They Walk Among Us

Sleeping is good.

Especially if one doesn't have to dream of sanity-damaging, apocalyptic, mind-wobbling, prophetic dreams every night.

Of course, it's a matter of perspective. There are some people in the world who actually like having those kinds of dreams. People who enjoy them and think them beneficial. People who have fun while they're in them, people who would trade anything for those kinds of dreams, dreams that could give them fame and fortune.

Steven was not one of them.

He enjoyed sleep. But on many nights, he could not have the simple pleasure of enjoying them.

They always have to be interrupted for some reason.

This night, however, was not one of them. Steven slept peacefully and quietly, away from intense battles and brain damage from thinking too hard. It had been long since he had this kind of sleep. He could just imagine himself laying in a breezy field, with little rabbits hopping about, and- Oh! A deer! He liked deer.

Steven had never felt so relaxed, so at peace with himself and the world before. He liked it.

Ah... This was the li-

"WAKEUPWAKEUPWAKEUPWAKEUPWAKEUP!"

Steven jumped out of the bed. Perhaps too enthusiastically.

His face crashed the ceiling, and he heard a small 'crack!' and a throbbing pain in his muzzle, before falling back to the bare floor with a loud 'thud'.

"Owowowow..." said Steven, rubbing his muzzle. It was slightly crooked.

"Woah..." said a nearby voice. "That seemed harsh."

That stupid compass. He was going to kill it.

But then he himself would die. Was killing an inanimate object worth his life?

Probably.

But the throbbing pain in his muzzle grew steadily worse, and the pain quickly overcame his anger.

"I think my muzzle is broken." said Steven. "Why did you have to wake me up?"

"You yourself told me to wake you up at half-past eleven." said the compass. "You should be thanking me!'

"Yeah, but you didn't need to do it so harshly..." said Steven, rubbing his muzzle. "You could have just shaken me slightly, or whispered in my ear or something."

"Well excuse me, Princess, but you wouldn't have woken up at all if it wasn't for me." said the compass.

"God, I hope what Twilight needed to tell me was worth all this." said Steven. He immediately used his magic to snap his muzzle back to place, and with one final burning sensation, everything was back to normal.

"I'm going to wake up Rainbow Dash now." said Steven. "Gently and slowly."

"Fine." said the compass. "Should I come with you?"

"I don't trust you that much yet." said Steven. "You're still too mysterious. And what Twilight needed to tell me sounded important."

"Steven, Steven, Steven..." said the compass. "Have you forgotten already?"

"Forgotten what?" asked Steven.

"You and I are one, right?" said the compass. "Which means that whatever you know, I would know. So it's no use keeping secrets from me."

"Yeah, how did that happen anyway?" asked Steven. "Who was able to form an empathy link with me without my own consent?"

"I can't tell you that, even if I wanted to." said the compass.

"So you can know what I know but I can't know what you know?" asked Steven. "Sounds like a pretty sh*tty deal to me."

"It is pretty unfair." said the compass. "But life's unfair. Deal with it."

"Yeah, yeah." said Steven, opening the door.

Steven got out of the room as fast as he could, moving quickly to secure the lock back into place.

"Thanks." he said, begrudgingly.

He could almost picture a smug look on that compass's face before he slammed the door shut and locked the door. He then quickly moved to find Rainbow Dash's room. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too hard to wake her up.

He quietly laughed to himself as he remembered how Jaeda would almost strangle him to death whenever he tried to wake her up before she was ready. And then he would struggle and fail to fight back his angry wife as she wrestled him down to the bed, before sharing a kiss.

Steven sighed. Jaeda. Despite having a new girlfriend, he still couldn't get his mind off of her. He suddenly felt bad about dating Rainbow Dash. He felt bad, and guilty. He felt like he was betraying Jaeda's memory by falling in love with another. It was torture.

What am I thinking? Jaeda's gone, and I have to accept that.

