Chapters "Wh- What?" Flash asked. "I said, you have personally been chosen by Princess Celestia to protect her! Your shift starts today." Cole responded.
Flash blinked.
"Is there a problem soldier?" Cole asked, a bit of anger in his tone. "Uh... with all do respect sir, isn't there another stallion that could be her personal?"
"Flash! You are the best soldier I have! Your reflexes are spot on, you have advanced weapons training. Your hoof to hoof combat is unmatched, and your flight skills rival that of Rainbow Dash!" Cole shouted.
Being her personal... protecting her? Flash thought in his head.
Captain Cole started banging his hoof against his desk. "Flash! Pay attention!" He shouted. "Sorry sir... I am just... shocked I guess. I never knew I was acceptable to guard Princess Twilight."
"Well... I know. It's a tough role... but it is a necessary one, and I can't think of anypony else than you to fill it." Cole finished, and Flash blushed a bit at the compliment. Guess i'm not getting out of this... maybe I could even get to know her better this way- wait! No you need to protect her! No flirting! But... I am going to be watching over her for a while... Okay. I will set boundaries. I will get to know her as a FRIEND, not anything more. But maybe if I... no! Ugh! Flash stepped out of his thoughts, and saw Cole just sitting in his chair with his hooves crossed, staring at him. "Uh... I spaced out again didn't I..." Flash said, holding the back of his neck with his hoof. "I understand, you are probably just nervous. Just give me a few minutes to do some paperwork, and I will be back with you to escort you to her quarters." Cole finished, and Flash saluted to him as he went into his back office. When Flash knew it was all clear,
"Hmph, you can come out now Faze." Flash said, and a shadowy figure of a pony started to protrude from one of the room's shadows. When he had stepped out into full view, he had taken form. He was a black furred stallion with a loose green mane and blue eyes.
"Heh, Flash your abilities never seize to amaze me."
"Oh please, that was just instinct. You follow me around a lot through shadows."
"Just one of the benefits of being a Shadow Walker." Faze said, and started to walk up the room wall and onto the ceiling. He then started to hang from his hind legs, and crossed his arms. "So, you nervous?"
"You have no idea..."
"You know, you should tell her."
"Tell her what?"
"That you like her, smart one." Faze winked at him.
"What? I could never do that, she won't feel the same."
"Flash, come on, you won't know unless you try." Flash grunted.
"Flash, come on! Don't waste a chance like this." Flash thought for a moment. Maybe it's worth a shot... I have all the time in the world!
"Fine Faze, you win. I will tell her, but I am gonna give it some time." Faze just smirked at him, and dropped from the ceiling on all fours. Not making a sound.
"Well good. Love is a great thing, so you shouldn't waste it on an opportunity like this."
"Hey, maybe I could even introduce her to you. You are my best friend."
"Well... I don't know. She may react to me like I'm a changeling or something."
"Come on Faze, you won't know unless we try." Flash smirked at him, and Faze playfully punched him. Then, they heard footsteps coming from Cole's office. "Well, I am gonna split, seeya later." Faze waved a hoof from his forehead, and dissipated into the shadows. Cole's door had opened, and he trotted out. "Okay Flash, I will escort you now. Be on your absolute BEST behavior." He ordered.
Let's just hope I can even contain a stutter... He thought, as he followed his captain out the door.
When they started making their way toward Twilight's room, they passed by many other guards. Some congratulating Flash on his new position, some others just turned away from him whispering to other guards "I should have gotten that spot." One of them even downright insulted him out of jealousy for his new position. You have it easy... buddy. He thought in his head.
When they had arrived at Twilight's quarters, Flash was amazed by the size of the doors. They were at least 30 feet high, and there were even some diamonds engraved in them. He looked at them in awe, but Cole got his attention. "Alright Flash, this is her room. I am going to take my leave now. Feel free to introduce yourself to her. But you will mostly be spending time out here guarding her door, and following her in case she goes out. Just do an occasional check up on her once in a while." Cole looked at his watch. "Well, I need to get to a meeting, good luck, and take care of her." He said, and Flash saluted him. "I will sir! Thank you sir!" He said, and Cole was off. When he was out of sight, Flash dropped the act, and started pacing thinking of how he should enter.
Okay, just go in there, and introduce yourself. Nothing special, just introduce yourself. He took a deep breath, and knocked 3 times.
"Yes?" He heard faintly from inside. "Um, hello? Princess? This is Flash Sentry. I was assigned your personal." He said. "Oh, come in." He heard. He took another deep breath, and started to open the door. He had to apply a bit of extra force to it in order for it to open, considering it's size. When it was open, he saw her, sitting on her bed, just reading a book. Next to it was a huge pile of them. He could make out multiple titles, like "Ancient Battle Strategies" and "Starswirl's Ancient Medalions". Twilight had noticed his entrance, Flash swore he saw her hidng a blush. "So... Flash Sentry! Captain Cole told me you were assigned my personal." She said, smiling at him. "Uh, yes, umm... I..." Stop studdering!
