "Whoa! Strong Stuff. Give me more!" The party started in the earnest.

When Big Macintosh opened second barrel most of the ponies were already drunk, two slept behind the sofa, others were either talking, singing or dancing, or all combined. Pinkie Pie was all over the place, seeming to not been affected by the cider or exhaustion. There was a lime unicorn hanging on the chandelier laughing as the Caramel tried to bring her down.
Longwing was dancing madly with yellow mare, their performance almost destroyed the music equipment when he lost balance while spinning with her.
Applejack and Rainbow were sitting by the kitchen counter telling jokes, Mac was talking with a red eyed, muscular, white pegasus.

Tired Longwing excused himself from the dance floor and sat in front of Rainbow. "How are you Rainbow?" Alcohol was humming in his head but he ignored it pouring himself next mug of cider.

"Awesome! Party is great. Shame that the rest of the gang is not here, but it's not exactly their kind of parties." She chuckled. "I imagine the Rarity's reaction should she came here." She pressed her hooves to her cheeks and spoke in mocked Rarity's voice. "Ow my! What an uncivil bunch of barbarians! Where is my sofa when I need to dramatically fain?" They bursted in laughter, Longwing almost spilling his cider.

He drunk the rest of his drink and burped loudly. "Yeah!"

Rainbow highhooved him. "You are cool Longwing. Well not as cool as myself but you surely know how to party!"

"Well duh. You should have seen my graduation day! That was a real party." He smiled as fond memories filled his mind.

Rainbow smiled wider and raised her eyebrow. "So this party is not good enough for you?"

"I didn't say that."

Cyan pegasus raised up and looked at him from above. "Is that so? Lets check how hard you can party! I challenge you tooo... Cider Drinking Contest."

Applejack who was sitting next to them spoke. "Ah don't think it's good idea RD." She was ignored.

Longwing raised his head to look Rainbow in the eyes. "Bring it on!"

..........................................................................................

It was cloudless night and light of the moon illuminated Ponyville and it's surroundings. Nearby Sweet Apple Acres echoed song sung by two pegasi that trotted across the fields leaning on each other, followed by two earth ponies.

"No! *hic* We will never cry!
We are masters of the sky!
Get up! Rise your head up high! *hic*
For tonight we will fly!"

Loud laughter followed the last words of the song. Big Macintosh and Applejack were happy that they run out of cider before pegasi fell asleep. Applejack had stronger head than most of the ponies present at the party and she was drinking slowly so she showed no signs of intoxication, the same was Big Macintosh although his cheeks appeared to be redder than usual. Rainbow Dash and Longwing were another story, their contest left them quite devastated, they were walking unsteadily, laughing and supporting each other.

As the group approached the farmstead Applejack silenced pegasi to not wake up the rest of the Apple family. When they reached the door Rainbow spoke swaying.

"Okay lads! It washh fun. Good night I'm flying home." Before she could take off she was stopped by orange hoof.

"No way Rainbow! Ah can't let ya ta fly in that state! Ya will sleep here, we have a spere quest room."

Cyan pegasus considered the proposition. "Okhay AJ. Not that I couldn't return home righht now. I'm doin' thish for you."

They entered the kitchen trying to be as quiet as possible. Big Mac quickly disappeared in his room.

Applejack turned to the pegasi. "Longwing, please lead Rainbow to the quest room at the ground floor." He nodded and gestured to Rainbow to follow him.

Trotting wobbly they entered the quest room, Rainbow quickly jumped and sit on the soft bed.

"Okay Rainbow. There'sh a bathroom." He pointed at the door to the right of him. "There's the mirror." He turned slightly left. "An there'sh a bed." He looked at the giggling pegasus sitting on the bed. "But I guesh that you found that one first."

He smiled and turned to leave when Rainbow spoke. "Lon." Longwing looked at her, she was grinning widely, her eyes slightly squinted, she gestured him to come closer.

He obeyed, but even with all the cider flowing through his veins he could tell that situation was starting to look odd.

He swayed and almost fell on Rainbow Dash, they were standing there snout to snout.

Then she hugged him tightly. "Thanksh fer everithin' Lon." She broke the hug and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. He was stunned. "Yer the besht." Rainbow laid down on the bed. "Well... Second besht... Right... After me." In and instant room was filled with snoring of the cyan pegasus.

Longwing stood there for a few moments, trying to comprehend what just happened. He quietly left the room and closed the door behind him. His cheeks burning, he headed to his room and fell on his bed. He was asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow, finally succumbing to exhaustion he entered the land of the dreams.

Warm breeze

Faster!

Shrill whistle echoed in air as lone flyer soared through the sky.

Higher!

Clouds dispersed before him as he hit it like a thunderbolt.

Grey pegasus flew faster and faster, trees beneath him looked like tiny dark green spots on the ground. No obstacles before him, he sped towards the horizon and the setting sun.

Suddenly he stopped, he couldn't tell why. He just stopped. He was feeling like he was suspended in the air, it seemed that gravity pulled him to this point.

Then two orbs of light appeared several hundred metres on each of his sides. He looked at the orb to his right and felt subtle pull towards it.

He started to fly in it's direction but after few seconds he felt piercing pain in his chest, almost falling down he backed to the point between the orbs. He tried to move to the opposite light but once again felt his chest being ripped inside.

Panicking he flew in the direction of the sun, away from the strange lights. He flew as fast as he could driven by fear, when he looked back he saw black clouds gathering around the phenomena, then several dark shapes detached from the clouds and followed him.

Terror overcame him, exerting every bit of strength he had, he tried to escape his persecutors but with no avail. Shadows charged him, he could hear nothing but the whispers in his head and faint whistle of the wind. He evaded every attack they made, his speed still rising. One of the shadows managed to fly through him, he felt like his blood turned into ice, the world succumbed into total silence, even the voices ceased, he started losing the altitude.
He struggled to fly higher but with no effect, ground closing in fast, seconds before impact he once again heard the whisper of the Shadows.

Traitor.

..............................................................

"WHOA!" Longwing raised up quickly and second later regretted it. World was spinning, he was sore and his mouth was dry. He was breathing fast, his eyes wide. Finally he regained full consciousness, looking around he found out that he was in his bedroom. Dull headache reminded him of yesterday's party, slowly he stood up. Terror experienced in his dream still held him in cold grasp. He walked to the window, outside was sunny day.

It was just a dream. It was just a dream.

Slowly, swaying a bit, he walked out of his room and into the kitchen. Unsurprisingly Applejack was already here, bustling around the kitchen, wearing her green apron.

"Howdy Longwing. How are ya feelin' today?"

"Yhhhymm... Okay... I think." Longwing sat by the table, Applejack gave him a big mug of water wich he emptied savouring every sip of sweet liquid. "Much better. Thanks AJ."

"Ya and Rainbow partied quite hard yesterday. Maybe ya want a day off? There's not much work here anyway for today."

"No, I have to work out this hangover. Just don't give me anything that require concentration, it's quite hard to think after Mac's beverage."

"Heheh. Ya should try Mac's special Apple Spirit, ponies who tried it call it Big Red Kick. Yesterday cider is a juice compared to that one. Here, eat." She gave him a large bowl filled with salad and sat on the chair facing him.

"So how do ya feel now? Ya know as a flier?"

"*munch**munch**munch* Mmmmm? *gulp* Fantastic! It's just incredible, in my world such feat is only a fantasy." Longwing grinned. As soon as I regain strength, the sky is mine! He looked Applejack in the eyes. "Rainbow Dash is amazing, she made dream come true."

Orange mare smiled. "Just don't tell her that or she will keep reminding us 'bout it for next few months." Both laughed and resumed eating.

"Ah'm glad to see that ya and Rainbow befriended. Ah had doubts 'bout that."

"Why?"

"Well... She may not show it but, Rainbow is slow to trust and often she jumps to conclusions.... Nevertheless, Ah think that she realy likes ya."

His ears perked up. "Realy?"

"Eyup! Hey is that a blush?" Applejack chuckled.

"What? Nah." Longwing quickly returned to his bowl.

After several minutes they heard somepony entering the kitchen.

"Well well look who's here. RD herself."

"Hi Rainbow!"

"Um, h-hi Longwing. Hi AJ."

Cyan pegasus walked into the kitchen and sat next to Longwing, she looked uncomfortable.

"How ya feelin RD?" Applejack said, trying to suppress laughter she put a mug of water and bowl of salad in front of Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow grabbed mug and emptied it in few quick gulps. "I'm fine. You need something more than few mugs of cider to keep this pegasus out of business for long."

Rest of the breakfast passed on talking and jokes. Rainbow left quickly (but not before she devoured three more portions of salad), saying that she have to prepare for weather patrol. Longwing could tell that something was off with her, she seemed absent whole breakfast. After the meal Longwing went to garden to help Apple Bloom watering the plants, which ended in a mud fight and an escape from angry Applejack who got accidentally hit by a mud ball.

Having nothing else to do he decided to visit the town. Adrenaline filled his veins as he once again took off and soared through the sky.

........................................................................

What a beautiful day! Rarity trotted through crowded streets of Ponyville, heading her boutique.

Today orders finished, shopping done. That leaves me with some free time before the meeting with Twilight. Hmm... I could check out that new beauty salon opened last week. Shadow passing over pulled her out of the train of thoughts. She looked up and spotted familiar pegasus. Or maybe I will check out something else. Rarity smiled and called.

"Longwing! Helloo! Longwing!"

Grey pegasus saw her and turned back. He slowed down and touched the ground, but before he had chance to stop he tripped over his own leg and fell on the street.

"OUCH!"

White mare trotted to him with concerned expression on her face. "Ow my goodness. Longwing are you alright darling?"

Pegasus slowly raised up dusting himself. "Uh, Hello Rarity! I'm fine, I'm fine. It's just, Landing is still an alien ground for me." He chuckled. "Sooo... What can I do for you Rarity?"

"I am on my way to the boutique and I was wondering If you would be so kind and accompany me. If you have time of course." She smiled warmly and fluttered her eyelashes.

Longwing broke the eye-contact and blushed slightly. "O-of course, I don't have anything planned. I-it will be my pleasure."

"Excellent!" Rarity resumed her walk with Longwing by her side. "We didn't really had much time to talk since you arrived did we."

"Well... Thats true."

"How do you find living at Sweet Apple Acres?" Phase one, casual conversation to ease atmosphere.

"It's nice, Apples are very kind ponies, they treat me like one of them."

"Good to hear that. Applejack said that you are great help for Macintosh. This pony never cease to amaze me, by his posture most expect uncouth brute, but he is polite and well mannered for a farm pony don't you think?"

"He is a good lad, sometimes a bit difficult to talk to but still... Oh and sometimes he even waits for me to keep up with him at work, heh." He chuckled.

"You two are quite similar if you ask me."

"Is that so?"

"Strong, polite, hard working, honest, handsome... You are more talkative though." Rarity looked at him and smiled. He blushed and averted his sight.

Next several minutes passed in silence disturbed from time to time by Rarity's questions and remarks. Soon they stood before the Carousel boutique.

"So, here we are." Longwing said, admiring the façade of the building.

"Ow thank you very much darling." Phase two, lure the unsuspecting target into the trap. "By the way..." She turned to him. "Have you bought your suit yet?"

Longwing looked confused. "Eee... Suit?"

"A suit for the ball in Canterloth. The one on wich you will meet the princess."

"Oww, that one. But Twilight said that it's a casual party, part of the festival."

She shook her head slowly. "Longwing my dear, we are still talking about a meeting in a royal castle, with the princesses themselves. You can't go there looking like you've just left the field."

Grey pegasus scratched his cheek. "Wow... I guess you're right. A lot depends on this meeting." He didn't took that into account earlier.

A devilish smile appeared at Rarity's face when she looked in opposite direction. Three... Two... One...

"Rarity, could you help me with that. I heard that you are the best when it comes to fashion and stuff..."

Bingo! She regained her composure before facing him. "I'd love to. Please enter." She opened the door and let him first, then closed the door behind them and pointed at a small scene in the middle of the room. "Let not waste time. Would you like some tea?" She left some of her shopping by the desk and headed to the next room.

"Yes please Rarity." Longwing looked around amazed by the amount of beautiful dresses and suits in the room.

Soon she returned with two steaming cups in her magic grasp, wich she placed on a small table next to Longwing.

"Did Twilight told you about the meeting today?" White unicorn asked while grabbing chalk and sketchbook from the desk.

"Nope. I haven't seen her today yet."

"There is a project She and Cheerelie are carrying out, and there's a meeting in this case in the Library. Twilight was supposed to tell everypony, I guess she thought that you will be at the orchard." She was talking and sketching at the same time, from time to time looking at Longwing. "So it's good that I found you, we can go as soon as we finish this."

Longwing stood in the middle of the room trying to not to move, after few minutes Rarity closed to him with a tape-measure and started to take necessary measurements. Phase three, spring the trap.

"I saw you yesterday, I'm happy that you learned flying. I had my doubts about Rainbow Dash's teaching capabilities."

"It wasn't easy, I lost track how many times I ended with my face in dirt.*chuckle* But Rainbow Dash is a great coach, demanding but still, I'm happy that she agreed to train me."

"You must have been spending a lot of time with each other then."

"Yeah, she was visiting me every second day. We trained couple of hours each time." Rarity was walking around him taking measurements and noting in her sketchbook.

Now a delicate push. "So how are your relations with Rainbow Dash? If you don't mind me asking of course." She could see his muscles tensing slightly.

"Weell... We befriended, besides trainings we sometimes hang out, she and AJ made a party for me yesterday to congratulate me my success. I like her, she's cool." Longwing started to feel a tiny bit uncomfortable with this conversation and not only because tape measure was coiled around his neck right now.

"Cool?" Rarity spoke with voice betraying no emotion, slightly tightening the coil.

"She's funny, talkative, lighthearted, she has a good sense of humor, she's athletic, has a nice mane..." In instant he fell silent. Hey what was that?!. "Eh... Why do you ask?"

"Just a mare's curiosity." Rarity smiled to herself and put her accessories at the desk. Well well well... Who would think that. Rarity you're soo clever. "It's done. I will begin work on your suit tomorrow. Now we should hurry to not be late at the meeting." She put on a blue hat and opened the door with her magic. "Shal we?"

"Y-yeah sure." He joined her on the way to the library. That was really weird.

...................................................................................................................

As Rarity and Longwing reached the library, they could hear multiple voices coming from the inside.

When they entered he saw a dozen or so ponies inside, there were all of twilights friends, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Ditzy and her daughter Dinky and some ponies he didn't know including one looking like a zebra.

"Has everypony place to sit? Good." Twilight climbed few stairs leading to her bedroom and turned to gathered ponies. "Hello everypony I'm grateful that you arrived. Some of you already know why we're here. For those who doesn't know, Cherilee will fill you in." Second mare trotted to Twilight's side.

"As you know, in two weeks in Ponyvile there will be held a "Farewell Spring" festival. Twilight came up with an idea to organize a performance presenting one of the Equestrian legends. We gathered you here to ask for your help."

Then Twilight spoke. "Scene will be set up behind the school, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo will design and build the scenery." She was interrupted by a loud shout.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS STAGE DESIGNERS! YAY!!!"

"*ekhem* Zecora agreed to use her talents to make special effects during the performance." Zebra nodded. "Rarity will be in charge of costume making and role assigning, since she has more experience with theatre than any of us." As eyes of the garthered ponies turned to her she presented a warm smile.

"We need help with organization and actors for the performance. So are you with us?"