He loved Rainbow Dash. That much was true, even to the very ends of the world. But why did it make him feel so... bad?

Time seemed to go much faster while he was thinking, and he quickly found himself already in front of Rainbow Dash's door. He had to be very gentle in waking her up, because Scootaloo was in the room as well, and he didn't want to wake the child up. So he quietly knocked on the door.

No answer. He put a little bit more strength into the knocking.

Still no answer. He reluctantly beat the door with more power, so that the sound it made was just like a regular knock's sound.

But there was still no answer. They must be really heavy sleepers, unlike Steven himself. Which was exactly why the compass shouting in his ear (or to be exact, his brain) annoyed him so much. He had to knock a bit louder than that if he wanted to wake her up. Hopefully Scootaloo was as more of a heavy sleeper than Rainbow Dash was.

Civility, however, was fated to disappear in a puff of smoke. It had reached the point where Steven was literally banging on the door, possibly waking up all the others who were sleeping in the entire corridor. As soon as he stopped, he began to hear the locks of other doors beginning to unlock, and he had more than half a mind to just run like heck to the exit and stay there.

But luckily for him, the Rainbow Dash's door was beginning to unlock. But instead of Rainbow Dash herself answering...

It was Scootaloo.

"Steven!' said Scootaloo, whose face turned from sleepy to bright immediately. "What are you doing here?"

"Scootaloo, can I come in?" asked Steven. "Please?"

"Well, sure." said Scootaloo, who moved aside as Steven ran into the room.

"What was that all about?" asked Scootaloo, who closed the door and rubbed her eyes.

"Sorry, but I need to steal your sister for a while." said Steven. "Is she awake?"

"She doesn't wake up until she wants to." said Scootaloo. "But you can try."

Scootaloo then pointed to a bed, where a lumpy blanket was covering it. Steven moved to the side of the bed, removing the covers, and a loud snoring pierced through the room.

"Wow!' said Steven. "That's loud."

"It's also why i couldn't hear you until you were banging on the door." said Scootaloo. "The covers barely helped."

Laughing to himself, Steven moved to wake up Rainbow Dash. He tried to shake her awake, to whisper into her ears, to move her body around, but all of those attempts failed. Rainbow Dash was still sleeping, her mouth widening to impossible proportions as she kept snoring.

"There's only one solution, then." said Steven. He immediately picked up Rainbow Dash and carried her on his back to the bathroom, where he laid her down inside of the bathtub. Right below the tap.

"What are you doing?" asked Scootaloo.

"What's necessary." he replied, before using his magic to turn the nozzle.

Water immediately flowed out of the tap and splashed all over Rainbow Dash's face, waking her up spluttering water everywhere. As soon as signs of life appeared on Rainbow Dash's face, Steven immediately turned the nozzle back, stopping the water flow and leaving a confused, wet Rainbow Dash lying inside the bathtub.

She immediately stood up, though, and angrily looked at Scootaloo, before turning her head to Steven.

"Why'd you do that?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"It's midnight." said Steven. "Twilight wanted to talk to us, remember?'

Rainbow Dash looked like she was thinking, before smiling back at him.

"Oh, yeah." said Rainbow Dash. "Let me just change quickly, and then we'll go."

"Now I know that whenever I need you to wake up, all I'll need to do is put your head into water." said Steven, a smirk on his face.

"Yeah, yeah." said Rainbow Dash, returning the smirk. "Just know that payback will come."

"I'll be waiting." said Steven, who exited the bathroom along with a confused Scootaloo.

"I don't get it." said Scootaloo.

"What don't you get?' asked Steven.

"Whenever I try to wake her up, she gets angry at me." said Scootaloo. "But when you wake her up, all she does is smile. Why is that?"

"Women are complicated beings, Scootaloo." said Steven, smiling at her. "One day, you'll be like that too."

Scootaloo said nothing and nodded, as they waited for Rainbow Dash to finish changing.