Twilight giggled. "It's alright Flash, there is no need to be nervous. Why don't you join me, I have some tea!" She said joyfully, and clapped her hooves. "Join you?" Flash just blankly looked at her. "Well, you are going to be my personal! I would like to know about you! I don't want a complete stranger guarding me." She said, getting up and heading toward the tea pot on her night stand.
"Oh, um, I would be glad to... But I need to get back to my post soon..." Flash said. "It's alright. Just a few minutes, I could use the company. She said, and they had both trotted over to a table. They both sat down, and Twilight started the conversation. "Sooo... How long have you been in the royal guard?" She asked. "Well... about a year." He said, and Twilight was shocked. "Only one year? I mean, no offense, but how did you..."
"Get assigned? I know, I have only been here for a year, but I have had plenty of training before joining the guard." Flash said, while sipping a bit of his tea. "Oh. So I take it you are a professional then?"
"You could say that. I received training from-" Flash instantly covered his mouth with both his hooves. "Wait, from who Flash?"
Flash released a deep breath. "Red Fang..." He said, just looking down. Twilight had gasped, almost falling out of her seat. "R- Red Fang?" She tried to regain composure. Twilight had read about the group. The Red Fang was a rogue organization that was formed for bounty hunters. It turned ponies into extreme fighters. But, it was criticized for it's extremely harsh training methods. Flash just remained silent. "But... the cruel training, you endured all that?" Flash started to look up at her, smiled and closed his eyes. "Let me just say, the training was a living hell... Red Fang was rightfully controversial." Flash held up his right arm, the bottom was littered with scars. "But... if you manage to make it through, it pays off." Flash said. Twilight just stared at him blankly. "So... you're... you're a... bounty hunter... But why?" She asked. "Well... I was aborted as a child.
I was abused, starving, and lonely. So... I took interest in the Red Fang. The bounty business pays, and they provided me with shelter and food."
"So... you... killed ponies for money?" Twilight just looked at him with a depressing look. "What? No Twilight it isn't like that! I have never killed a pony in my life. I bring ponies in ALIVE. I am not too fond of... that." Flash finished, and Twilight just looked at him. She didn't know what to think. "I'm... sorry if it freaks you out. You probably think I'm a creep..."
"No! No! Flash it's okay... I am really sorry you had it so rough..." She said, and gave him a reassuring smile. He smiled back at her. "But, enough about me. Tell me about you." He said. Alright Flash! Pat on the back for you! Stepping it up.
"Well... I was born and raised in Canterlot, but I eventually moved to Ponyville because Celestia wanted me to learn about friendship. I made a whole bunch of new friends there. I used to be a total bookworm and didn't care about the whole thing." Flash just looked at her. "Used to?" He looked toward the huge stack of books by her bed, and she blushed. "Uh... heh! Maybe I still do read a lot. But before I was sent to Ponyville, I was always to focused on my studies to make friends. But when I moved there, I found out how amazing friendship really was. I met Fluttershy, who is the kindest pony ever. Applejack, a farm's pony. Pinkie Pie, who defies the laws of physics, my brain hurts whenever I think about what she does." They both shared a laugh. "Rariety, a stylist, and Rainbowdash, a-" Flash immediately choked on his tea. "Rainbowdash?"
"Uh... yes?"
"Blue fur, rainbow mane?"
"Wait, you know her?"
"Oh, we were great friends. She was one of the few ponies that understood me. I even beat her in a race." Flash said, and Twilight choked. Flash just stared blankly at her. "WHAT? YOU BEAT HER IN A RACE???" She yelled. "Oh... heh, sorry." She started to blush, and Flash chuckled. "You reacted the same way I told my other friend." He said, but then Twilight realized what Flash said again. "You beat her in a race... But... how??? She is unbeatable in the air!" She argued, and Flash just smirked. "Well... in a drag race, she is unbeatable. BUT, we were doing an obstacle race through a canyon. I was slightly more agile than her, barely won." He said, and Twilight gave him the biggest smile he had ever seen. "Wow... that is amazing! Now I can get back at her for calling me an egghead all the time!" She shouted. "Um... Anyways Princess, back to what you were saying..."
"Oh right... Well... after everything I went through in Ponyville, and what I learned about friendship, Celestia made me a princess. Now... I live here."
"Do you still see your friends?"
"Only on weekends, but I enjoy it."
"Maybe you could introduce me sometime?" Flash suggested. Then he realized what he just said. "Oh, I'm sorry! I barely know you yet and I just suggested..."
"No no it's fine. Since you're my guard now I would be happy to introduce you to them." She said. "Wait, Flash do you have any friends?" Flash was caught off guard by the question. "Um, honestly princess, I really only have one friend. Anytime I try to make one they always turn me down because of my past."
"Oh... I'm sorry. But who is this one friend?" Flash chuckled. "Oh, you will meet him eventually..." Then Flash looked at his watch. "Well, I need to get back on duty Twilight."