Gathered ponies shouted in unision. "YAY!"

"Great. You will receive your task lists tomorrow. First rehearsal will be Tuesday evening in the school. Until then thank you."

Most of the ponies left the library. The only left were Longwing, Twilight and the gang, Spike, Cherilee and Zecora.

Zebra approached Twilight and spoke in melodous voice.
"There is a pony among your friends,
about wich something strange I sense."

Lavender unicorn gestured to Longwing. "Zecora meet Longwing. He is the pony I told you about earlier."

Longwing nodded. "Nice to meet you miss Zecora."

Zebra smiled and closed to him.
"It's good to finally see your face,
a traveler of time and space."

"So, Rarity how are our preparations going?"

Rarity walked to them with triumphal smile. "I have already read the play you gave me, and assigned roles to actors." White unicorn handed the notebook to Twilight.

Lavender unicorn opened it and started to read. "Wow, that was fast. So who did you gave a main role to?"

Rarity smiled. "To Longwing of course."

His eyes opened wide in surprise. "WHAT?!" He looked at the mares in disbelieve.

"Why yes. You are meant for this role darling. A strong, courageous, well build pegasus. You will be perfect."

"I... I don't know... I have never acted in the theater before." He scratched the floor with his hoof.

"Ow, don't worry. We will prepare you. Besides it's not a big deal, we're doing it for fun. It's not the premiere in Canterloth or something." She looked at grey pegasus supportingly.

"Okay then." Longwing smiled and his ears perked up.

"So it's settled. Let us meet here tomorrow afternoon while I take care of details." Twilight picked a parchment and began to plan all the preparations while rest of the ponies left.

.......................................................................................

After they left the Library Longwing immediately took to the sky. Energy and desire to fly, he suppressed whole day now set free. He flew over the roofs of Ponyville heading to the lake, when in the corner of the sight appeared a rainbow colored mane.

"WHOA!" He shouted startled and for a moment lost his balance. "Rainbow don't sneak upon me like that."

Rainbow Dash laughed. "Uh. Sorry Longwing I just couldn't restrain myself. Haha!"

He smiled. "Veeery funny. So whats up Rainbow?"

They stopped and floated in place. Cyan pegasus turned to him "Well... I received tickets on the Wonderbolts performance that will be held in Cloudale on this Wednesday." She started to look a bit uncomfortable. "And I was thinking... That maybe... It's not fun to go alone and I was going to ask Fluttershy to go with me, but she doesn't like crowds and... Since you know how to fly now. I thought that maybe you would go with me?"

Longwing was surprised. "Erm... Well... S-sure, yeah why not. Thank you."

Rainbow regained her composure and grinned. "Awesome! Okay so it's set. I gotta go now. Se you later Lon!" She darted off before he could say anything.

"See ya." Longwing started to slowly fly in his previous direction. Wow. I wasn't expecting that. From what I heard from Rainbow Wonderbolts are awesome. Strange day, first this interrogation at the boutique, next the role at the performance, and now Rainbow Dash invited me for a date. He immediately stopped and slapped his face. What the hay? She Invited you to a flight performance! Not a date! Why did it even come to my mind?! Date. We are just friends. Besides where did that though came from? I'm not attracted to her. That wouldn't be normal. She is a mare, a PONY, and I am hum-... Well I am a pony too now but-... Arhg! I need a drink.

Wind of fate

Rainbow Dash yawned. It was early, too early for her taste. She was standing nearby the entrance to the Ponyville's park. Normally she would be still in her bed but today was the day she have been waiting for weeks, Wonderbolts will visit Cloudsdale today. For her, travel to Cloudsdale is no big deal and would take an hour max. But she wasn't going alone.

Longwing.

Where is that pony? He was the reason she was up that early in the morning, she could fly fast as lighting, he was another story. A fresh flyer had much to learn and she couldn't let that make them late for the show.

She smiled to herself as she recalled their lessons, long and hard. She remembered all his stumbles and small victories, his determination and devotion.

The day he flew for the first time, the pride she felt... And the sting of sadness. She grew accustomed to their meetings, she liked spending time with him... And now it was over... He didn't need her anymore. Later that day she realized how stupid that thought was. They were still friends, even when not training, they still hung out with each other from time to time. What caused her reaction? This matter tormented her for days now.

I really like him, but that don't answer why did I feel like that... What's the difference between our trainings and times when we hang out with others? When he accepted my invitation I felt like... Like we are returning to our trainings. She processed her thoughts. Then a realisation hit her. Our trainings... Not AJ's, not Twilight's... Ours... I invited HIM to go with me... Not others... Just me and him alone. Her eyes opened wide, her ears fell and her mouth was agape. "Am I... Am I developing a crush on this pony?" She covered her mouth quickly and looked around. Nopony was there. Did I really say it aloud? She walked to the nearby tree and sat in it's shadow. She tried to process all of this. She wasn't the most experienced pony when it came to feelings stuff. Sure, she had coltfriends before, but nothing serious. And now this... She slowly eased her mind and tried to think about it calmly. Or maybe it's something different... Maybe it's just a teacher's attachment. She considered this option. It had sense. Longwing was the first pegasus that asked her to teach him how to fly. And now he was going to leave her teachings.

She stood up and smiled to herself. We'll see... For now I will not fret about that. I am going to have fun today! And no matter what the problem is, I will figure it out and meet it headlong! With a new portion of determination... She sat down... "If that pony doesn't move his flank soon, I swear I will kick it to the moon."

Several minutes later she saw the familiar grey shape closing in fast. Longwing landed heavily on the road, momentum carried him towards the stone wall. He stopped with his nose centimetres away from the obstacle.

"*fhew* That was close." He looked around and spotted Rainbow Dash sitting next to the tree and sending him an angry stare. He smiled sheepishly. "Heheh... Hi Rainbow. Sorry, I know that I'm late but I had to help Apple Bloom, she and her friends tried bungee jumping from the barn and ended entangled, hanging four metres above the ground."

Rainbow's expression softened. "Okay, I forgive you this time." She trotted closer to him. "Are you ready? With your speed it will take us few hours to get to Cloudsdale."

He gave her a smile and nodded. "I'm ready." Before he said another word Rainbow Dash was high above him gesturing him to hurry. Longwing shook his head and took off.

..............................................................................

As Rainbow Dash predicted, trip to Cloudsdale took them over four hours. Longwing was tired, not used to such long flights, if not for Rainbow's encouraging and teasing they would arrive even later.

All signs of weariness disappeared from Longwing's face when he saw their destination.

Rainbow Dash lined up with him and chuckled seeing his reaction. "Welcome to Cloudsdale Longwing."

"Wow." It was the only word he could articulate right now. Speechless, his mouth agape he admired the sight of the city. Giant conglomeration of buildings made of clouds amazed him. A world full of wonders.

Silence was broken by Rainbow. "Pretty cool huh?"

He looked at her in disbelieve. "Pretty cool? This is amazing! A city in clouds!"

She smiled. "Glad you like it. Well... Since we still have some time before the show, let's grab some food and rest a bit. I know just the place." Longwing nodded and followed the cyan mare through the crowded sky of Cloudsdale.

After few minutes they landed before a building looking like a pub, slow peaceful music could be heard inside. Huh? They have reggae in Equestria?

Rainbow Dash nodded at the pub. "My Dad's place. The best food and drinks in the whole Cloudsdale, although the music is to slow for my tastes." She entered first and gestured him to follow.

The inside of the pub was warm and cozy, walls were decorated with music equipment, posters and images of the tropical landscape, tables occupied most of the floor, to the left there was a small stage on wich a band of three pegasi and a griffon played the music filling the air with a relaxing mood. Rainbow Dash led him to the counter on the far side of the room. They sit on the tall chairs unnoticed by the bartender who was turned in the opposite direction.

Rainbow Dash grinned and spoke loud. "Hey bartender! Two Rainbooms, no ice, extra chilli and double taco to that!"

Bartender, the older brown pegasus with green and yellow mane combed into a dreadlocks and a colorful beret on his head straightened and spoke without turning to them. "Sweet Celestia! Let the manticore eat me if that's not the prettiest mare in the world who visited me." He turned around with a big grin on his face. "Yo big girl!" He reached over the counter and hugged rainbow.

Rainbow giggled. "Hi Dad! I missed you." After a while they broke the hug.

Old stallion looked at his daughter, smile not leaving his face even for a second. "What's up kid? What brings you to Cloudsdale? They finally fired you from the weather patrol?" They both laughed loud.

"Nah, me and my friend are going to the Wonderbolts show and we want to eat something good before it starts." She gestured at Longwing.

Raibow's father looked at him and extended his hoof. "Hi big fella! Name's Spectrum. Spectrum Dash."

Grey pegasus shook his hoof. "Longwing. Nice pub you have there."

Rainbow's father placed three glasses on the counter and started to mix drinks. "I bought this place about ten years ago when I quit from weather factory, I was mixing rainbow ingredients back then." He was talking and juggling two shakers at the same time.

Rainbow shook her head. "First. You bought this pub thirteen years ago. Second. You didn't quit, they fired you when you poured pigment on the hall manager."

"That was an accident... It was intended for somepony else. And he got rid of the pigment from his mane... Eventually." He chuckled pouring the multicoloured content of the shakers into the glasses. "It was boring job anyway. Those are on the house, cheers!"

Longwing quickly emptied his glass and coughed. Liquid was sweet and spicy with a faint aftertaste of lemon. "Good stuff."

Rainbow patted his back and snickered. "Slowly Lon or you will choke on it." She turned to her dad. "Have you seen mom lately?"

"Nope. You know her. Always on business. Duty for Equestria and other silly things." Stallion waved his hoof in a mocking of a salute.

"Yeah that sounds like her."

Longwing observed their conversation in silence. Rainbow and her father seemed so alike, lighthearted, cool, carefree... But he lacked the fire she had, Longwing wondered what her mother was like.

They talked a bit more, then taco was served and Longwing had to admit, it was the best taco he ever tried, despite the fact it was without meat. Strange... It was only a month and I don't even remember how meat taste like... Was it like that when I got here or I slowly lose my mind? He was sitting there unmoving for a couple of seconds until Rainbow poked his head with her hoof.

"Equestria to Longwing, heeey you there?" He shook his head returning to reality. "I know it's delicious but if you keep contemplating it we'll be late for the show." She said with a smirk.

"It always has this effect when you try it for the first time." Spectrum remarked emptying his glass.

"You mean taco or drink?"

"I was talking about the Clover."

"We're not smoking Clover dad."

"*snif**snif* Then where is that smoke coming from?" He turned around. There was a visible trail of smoke coming from the kitchen. Spectrum's eyes widened. "SHOOT! I forgot to turn off the oven! Sorry Rainbow gotta go! Se ya!" He disappeared in the next room swearing loudly.

When they finished their meal Rainbow and Longwing left the pub and headed to the Cloudsdale's stadium.

"I'm surprised that this pub survived that long under his management." Rainbow chuckled. "Dad always has his head somewhere else."

Longwing nodded. "He is cool. Crazy like you but still cool." He chuckled and sped up towards the stadium.

Rainbow Dash snickered and followed him.

......................................................................................................................

It was the best air show Longwing ever seen. The agility and speed showed by the Wonderbolts was unbelievable. No wonder they are called the best of the best.

The sun started it's slow descent announcing the late afternoon. Two pegasi were on their way back to Ponyville, green mass of the forest and occasionally rock formations moving beneath them.

"... then I caught Rarity and the Wonderbolts and returned to the arena." Rainbow clapped her hooves and struck a heroic pose.

"Wow! No wonder they saluted you at the end of the show." Longwing was trying to keep up with the cyan mare.

"Yup! I'm telling you Lon. They're going to ask me to join them soon. I just know it." Longwing saw the flash in her eye and smiled.

Next few minutes they glided in silence, Longwing was admiring the landscape, while Rainbow sunk in thoughts.

Morning dilemma returned to her. All the day she was free from it but now as they were alone it returned. She looked down at her companion. Hanging out with him was fun, she had great time today. It all just felt... Right. They were friends, really good friends. Would it be that strange if I was interested in him? He is a handsome, strong pegasus. He is cool and nice. Cyan mare gracefully avoided the cloud before her. I wonder if he is even into mares. After all, he has been a pony only for a month now. She glided closer to Longwing.

"Hey Lon?" Rainbow spoke while leveling with grey pegasus.

Longwing turned his head towards her. "Yes Rainbow?"

"I was curious if... If, you know... Are you interested in ponies? Like interested interested?" She tried to sound as casual as possible.

Longwing lost a balance for a moment, surprised by question. "Um... Well I... I don't know. I haven't thought about it before... I-I'm not sure." Slight blush appeared on his cheeks as he turned his head forward. None of the two said anything for next few minutes.

Rainbow wasn't satisfied with lack of answer. She was preparing for next attempt to talk about it but a shadow passing over them interrupted her.

Both pegasi stopped and looked up. They saw a pair of griffins descending towards them. Rainbow recognized the pair instantly.

"Shoot." She hissed quietly.

"Well well well. What do we have here? Isn't that our old pal Rainbow Dash?" Large male griffon stopped at their level and looked Rainbow straight in the eyes.

He was quickly followed by a much smaller female griffon. "Yes indeed. It's her."

"Gorn. Rita." Rainbow dash tensed and shoot Longwing a quick warning glance. "What do you want?"

"Look at her! So brash! You should be nicer, especially after what you did to Gilda!" Gorn closed to Rainbow and poked her chest with his claw snarling. "And they call you a pony of loyalty? Pfff! Treacherous nag!"

Longwing quickly pulled griffon's claw from Rainbow and glared at Gorn. "Get your claws off her!"

Large griffon turned to him with a grimace of anger. "And who do you think you are huh?!"

Alarmed Rainbow Dash relocated quickly to Longwing's side. "Stop it Longwing! I will handle this." Situation was starting to look serious. She didn't want to pull any of her friends into her problems. Stupid Lon! Why is he provoking him? Gorn was tough and she knew it, escape was not and option because Longwing was to slow. Think Rainbow, think! "Knock it off Lon." She whispered.

Grey pegasus turned his head to her. She could se anger in his eyes. "No one threatens my friends." He returned his attention to the griffins.

Gorn smirked. "A real hero. Who are you? Her new coltfriend? A blank pony? Looks like she started to look for company among other failures just like her."

"You talk much for an overweight hen." Longwing spoke slowly, almost spitting on griffon.

Griffon started to close to Longwing glaring at him until they were eye to eye. "I could pluck you with one claw."

That was it, no going back now. Longwing maintained the eye contact and spoke slowly. "Why don't we land now so you could prove it." He knew that he had no chance against the griffon in the air.

Gorn chuckled and started to descent. "It's your funeral." Longwing followed him slowly.

Rainbow tried to close to Longwing but was stopped by female griffon that blocked her way. "Don't try something stupid. We don't want to spoil boys fun, do we?" She smiled spitefully and flew down.

Both males landed on a small flat rock formation, glaring at each other. Cyan mare stared at the scene before her, her mind working as fast as possible to find a way out of situation. Think Rainbow! He wouldn't be in that situation if not for you. She shot a quick glance at her companion and his opponent. Bingo! I'll wait for the right moment, then I will kick Gorn as hard and fast as possible, and then we will run away. She smiled a bit, but was still worried about her friend.

Why do I always have to put myself into something? Longwing observed the griffon in front of him. He looks tough. Fortunately for me, I'm smarter than him... Right?