"So you guys put all your clothes in the bathroom?" asked Steven.

"Yeah." said Scootaloo. "At first we didn't, but then we both discovered how much we like to forget to bring our clothes inside when we wash up. So we just decided to keep it inside at all times, to avoid any awkward situations."

Steven chuckled, and ruffled Scootaloo's hair. For some mysterious reason, though, it came back bouncing up like it always did. What was her hair made of?

Not long later, Rainbow Dash came back bursting out of the bathroom in her usual attire, looking like normal despite how suddenly she had to wake up.

"Ready to go?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah." said Steven. "Let's go."

"What does Twilight need with you guys anyway?" asked Scootaloo. "It's so late."

"We ourselves have no idea, Scoots." said Steven.

"Then can I come with you?" asked Scootaloo.

"Sorry, squirt." said Rainbow Dash, bending on one knee to hug her sister. "But Twilight asked for us, and only us to come and meet her."

"Okay, then." said Scootaloo, a disappointed look on her face. "Be back soon."

"It won't take long." said Steven. "Bye."

"Bye." she said, closing the door as Steven and Rainbow Dash made their way out. They then immediately began to walk to the Engineering Lab.

"Scootaloo's a nice kid" said Steven. "There are not many of those left."

"She is, isn't she?" asked Rainbow Dash. "Compared to other fillies like the one with a tiara as her cutie mark, Scootaloo's a dream come true for anypony."

Rainbow Dash immediately fell silent. Both of them were now outside the Bedrooms corridor, and were making their way towards the Lab.

"She really likes your present, you know." said Rainbow Dash, quite suddenly.

"She does?" asked Steven.

"We both do." said Rainbow Dash "She keeps telling me about how she crashed into the many different places in this base with that thing you made. And she also told me about how she thought of you like a brother."

"A brother, huh?" said Steven.

"Scootaloo and I..." said Rainbow Dash. "We both have a lot in common. We both like speed, we don't like being bossed around, we love challenges..."

"Yeah?" said Steven.

"And..." said Rainbow Dash, a slight sadness in her smile. "We both never knew our parents."

"Really?" asked Steven. "Never?"

"Nope." said Rainbow Dash.

"Sorry for making you have to bring that up..." said Steven.

"No, it's fine." said Rainbow Dash. She wasn't crying at all. "It's the same for many pegasi. Managing the weather was possibly the most dangerous job in all of Equestria. There were many risks."

"Risks?" asked Steven.

"You're not allowed to get your wings wet, and you have to avoid lightning..." said Rainbow Dash. "And not to mention that Pegasus childbirth was the most dangerous and deadly kind of childbirth."

"Why?" asked Steven.

"Because Pegasus foals are born with their wing-bones completely stiff." said Rainbow Dash. "The doctors would then massage them thoroughly to get them to relax. Most mothers... don't survive."

"Ow..." said Steven. "Sorry, I never knew."

"That's why Cloudsdale's flight school also offered a place to live for a low price." said Rainbow Dash. "Most of us, Fluttershy and I included, stayed there as we studied. We also had to get a part-time job in the Weather Factory to pay through school."

Rainbow Dash still wasn't crying, even after having to remember all of that. Steven wondered how she must've felt, never having known her parents, but he couldn't relate at all. It was impossible for him to know how she must have felt. Perhaps that was why Rainbow Dash liked to brag a lot. Perhaps all she wanted was a little love and approval from others. Perhaps that was also why Fluttershy was so timid and quiet all the time.

"You're really strong, you know that, Dash?" said Steven, playfully nudging her. "I don't know how even I could live through all that and still be as strong as you."

"As you grow up like that, you'll understand." said Rainbow Dash. "Believe me, I've felt depressed many times before. Sometimes it got a little extreme. But then I remembered my parents, and how they actually gave their lives to give life to me. That made me sad, but it gave me strength. It gave me conviction."