"Oh, okay. I guess I will see you later then..." Flash finished his tea. "I guess so too." Then, Flash heard something and his ears twitched. It was a faint buzzing noise. There was a fly in the room, and Twilight noticed it. "Ugh! Why can't these things just leave me alone?" She complained. Then, Flash got an idea. He picked his tea cup back up, listened for the noise again. He heard it to his right. Eight O' Clock... He swung the cup, and caught the fly behind him. Then, he put it face down on the table. Twilight saw this, and but an ear up to the cup. She gasped, and looked back at Flash, who was making his exit. "Guess I'll... see you later then." He said, and exited her room. Twilight just looked at the door... dumbfounded. Then she blushed.
Showoff... She thought, and smirked.
Did she... blush when I did that? No it was only my imagination... But... I thought I saw her...
Flash was standing guard outside Princess Twilight's door with his staff. Although most guards used spears, the staff was Flash's weapon of choice because it was light, and highly manouverable.
Flash had felt something. Kind of like a feint wind. At first, he expected it was Faze, but he let it pass, as he told him last night not to bother him when he was guarding. He figured somepony left a window open. Then he heard a big rustle coming from Twilight's room, and heard a feint and short screech. His eyes widened, and he immediately opened the door. "Princess?" He called her name, his staff ready through the door, but all he saw was a pile of books, and a purple tail sticking out. Then, he saw Twilight stick her head out of the pile. "Oh... heh. Flash! Just um... doing some organizing!" She said, with her cheeks turning a deep crimson, and Flash just chuckled. "I see... you alright?"
"Yes yes I'm fine-" She was interrupted when she felt liquid dripping down her muzzle. She put a hoof up to it, looked at it and saw blood. "Okay, not fine..." She said, putting her hoof up to her muzzle. "Flash, hand me the tissue box, it's in the second drawer of the nightstand." She said, and Flash reacted immediately. He grabbed the tissues, and handed them to her. "Thank you..."
"No problem. You had me scared there for a second outside. I thought somepony got into your room..." Flash said. But then, Twilight felt it. She sensed something, it was feint, but out of the corner of her eye she could see it. She looked to her bathroom. The door was open and it was dark inside. Then, she saw a figure. She quickly shot up to all four hooves and shot a purple beam of magic into the bathroom. A big flash of light ensued, then disappeared. Flash just stared blankly at her. "Princess! What are you-"
"There was somepony in the bathroom!" She yelped, and stepped a bit back. Flash just nodded at her, and got into an offensive stance with his staff. "Stay behind me." He ordered, and he approached the bathroom. A voice made him stop.
"Ugh... Really? Is that any way to greet a guest?" It said. Flash recognized that voice anywhere, and he grunted.
"Come on Faze I thought I told you not to bother me! Furthermore you did in the Princess's quarters!" He yelled. Then, Faze stepped out of the bathroom in his shadow form.
"Um... F- Flash? Who's that?.." Twilight asked nervously.
"Oh... Princess, don't be scared. He's friendly. This is my friend, Faze. He is a Shadow Walker."
"Yes I am. You're lucky I was in my shadow form when you shot that beam at me... missy." He was in his physical form now.
"What!? You were the one eavesdropping!"
Faze just smirked.
"Wait, Flash is this the 'one friend' you were talking about yesterday? And... he's a Shadow Walker???" Twilight gasped, and started clapping her hooves. "I have so many questions!"
"Um, Princess, no offense but, he doesn't like to talk about his species that much. Even I can't find out much about them."
"Oh... I'm so sorry... I didn't want to-"
"No... It's fine. We Shadow Walkers don't like to talk about ourselves. We usually try to keep it secret from most ponies." Faze said.
"Um, if you two don't mind, could I ask you how you are friends?" Twilight asked.
"Oh... that's fine I guess. I found Faze here at the Red Fang outpost, snooping around trying to learn our training. When I found him, I decided to teach him some things I learned. I also gave him a place to stay. We became good friends, and have been since.
"Wow Flash... First you were with the Red Fang, now you're friends with a Shadow Walker? You are just full of surprises..." Twilight said in awe.
"Heh, I guess I am princess..."
"Flash? Could you start calling me Twilight instead? I am not quite used to this whole princess thing yet... Only when we are alone though..." She said, and Flash blushed furiously. Then, he saw Faze wink at him.
"Okay... well I guess I will be off then. I have some things I need to take care of. See you two later." Faze said, and disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door.
After that, there was just silence. Flash decided to break it. "How's your nose?" He asked. Twilight through the tissue she had to her muzzle away, and used another one to check. "It's better now." She said.
"Okay... Twilight. I would like you to please keep Faze a secret. If anypony knew a Shadow Walker were here they would freak out. They used to be allies with changelings, but not too many ponies are exactly... 'fond' with their friendliness."
"Okay. You have it kept Flash." She finished, and then Flash looked to the pile of books next to them. "Uh, you need any help with that?"
"No, I'v got it." She used her magic to spin the books and place them in alphabetical order into her large book case. Then, she just winked at him. Flash blushed again. "Uh... um. I guess I should get back to my post then!" Flash said with a nervous look, then dashed out the door, leaving Twilight with a puzzled look on her face.