Griffon scratched the rock with his right paw. "Any last words before I kick your flank?"

Grey pegasus smirked. "Bring it on chicken!" Play it smart lad.

Gorn hissed and charged at Longwing who standed still. As the gap between them shrank Rainbow grimaced, sure that Longwing will be turned to dust any moment now. But what happened caused both the mare and the female griffin to gasp.
As Gorn was about to crash into Longwing the pegasus jumped aside and slammed his hoof down on the griffon's head causing him to somersault in the air and land on his back.

Rainbow Dash smiled. Maybe i underestimated him.
"Pff! Lucky hit." Rita spat glaring at Rainbow.

"Wha?!" Big griffon shook his head in disbelieve and jumped on his paws with a mixed expression of surprise and anger. Longwing braced himself for the next attack, he knew that this trick wont work again. Griffon growled and charged again, this time pegasus pounced at him trying his best to defend from hits.

The two were exchanging blows and it soon became clear that griffon was superior brawler, Longwing was tough but Gorn was stronger and faster. Gorn pummeled Longwing mercilessly, pegasus was able to block most of the punches but some still reached the target. Longwing was slowly pushed back towards the edge of the rock. Knowing that he is running out of space he dropped defensive and punched as hard as he could. Pegasus managed to hit his opponent straight in the eye causing him to sway back a bit. Taking advantage of the situation, Longwing turned around and bucked the griffon in the head with both of his hind legs, causing him to fly backwards and land on his back. "Big Mac's training program you punk!" He shouted while turning towards Gorn.

"Way to go Lon!" Rainbow Dash cheered excited. Wow he is good. But now we should get out of here. Rainbow's muscles tensed as she waited for the best moment to help Longwing to escape, but Gorn ruined her plan.

Panting and hissing, big griffon stood up and gave Longwing a death-glare. Then he roared and flew towards him. Before Longwing could react Gorn smashed into him and send both rolling down the cliff. During the fall Longwing hit a rock and his right wing bent in unnatural angle causing him to yelp in pain. Both combatants slowly stood up by the foot of the rock glaring at each other.

"Thats it." Longwing hissed to himself. Pain and anger mixed with adrenaline pushed him forward as he charged at Gorn. They were closing to each other at high speed now. Just before they met Longwing jumped forward and head butted Gorn with all his strength. They bounced from each other. Gorn took two steps backwards before collapsing unconscious on the ground. Longwing swayed but remained on his hooves.

Rainbow Dash and Rita flew down to them, both dumbfounded from what they saw.

Rainbow trotted to Longwing her mouth agape. "Lon?"

He looked at her and spoke slowly. "Let's go Rainbow." They took several steps towards the forest when Longwing stopped and turned his bruised head to Rita who was staring at him while trying to wake up her friend. He gave her serious look. "Next time... Don't mess with the pegasi." He resumed his walk with Rainbow Dash at his side.

When they crossed the line of the trees Rainbow smiled wide. "Wow Lon that was awesome! I knew that you had fire in you but what you did-" She was interrupted by Longwing leaning against her, struggling to keep balance. He looked at her and smiled weakly. "Your welcome Rainbow." He grimaced in pain. "Just don't make me do it again okay?"

Longwing stopped and tried to flex his right wing, but as soon as it moved he hissed in pain. "For the- Ah!"

Rainbow's expression changed to worried. "What's wrong Longwing?"

"My wing... Argh. It hurts." She trotted to his side to examine the wound. She had little experience with those, back on the flight camps there was always a nurse tending to wounded. When she looked at the place where wing joins with the torso she saw that it started to swell.

"That doesn't look good Long." She shook her head.

"Tell me something I don't know." He hissed again.

"Hey be a stallion!" She trotted to face him. "Looks like we're gonna go back home on hooves." She looked south. "We shouldn't be too far now, one, maybe two hours from Ponyville. If we're lucky we will be there before the sunset."

Longwing straightened himself. "Lead the way."

They begun their walk south, side by side, orange sunlight piercing the forest canopy.

"Longwing?"

"Yeah Rainbow?"

She hung her head down. "I'm... I'm sorry... I shouldn't let you get Involved in my problems. I screwed it, and you got hurt." She inhaled deeply. And ponies look up to me as the embodiment of loyalty. What a joke.

Longwing put his hoof on her shoulder. "Hey. Don't beat yourself over it. It's not your fault that we met those two jerks. And it's definitely not your fault that I cut into rather than let you to ease the situation." She looked up at him in silence, with sadness in her eyes. He shook his head. "Eh... I just... I have talent in getting myself into troubles, and when I saw him threatening you... I couldn't stand that. I like you a lot Rainbow, you've become a very close friend to me."

She lightened up. "Thanks Lon. It means a lot to me."

Longwing smiled. "You took me to an awesome air show and I made sure that you have one less griffon to worry about, lets call that even okay?"

She laughed and nodded. "Okay. But you still owe me a lunch!"

"Yeah. Anyway, who was those two?"

"Gorn is a brother of my former friend Gilda. Our paths parted some time ago, in rather... Unfriendly manner. I guess that Gilda took it harder than I though and he thinks that it's all my fault. Well now he wont even consider closing to me for some time."

"If you want you can hire me as a full time bodyguard once I heal this wing." He chuckled.

"I will consider that." She joined him in laughter.

...........................................................................................

The sun was closing to horizon relentlessly and it became clear that Rainbow Dash and Longwing wont make it to Ponyville before nightfall.

Two pegasi trotted in silence, they kept fast pace, not wanting to spend the night in the forest. Rainbow Dash was constantly glancing back at Longwing, making sure that battered pegasus didn't fall behind, and slowing down if necessary.

When they finally reached some cleared path Rainbow slowed the pace a bit allowing her companion to rest. After few moments Longwing heard something, a rustle of the leaves. Something is following us.

"Rainbow." He tried to sound as casual as possible.

Rainbow Dash looked at him. "Hmm?"

"You need to take off. It's not safe on the ground anymore."

She looked around. "What are you talking about?"

He looked her deeply in the eyes. "Rainbow, just do it."

"Okay." Rainbow took off and floated above Longwing. "What do you think is it."

Grey pegasus slightly sped his pace. "I'm not sure, but don't want to risk." He saw a clearing in front of them. "Let's go over there." He knew that whatever was following them, if it was hostile they had better chances on the open ground.

When they made it to the center of the clearing he realised how wrong he was. From the forest behind them a big dark creature emerged , and from opposite direction there was second one closing to them slowly. Trap!

"Timber wolves!" Rainbow Dash shouted.

"Damn it!" Lonwing looked around, trying to find an exit from this situation but there was none. Clearing was surrounded by the thick forest with the exception of the places where it was crossed by a path, but this way was blocked by the Wolves. There was an obelisk to their right but it was too steep to climb upon. Damn wounded wing. There was no chance that he escape and he doubted that they had a chance of defeating the beasts. Longwing looked at the Rainbow Dash hovering over him. If she stays here she will be in danger too. Grey pegasus sighed. "Rainbow!" Mare turned her attention to him. "You need to fly for help!"

"What?!" She glared at him. "No way Lon! I'm not leaving you!" She knew that if she left now, she would never see Longwing again.

Before Longwing could say anything the Timber wolf in front of him pounced at him growling loud. He felt beast's weight crash against him and it's claws tearing his skin, but he managed to keep it's teeth from his throat and kick the wolf away.

Then second timber wolf attacked, it tried to jump at the struggling pony but was intercepted by Rainbow Dash and knocked down by a powerful kick in the head. She quickly turned to her companion. Situation was very bad.

First timber wolf renewed it's attack, this time managing to sink it's teeh into Longwing's neck and knocking him over. Grey pegasus struggled to throw attacker off him but with no avail, jaws clenched on his neck started to suffocate him.

"NO!" Rainbow flew as fast as she could and slammed into the beast sending it flying sever metres from Longwing. Unfortunately before she could gain altitude wolf she stopped moments ago pounced at her causing both of them crash against the obelisk.

Catching his breath desperately, Longwing got up. He noticed Rainbow Dash lying at the foot of the obelisk. She wasn't moving. Her head was bleeding badly. Before the wolf that attacked her managed to rise up, Longwing run to them and delivered a powerful buck sending the beast away from the Rainbow.

"Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash wake up!" He shook her but no response came. When he heard snarling behind him he turned around. He saw both timber wolves standing several metres away, glaring at him. The one he just kicked was limping. Both wolves looked at Rainbow Dash, then back at him.

After a moment he understood. They were giving him a choice. Leave Rainbow Dash to them or die.

Longwing was badly wounded, before him there were standing two predators capable of tearing him apart. He managed to wound one of them earning their respect but still, for them he was a prey.

Instinct screamed. RUN!

Heart whispered. Save Rainbow.

He raised his head to look the closest beast straight in the eyes and whispered.. "I will not let another ghost haunt me."
Longwing stretched his wings as far as he could, the pain in the wounded one dulled by adrenaline, the last beams of the setting sun falling at him made his wings look like it where on fire. Then he shouted, pouring his anger and determination into it. "YOU WILL NOT GET HER!"

Wolves snarled at him.

"You will not get her." He hissed and stomped his hoof, glaring into the eyes of the beast.

The wounded one started to draw back slowly, but the second growled loudly and charged at the pegasus.

Adrenaline caused the whole world to move slowly for Longwing. He waited for the right moment. Only one chance.

When it was close enough, timber wolf pounced at Longwing. Now! Right before the beast crashed against him, Longwing turned around and bucked with all his might, straight in the wolf's head. A sickening crunch could be heard as wolf's jaw was broken. With unearthly howl the beast drew back and escaped with it's companion into the forest.

I did it. Longwing let himself a small smile before returning to Rainbow. She was still unconscious and her head was bleeding. Grey pegasus looked south. Rainbow said that we should be close to Ponyville now. He turned his attention to his wounds. His sides and neck were bleeding strongly and he could feel his strength leaving him. Longwing glanced at cyan mare lying before him. I can't fail now.

He put Rainbow on his back stabilizing her with his healthy wing. The sun finally hid behind the horizon. With a cyan mare on his back he staggered in the direction of the town. He knew he had little time but couldn't let Rainbow die in this accursed forest. One thought pushed him forward.

Save Rainbow! Save Rainbow!

Save Rainbow.

.....................................................................................................

Outside the Ponyville, near the edge of the Everfree forest there was a crowd of ponies.

"Okay Listen up!" Twilight's magically magnified voice boomed silencing the gathered. "We're entering now! Stay together and make sure that you have visual contact with at least two more groups all the time!"

Earlier that evening Pinkie Pie bursted into the library screaming that her Pinkie Sense told her that somepony is in grave danger in the forest. Twilight instantly thought of Rainbow Dash and Longwing. She gathered her friends and as many ponies as possible and organized a rescue party. Now all of them prepared to enter the dreaded Everfree forest.

Twilight started to give another order. "Keep formation and-" "Twilight look!" She was interrupted by Rarity standing next to her.

Everypony turned to the direction pointed by the unicorn and spotted the silhouette of a large pegasus.

"It's Longwing!" Pinkie pie shouted bouncing up and down.

"But what is he c-" In the faint light Twilight saw Rainbow Dash lying lifelessly on his back. "We need a medical help here!"

One of the unicorns levitated unconscious Rainbow from Longwing's back and placed her on the grass, allowing the nurse to examinate her.

"Longwing what happe- *gasp*" Only when he entered the light circle she could she him clearly. He was swaying, his sides and neck were torn with wounds, bleeding profusely.

Longwing gave her an empty stare. "Save... Rainbow..." He managed to whisper before collapsing.

Shaking off from shock, she enveloped him in magical aura. "This is bad, really bad!" Twilight said to herself before they both disappeared in the flash of light.

The price

Awareness slowly returning.

Dull pain in the head.

Smell of the antiseptics.

Eyes opening.

Green ceiling, blue walls. I know this place.

Rainbow Dash woke up completely. She was in the hospital. Did I crash again?

*SNORE*

She looked at the table beside her bed. "Uh... Pinkie?"

Pinkie Pie raised her head from the table and wiped a trail of drool from her mouth. Her eyes only half-opened she turned to Rainbow Dash.

"Hi Dashie." Her head started to lower but after a moment her eyes snapped open and she tackled the cyan pegasus. "DASHIE! You're awake! I was soworriedwhenIsawyouandIwantedtommmhhpmm-" Hoof in Pinkie's mouth stopped the torrent of words.

"Hey Pinkie, slow down and tell me what happened." Then the doors opened and three more ponies entered.

Rarity frowned and picked Pinkie Pie up with her magic placing pink pony on the floor. "Pinkie please give Rainbow Dash some space."

"How 're ya feelin' sugarcube? Ya scared us all." Applejack and Fluttershy trotted to Rainbow's bed.

"My head is killing me, aside from that I feel fine."

Fluttershy sat next to Rainbow Dash. "Um... So Rainbow, could you tell us what happened to you?"

Cyan pegasus shrugged her shoulders. "I was hoping that you could tell me."

"Ya don't remember?" Rainbow shook her head. "Longwing brought ya on his back from the forest."

Rainbow Dash straightened herself and her pupils shrunk as memories rushed to her. "I remember now! We were attacked! We were attacked on our way back here!" She looked at her friends with worry in her eyes. "Where is Longwing? I saw that he took a hit back there. Is he alright?" Her worries deepened as her friends started to look uncomfortable and Pinkie Pie hung her head down. There was silence, Rainbow was looking from face to face until finally Rarity climbed on her bed and sat by her side.

"Rainbow darling..." She took a deep breath. "When Longwing brought you to Ponyville... He was wounded... Badly wounded."

Rainbow was looking at her with her eyes wide. "W-what do you mean badly wounded? How badly?"

White unicorn sighed and put her hoof on Rainbow's shoulder. "He was dying. They have been operating him all night. Twilight notified Princess Luna about the situation, she came here with the best Canterloth surgeon to help him but... But they still don't know if he will make it..."

Rainbow's eye was twitching. "I..." She looked at her hooves in disbelieve. "I need to see him... I need to see him now!" She jumped from the bed, almost falling on the floor as her head reminded her recent injury, and sprinted out from the room.

"Rainbow wait!" Rarity yelled and run after her followed by her three friends.

Rainbow Dash sped through the corridors in the direction of the Intensive Care wing. When she finally arrived there she saw Twilight talking to a unicorn wearing white coat.

Twilight's eyes widened. "Rainbow! Thanks Celestia you're allright. Why did you leave your bed? You should be resting now!" Purple unicorn trotted to Rainbow Dash and put her hoof on her shoulder.

"I had to check on Longwing. Girls said that he-" She couldn't finish the sentence and just stared at the two unicorns with her mouth opened.

White unicorn stallion looked at her. "It's not a good idea."

"What? Why?" Pegasus closed to him.

"Patient is in really bad shape. We have done our best to stabilize him but he is still in critical state." Rainbow backed a bit as he continued. "He sustained severe injuries, when they brought him here he barely had enough blood to survive and serious internal damage." He looked in her eyes. "I'm sorry but there is nothing more that we can do. Next hours will be decisive."

Rainbow Dash sat down shaken by his words. She inhaled deeply and spoke. "Please... Just let me see him."

Doctor frowned and looked at Twilight. The rest of her friends joined them but remained silent.

Purple unicorn sighed. "I'll be there doctor. If anything happens I will let you know."

"Alright." He gave Rainbow supporting look and walked away.

Cyan pegasus trotted to door and lifted her hoof, only to stop it inch away from the knob.