Steven said nothing but smiled. Rainbow Dash smiled back.

"Besides, if I had given up back then, I would never have gone to Ponyville, I would never have met the Wonderbolts, I would never have met all of my best friends..." said Rainbow Dash. "And... I would never have met you."

Steven was at a loss of what to say. Here was Rainbow Dash, possibly the most beautiful, bravest, and all round best girlfriend anyone could ever have, pouring her heart and soul out to him. And he really didn't know what to do. Should he comfort her? Acknowledge her suffering? Tell her he understands? What should he do?

Luckily for him, though, he didn't really need to do anything. All of a sudden, he found himself kissing Rainbow Dash passionately. He didn't break it, though. Not to sound sappy, but whenever he shared a kiss with Rainbow Dash, it was always special. He certainly felt that way.

"Wow..." said Steven, as soon as Rainbow Dash pulled back.

"I'm sorry..." said Rainbow Dash, blushing and scratching her head. "I guess that was kinds sudden, huh?"

"Believe me, I'm not complaining." said Steven, smiling.

"Thank you." said Rainbow Dash.

"What for?" asked Steven.

"For..." said Rainbow Dash, who suddenly hesitated. "Never mind. Twilight's waiting for us."

Rainbow Dash then began to quickly walk forward, leaving a still very confused Steven behind. What did Rainbow Dash had to thank him for? Waking her up? No, that's not it...

"Coming?" called Rainbow Dash.

"Coming." said Steven, walking quickly to catch up with her. They then began to descend down the non-active escalators, and then all the way through all of the twists and turns that led to the Engineering Lab. Soon enough, they were there.

Steven quickly entered the password, and the doors began to open. It was still dark. Why was it still dark? Perhaps Twilight was waiting for them, and she didn't want anyone from outside thinking that there was somepony inside. Maybe. The idea sounded ridiculous even to him.

"Twilight?" called out Rainbow Dash. No answer.

"Maybe she's not here yet." said Steven, as both of them walked to the largest open space in the Lab.

"No, that's impossible." said Rainbow Dash. "Twilight's always a freak about being on time every time. Sometimes it gets scary."

"Maybe she got held up?" offered Steven.

Rainbow Dash hesitated, putting a hand on her chin.

"Maybe." said Rainbow Dash. "Turn on the lights, and we'll see."

Steven used his magic extend the reach of his hoof to the nearby wall, and switched on the lights.

"WAAAAH!" screamed Rainbow Dash.

"AAAAAH!" screamed Steven, in response to Rainbow Dash.

"YAAAAAAH!" screamed three other voices, in response to Steven.

"Twilight!" said Rainbow Dash.

"Rarity!" said Steven.

"FLUTTERSHY?" said Rainbow Dash.

"Hi, Rainbow Dash." said Fluttershy, smiling sincerely at them.

"W-w-what are you guys doing here?" asked Rainbow Dash. "I thought Twilight said it was some kind of private thing?"

"Twilight here invited us to come along." said Rarity. "Is that a problem?"

"No..." said Rainbow Dash. "It's just... surprising, that's all."

"Surprising?" said Fluttershy. "Or startling? Because if we startled you, then we're really sorry."

"No, it's fine." said Steven. "We just didn't expect you guys."

"Well, if we're lucky, then we might not have woken the whole Base up." said Twilight. "So can we please keep it down."

"Okay." said the other four.

"But what are we doing here, anyway?" asked Steven. "What's so important that we need to meet up in such secrecy like this?"

"If I'm not mistaken, it was you who suggested meeting up here and now, Steven." said Twilight.

"Yeah." said Steven, feeling blood rushing to his face. How the hell do ponies blush anyway? Another mystery. "But I only suggested it because you needed this level of secrecy in the first place."

"Where and when we're here and who in the hoof suggested it doesn't matter." said Rainbow Dash. "Just tell us why we're here, Twilight."