"Well... that went well. Sort of."
"I'll say." Flash jumped.
"Didn't see me that time, did ya?" Flash heard Faze's voice again, and just grunted.
"What were you doing in there!?" Faze came out of the shadows and into his physical form.
"Just checking to see if you made a move on her-" Flash instantly covered his mouth. He had just remembered Twilight was on the other side of that door. "Really? That's what this is about? Look... I told you, I am gonna do it! Just give me some time to get to know her first." Flash yelled in a whisper. Then, he heard footsteps coming from the right.
"Shoot! Gotta split." Faze dove back into the shadow he came from, and a guard approached Flash.
"Sir Flash Sentry! Hello there. How is the new position?" He asked.
"Well... it's stressful. Always being on your toes watching out for her." Flash looked at her door.
"Are you taking it well?"
"I'm starting to, yes."
"Well, I have to do my patrols. See you around." The guard started walking away from him, and Flash just watched him. After he was gone, he got into his guard stance.
Well... I hope are guards are this friendly to me from here on out.
Twilight had wiped some sweat off her forehead. "Well... never knew reading could be so... stressful. Heh." She said to herself. She was reading up on Starswirl's Ancient Medallions. She had found out about things she never knew about him, and it was making her a bit excited. "Well it sure looks like it." Twilight shot up to a defensive stance when she heard the voice. But then, she recognized it. "F- Faze? Are you in here?" She asked for his name, and he responded. "I don't know..." He appeared hanging from the room's dark ceiling. It was late at night, so he could do so.
"Am I?" He said jokingly. "Were you... spying on me?" She asked.
"What? No. I just popped by for a visit. Also to say I'm sorry for really spying on you earlier.
"It's okay, water under the bridge. It's fine." She said, and Faze dropped down from the ceiling onto the floor in his physical form. "So, how are you liking Flash so far?"
"Well, he's very polite. But it seems he doesn't like to talk about himself that much."
"Well, his past is very dark. He just doesn't want you to think of him differently."
"I can understand that." There was a moment of silence, then Faze caught Twilight by surprise.
"I know... Twilight."
"Um... know what?"
"Hmph, don't play dumb, I'v seen the way you look at him." He smirked at her and Twilight instantly blushed. Then, she turned away and crossed her arms.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She lied.
"Please. You know as well as I do, Shadow Walkers can read emotions like open books. It's nothing to be ashamed of." Then, Twilight looked back at him.
"Come on, admit it." Then Twilight turned away again.
"Why are you nosing around in my business?"
"1, It's fun." He chuckled. "2, he is my friend. It's not just 'your' business." Then, Twilight just circled her hoof on the bed and blushed.
"Faze... I don't know what to do. I mean... I'm not sure if I like like him yet. I just met him..."
"You know, I had a crush once. It was just like how you are now. Oh man she was beautiful. Her mane was the perfect shade of green. Her eyes were pink, and sparkled in the moonlight. I didn't know if she was right for me. But I gave it time, and we eventually had a relationship. But... she passed away due to a... shifting accident." Faze shivered at the thought, and Twilight was in shock. When Shadow Walkers shift from their forms, they must do it when out of a solid object. Otherwise the material that it is shifted with will merge in with the body. It's a horrible way to go. "Faze... I'm so sorry."
Faze waved her off as a sign he was okay. "Twilight, I am just saying, Flash's past may be... a bit weird. But when you get to know him, he is a great stallion. I mean, I am not trying to force you into anything. I am just saying..."
Twilight breathed deep. "It's okay Faze I get it... Thank you." Faze just smiled at her, saluted, and disappeared into the shadows. Twilight needed time to think, but she decided to turn in for the night. It was 11:00, and she needed rest.
Flash awoke with a yawn, and looked at his clock on his nightstand. "It's 6... I should get up..." His shift starts at 7, he got up, showered, brushed his teeth and his mane, preened his wings, and dressed into his armor. He had grabbed his staff from his weapon rack. "Well Tenesia... another day, another live worth protecting." He looked at the staff's engraved name on it's tip that read "Tenesia". Although other ponies may find it weird he named his weapon, Flash found it necessary. He had this staff ever since he joined Red Fang, so he decided to give it a name. Flash continued out his bedroom door, and made his way towards the mess hall to eat. He usually just sat at an empty table, considering he never made any friends with the other guards. He grabbed some oatmeal, warm tea, and sat down at an empty table. He was about to chow down into it, but right before his muzzle hit the food, he heard a voice. "Hey! You there!" Flash looked to his right, and noticed 3 guardsponies. They were all way bigger than Flash, two of them had white fur, the one that looked to be their leader had grayish fur. "You think you can just go and do that?" The leader spoke up. "Do what?"
"Steal away the position I deserved?"
"Ugh, oh please. I didn't 'steal' anything. The captain chooses what goes around here. Not me. With that attitude, I wouldn't even think of him choosing you." Flash shot back, then started slowly eating his food.