"Are you sure you want to this Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash inhaled and nodded. She opened the door and entered, first things she noticed was heavy smell of antiseptics and beeping of the life support machinery. Then she spotted pony lying on the bed. Most of his body was covered in bandages, several cables and drips were connected to his body and he had a respirator pipe in his mouth.

Rainbow Dash slowly walked to his bed, her eyes wide, she was shaking. No, no, no, no! When she was a step from the bed she sat down on the floor, closing her eyes tightly to stop tears.

Her friends entered the room and stopped behind her. Only Fluttershy came closer and sat next to cyan pegasus hugging her with her wing.

For a few moments Rainbow remained silent, breathing loudly. Finally she calmed down and started to talk quietly.
"As you know, me and Longwing were in Cloudsdale yesterday. Wonderbolts Air Show in Cloudsdale's Stadium. While we were flying back to Ponyville we stumbled upon a former acquaintance of mine, griffon called Gorn. He started threatening me and Longwing got into fight with him." She raised her head an looked at her friends. "I know that Longwing is a strong pegasus but I was certain that he will be beaten to dust." A weak smile appeared on her face. "Well... He proved me wrong. He knocked Gorn out, but wounded his wing in the process and we had to continue our way back on hoof." Her expression darkened. "Then the Timber Wolves came." Silent gasps could be heard in the room. "He tried to send me away... The fight got ugly very quick. I saw Longwing wounded by one of the wolves while the other managed to knock me unconscious. In the last moments before I succumbed I heard his voice booming. He was shouting at the wolves to leave me alone. I could see him, standing between me and the beasts, he looked like he was glowing with his own light. Then everything went dark."

A deep silence followed Rainbow's confession.

"And now... He... He is lying here, barely alive because of me." Her voice started to crack. "I failed." Finally emotions poured out of her.

All present ponies closed in and embraced her. They remained here like that comforting the sobbing pegasus and watching over a friend that was fighting for his life.

Legends part 1

Over two hundred years have passed, since the union of the three tribes and the creation of Equestria. Young country was led by a council, made of representatives of Unicorns, Pegasi and Earth Ponies, doing their best to ensure safety and peace for ponies they ruled. Unfortunately it wasn't an easy task. Equestria at the time was still weak, and was constantly a target for monsters and warlords that wanted to enslave its inhabitants and claim their wealth. Dangers such as hostile kings and chieftains were fought by an Equestrian Army led by the Council. But to fight monsters and enemies from within, those who are too elusive and numerous to face the might of the Council, there was need for a more flexible and independent force. Thus the Order of the Knights was created. Knights were paragons of honour and valour, chosen from among those who were deemed worthy and upheld those virtues. Mostly nobles and warriors of uncommon skill, they were guardians of peace, living near the common inhabitants of Equestria they sought for dangers hiding in the shadows and fought them. One of such menaces, was an enchantress called Mercury Stream, a unicorn of great power that strived to become an empress of ponykind, no matter the cost.

Hayverness, Equestria

YEAR 210 AFTER TRIBES UNION

Dawn. Hayverness, large town on the south of Equestria. On usual day its streets would still be quiet and empty. But it wasn't a usual day. For that day, heroes were leaving to wage war for the safety of Equestria. A square right behind the town's main gate was crowded. Tens of ponies were present there, but even an untrained eye could see that a small group of them standed off. A dozen soldiers. Band of heroes. Knights of Equestria.

Their leader, a tall grey pegasus wearing silver, embellished cuirass with a shield, helmet and sword hanging by his sides, was standing in front of a cyan pegasus mare, looking in her eyes with care.

"I hate when you go without me." She said, sadness dripping from her voice.

"And I hate to leave you Sun Blaze. But we can't miss an opportunity like this. Mercury Stream has been eluding justice for years. Now we know where she is. We can finally end this my love." He grabbed her hoof and caressed gently.

Mare sighed. "I know... But I still don't like it. Ponies says that she is the most powerful unicorn in Equestria, that she made pacts with the demons." She inhaled deeply. "Why is it you who have to lead this expedition? Silver Blade has enough experience to be a leader. Why do you have to leave right now when I need you most?" She tightened her eyelids to hold the tears.

Sadness crept on the stallion's face. "It is my duty Sun Blaze. Equestria is in peril. You would be coming with me if not for the circumstances." He lifted her chin and smile warmly. "I promise that I will be back before it happens. You hear me? I promise." His gaze moved on the mare's visibly rounded belly.

Cyan pegasus smiled. "Don't you dare to be late." She adjusted the locket he was wearing, similar one was on her neck. Those were their wedding lockets, on each one there was engraved a cutie mark of the owner's spouse.

"Sir Bright Heart." A dark blue unicorn stallion, wearing similar set of armor as his leader, approached them. "I'm sorry but we have to leave."

Grey pegasus sighed. "Assemble the Knights Silver Blade."

"Yes my lord." Unicorn bowed slightly and trotted off.

Bright Heart looked at his wife. "Goodbye my love. I'll be back soon." He whispered as he nuzzled the mare affectionately. Then he started to back off.

Sun Blaze said nothing, she was just standing there smiling to her husband, looking him deeply in the eyes. Eyes that burned with undying love.

Leader of the Knights trotted to the centre of the square, everypony gazed in awe when he passed beside them. Rest of the Knights finished their goodbyes and joined their leader forming a rank before him. Mares and stallions alike, each of them proud and fearless. When the last of them joined, Bright Heart spoke loud so everypony in the square could hear him. "Knights of Equestria! My friends. Today we march to end the spree of terror caused by a witch Mercury Stream, and with the blessings of our beloved we will prevail!" "HUZAAH!" Replied the Knights in unison. "Then follow me Knights! We march for our friends and families. We march for Equestria!" Another loud cheer erupted among the heroes, and with that final act they left the town, leaving the crowd behind.

When they were walking away, Silver Blade approached his commander, he could read ponies like an open book, and Bright Heart was his close friend making it even easier. "Don't worry my lord. She will be fine. She is one of the Knights after all. And a wife to the most famous one of our order." A friendly smile appeared on his face.

Bright Heart didn't answer and just smiled back. He knew that he was surrounded by ponies he could depend on. Real friends who would gladly give their lives for him. Those who gave him strength, to endure everything that world would throw at them. And now they were heading to fight the most dangerous pony in Equestria.

....................................................................................................

Knights marched on, day and night, until they reached their destination. It was a full moon night. Bright Heart trotted uneasy in circles, waiting for the scout to return. Finally his patience was rewarded as green pegasus mare came out of the bushes.

Skinny mare took a moment to catch her breathe and begun to report on her findings. "My lord we found her. The witch and her cult are in the ruins of the monastery right behind these hills. But we must hurry my lord it seems that they are preparing to leave."

Stallion nodded. "You did great job Lime Leaf." He donned his helmet and turned to the others. "Let's not waste time. Arm yourselves Knights. We end this now." Assembled ponies nodded and proceeded as ordered.

Dozen of armed ponies made their way through the hills, as they reached the peak of the last one separating them from their target they saw it. Single building, its walls were showing the effects of time flow but were more or less intact. Before the building there were a group of ponies loading equipment on the carts and securing it for the travel. Most of them were unicorns, some of them wore long dark coats.

Bright Heart scanned the area for the presence of the witch but she were nowhere to be seen. "She must be still inside." He was standing in front of his comrades in full battle outfit, shield fastened to his left foreleg, sword still in the sheath.

Surroundings offered no cover so they were spotted quickly. Knowing well that time was running out, Bright Heart unsheathed his sword. He raised his weapon and shouted. "FOR EQUESTRIA!" Then broke into gallop in the direction of panicking ponies, followed closely by the rest of the Knights.

Warriors of Equestria hit the cultists like a thunderbolt, even though they were outnumbered by far they neutralized threat quickly without a single casualty on their side.

Leader of the Knights knew that real battle was yet to begin. He jumped at the staircase and bucked the monastery's door breaking it in half. They entered the monastery cautiously. In the centre of the large room they saw several more cultist who begun to back off slowly. Then Bright heart saw a lonely pony standing on the far side of the room right in front of the destroyed altar. Despite the fact that this figure was turned in the other direction and was wearing a long black coat and a hood he knew exactly who it was.

Lone pony turned around and made several steps in the direction of the newcomers, stopping right behind the line of cultists. Moonlight was illuminating her, but only a purple snout was visible from underneath the hood. She was smiling.

"Well, well, well. What a surprise, the glorious Knights of Equestria came to visit me. And if it's not a famous Bright Heart leading them, I'm flattered really." Mercury Stream broke into laughter.

Bright heart glared at the enchantress. "It's over Mercury Stream! Your followers are defeated, you don't stand a chance against us. Surrender now and you will have a just trial." He spoke with a sword pointed at his adversary.

Witch seemed to be amused by his speech. "Over? My dear, foolish, ponies." She raised her head slightly and her eyes flashed. "This is just the beginning!" With this words she lit her horn and stomped her right hoof on the floor.

Knights were about to charge when the ground started shaking and in several places the floor exploded sending rocks everywhere around. Distorted creatures started to emerge from the newly created pits. They had shapes of ponies but were made of stone, dirt and iron. Over three dozen creatures were standing now between the Knights and their target.

Mercury Stream raised her hoof. "CRUSH THEM!" Constructs clumsily rushed forward.

"ATTACK!" Bright Heart yelled and Equestrians charged the new foe. Ponies were swifter, more agile and smarter, but constructs were incredibly strong and felt no pain nor fear. As the two groups engaged in fierce combat, Bright Heart tried to reach the true enemy. He was attacked by several golems but cut them down one by one, dodging and deflecting their attacks with his shield.

Finally he managed to break off the combat and stood face to face with Mercury Stream.

Frown appeared on her face. "You truly are the stubborn one."

"You are not getting away this time!" He leaped at his foe, while shielding himself from the lightning she unleashed. He swinged his sword where he thought she stood but there was nothing. "What?" He looked around only to be blasted by a magic bolt. "Argh!" He faced the unicorn that appeared on his right.

"Whats wrong Bright Heart? Problems with your aim?" She spat venomously.

He striked again only to see the witch disappearing into thin air as his blade touched her. Another blast and hiss of pain. Then he realized that he does not hear the sounds of battle and the world few metres from him is covered in smoke. She is stirring with my mind. He heard magic charging behind him and spun around just in time to deflect another bolt with his shield. Focus Bright Heart! Focus! She was a powerful unicorn indeed. He has to be concentrated to win this. He steadied his breath and recalled his goodbye with Sun Blaze. He focused on her eyes. Eyes of the mare he fell in love with. His vision started to clear slightly. He strained his eyes and finally spotted a faint shadow standing several metres from him. I got you now. He jumped ahead, aiming with his sword at the place to her right. He landed finishing the attack, but immediately crashed his shield into the shadow. Unicorn fell backwards and the illusion faded away.

It seemed that Knights were slowly gaining the upper hoof over the golems. Mercury Stream quickly scrambled to her hooves and spat some blood on the floor. Her hood fell on her back revealing the metal collar surrounding her neck and partially covering her cheeks. "Your will is stronger that I thought." She straightened herself. "Let's do this your way." Her eye's flashed red as straight blade appeared in front of her and she pounced at pegasus attacking madly.

There was a shower of sparks when the blades met and Bright Heart had to back because of the unnatural strength of the attack. "What sorcery is this?" He hissed with his teeth clenched.

Purple mare continued her furious assault leaving her opponent no time to rest. Blade in her magical grasp cut like attacking viper but with the strength of a charging buffalo.

Knight spotted a gap in her defence and exploited it immediately cutting her side. But when the blade struck it bounced back, only managing to cut off the part of her coat revealing the armour underneath. Bright Heart have never seen anything like this before. Her armour appeared to be a smooth layer of metal, with no visible joints. It looked like it was flowing on her skin covering her body completely with the exception of the head.

Taking advantage of her opponent's confusion, she attacked again. Pegasus barely managed to defend himself using his shield. When the blade struck shield was broken apart and its remains fell on the floor. He was on defensive, losing strength quickly.

Seeing that his commander is in danger, Silver Blade blasted the golem that was attacking him and shoot lighting at the witch, causing her to hiss in pain and lose focus dropping her blade.

Bright Heart reacted quickly, attacking her unarmored head. But the strike never reached it's target. When the blade was centimetres from Mercury's skin metal covering her body expanded and deflected the sword.

The force of the strike caused her to sway back few steps. Sparks of fury ignited in her eyes. "ENOUGH!" She screamed calling upon her magic and releasing a powerful shockwave which knocked over everypony else in the room and destroyed all of the constructs. Then with her eyes and horn glowing red she raised both front legs and slammed them against the floor. Remains of the golems floated in the air and reformed into chains which then pinned the Knights to the floor. Enraged unicorn trotted slowly to the pegasus laying on his back and struggling against the chains. "Fools. You are no match for me. You are like a foals playing war." She was now standing directly over Bright Heart, looking into his eyes. Her blade once again in magical grasp, levitating in front of her. "Why do you fight inevitable? Soon I will take over Equestria as it should have been long ago! I Mercury Stream, heir of the Aurora Light's throne and soon the empress of the ponykind!" She panted loudly. "But first, I will take care of you." A devilish smile appeared on her face as she levitated her blade to his throat.

Pegasus looked her in the eyes with defiance. He will not beg, he will not give her this satisfaction. He only regretted one thing. I'm sorry Sun Blaze. I am so sorry. He prepared to die.

But the death didn't come. Witch's blade stopped on his skin. Something caught her awareness. She crouched next to him. And reached with her hoof to his neck.

Then he saw what she was so interested in. His locket. For the first time in years terror froze his heart.

She raised the locket a bit to examine it closely. Then she smiled even wider and looked at his terrified face. "Or... I could make you suffer even more." Unicorn chuckled, pressing her hoof against his forehead she lit her horn. Knight screamed in agony as Mercury Stream invaded his mind. After few seconds it stopped and she stood up. "Usually I avoid civilian involvement, but as a future empress I need to send a message. So no pony would challenge me again."

Bright Heart started to struggle even harder, knowing full well what she had in mind. "NO!"

"I would love to chat but I have an important meeting to attend to... In Hayverness." She levitated a bag from the altar. "Let this be a lesson for you and the others." Strong gust of wind filled the room as lights surrounded Mercury Stream.

"LEAVE HER ALONE!" Yelled desperate pegasus.

Purple unicorn gave him one last smile before vanishing in the thin air.

"NOOO!"

He struggled in all his might, but the chains wouldn't break. He didn't know how long it took, but the spell finally weakened and Knights managed to free themselves. As soon as his chains broke he jumped on his hooves and took off, not even glancing at his fellow ponies he flew out through the window.

"Bright Heart wait!" Silver Blade shouted behind the pegasus but with no effect. He lit up his horn and conjured a pair of dragonfly wings on his back. "Those who can fly follow me! Lime Leaf stay with the rest and check what they were doing here, then go to Hayvarness, we will await you there." With these words he flew after his leader.

...............................................................................................

He was flying as fast as his wings could carry him, he knew that time was running out, maybe it was already too late. NO! His vision was slowly starting to blur. Not now... I must not...

Then he saw Hayverness. And the sky full of smoke. New strength filled his body. Although he tried to deny it, deep inside he knew the terrible truth. He was too late.

Knight headed to the, now devastated, district he lived in and landed in front of his house... Or rather in front of what was left of it. Most of the fire died out already, building had no roof and few sections of the walls were collapsed.