"Well, Rainbow Dash..." said Twilight, as the three ponies' faces began looking uncomfortable.

"This little piece of news might surprise you." said Rarity. "And you too, Steven."

"No, it might even startle you." said Fluttershy, sounding as if that was important. "I wouldn't want it to startle you. That would be bad."

"Just tell us, already." said Rainbow Dash, crossing her arms.

"You know how I went to meet Applejack first thing when I woke up yesterday?" asked Twilight.

"Yeah." said Rainbow Dash. "You really made a big deal out of it."

"I'm sorry about that." said Twilight. "Anyway, when I talked to Applejack, she revealed something quite... private to me."

"Private?" asked Rainbow Dash. "Was it a Pinkie Promise?"

"Yes." said Twilight, looking guilty and blushing profusely. "But you needed to know."

"How could you do that?" asked Rainbow Dash, sounding angry. "She trusted you!"

"Please, Rainbow Dash!" said Twilight. "Just listen to us for a while!"

"I...I can't!" said Rainbow Dash. "I can't do that. You girls Pinkie Promised! I can't do such a thing after Pinkie... After she..." Rainbow Dash's voice slowly disappeared.

Was a pinkie promise really this big of a deal in Equestria? It sounded as if everyone's and their mother's lives were at stake here

"Now, it isn't really that big of a deal, really..." said Steven, but no one listened to him.

"YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" said the girls in the room (even Fluttershy, although she didn't say it so harshly or loudly), making Steven want to hide in the shadows all of a sudden.

"Okay." whispered Steven. These girls are scary!

"Sorry, Twilight." said Rainbow Dash. "But I won't listen. I-"

"Rainbow Dash, just listen to me for a while, okay?" asked Twilight. "I just want to ask you a question."

Rainbow Dash immediately stopped arguing, and stood still, looking at Twilight with a stern expression. Eventually, though, she relaxed and breathed out.

"Well why didn't you say so earlier?" asked Rainbow Dash. "Didn't you see me get all panicked back there? I-"

"Do you love Applejack?" asked Twilight.

"Wha-" said Rainbow Dash.

"Do you or do you not love Applejack?" asked Twilight, rather sternly, as if she was forcing the issue.

Rainbow Dash seemed taken aback for a moment, but that quickly subsided.

"Of course I do." said Rainbow Dash. Now it was everyone else's turn to be taken aback.

"Y-You do?" asked Rarity, uncharacteristically distraught.

"Of course." said Rainbow Dash. "She might be a competitive athlete, but she's one of our best friends. Of course I love her! Is it really that surprising?"

"No..." said Fluttershy. "But..."

"Rainbow Dash, there's something you need to know." said Twilight. "Tell her, Rarity."

"Me?" asked Rarity. "No, Twilight, you should have the honor of telling her."

"No, you should tell her."

"Would you care to tell her, Fluttershy?"

"Um..."

"Fine, I'll tell her."

Rainbow Dash and Steven shared a confused glance before looking back at the three.

"Rainbow Dash..." started Twilight. "Applejack... Sorta has a kinda..."

"Crush on you." completed Rarity.

"She has a what now?" asked Steven, thinking that he misheard.

"Applejack..." said Twilight. "Has a crush on Rainbow Dash."

Steven jumped in surprise. He first glanced at the three girls, then at Rainbow Dash, then at the three girls again.

Applejack... Had a crush on Rainbow Dash? That might explain why she was so hostile to him, but... Wow. Wow... He had never expected that.

Unlike Steven, though, Rainbow Dash completely lacked any reaction. She only looked down, her hand on her chin, at the floor.

Then Rainbow Dash muttered something, but none of the others managed to hear it.

"Sorry?" said Rarity.

Rainbow Dash took a few deep breaths, and then she sighed loudly. She then immediately looked up at them, her face emotionless but her eyes burning with determination.

Rainbow Dash took another deep breath, and said:

"I know."