"HA! For a little faggot like you, I'm surprised he even thought of picking you." Flash shot up, his food tray shook as he put both of his front hooves on the table. The mess hall became silent.
"Pfft, that princess... She isn't worth anything anyways." Flash's eyes shot wide open. His hooves were pressing so hard into the table they would leave marks.
"Care... saying that... again?" Flash asked, gritting his teeth.
" She Isn't WORTH IT. " Flash pressed hard into the table, then he brought a hoof down so hard it snapped in two. He took Tenesia, and swung it around with one hoof, twirling it, over his head, around his back, and got into an offensive stance. The guardsponies stepped back in fear.
"Shut the hell up! Back off before my anger takes over and I leave you all with a broken neck." He gripped his staff harder, but the three guardsponies stood their ground. "Let's get em'!" The leader yelled, and they charged him. Flash just dodged the first two with minimal effort, then when the leader came forward he swept his staff across the ground and it made him trip. Then, the other two charged again, this time Flash lunged Tenesia straight into the first one, not enough to do any serious damage. Then, he dodged the other one, and smacked him across the face with his weapon. They all laid on the floor aching. "Princess Twilight is smart, kind, and caring. You three are a disgrace talking like that about her." He lowered his staff. "Now just leave me alone so I can actually eat something." He grunted, and the three guardsponies limped out of the mess hall groaning. Flash looked around to see everypony staring at him in awe. Then, he looked over to the table he had smashed. "Heh, guess I got a bit carried away didn't I?" He put a hoof around the back of his neck. Then, one of the ponies in the cafeteria spoke up. "Good on ya mate!" He had started clapping with his hooves. "You really showed them there." Another one spoke up, and also started clapping.
"They deserved it!" "That will teach them!" "Great moves there Flash!"
Soon, the mess hall became crowded with compliments and clapping, and Flash just smiled at them. But he just waved his hooves downward to try and get them to quiet down. "Thank you, but, in all seriousness I am a little hungry, I would like to eat without the whole cafeteria staring at me." The other guards quickly understood, and went back to conversing with their friends. Flash looked back at the smashed table. "Heh, guess that's coming out of my pay check."
"Don't be ridiculous!" A pony with a mop and other cleaning tools approached the table. "After the what you did back there, I'll cover it for you!" She said, pushing the scraps out. "What? Really? You don't have to do that you know."
"Oh it's fine. I make more than enough with this job anyways. Go on and eat!" He told him. "Well... thank you! I really appreciate it." He shook his hoof, and went back to grabbing some food, and eating breakfast. When he was done, he made his way to Twilight's room.
Flash knocked on Twilight's door. He looked around, and made sure it was clear before he used her name. "Twilight? Sorry I'm late, I got caught up with something at the mess hall."
"Oh... Flash... Come in..."
"Um... sure." He said, and slowly opened the door. He looked in and saw Twilight sitting on the floor staring out the window.
"Uh, is there something you need?"
"Flash... I..." Twilight hesitated.
"I saw everything." Flash's eyes went wide.
"Oh..." Flash just looked at the ground, and Twilight turned around.
"And... I have to say... thank you!" Flash's jaw dropped.
"Thank you for defending my honor like you did."
"Well, I wasn't just going to let those three talk shit like that about you- oh sorry, excuse my language."
"It's fine. I really appreciate it Flash. What did you think I was going to say?"
"Uh... well I figured maybe you would be... scared. I threatened them, smashed a table, and I kind of bruised them up."
"Flash it's fine. Should I go talk to those three?"
"No... I think they had enough. Besides, they are probably going to have some bad rep with the guards now..." Twilight nodded in agreement.
"I guess you're right." Flash and Twilight just avoided eye contact.
"Oh, so you heard everything I said..." Flash said. He had just realized the compliments he had given her in the cafeteria.
Twilight giggled. "Do you really think I'm smart, kind, and caring?" She asked making circles with her hoof.
"Heh, I do. You're really a great princess Twilight." Flash's muzzle turned crimson, and so did Twilight's.
"Sooo, is that all you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Yes Flash that's all, you can return to you're- uh... p-post..." Twilight suddenly became dizzy, and she started holding her head with her hoof with her eyes closed. "Twilight? You okay?" Flash rushed close and tried to balance her with his hoof. "I... I don't kn- kno... ..." Twilight went to her knees, and she fell to the floor. "TWILIGHT!" Flash suddenly saw a huge flash of light come from her, then it was gone, and Twilight's horn was starting to glow a dark green color. "Tw- Twilight?"