It cannot be truth... It cannot be! This is just a nightmare. It must be. He could feel his heart shattering. Stallion slowly entered the ruins of his house. With each step cracks on his being spread. He was searching the building. He tried his best not to think what he could find there. He entered the area that used to be a living room, wall facing the street collapsed completely. Then he saw something on the floor , something shining. A locket. Bright Heart lifted it to his eye level.

"No..." He whispered and sat on his haunches. He shook his head. Tears started to flow down his face. "This can't be real." He remained motionless, staring at the silver locket on his hoof.

Silver Blade lost sight of his leader almost immediately when they flew out of the old ruins but he knew exactly where to go. They flew as fast as they could and soon they reached Hayverness. Knights circled above the city, stunned by the sheer volume of devastation. For if the witch could do so much damage in so little time how can they stop her? Streets were mostly empty, only few ponies remained there, most of the inhabitants fled when the attack started. After few minutes Silver Blade found Bright Heart's home, and it didn't look good.

Knights landed in front of the ruined building and through the gaping breach in the wall they saw their leader. Or rather a wreck of a pony that once was their leader. He was sitting there, unmoving, staring at the silver locket with a blank expression. They realized what happened. Blue unicorn made few steps towards him but stopped, deciding that they should give their leader some time.

After several minutes a unicorn in guard uniform approached the Knights. "My lords! It's good to see you again. When the witch attacked we thought you were dead or imprisoned. Is there anything I can do-" He stopped talking when he spotted pegasus in the ruins. "Is that Sir Bright Heart?"

Silver Blade walked to the guard. "Yes but he must not be disturbed right now." Guard pony nodded. "Tell me about the attack, streets are deserted where are the inhabitants?"

"Most of the inhabitants fled to Neighenburgh, we feared that the witch came to enslave the population but she just started to set everything on fire." He turned his head to the ruined house. "Starting with this place. Then she left as expectantly as she arrived. Marshall ordered the citizens to remain in Neighenburgh until we make sure that she is not going to come back."

Unicorn Knight reflected on the information he received, then he nodded to the pony before him. "Thank you for your help. I will not keep you from your duties."

Guard bowed. "As you wish my lord. May I ask what are you planning to do next?"

Silver blade opened his mouth to respond but were interrupted.

"We are going after the witch!" Strong deep voice stated.

Present ponies gasped and looked in the direction of the voice. They saw Bright heart walking out from the ruins in their direction.

His second in command was shocked. "Sir?"

"I said we are going to hunt her down." Grey pegasus stooped right in front of Silver Blade.

Unicorn looked in the eyes of his leader... He didn't like what he saw. Anger and hate could be seen in the eyes of the pegasus.

One of the Knights stood up. "But my lord! We don't even know where to find her."

"I know where she is." He turned to surprised ponies. "Mercury Stream said that she wants to become the Aurora Light's successor. What would be a better place to do it if not the old king's castle."

"Aurora's castle? But it has been deserted for over two centuries now."

Pegasus nodded. "That's why this area wasn't looked upon closer. That place is a symbol of the old order, forgotten by most ponies."

Silver blade trotted closer to him and now stood snout to snout with his leader, and his best friend. "Bright Heart this is madness." He hissed to Bright Heart. He forgo the formal tone he usually used, he spoke like that to his leader only when they were alone or when the pegasus was about to make a grave mistake. "We can't compete with such power, you saw what she did back there in the monastery, look around now. How can we possibly defeat her without an army?" He lowered his voice. "Listen to me. We should regroup in Neighenburgh. She is strong and smart mare. I'm sure she fled with the others." He tried to sound reassuring, but deep inside even he didn't believe his own words.

Bright Heart raised a locket that was now on his neck with his hoof to the level of Silver Blade's eyes. "You know what this is. You know what that means. I tried to believe my friend, I tried." Pegasus sighed heavily. "She's gone. Hiding and running will only postpone the inevitable. We must do something my friend." He turned to the rest of the Knights. "Today I lost wife and unborn foal." He raised his voiced so everypony could hear him. "I lost them because of the evil in the form of a unicorn we tried to capture. And I'm going to avenge them. I can't ask you to accompany me, but I'm going to confront Mercury Stream and make her pay even if it kills me." He looked at the gathered awaiting their response. After few moments of nervous glances and murmurs one by one Knights began to stand up and nod to their leader, showing their support and readiness. He knew that they would follow him into the fire of Tartarus itself.

The last hesitant was Silver Blade. Unicorn was certain that this mission is madness. He looked at Bright Heart. He could see emotions boiling inside the pegasus. It was clear that it was not his sense of duty but the pure hatred, that drove him to go after Mercury Stream. On the other hoof, he knew that his leader was right. Left unchecked the witch could soon become too powerful to defeat. Blue unicorn sighed and looked in the eyes of his friend. "Lets do this."

..............................................................................................................................

It was getting dark. Knights finally reunited with the group that stayed to search monastery where they fought Mercury Stream. The rocky valley they were inside now was their last stop before the Aurora's castle, air in the camp was thick with tension and news brought by the second group only worsened the situation.

"Are you sure?" Silver Blade frowned.

Green pegasus mare nodded. "Absolutely. We've searched the area thoroughly and found the signs of digging in the monastery and it's surroundings. We also found a bag that surely belonged to the one of the cultists. It was filled with ornaments and idols stolen from the monastery."

Frown of the blue unicorn deepened. "I don't get it. Why would she want to steal something like that? With the support her followers Mercury Stream doesn't need money... Or to go to such places by herself to find it."

Another pony approached, a white unicorn mare. "There's more to it."

Silver Blade looked at her, sensing anxiety and fear. He nodded to her.

"What do you mean?"

"This monastery was a temple of the old gods. Unicorns that worshipped them before the fall of this religion were using enormous amounts of magic during the services. Very air not to mention the building itself should be vibrating with magic energy. But it was empty. Not even a trace of magic." Mare was becoming more and more uneasy as she spoke.

"Do you mean that, the magic energy there was... Taken away?"

"I'm afraid so."

Silence fell over the camp. Everypony who had any knowledge about magic knew that siphoning it was not possible through normal means.

Shivering mare spoke again. "The rumors are true. Mercury Stream is in league with demons."

"We don't know it for sure!" Silver Blade spoke trying to rise morale. "She could have found another way. Or maybe something purged this place of magic earlier. We don't know for sure." He looked each of present ponies in the eyes. "Get some sleep Knights. We need to be in full strength tomorrow." Knights nodded and spread in the encampment trying to get some sleep but the uneasiness remained.

Blue unicorn looked at the spot several metres away from the edge of the camp. There, by the wall of the valley, next to the small campfire, was sitting a grey pegasus. Bright Heart was silent since the events in Hayverness, he was keeping distance from everypony and shun any contact. Silver Blade was now actual leader of the Knight until Bright Heart regain ability to command. He walked to his friend, he was trying to break the wall which pegasus built around himself for the past few days.

Unicorn stopped several steps from the pegasus and waited. Bright Heart was looking at the two silver pedants he was wearing on his neck. After few moments grey stallion raised his head and looked at him.

Unicorn started. "Have you heard the news?" He was looking at pegasus expectantly.

"Yes."

"And?"

Pegasus turned his head to the sky and remained silent for a moment. "As you said, we don't know for sure."

Silver Blade clenched his teeth. Apathy and indifference of his friend was making him both sad and angry.

"Silver Blade." Unicorn's ears perked up. "I need you to do something for me." Pegasus turned his reddened eyes at him.

Unicorn came closer to his friend and sat in front of him. "What is it?" Then Bright Heart took off pedants from his neck and gave both to Silver Blade. Blue stallion was dumbfounded. "What?"

"My friend... Tomorrow we will fight Mercury Stream, and I'm going to do whatever necessary to defeat her... If I fall I want you to give them to my father-in-law, Sir Sun Sky from Canterloth." Unicorn was stunned from what he just heard. He was about to refuse and say that there is no need for that, that they will both win and survive but pegasus spoke once more. "Please."

Silver Blade inhaled and nodded, he wished that his friend wouldn't do anything stupid tomorrow but he honoured Bright Heart's request. Both gave each other uneasy smiles and retreated to their blankets trying to get some sleep before the storm.

...........................................................................................

Sun was already setting when Equestrian Knights reached castle of the former emperor Aurora Light. Giant building dominated over the landscape. Aside from the walls surrounding the castle everything seemed to be intact despite the flow of time. Doing their best to remain unseen they slowly made it to the walls which, luckily for them, were unguarded. Twelve ponies entered the courtyard through the breach in the wall and then, with help of pegasi in their group, got onto the castle's balcony on the second floor.

As soon as they got inside Silver Blade could hear echo of chanting coming from the corridors. He turned to Bright Heart "You were right my lord." Pegasus didn't respond, focused solely on the task ahead. They trotted through the corridors, silently eliminating any sentries they run across. Finally they reached the source of the chanting. It was the old throne room, changed into temple. Three storeys high, two rows of columns supporting the ceiling. Galleries on the each side of the room. Few dozens of ponies were present there, most of them chanting or renovating the room. In the place where there used to be a throne now stood a bizarre altar that looked as agglomeration of various idols and artifacts emitting a slight glowing aura. In front of altar there were three ponies busy placing new additions to it. One of them were Mercury Stream herself.

Silver Blade evaluated situation searching for the best way to attack. They were vastly outnumbered and he was certain that even more cultists were in the castle.Unfortunately his hopes of playing it smart were extinguished as he saw Bright Heart unfolding his wings, with sword ready in his hooves and burning fury in his eyes. Before unicorn could say anything, grey stallion launched himself towards Mercury Stream causing panic among cultists. When she heard the commotion she turned around just in time to see descending pegaus, but had no time to react. Bright Heart's sword hit her back with the force of a thunderbolt, just like before blade bounced from the metal coating, but the sheer power of the attack was sufficient to knock the unicorn down.

Rest of the Equestrians engaged disoriented minions, trying to push them from the chamber. Meanwhile Bright Heart in his rage bombarded Mercury Stream with a hail of blows, denying her chance to catch breath and concentrate on spells. Witch was shocked by the fury of attack, unable to cast any spell she rolled on her back and kicked the pegasus. Metal clad hoof crashed against his jaw shaking him and causing a pause in the attacks. Mare used the moment and delivered a powerful telekinetic blast which hurled him upwards with bone-shattering force. She quickly jumped on her hooves hoping to regain control over the situation. Unicorn thought that the assailant was dealt with but she was wrong. When Bright Heart's hooves touched the ground again he just spat blood and charged as if nothing has happened. Enchantress was on defensive once again but now she could use her magic. She started deflecting blows but were still unable to attack directly. She could feel that despite her impenetrable armor she suffered internal injuries. Her eyes started emitting a slight glow as she tried to haze her opponent's mind in order to create an opportunity to strike.
But you can't blind something that is already blinded.
To her surprise stallion didn't even flinch. He continued to push her back, fighting like a berserker. Then she finally recognized his face.

"YOU!?" Mercury stream was stunned. She thought that her recent actions would break the Knight, leaving him unable to live, not to mention fight. True she have broken him... But not in the way she expected. For the first time in years Mercury Stream felt the sting of fear.

Throne chamber was in total chaos, screams and clang of metal were only things that could be heard there. Nopony noticed that the altar's glow intensified and turned red.

Enchantress managed to summon a blade and charge it with magic of lightnings. She struck her opponent but despite delivering wounds and electric shocks, she achieved nothing. Roaring pegasus was assaulting her unrelentingly, more and more blows reaching her metal cover. Duel became so fierce that the lightnings from her sword started to strike her as well and her armour seemed to try to reach Bright Heart with sharp tendrils of living metal. Then Mercury Stream's sword splintered and only thing that stopped Knight's blade was a magic shield conjured by her in the last moment. Momentum of the strike sent her on her haunches and mad pegasus began to strike again and again at her head, each time his blade came closer to it's target. Panicking she started gathering energy in her horn while sustaining the magic field, her armour lashing in all directions with metal tendrils.

Then, as she was about to cast a spell that would obliterate her opponent, her shield collapsed and Bright Heart's sword struck the tip of her horn.

With an earth-shattering roar a wave of light and energy spread from the two fighters, knocking everypony in the chamber to the ground, destroying the altar and damaging two nearest columns. Damaged supports then collapsed on Bright Heart and Mercury Stream along with big chunks of the ceiling burying them under tons of stone.

When the dust settled, there was absolute silence in the room. Shocked ponies didn't resume the fight, trying to comprehend what has just happened. After a moment they realized the truth. Their leaders were dead.

Silver Blade slowly trotted to the giant pile of debris, shaking his head in disbelief. "No." He stammered and sat on his haunches.

Followers of the Mercury Stream started to drop their weapons on the floor. With death of their leader there was no purpose to continue the fight, some of them lifted their forelegs in gesture of surrender while others simply run away.

The battle has been won, but at terrible price.

Knights didn't pursue the runaways, they had a hero to mourn.

The best one of their order.

Their leader.

Their friend.

...................................................................................................................

Neighenburgh was bustling with life. Messenger came to city several hours earlier with great news. Witch Mercury Stream was killed by Equestrian Knights and heroes themselves are coming to Neighenburgh. Festivities were organized and crowd of ponies awaited on the square behind the main gates to see their saviours and congratulate them.

It was early afternoon when Knights arrived. Storm of cheers erupted when heroes of Equestria passed the gate, officials came forward to greet them and congratulate on success. A careful observer could see the hints of sadness on Knight's faces.

Silver Blade, now the formal leader of the Knights, greeted the officials and politely refused taking part in festivities explaining that he is exhausted and left to search an inn. He knew that it was rude but he wasn't in mood for festivals, besides he had journey to plan. Canterloth was far away after all.

He trotted through crowded street, lost in thoughts, when he heard a familiar voice calling for him.

"Silver Blade! Silver Blade!"

He turned to the direction of the voice and saw cyan pegasus mare in an advanced pregnancy, trotting towards him.
Unicorn's eyes widened. "S-Sun Blaze? How is it possible? We... We thought you died."

Sun Blaze smiled. "I'm happy to see you too. It was close but I survived. My brother visited me when you went to fight the witch. When she appeared throwing fireballs at our home, he managed to teleport us out and we run away with the rest of the refugees." She frowned. "I was afraid that she killed you. I prayed everyday for it not to be truth." Mare smiled again. "And you defeated her. Now tell me where is my husband? He never let the officials to slow him down."

Silver Blade's expression became painful. Now after her moment of joy he had to deliver a horrible truth. "My lady..." His horn started to glow and two pedants flew from his bag, landing on Sun Blaze's hoof.

"My wedding locket? I lost it during my escape! How did you-" She stopped when she recognized second locket. Sun Blaze raised her head to meet Silver Blade's eyes. "What does it mean? Why..."

He inhaled. "My lady. Bright Heart died fighting Mercury Stream. He gave his live to destroy her and saved us all."

Sun Blaze stood there with her mouth agape, trying to comprehend what she has just heard. "Bright Heart... Dead?" Tears started to flow from her eyes as she sat on her haunches.

"I'm sorry Sun Blaze." He moved closer to crying mare and hugged her.

Equestria have won this battle. But victory was costly.

Costly and short-lived.

Legends part 2

Hoofington, Equestria

YEAR 210 AFTER TRIBES UNION

3 Months after Mecury Stream's defeat.

Late night. City of Hoofington was deeply asleep. Clear sky allowed the moonlight to illuminate the empty streets. Most of the inhabitants were either asleep or readying to end the long day. Most of the few awake were the guards, patrolling the walls and alleys of the silent city.