Flash slowly approached her. She had started to open her eyes. Shortly after she began to stand back up. Only this time, there was no color in her pupils. Just blackness. Then, before Flash knew it, Twilight had tackled him to the ground, covering his neck with her hooves. "Tw- Twilight!" He tried to get her off without hurting her. Twilight then tore off Flash's saddle bag, and took a knife out. Flash threw her off, but she dashed back at him and made a clean cut up his neck. It didn't connect with him, he barely dodged it, but it tore his helmet strap and it flew off. Flash knew that Twilight was seriously going to kill him if he didn't do something. Then, Flash heard a knock at the door. Oh no... He heard a guard's voice. "Um, princess? I saw Flash wasn't at his post... and-" Twilight noticed, and flew towards the door, and knocked it down with incredible strength. The guard just barely dodged the fall, but not what was about to ensue. She had tackled him to the ground. "Pr- Princess!" She took Flash's knife, and dove it straight into the guard's neck. He instantly covered it, as he was choking on his own blood. The chokes became gurgles, then silence ensued. Flash watched in horror as the whole scene unfolded. His mouth agape, his eyes wide. His body was shaking violently. Did she just... commit... murder? Then, she dashed back to Flash with the knife, this time gashing his arm. He held it in pain, then Twilight attempted to make another attack but he dodged. He tried to fly, but Twilight grabbed him and slammed him into the ground. "Twilight!" He yelled. "Snap out of it!!!" He tried to bring her back to reality, but it was no use. She made another gash, this time in his left flank. He screamed in agony. as he clutched it. Twilight continued to attack Flash, with no sign of resistance. Flash couldn't fight her, he didn't have the courage. She had made another cut, this time in his stomach. Flash finally took off to the air, but didn't have the strength and fell down onto his chest. Twilight made another cut in his back, this time bigger than the others. Flash was losing strength, but he realized something that would work.
Pressure points! Flash knew that was it. He could temporarily paralyze her doing minimal harm. With one last fighting effort, he regained his strength, and forced a small fraction of his hoof toward one of her pressure points around her stomach area. Then, another in her shoulder. Finally, one into the crook of her neck. Then, she fell limp to the floor. Flash was breathing heavily, and looked around him. He had cuts all over him. Some minimal, other large like the one on his stomach and back. He had blood all over his fur, and was starting to become dizzy. He fell to his knees, as soon as he did a rally of guards arrived at the horrifying scene. "Oh Celestia..." One of them said, then they all looked to see Flash on his knees. His final words were...
" Get... help... "
He blacked out.
Twilight slowly opened her eyes. When they were fully opened, she realized she was in a hospital bed. Then, the headache hit. She instantly covered her head with both her hooves, except, she realized they weren't the normal bright purple color they were supposed to be. Instead, they were a damp red. She started to panic, but tried to breath slowly.
Okay, okay. My hooves are red... I'm in the hospital. What happened before... Think Twilight! I was... in my room looking out the window... then someponey came in... She rubbed her temples harder. FLASH!
She quickly scanned her surroundings, and realized he was laying in another bed next to her. He had bandages all over him, and a red bag hanging next to him. Twilight started to panic again.
Oh no. Oh no no no! What happened to him!? What happened to me!?
She had looked at her hooves again.
Wait... only my hooves are... red. Did... did I?
She started to breath faster and shake.
No! No! I couldn't have! I would... never! Something has to be wrong here! Then, she noticed Flash was twitching his eyes, and was starting to wake. He stood up to a sit, he immediately flinched in pain from the cuts and gashes.
"Ow! Jeez... More sore than when I brought that griffon arms dealer in." He said as he checked the rest of himself. Afterwards he stretched his back. Then, he noticed Twilight sitting next to him. She was staring at him with a look of distress.
"F- Flash? Are you okay?" Flash heard her voice again, and sighed in relief.
"Yeah I'm okay. How are you?"
"I'm... okay too. What happened?" Flash felt confused for a moment, then he saw Twilight's hooves. He had gasped.
It was... it was... real. She...
"F- Flash? What's going on?" She had started to shake again, and her breathing quickened.
"Twilight... you don't... remember?" She had shook her head and was beginning to get scared.
"Are you... sure you want me to tell you? I don't know if..."
"Tell me!"
Flash took a deep breath. "When we were alone in your room... something happened to you. You collapsed on the floor. Then you woke up again, only this time, you were... different. Your pupils were larger, and had no color to them, and your horn was glowing a dark green color. Then, you... grabbed my knife and attacked me." Twilight had gasped, and covered her mouth with both of her hooves.
"Then another guard came in... and you..." Flash hesitated, and Twilight was starting to scoot farther from Flash across her bed.
"Killed him." Flash finished, and Twilight's eyes were widened.
"I... k- killed him?" Twilight looked down at her hooves again. Then, it happened. She had a flashback. She was seeing everything her other self was seeing. It started when she bashed down the door, then it showed her taking the knife, and lunging it into the guard's neck. She snapped out of it, and started shaking again. She had another flashback. This time she was gashing Flash with the knife 3 second intervals for each cut he had. After she came back to reality, she started to hyperventilate, and was shaking her head and holding it with both her hooves. "No... no no no no..." She looked at her hooves. "No no nononono!" She had scrambled out of her bed, and recklessly backed against the wall.
"Twilight-"
"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" She yelled. Her breathing quickened, and she wrapped herself in her arms. "I'm... I'm a... monster... a witch..."
Flash looked at her distressed form.
She's going to lose it if I don't do something...
Flash slowly got up from his bed. It didn't hurt as much as he expected, but he was still extremely sore. He slowly walked towards Twilight.
"I SAID STAY AWAY DAMN IT!" She had yelled again, this time starting to tear up. Flash approached her, and knelt down in front of her.
"Twilight... if you think you are a monster, go ahead. Shoot me, right now. As hard as you can." Flash turned his face sideways, and Twilight just stared at him.
"I... I can't. I would never..." She was starting to relax.
"You see? That's right. Because you aren't what you say you are. You're no monster." Flash took one of her hooves in his. "None of this was your fault..." Before Flash could say another word, she lunged toward him and hugged him with all her might. Flash was a bit taken back by this, but he returned it by enveloping her in his wings.
"Flash... what's going to happen to me? I could be put on trial, I could be jailed, I might even be..."
"Twilight... don't think like that. Just take deep breaths okay? We will figure this out. You just need to keep calm." Twilight's breathing slowed, and she started to come to. "Just breath." He gently said. Twilight's breathing was starting to go back to normal. Once it was, Flash released her. "You okay now?" He gently asked, and Twilight nodded in agreement. Flash looked around a bit more, and noticed they were in the Castle Infirmary, and it was dark outside. He looked at a clock and it read 8:00. "Twilight, go wash up in the bathroom. It's down there on the left. Flash pointed, and Twilight nodded and went in the direction. This gave Flash some time to think.
There is only one explanation for this, mind control spell. The signs all lead to it. The green horn, blank eyes, she couldn't remember anything. But... who would want to do that to her? And why would she target me... Flash was still racing through his thoughts, while Twilight was washing up in the bathroom.
"Okay Twilight..." She said to herself in the mirror. "Just keep calm... keep calm. Deep breaths, do what he said." She said as she was washing the blood off her hooves. Wait... my hooves- No! Just don't look at them. Twilight avoided looking down as the dried blood washed down the sink. When she held them under the water for a few minutes and scrubbed them, she looked down relieved. She also decided to wash her face, considering all the tears and sweat. Wait, where is everypony? Twilight didn't take that into consideration. Usually there was a guard keeping watch somewhere, but she didn't see. Then, that's when Flash knocked on the door. "Twilight, you alright in there?" Flash saw her walk out. "Yes... I'm okay."
"Well... I found a note on my bed I didn't notice. It said that most of the guards are at a meeting concerning what happened. If we wake up at the time, we just stay here and rest."
"Oh, okay."
"I got you some fresh water." Flash handed her a plastic cup filled with water. Twilight gulped it down, and thanked him afterwards. They went back to their hospital beds, and sat across from each other.
"Flash? What do you think... happened?" She asked.
"Mind control is the only thing that comes to mind. Your horn was glowing a dark green, which is a sign of dark magic, and your eyes had no color to them. You also had no memory of what happened, which is a dead give away. What I can't figure out is why you attacked me. Normally, something like that would be used for a ransom, but whoever this pony is wanted me dead..."
"But... what about the... other guard?" Twilight tried to control her breathing.
"I am guessing the suspect didn't want anypony to see what was happening, so he had to kill him..."
"I had to kill him-"
"Twilight..."
"Right right... I'm sorry." Twilight was interrupted when her stomach growled. She blushed and covered the back of her neck with her hoof. "Heh, I just realized I haven't eaten since this morning."
"Well... they couldn't just leave us here without food." Flash looked around the room, and noticed there was a bowl on a table in the corner of the room. He walked over to it and saw it was full of fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes. He picked it up, grabbed an apple, and handed the bowl to Twilight.
"Thank you." She said as she picket up a banana, and peeled it with her magic.
"Man, wait until Faze hears about this." Flash said.
"Yeah- wait... oh no."
"What is it?"
"My... my friends. How am I going to break this to them!? I... I murdered somepony! And-"
"Twilight, you didn't-"
"Yes I did! I... how could-" Flash reached over and grabbed her hoof. "Twilight. You did not." He said, increasing his grip on her but not enough to cause pain. "I'm... I'm sorry. I did it again."
"No Twilight I completely understand. It's fine." He said as he let go.
"I am going to get some more water, then I'm sleeping. We will figure everything else out tomorrow." Twilight nodded at Flash in agreement.
He stepped out of the room, and approached the water dispenser. He took a cup, and started filling it. As he was, he looked back toward Twilight's direction. Then, he saw something seeping out from the bathroom door. It was black and clear. "Faze?" Flash asked for his friend, and he appeared in his physical. "Hey, what the hell happened?" He asked.
"Something went wrong with Twilight earlier today. I think she was mind controlled into killing me. And as a result, she killed a guard."
"Damn... How's she holding up?"
"Not well... she keeps blaming herself for the whole situation. I am trying my best to help her."
"Well, you can't help her for long Flash." Flash just stared blankly at Faze.
"W- What do you mean?"
"Have you even thought about how this whole event is going to effect her consciousness?" Flash thought for a moment, his hoof on his chin.
"Nightmares..." He realized, and gasped.