"I tell you that this whole 'We move the sun and moon.' is a pile of horseapples! There is no way unicorns could do that!"

"And I tell you to shut up! I can't take your rambling anymore! Either you whine about the assignments or tell those conspiracy theories of yours."

Two pegasi guards trotted on the northern wall of the city looking over the market square.

"It's not my fault I'm bored out of my mind. Besides-" He was interrupted by a hoof in his mouth.

"Hush! I see something." Second guard raised his hoof and pointed at the sky outside the city. There was something flying in their direction. "Flying visitors so late? Better check this."

His partner nodded and both took off, flying to meet the newcomer. They stooped and hovered in his path, raising their spears. As the pegasi shaped creature came closer one of the guards shouted. "Stop and state your busi-" Guest crashed into them knocking both unconscious and sending them to the ground. Creature didn't even flinch and continued its flight towards the city.

..............................................................................................

A sounds of heavy hoofsteps and breaking glass awoken Stargazer. She was a High Mage of Hoofington, well known and respected.

"What was that?" Another loud crash. " Burglars? In my tower?" Blue mare jumped off her bed and quietly trotted downstairs, to her laboratory. As she was descending, noises were becoming louder and louder. Finally she reached the laboratory floor and peeked around the corner.

Room was in disarray. Much of her equipment was scattered on the floor. She gritted her teeth. They're gonna pay for this. Then she spotted the trespasser next to her artifacts display. Barely visible in the moonlight, he appeared to be a large, heavily armoured, pegasus. How did he manage to pass the guards? Nevermind I will teach him a lesson. She smiled and charged her horn with magic, not giving the intruder time to react she shot a powerful lightning at him. Smoke and smell of ozone filled the room.

"Lets see how effective is your metal armour against this." She smirked and levitated a staff from a nearby wall. By tapping the floor with the staff, she lit all lamps and torches in the room. Then she waved it removing the smoke from the laboratory. "Let's see who our guest... Is..." What she saw shocked her to the core. Not only the trespasser was still standing, seemingly unaffected by her attack, but he appeared to not be a pony at all.

Before her stood a creature that could be taken for a cross-breed between pony and a dragon. Taller than anypony she have ever seen. Four plate sized hooves, bat-like wings, long thick tail that looked heavy enough to break bones and head that looked like a skull of a dragon. Eyes glowing red and mouth filled with a long sharp teeth. Creature seemed to be made of iron, its hide looked like a heavy armour embellished with a row of spines from the top of its head to the end of the tail.

Monster slowly turned around, snarling and hissing. It spread its wings and roared at the dumbfounded unicorn before jumping at her. She conjured a bubble of energy around herself and ironclad hoof slid on it, knocking a hole in the wall behind her. How is this even possible?! Stargazer started to panic, then creature raised itself on its hind legs to crush her, she gazed upon the monster as it towered above her. How could such abomination come to life? Before the strike came she teleported to the far side of the laboratory.

Nightmarish creature didn't give her much time. as soon as she reappeared it pounced at her. Unicorn dropped to the floor allowing the monster to fly over her and sent a wave of energy at it, causing the creature to crash through the wall and outside the tower. Stargazer trotted to the hole and looked out, just in time to see as the beast hit the pavement destroying it in the process. She exhaled and smiled in relief, her laboratory was on the height of six storeys, she was sure that creature was killed by the hard landing and even if it still lived the guards, alarmed by the commotion, were closing in and surely would neutralize wounded beast.

Her relief was short-lived though and her smile disappeared as the monster slowly raised up and looked at her. These red eyes pierced her soul like arrows. Creature roared, took off and sped towards her. Unicorn jumped backwards on second before abomination was in her tower once again. It looked her straight in the eyes. She was stunned by the sheer amount of hatred and anger visible in the creature's eyes. It seemed that it was fueled by these emotions. Monster charged at her once again. Mage quickly shook off and, by charging both her horn and the staff in her hooves, she created a magic barrier between the monster and herself. Creature started to pummel the barrier with its heavy hooves, causing the entire room to shake. Stargazer knew that her shield won't last long so she sent a wave of telekinetic energy at the creature. Hit, that would send a fully grown stallion flying, merely pushed the assailant back. Continuing her attack she conjured a fireball that set the creature in flames but it didn't seem to affect it much. Before it could renew the attack, pegasi guards arrived. Crossbow bolts fired by the guards that came to help the wizard started to bounce from metal skin.

Realizing that the opposition was gaining strength, iron monster roared and grabbed some of the artifacts from the display. Then, still burning, it jumped out through the hole it made earlier.

Stargazer quickly run to the breach. She saw the monster breaking through the formation of pegasi that tried to stop it. Then it turned towards the tall belfry and crashed through the building, causing it to collapse on the houses below. The sheer strength of the creature amazed the Mage, burning monster looked like destruction incarnate. A real demon. Then it began to set the buildings on fire by crashing its burning hooves against the roofs.

Fire spread quickly, causing panic among freshly awoken ponies.

Using chaos as cover, monster made one more circle around the tower before flying away, too fast for the guards to follow it.

Blue mare evaluated the situation. City was in disarray. Everypony was doing their best to put down the flames but severe damages to the building were unavoidable. So much destruction. Caused by one creature. She turned her eyes to the direction where the beast disappeared. It's time to call the Knights.

................................................

Hayverness, Equestria

Hayverness armoury was buzzing with preparations. Ponies of the Knights Order were arming themselves. For today they are marching on the enemy.

Reports of the Ironskinned monster attacking cities around Equestria resulted in mobilization of the Knights. Everypony who could, came to Hayverness to take part in expedition, whose task was to hunt down the beast.

Among the gathered ponies there was a cyan pegasus mare. She was putting on heavy vambraces, while doing her best to ignore the blue unicorn that was glaring at her.

After a few moments mare sighed. "I know what you want to say Silver Blade. And you should know that I wont change my mind."

Unicorn stallion frowned. "Sun Blaze please listen to me. You should stay in Hayverness and let us do it. You have just became a mother for ponies sake!" Silver Blade's eyes showed concern and worry.

She turned to face him. "It's been a month Silver Blade. I have fully recovered by now. And my foal is in good hooves, he will stay with my brother and his wife."

"I still think that you should stay here."

Sun Blaze growled silently. "Listen... I know that you are worried, but I can't sit here when you fight thing whose master killed my husband!" She stomped her hoof in frustration.

"We don't know for sure if that monster is Mercury Stream's creation."

"We don't know for sure? Metalclad monster that steals magic artifacts and happens to have lair inside of the same fortress that once was witch's headquarters. I'm sorry Silver Blade but I don't buy your version." She returned to adjusting her armour. Unicorn opened his mouth to say something but pegasus interrupted. "Please stop this." She hung her head. "I know that I'm horrible mother, leaving my foal like that and risking my life... *sigh* But I can't bear the thought that this monster could one day come for me and my son." She looked in the stallion's eyes. "You will need every available Knight to finish Bright Heart's work."

Blue stallion sighed. "You are as stubborn as him." He gave her a weak smile and put his hoof on her shoulder. "Okay Sun Blaze. Be ready then." He bowed slightly and trotted off.

Pegasus mare pulled out two silver lockets from her saddlebag and looked at them. She inhaled deeply, muffling emotions building inside her at the sight of the wedding gifts. I'm sorry Bright Heart. I know that you would want me to stay, but I have to do this. She put on the lockets and donned the helmet.

I miss you so much.

.........................................................................................

Travel to Aurora Light's castle passed without any incidents. Nopony dared to bother the marching column of about five dozens of armed Knights.

They stopped on the hills in front of the fortress. Since the battle with Mercury Stream nopony entered the ruins. Plans of retrieving Bright Heart's body were abandoned, because works that would be necessary to do so could cause a collapse of the rest of the great hall. The only ponies that were visiting the ruins were scouts taking care that no cult would take roots there. It was thanks to them that location of the beast's lair was discovered.

Silver Blade, now fully fledged leader of the Knights, looked at the building with sadness. Then he turned to the mare next to him. "Lime Leaf! Take nine fastest pegasi and take position outside the castle. If the beast escapes we will need somepony to follow it. Rest follow me, we go inside now." Column moved forward, despite the high number of ponies no talking could be heard, everypony was silent and concentrated on the task ahead. It was late, orange light of setting sun shined through the remaining embellished windows.

Silver Blade and Sun Blaze were on the head of the column and were the first ones to enter the throne room. And they didn't like what they saw. On the center of the chamber, right before the great pile of rubble, standing in red flames there was a metal circle. It was about two metres high and was constructed of half melted objects of various shapes and sizes. The nightmarish construction was emitting slight glow and an aura of uneasiness.

Knights slowly trotted forward looking for the inhabitant of the castle. "So that's where it took all the artifacts." Sun Blaze whispered.

Silver Blade nodded. "It looks like a portal... But the witch built an altar, why would the monster behave differently?"

Cyan mare frowned and unsheathed her sword. "No idea. And where is the-" She suddenly stopped, her eyes widened. "-the monster." She lifted her hoof to point at the pile of the rubble.

There, on the top of the debris pile, was laying a coiled creature. Awoken from its slumber the ironskinned monster stood up, stretched and unfolded his wings. Knights were shocked, the size and outlandish appearance of the beast stunned them. Creature looked at the intruders with its red glowing eyes and released a deafening roar before taking off and diving at the ponies below.

"DISPERSE!" Silver Blade shouted and jumped to the side, avoiding metal hooves by centimetres. Several Knights behind him werent so lucky. Those who were to slow were rammed by the beast, which didn't even flinch as it hit their ranks. It ascended and prepared for another attack, arrows, spears and magic blasts directed at the monster bounced from its metal hide. Once again beast attacked and wounded few Knights in the process.

"It's tearing us apart! Silver Blade you need to ground it!" Sun Blaze shouted to her leader while trying to draw the beast's attention away from her companions.

"One moment!" Blue unicorn concentrated. "NOW! Get clear!" Cyan pegasus flew away from the monster a moment before a charge of magic hit its back, covering metal wings with ice.

Disoriented monster crashed against the floor. Knights took advantage of the situation and quickly surrounded the beast, attacking it relentlessly. But the fight was far from over.

Ironclad monster roared in anger and jumped on its hooves. Then it began to attack the assailants. Blows of iron hooves and swings of massive tail quickly scattered attacking ponies. Even on the ground beast was too powerful to be overpowered by the ponies.

Seeing that her fellow Knights were unable to fight the beast, Sun Blaze jumped into fight. Flying over the others she delivered a powerful blow to the creature's head and landed behind it. Monster turned around swinging its tail at the bold mare but she anticipated the attack and dodged it gracefully. Now they were standing face to face looking in each other eyes. Abomination accepted the silent challenge, baring its long sharp fangs it attacked Sun Blaze with its heavy hooves. Each of the creature's attacked were skilfully dodged by the pegasus and retorted. Other Knights could only take distance and watch, not daring to disrupt Sun Blaze's dance. She was the best duelist in Equestria, be it a pony or a beast, there was none who could best her in single combat. Monster was furious, unable to hit the mare it was attacking madly, kicking, punching and biting. Yet despite the fact that she could dodge every blow, she was unable to win the combat. Her attacks bounced harmlessly from the metal hide.

Then unexpected happened.

Monster, knowing that it was too slow to fight on the ground, stopped attacking and tensed its wing muscles, causing the ice cover to crack and then to scatter in all directions. Sun Blaze was hit in the face by one of the splinters and lost her balance. Before anypony could react beast rammed the pegasus, throwing her across the room. She didn't have time to stand up, in the moment she landed monster was already standing over her. It snapped at her with its fangs but she managed to defend herself with her sword which was then shattered in creature's jaws. Having nothing else to defend with from another bite, she shielded herself with her armoured foreleg and closed her eyes. Sun Blaze felt the jaws of the beast clench on her vambrace, metal started to bend from the crushing force of the abomination. She prepared for the pain.

But it didn't come.

What?

She slowly opened her eyes. The monster was there. Its fangs clenched on her foreleg. But instead of ripping her limb off the beast was just staring at her neck. She looked down and noticed that the monster was looking at the two silver pedants she was wearing. What is happening? Then the pressure on her foreleg lessened. Beast released her limb and started to back off slowly.

Rest of the Knights stared at the scene dumbfounded. In one moment their companion was effortlessly jumping around the monster, then in few seconds everything changed and the creature was about to kill brave mare. But now it was backing off.

The red glow of monster's eyes faded revealing green irises. Sun Blaze was confused, the beast could kill her easily but it didnt. She looked at the pedants, then in the beast's eyes. The eyes she now recognized. No... It cannot be... "B-Bright Heart?" She muttered. At the sound of that name ironskinned monster growled and started to stomp its hooves as if in agony.

Silver Blade and several Knights run to her side and formed a barrier between her and tossing beast. "Sun Blaze are you alright?" Mare nodded still looking at the monster with wide eyes. "What have you done to it?"

It took her a few seconds to gather her thoughts before she responded to unicorn. "Silver Blade, you need to take everypony outside now!"

Stallion looked at her in shock. "What!?"

She looked him in the eyes. "Silver Blade... It's Bright Heart. This beast... It's Bright Heart."

"How is this even possible?!"

Mare shook her head. "I don't know. But I know that's him." Another howl pierced the air. "You have to trust me. I think I can still reach him." After a moment of consideration Silver Blade nodded and gave signal to retreat. Knights carefully left the chamber taking their wounded brethren with them, making sure that they remained as far as possible from the beast thrashing about in the center of the chamber.

Sun Blaze slowly stood up and made few uncertain steps towards the beast while taking off her helmet. "Bright Heart?" Monster turned her attention to her. "Bright Heart is that you?" The only response was a deafening roar but the beast remained in place. Then she heard a low rumble coming from behind. She turned her head and saw that the flames and aura surrounding the portal intensified. The power residing there realised that its grip on its puppet's mind was slipping away.

Monster's eyes regained their red glow as it took few steps towards the mare snarling and stomping loudly.

"Bright Heart It's me Sun Blaze! Your wife!" Beast flinched but didn't stop. Mare started to back off slowly. "You have to wake up! You are not a monster." Tears started to flow from her eyes. "Please snap out of it! I love you Bright Heart!" Iron creature looked like it was fighting against itself. Its head was twitching as two wills struggled, but it was still walking towards her.

Sun Blaze started to lose hope. She stopped and sat on haunches and hang her head, tightening her eyes. "Please wake up. Return to me. And to your son." Heavy hoofsteps stopped. Cyan mare looked up and saw the monster standing right before her completely still, it was looking in her eyes its jaw slightly ajar.

She stood up. "Yes. You are a father Bright Heart." She carefully raised her hoof and placed it on monster's cheek. "We have a beautiful pegasus boy." Smile crept on her face as beast's eyes returned to green colour. "His name is Bright Ray. He has your eyes Bright Heart."

Thunder-like roar pierced the air and the floor started to shake. Sun Blaze turned around and gasped as she saw that a storm of fire broke out around the portal. Faint image of demonic entity appeared inside the circle. Her gaze returned to the metal creature. "Bright Heart we have to stop this! If these things break free Equestria will be lost."

Monster looked at the portal, then at the mare before him. Then it closed its eyes and with a howl of agony it took off into air.

"Bright Heart what are you doing?" Sun Blaze shouted with fear in her voice. Then Ironskinned pony dived with astonishing speed towards the portal. "BRIGHT HEART!" Her voice drowned in the roar of explosion when monster crashed against the portal. She was knocked to the floor as light filled the chamber and she blacked out.

.......................................................................

Sun Blaze woke up. It was quiet. She slowly stood up and looked around. In the place where moments ago stood portal there was now only smoking dent in the floor. Oh Bright Heart... She clenched her teeth fighting the emotions building up in her. Then she saw something in smoke. There, among the pieces of molten metal was laying a bruised, grey pegasus. "Bright Heart?" Sun Blaze quickly sped to laying stallion and pressed her ear to his chest. A heartbeat!

Stallion released a groan of pain. "Owwww..." Mare shifted herself and lifted his head slightly. Then his eyes opened.

"Sun Blaze?" Bright Heart looked at his wife with wide eyes.

She smiled. "I'm here Bright Heart."

He recovered from shock and recalled what happened. "Oh Sun Blaze I'm so sorry."

Mare hugged him and whispered. "It's alright now."

Bright Heart hugged her back. "It's all my fault. When I saw our home... When I believed that the witch killed you... I was so furious that I let my hate to blind me. These demons felt it when I came here... It gave them power. Witch was too unpredictable ally for them so they abandoned her, they used my own hate and their powers to change me into... Into this monster. It's all my fault."

Sun Blaze broke the hug and looked in his eyes. "Bright Heart... It's not your fault. It's because of her machinations that it all happened. And it was you who overcame the beast and saved us all." She helped him to stand up. "You are a hero."

Stallion smiled weakly. "I couldn't do it without you Sun Blaze. In darkness I heard your voice, you were the beacon that led me back." He put his hoof on mare's cheek.

She smiled and tear of happiness flowed from her eye. "I love you Bright Heart."

"I love you too Sun Blaze."

Two ponies stood there, in the light of setting sun, looking in each other eyes with love.
Love that survived the darkest of trials. Love that defeated the monster spawned from hate.

Love that never fades and overcomes everything.

Choice

"This day marked the beginning of an age of peace in Equestria. As for Bright Heart and Sun Blaze... They lived happily together, till the end of their days." Small dragon bowed and roar of applause filled the air.

But the two ponies still standing in the centre of the stage didn't notice it. For them the world became a blur and all sounds were a distant hum hidden behind the beating of their hearts.

Stallion and a mare were standing completely still, looking in each other eyes. She was enchanted by the green, like a meadow in the summer afternoon, it emanated with warmth, happiness, safety and calm. He was lost in the spheres of magenta, they shined like rising suns, radiating with life, energy, devotion and passion. They could feel the warmth of each other breath, their snouts only centimetres away. They were completely lost, oblivious to the world.

Meanwhile on the far side of the stage, behind the decorations, a white unicorn was staring at the two ponies with eyes wide in excitement. Her front hooves supported on the wooden crate, she was muttering through the clenched teeth. "Come on. Come on. Just a little closer." The plan was perfect! It cannot fail. Then a purple unicorn in black coat approached her.

"Come on Rarity it's time to bow to the audience. ... Rarity?" Twilight looked in the same direction as her friend and quickly spotted what she was staring at.

Sound of the applause finally reached Longwing and Rainbow Dash, bringing them back into reality. Fierce blushes appeared on both faces as they realised what was happening. They quickly turned to the audience with nervous smiles, avoiding eye contact with each other.

"Noooooo!" Rarity whined. "It was so close! So clo-" She fell silent when she noticed the presence of Twilight Sparkle who was glaring daggers at her. She gulped and smiled nervously. "Ow... Um. H-hi Twilight. How are you?"

Purple unicorn frowned. "Come on the stage Rarity, but after that we need to talk."

Rest of the troupe joined the pair on the front of the stage and all bowed to cheering audience. Then the curtain fell and they went to the back of the stage to take the costumes off. Rainbow Dash and Longwing both wanted to separate to ease the awkward feeling but their plan was wrecked by Cheerilee.

Teacher approached them with wide smile. "You were amazing. I've never seen anypony to play these roles with so much passion and dedication." She kept talking as she walked them to one of the coat-racks. "I'll leave you to change. See you at outside." She left two nervous pegasi alone and trotted off.

They started to take off the costumes, silence was unbearably awkward so Longwing decided to break it.

"Rainbow Dash?"

Mare glanced at him. "Yeah?"

"You did really good back there. I mean... I'm impressed." Uneasy grin appeared on his face. Yeah way to go Longwing. It reaaally doesn't sound awkward. He smacked himself mentally.

Cyan mare blushed a bit more. "Um. Yeah. Thanks. You were pretty good too." She continued to undo her armour.

"Thanks." Once again silence fell between two ponies.

Rainbow Dash was first to get rid of her costume and turned to Longwing. "So... Uh... See you outside okay?"

Stallion nodded and she left him to finish taking off his costume. Left alone, grey pegasus got lost in his thoughts. What happened back there? I completely zoned out. We were playing and then- A familiar voice pulled him back to reality. He realized that he walked outside and before him was standing Cheeriliee.

"Are you alright Longwing?" Mare asked with concern in her voice.

Stallion shook his head to wake up completely. "I'm okay Cheeriliee. Everything is alright. I just..." He spotted Rainbow Dash in the crowd. She was talking with Pinkie Pie, laughing loudly. After a moment he returned his attention to mare in front of him. "I just need some fresh air. It's hot in these costumes and last scenes weren't exactly static ones. I think I'll take a short flight to cool down. But thanks for concern."

Mare smiled. "Okay. Just don't be there too long or you will miss the cake."

"I'll remember." Longwing nodded and took off, heading to the outskirts of Ponyville.

Feeling of the wind in his mane calmed him down. He hadn't got much time to fly past few days and he missed it a lot. Stream of thoughts interrupted by Cheerilee returned to him. We've practised this scene on the rehearsals several times and it was okay. He leaned to the right, avoiding the small cloud. But now when I gave myself into it... It felt so right that I got lost. I got lost in the Rainbow's eyes. He pondered it for a moment. Then he opened his mouth as realization slowly came to him.

"I'm in love with Rainbow Dash."

He knew it was truth. He didn't see it earlier but he knew that it was there for some time. But I kept denying it to myself. Happines I felt during our training sessions. This strange feeling when she asked me to go to Cloudsdale with her. Strength that came to me when fighting Timber Wolves. It all made sense now.

A wide smile slowly appeared on his face. This feeling was wonderful. He made a barrel roll, unable to hold the excitement. I wonder if she is interested in me too. Was she feeling the same back on the stage? Or maybe she was just doing this so I wouldn't look like an idiot staring at her. Stream of thoughts changed into river. His heart was pounding. He was in love. For the first time in his life he felt something that strong.

"I should talk to her." He said with determination. "I wonder if... If she..." Then he spotted few groups of ponies in the park, apparently some families that weren't at the performence decided to enjoy this day there.

Family. Longiwng's mood fell instantly as he felt a sharp sting in his heart. He slowed down, anger raising inside him. He found a secluded spot and dived towards it fast. He made few sharp, aggressive turns before finally landing in front of a tall, branchy tree. He was torn. Thought of going back to his world and family faded during the last weeks.

But now it returned with full strength.

"Why this had to happen to me!" He growled and headbutted the trunk before him. "Tomorrow princess probably is going to send me back and right now I had to realize that I have feelings for Rainbow." He hissed through clenched teeth and hit the tree once again. Tears started to form in his eyes. Why?

"Longwing?"

Stallion turned around and saw a blond maned, grey pegasus mare landing several metres from him. "Ditzy? What are you doing here?"

Ditzy Doo folded her wings and trotted to him. "I wanted to talk to you after the performance but you left. You looked distressed and I got worried about you." She looked him in the eyes. "Whats wrong Longwing?"

He gave her a forced smile trying to look casually. "Nothing Ditzy. Everything's alright." But serious expression on mare's face told him that he failed.

She shook her head. "Longwing. You know me long enough to know that I'm smarter than most ponies think." Her expression softened. She gave Longwing a caring smile and put a hoof on his shoulder. "I can see that something is bothering you. I'm here for you. Let me help."

Longwing hesitated for a moment, then he exhaled and sat down. "Yes you're right." He inhaled deeply to calm down. "Ditzy, do you remember when I told you that one day I will have to leave Ponyville?" Mare nodded. "Well... It's going to be soon. I'm sorry. I didn't want to make a fuss, that's why I didn't talk much about it. I came to terms with that I'll have to leave my friends here. It hurts, but it has to be like that. I have to return to my family and I accepted that." He paused. "But something happened and it's not that simple anymore." Stallion hung his head.

"Is that because of Rainbow Dash?"

His ears perked up. He lifted his head and gave the mare a surprised look.

Supportive smile never left her face. "What? This eyes aren't just for show you know. I suspected that something was brewing up between you two for some time but I wasn't completely sure. Now it's obvious." She poked him gently in the chest. "Longwing. I think you should consider staying in Ponyville after all."

He shut his eyes and shook his head. "No it is not possible. I can't leave them like that. They don't know what happened. They think that I am missing, by now they certainly found the wreck of my motorcycle and I have no means of telling them that I'm safe and happy in a magical land of-." Longwing fell silent, knowing well that he have revealed too much. He didn't tell Ditzy about his true origins and she didn't ask. And now he was sure that she will hate him for that.

But her face didn't change. "It's okay Longwing. I know you. I know that you are a good pony and I respect your decision. You surely had reasons too keep that a secret."

Stallions ears fell a bit. "I'm sorry Ditzy. I was afraid that you would freak out if I tell you."

She giggled. "Freak out? Oh Longwing. I have seen many strange things. Your case Is one of the most normal." She noticed quizzical look of the stallion and shrugged. "Charms of hanging out with Doctor. But lets leave that for another time." Ditzy sat down in front of him. "I see that you are wiling to sacrifice your chance of happiness for you family."

Longwing sighed. "Yeah. They mean everything for me. Few days before I came here, I wasn't there for my closest friend when he needed me. I don't want that to happen again." He looked at her and shook his head.

"Longwing let me tell you something. I can see that you care about your close ones more than yourself. It's noble but you can't always go on like this." Stallion gave her confused look. "You met Dinky. You know that she means everything to me and I would be really sad if she had ever left me." He nodded and Ditzy continued. "But it would hurt me even more if someday I found out that by making me happy she forgone her own chance of happiness." She lifted her hoof and caressed his cheek. "Do you understand?"

He turned his head right, pondering on what he have just heard.

"Besides..."

He returned his attention to Ditzy.

Her smile widened. "I'm her mother. And mother knows if her child is happy. No matter how large distance separates them. Remember that Longwing, always listen to your heart. It is the best guide."

Smile crept on Longwing's face, his spirits uplifted. He was ready to make the decision.

"So... Are you ready to return at the party?" Said the mare preparing to take off.

Stallion nodded. "Lead the way. And Ditzy." She turned to him. "Thank you."

"No problem Longwing. Thats what friends are for. Besides I owed you one for what you did at the party last week."

Stallion grinned. "I have no idea what are you talking about." Both pegasi took off.

They headed to the school, Longwing was following Ditzy, thinking about his next move. He had to admit it... She was right. He wouldn't forget what he experienced in Equestria, and wasn't sure if he would be able to move on. Yeah... I would be a miserable sight for a long time. Ditzy was right. I... I'm staying. He felt a great weight dropping from his heart. A sting of guilt remained, but it didn't hurt that much. I just hope that they will forgive me.

But he still had a difficult task ahead. I have to confront Rainbow Dash. He wasn't a coward, but contact with females on that level wasn't something he could approach casually. Not today, that's for sure. One problem at a time. An idea came to him. Tomorrow at the ball. Yeah... That will be nice. A dance with the mare I love... Or at least an opportunity to chill out if she rejects me. The mare I love... It still sounds a bit strange for me.

It didn't take long for them to reach the school and Longwing was glad for it. It was a happy day and he wanted to have fun before tomorrow.

Yeah... Tomorrow.

After the storm

Sunlight danced on his face, waking him up.

"Urgh.." Longwing slowly opened his eyes. He had no idea where he was, and why his body was so sore. Smell of sweets reached his nostrils. He looked around. "What the hay?" On the table next to his bed there was a tray filled with muffins, cupcakes and all kinds of sweets. There were balloons tied to his bed. Longwing focused on the one of the balloons. "Get well soon Longwing!. What?" Pieces slowly clicked into their places. Sweets. Balloons. Get well wishes. Bandages. Hospital. He awoke completely. "Wolves!" Rainbow Dash! He looked around in panic. "Rainbow? Rainbow Dash!?"

Door to his room opened. Longwing saw Rarity and Spike entering and tried to sit. "Rarity! Where is Rainbow Dash? Is she alright? Where is she!? Argh!" Sharp jolt of pain caused him to lay down.

Rarity sped to his side and glared at him. "Longwing calm down this instant! You will hurt yourself." Seeing that pegasus obliged she smiled warmly. "Don't worry, Rainbow Dash is fine."

Spike jumped onto the bed. "You scared us a lot. Twilight said that when you emerged from the forest you looked like you've wrestled with a manticore."

Grey pegasus gave them a weak smile. "Not a manticore but close... How long have I been here?"

Spike and Rarity exchanged glances. "Well... You've been unconscious for two days."

His jaw fell. "TWO DAYS? How bad was it?"

Rarity frowned. "Very bad. Are you feeling well enough to tell us what happened?" Longwing nodded. "How about I call Twilight and the rest? We set up shifts in the hospital waiting for you to wake up."

"Okay."

White mare smiled and left the room small dragon running behind her. Right after they left Nurse Redheart entered.

"Good to see you're recovering. I should run tests if everything's alright before rest of your friends arrive. Is that ok with you?"

Pegasus nodded. "Eyup. Lets do this. I doubt they will let me go once they arrive."

Nurse left Longwing alone and returned after few minutes with a unicorn doctor. They performed several tests and magical scans which showed that Longwing's injuries were healing and no complications occurred. After the examination doctor said that Longwing has to stay in hospital for another day or two and moved him to another room, one with no machinery and with two other, currently unoccupied, beds.

After about half hour Longwing heard familiar voices closing in.

"Over here! It's that room." Door to his room opened and a pink projectile flew through it aiming directly at him. "LONGIE!" Pinkie stopped centimetres from Longwing suspended in the air by a blue aura.

"Pinkie Pie please be careful. Longwing is still fragile." Rarity placed pink pony next to bed.

"Uff. Thanks Rarity." Grey pegasus smiled sheepishly.

Before Rarity could say anything, rainbow coloured blur rushed into the room and tackled Longwing causing him to yelp.

Rainbow Dash hugged him tightly for a few moments, then she calmed down and broke the hug looking at him, one of her hooves supported on his shoulder. "Longwing you big, dumb log! Don't you ever dare to do anything like that again!"

"Don't say that you were worried about me." Grey pegasus smiled trying to look casual but failed miserably as a relief he felt crept on his face.

"One of my best friends almost got killed by the Timber Wolves. Of course I was worried!" She was smiling and shaking her head slightly. "And to that, he was the one that saved my life, if you died I would never forgiven myself." She hugged him once again. "Thank you Longwing."

He hugged her back. "It's good to see you're all right Rainbow."

"Ekhem!" Applejack loudly cleared her throat (Much to Rarity's displeasure).They both snapped back to reality and saw that there were five other ponies standing by his bed. "If ya finished cuddlin', could ya say what happened after Rainbow was wounded by the wolves?"

Rainbow Dash blushed and jumped down from his bed.