"Not just that Flash. Hallucinations, Flashbacks, the whole shebang."
"Jeez, how am I going to deal with that..." An idea popped into Faze's head.
"You know, you could just... comfort her in her sleep."
"What!? Faze! Are you suggesting I sleep with her!? I am not going to push that on her yet!" He yelled whispering.
Faze chuckled. He said yet... ha!
"Flash, comfort in sleep always helps nightmares. Plus, dream catchers aren't really that easy to find anymore. The ones that work anyways."
Flash just slapped his forehead.
"You still believe in those things?"
"Oh, they work Flash." He just grunted.
"If you say so... But I am not sleeping with her."
"Well, okay. It was just a suggestion."
A suggestion I wish I could do...
"A stupid suggestion!"
"Hmph, I could tell in your mind you're denying it."
Damn it Faze...
"Well, I am going to split. Let me know if she is feeling any better."
"Alright... will do."
Faze disappeared into the bathroom like he did last time. Flash went back to Twilight, and laid down in his bed with his water. "Flash, I heard voices coming from outside."
"Oh, that was just Faze popping in for a visit. He was just checking on us..."
Twilight just looked down at her bed. "Well, I am going to sleep. You should too, tomorrow is going to be... big." He finished, and Twilight nodded in agreement. "I suppose you're right." She tucked deeper into her covers. "Goodnight Flash... and thank you." She slowly drifted off into her imagination.
Don't thank me yet Twilight... Flash thought, looking at her sleeping form.
When Twilight opened her eyes, she was in a black void. She couldn't see anything. No sign of light, no objects, it was next to being blind. That all changed when she turned around. She saw Flash. He had no armor or saddle bags. He was completely bare, and he was smiling at her. She decided to approach him. He approached her too. They came closer until they were a couple feet away, then they just sat down. They just stared at each other. Twilight started to smile at him, and Flash did the same. Then Flash's body shook, his eyes went wide, and his mouth agape. He looked like he was struggling for breath. Twilight heard a dripping noise in the void. Like water dripping from a pipe. She had looked down from Flash's eyes, and saw it.
There was a blade, sticking three inches out from his chest. Blood was dripping down his body, and making a puddle on the floor. Twilight quietly spoke. "F- Flash?" Then, he fell limp on the floor, and when he did, revealed something far more terrifying. Behind Flash, was a frightening representation of Twilight. Her gorgeous purple eyes were now two black voids like the one surrounding her. The sides of her mouth were carved into a viscous smile and her teeth were bloody. Twilight just stared at her, eyes wide. Then, she just vanished. Into thin air. She gave off a blurry effect around her when she did. Then she felt breathing on her shoulder. She slowly turned around, and the figure she saw before lunged at her, followed by an ear piercing screech.
"GAAAAAAH!" Twilight woke with a scream. Her breathing was out of control, and sweat was consuming her. She was gripping her damp blankets as hard as she could. She looked to her right to see Flash reaching his hoof towards her. "Twilight? Are you..." She broke into tears, and covered her face with both her hooves. Flash climbed onto Twilight's bed and put a wing around her back, pulling her close for a hug. He was stroking her mane to try and get her to calm down. "Twilight... was it a nightmare?" He gently asked. Flash felt her nod in his chest. "Would you like to talk about it?" Flash asked, and looked down to Twilight, who was looking up at him. "I was... in a black void. You were there with me. It was so... peaceful." Flash stroked her mane again. "Then... out of nowhere this knife... comes through your chest. You fell limp to the ground." Oh no... a guilt dream... "Then... this other representation of me appeared behind you-" She gasped, remembering it's appearance. "Twilight stop. I know what it looked like. Please don't describe it, it will only make you more scared." Twilight just looked up at him. "You had a guilt nightmare. I have had one too. A different representation of you appears in your dream, which is supposed to represent the evil you are feeling inside you. I'm sorry you had to see it..." Twilight just put her head on Flash's chest again. "Flash... what if... this all happens to me again..." She asked. "It won't." Flash quickly responded. "But... but what if-"
" It. Won't. " Flash pulled her closer with his wings. "Twilight, just don't think about it." Twilight eased into the comfort of his wings. "It's alright Twilight. Just relax." Flash started to stroke her back. "Do you want me to go with you to see Celestia tomorrow?" He asked. "Yes, I would like that. Thank you."
Twilight stayed in his arms for a good 2 minutes.
"You okay?"
"Yes... I'm fine now..."
"Okay, well get some sleep then." He said as he started to break off.
"Wait!" She interrupted and he stopped. She was still tucked into his wings.
"Don't leave..." She quickly said, Flash's muzzle reddened.
She wants me to... sleep with her? And she's asking me to do it... but what if somepony sees us? He asked in his mind, then Twilight hugged him harder, and muttered the word that took Flash over. "Please..."
No... I don't care if I even get fired. I want to help her. Flash concluded in his mind.
"Twilight... I'm not going anywhere." Flash said, and laid down with her in his wings, and Twilight drifted off to sleep in his arms.