"Yeah! Dashie said that you tried to shout them down!" Pinkie started to bounce in place. "What happened next? What happened next?"

Longwing scratched his head trying to remember details of their encounter with the beasts. "Well... I tried to scare them off. One of them pounced at me but I managed to buck him in the head. I think I broke it's jaw." Fluttershy winced visibly. "Then both of them run away. I dragged Rainbow on my back and run in the direction of Ponyville." He stopped for a moment. "Truth to be told, I don't remember anything else, blood loss must have dulled me."

"You were so brave darling. A real knight!"

He smiled. "Rather a ma- a pony pressed to the wall."

"What did the doctors say?" Twilight interjected. "When will you be able to leave the hospital?"

"Well, I'm still on the painkillers so leaving bed is out of question for now. Nurse said that if nothing unexpected happens I will leave in two days."

"Thwats greht!" All eyes turned to Pinkie Pie who was stuffing her mouth with sweets. She noticed that she became a centre of attention. "Whath?" Realization hit her. "Opsie! Want some?" She held the tray covered in crumbs to others.

Rainbow Dash facehooved. "Pinkie..."
.................................................................................................................................

Longwing's injuries were healing quickly. He was amazed how unicorn magic helped to mend his body, nurse told him that this treatment will prevent scars to appear. Shoot, I hoped for some badass scars.

Finally the day has come.
Nurse Redheart removed most of the bandages, leaving only few on the places that were still healing, and told Longwing that he can leave the hospital.

"And for Celestia's sake be careful! Don't overexert yourself until you're fully healed and remember about your medicines."

"Sure thing nurse! If I get wounded again, I will try to do it near to the hospital. Thank's for help." Grey pegasus grinned slyly.

White mare giggled. "You're welcome Longwing. Now go, your friends are waiting for you. Shoo!"

Longwing left his room with a big grin plastered on his face. When he entered the reception he saw six familiar ponies and small dragon.

Twillight smiled and trotted to him. "Hello Longwing! Good to see you on your hooves again."

"Eyup! Longwing is back and ready for action." He said stretching his body.

Then Twillight's smile faded a bit.

"What's wrong Twilight?"

She turned her head to Rainbow Dash. "Hey Rainbow. You remember when you said us that Longwing seemed to glow with his own light?"

Cyan mare nodded. "Yeah... What about it?"

"Well, I think I found the source of it." She pointed at Longwings flank.

"What?" He turned his head to check what was she pointing at. Then he saw it.

"A? A cutie mark?" His flank was adorned with a brass kite shield with a small steel heart on it's centre.

"Awesome!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
"YAY!"

"Wow!" Longwing was shocked. I have a cutie mark.

Pinkie tilted her head. "But what does it mean?"

Grey stallion looked at his cutie mark. "Shield..." He murmured to himself. He recalled his fight with the wolves, the moment when he got his mark. Twilight said that cutie mark appears when pony finds his talent. Something that makes him special. A spark flickered in his mind. The moment when pony finds out what he is destined to do. Then realization hit him. The moment when he sealed his fate refusing to leave Rainbow Dash. Decision that no matter what, he will never leave anypony behind. That was it. The path I've chosen, and realized that I have the strength to follow it.

He raised his head. "A shield means protecting. And heart..." He pondered on possibilities. It can be... His left eye twitched. No it's impossible. I'm not in... Am I?

Fluttershy pulled him from reverie. "Well. Maybe that means, that your talent is protecting your friends, ponies you care about."

Longwing nodded and a smile crept on his face. "That makes sense. Yeah... I think you're right Fluttershy."

Gathered ponies started to congratulate him. He glanced at Rainbow Dash who was looking at him, clapping her hooves silently.

Congratulations Lon.

........................................................................................................

Seven ponies and a dragon trotted across the streets of Ponyville. One grey pegaus particularly happy. Ow my gosh this is so awesome! This really calls for a celebration! He failed to notice that streets were strangely empty.

When the group reached the town square they were greeted by a storm of cheers.

Longwing stopped in his tracks stunned. "Whaa?"

Town square was filled with dozens of ponies, he could se transparents, orchestra, tables full of food. Generally a festival in full swing.
Pinkie appeared before him her nose almost touching his. "SURPRISE!" She grabbed his hoof and started to drag him in the direction of the wooden stage built next to the town hall. "This is a party we organized to celebrate your discharge from hospital! Do you like it? Do you? DO YOU?!"

He tried to articulate an answer but could only murmur incoherently. Pinkie dragged him to the centre of the stage where he was approached by a mayor of Ponyville who smiled and nodded welcoming him. She cleared her throat and raised her hoof silencing the crowd.

"Fillies and gentlecolts! We gathered here to honour a pony, who demonstrated unshakeable courage, loyalty and fortitude in the face of danger. Pony who risking his own life defended his friend from the dangers of the Everfree Forest. Inhabitants of Ponyville, applause for Longwing!" Storm of cheers erupted once more. When it silenced everypony was looking at Longwing expectantly.

Grey stallion smiled shyly. "Wow... I... I don't know what to say. I'm honored that you came here for me. And..." He looked around for inspiration and saw Pinkie bouncing around her friends. His usual sly grin returned. "Well... Let's get this party started!"

.......................................................................................................................

Rainbow Dash was feeling awkward. She wasn't used to the role of- What does Rarity call it? A damsel in distress? She prefered to be a saviour, not a saved one. She was sitting by the table with five of her friends eating cake and drinking apple cider.

"Equestria ta Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow Dash snapped out of reverie, realizing that she have been staring at Longwing surrounded by the crowd for the last couple minutes.

"Ya alright sugarcube? It seems that ya spaced out for a moment." Applejack asked with a concern in her voice. "What's on yer mind?"

"Err..." Rainbow tried to think a way out of this awkward situation. "I was wondering how are the preparations for festival going." She smiled uneasily.

Rarity ceased drinking her drink. "Well the costumes are almost ready, as well as stage decorations. And now when Longwing is back in shape we can continue the rehearsals. As far as I can tell, everything is going perfectly."

Rainbow Dash exhaled happy that her friends took the bait and didn't ask about her sudden interest in performance.

Rarity giggled glancing at grey stallion talking to a group of ponies. "Looks like our friend ascended to the rank of the local hero."

"Yup. Sure he did." Murmured Rainbow feeling a sting of jealousy as she looked again at the stallion who saved her.

"Excuse me for a moment." Longwing politely bowed his head to the three mares he was talking to and trotted to the drink stand. He poured himself a glass of water and drunk it in few quick gulps. These ponies will talk me to death. Since the start of the party he was constantly surrounded by ponies that wanted to talk or dance with him, and if he understood pony body language correctly at least four mares counted on closer acquaintance. Looks like I really developed a reputation in town. He sighed and looked around, savouring the moment of peace. He was tired, he was yet to fully recover and was tiring quickly. Longwing smiled as he spotted Ditzy Doo sitting by one of the tables chatting with orange maned mare. What was her name again? Carrot... Carrot something. Ditzy's daughter Dinky almost broke his rib when they visited him in the hospital as she jumped on his chest to hug him. Dinky, Dinky, just like her mother.

He continued to scan the crowd when somepony caught his attention. A brown stallion sitting by the table on the edge of the square, observing him. Longwing tried to look casually and poured himself another glass of water. So Doctor... Still spying on me. Longwing finished his drink and put the glass on the table. I think it's time to have a chat. He raised his head and looked at Ditzy again. Smile appeared on his face. If I'm lucky I will kill two birds with one stone. Leaving the stand he searched for a pony that would help him with his plan. And he found one.

"Hey! Hey Scootaloo!"

Upon hearing her name orange filly trotted to him. "Hi Longwing! Whats up?"

He lowered his head and talked to her conspirationously. "Scoots I need your help with a very important task."

Small pegasus grinned, happy that the pony that saved her idol wanted to entrust her something important. "What needs to be done?"

"I need you to deliver a message, and you need to be discreet while doing it." Longwing started to whisper his plan to her ear. She was slightly confused but nodded and trotted into the crowd.

Grey pegasus smiled. My turn now.

...............................................................................................................................................

Where did he go? Brown earth pony stallion known as The Doctor scratched his head. He was watching Longwing for weeks now. At the party he attended to, by Ditzy's persuasion, month ago he felt a strange aura, upon closer examination he discovered that it was emanating from the newcomer called Longwing. Strange fellow. No matter how hard I try to read him it always end in failure. It became easy to follow him since he became friends with Ditzy.

"For ponies sake." Doctor murmured to himself frustrated. He is big as bull, he is a central figure at this party and I lost him. He snacked on butter muffin. He was right there next to the drinks stand. Then he talked to this orange filly... Scootaloo? Heh good kid. Kinda reminds me of myself, just younger... Well, minus the wings of course. Another bite. "And then he disappeared. If he is not near the food stands, or with his friends then... His eyes widened.

"Then by the laws of the cosmic comedy you must be standing right behind me, am I right?" He facehooved and shook his head.

"Eyup!" Longwing sat by the table next to Doctor. "I think we need to talk Doctor."

Brown stallion nodded. "Yes it seems we need to." He sighed. "Since I already know what are you going to ask let me start alright? I know that you are not an ordinary pony. How? Let's say that I have a nose for such cases. I've been trying to discover your nature for weeks now." Doctor sipped his tea. "Are you a pony at all?"

Longwing inhaled. "Well not quite. At least not before I came here."

Brown stallion nodded. "I see. So let me get this over with. Do you have any sinister plans concerning this land or it's inhabitants?"

Grimace of confusion crept on Longwing's face. "No. In fact I've never planned coming here, nor had any knowledge of this world's existence in the first place."

Doctor looked into his eyes suddenly a grin appeared on his face dispersing the serious atmosphere. "I believe you."

"Just like that?"

"I told you I have a nose to such cases."

Longwing chuckled. "Okay. Now my turn. You are not a pony yourself do you?"

"Well. Not completely." He turned to grey pegasus. "How did you know?"

"Don't get me wrong but... I know peop- ponies, and even in this crazy town you kinda stand out. Your questions ensured me that I'm right." He shrugged. "Simple."

Doctor laughed. "That's unusual, I was deciphered by the one who I tried to decipher. Ow man..." He shook his head. "So what now?"

Grey pegasus smiled widely. "Now. My dear strange friend. I will enjoy the party and get some food. But you-" He poked his companion and gestured in the direction of the dance floor. "- you have an important meeting to attend to."

"What?" Doctor looked in the direction pointed by Longwing. "What meet-" He saw that in the centre of the dance floor there was a blond maned, grey coated, pegasus mare standing and looking around confused. "Miss Doo? What is it about?" He turned his head to look at Longwing.

Longwing was giving him a serious stare. After few seconds he smiled warmly. "You know exactly what it is about." He looked at Ditzy then back at Doctor. "Girl likes you Doc. You should talk to her. Don't make her wait."

Doctor looked confused at first, then nervous, slighty afraid even. "*gulp* Ummm... A-alright." He stood up and made few uncertain steps before turning his head back to Longwing. "Are you sure?"

Longwing nodded. "Trust me."

Brown stallion gave him uneasy smile. "Hey that's my line." He straightened himself and continued his uncertain walk towards the dance floor.

Longwing watched Doctor approach Ditzy. Her eyes widened in surprise as brown stallion trotted to her. He said something, then bowed a little and offered his hoof to her. She hesitated at first, her cheeks red as strawberries, but finally grasped Doctor's hoof and they begun to dance, blushing like a school fillies.

Grey stallion smiled. Well done bro. Well done.

.................................................................................................................

"... she would not stop talkin' bout it so Mac had ta make her a filly size plow. Heheh. Ah had ta lock it in the barn, cause she decided that garden needs replowin'." Applejack chuckled and took a draught of the cider. As she looked to her left she saw a familiar grey pegasus, sitting down next to her with a bowl full of fruit salad. He had a wide grin plastered on his face despite the signs of exhaustion in his eyes.

"What's up Longwin'? Ya look like a foal who got a bag full of sweets."

"*munch**munch**munch* Hmmm? *gulp* I'll tell you later." He continued devouring his meal when he noticed that Rainbow Dash was unusually quiet.

"Hey Rainbow." She looked at him. "Why so gloom? Are you alright?" He asked with a concern in his voice.

She quickly made a fake smile. "W-why do you ask? I'm fine. Everything is fine, as fine as it should be at the party right?" She nervously looked at her friends.

Applejack chuckled. "Don't ya worry Longwing! She's just bein' jealous that you are the hero of the day not her." She sticked out her tongue at cyan mare.

"Hey! I'm not jealous!"

"Yeah sure ya aren't."

A word fight went through for a couple of minutes until Applejack decided that's enough teasing.

"Heheh. Anyway, so will ya tell us what made ya so happy Longwing?" Silence. "Longwing?"

When she looked to her left she saw that Longwing was lying on the table, his head in the bowl with the the remains of the salad, snoring quietly.

"Poor dear. He must still be exhausted after the operations."

Applejack giggled. "Told ya he's sweet when he sleeps."

Twilight laughed. "He should be put in bed. I will take him to the farm and teleport back lickety-split." Purple unicorn stood up and trotted to sleeping pegasus, raising him gently into the air with her magic.

"That's mighty kind of ya Twi. I feared that I would have ta carry him on mah back. Oh and could ya take Apple Bloom home too? It's getting late."

"Sure Applejack. I'll be back soon." Purple unicorn trotted away.

Rarity smiled and turned to Rainbow Dash. "So Rainbow. Looks like your knight in shining armor has left us."

Cyan mare grimaced. "My what?"

"Longwing, my dear. I mean, he was so brave back there driving the beasts away. Obviously he cares about you a lot." She gave Rainbow a warm smile.

Every second Rainbow Dash was becoming more and more uncomfortable. What is she up to? "Well we're friends. It's normal that we care for each other."

Rarity nodded. "Say what you want about Longwing, but I think he is an example how a true stallion should behave. Do you know what were his first words after he woke up?"

Rainbow slowly shook her head. "No."

"He asked where are you and if you're alright. Your health was his prime concern. A real gentlecolt." Rarity squinted her eyes slightly still looking at her friend.

Fierce blush appeared on cyan mare's cheeks. "R-really?" Unicorn nodded. "Um... T-that's nice of him... Eeee... I'll go grab some cider for us okay? Be right back." Cyan pegasus rushed hastily away from the table.

Rarity begun to giggle as big grin appeared on her face and all ponies that remained by the table looked at her quizzically.

............................................................................................................

Next week passed uneventfully. Longwing spent this time recovering, he couldn't work, fly or walk longer distances so rehearsals for the performance were moved from the school to one of the Apple's barns.

Everything returned to normality, except for one thing that puzzled Longwing. Rainbow Dash seemed to avoid him. They were spending time together only on rehearsals and even then Rainbow was uneasy. When he asked if everything is alright she affirmed and said that theatre is just not her thing. He didn't believe her. Unable to get satisfying answer, Longwing abandoned the topic.

Finally the "Farewell Spring" festival has come. Festivities started at dawn, most of the attractions were located in the vicinity of the Ponyville's school. When the clock struck three, crowd of ponies gathered in front of large stage built next to the school. After several minutes of waiting a small dragon, dressed like a medieval page, entered the stage.

Spike cleared his throat loudly and all other voices fell silent. "Citizens of Ponyville, I have great honour to invite you all to a journey to the past, at the early years of Equestria. Times of monsters and heroes. Come closer and listen carefully, for in a moment you will hear a legend of an Ironskinned Pony."