When Darkness Falls (Reboot)

I noticed she wasn’t used to seeing ponies hurt, in fact I could see it in her eyes. Trying to keep her cool, she let her words come smoothly off her tongue.

“Oh hey there, kid. Looks like you’re looking better then when I found you.”

Laughing awkwardly, I went on. “Yeah that’s what I thought, but you got to let me know. How’s the wing? Does it look as bad, as it feels?”

Turing to my side, she could see the true damage. My wing had been shaved due for the surgery to save it. It soon would be wrapped by a nurse. Looking up, Rainbow could see the ear couldn’t be saved, midway up, which had been bandaged already. My breathing was shallow, while my laughter had been cold and dry.

“Boy, I sure hope he’s going to be ok. By the sound of things, its about time things got better for that poor pony. And hey, we would look as bad if it wasn’t for the fact he’s been all cut up... He’s kind of cute.”

Both Rainbow and I started looking deep into each others eyes, hypnotized. Nothing could break the link, well till Pinkie Pie jumped in front of Rainbow.

“Hey there, your name’s Asher, right? Boy, it’s great to meet new ponies! By the way I’m Pinkie Pie! Here are my friends!” She listed off the names of each pony, as nodded their head in greeting.

“It’s a pleasure Darling”

“Howdy there partner!”

“It’s great to see you face to face, and not behind a mirror.”

“Oh… Um, hey there.”

“Hey, good to see you again, sorry you had to see that the other day; I had something in my eye that’s all.”

“Yeah, forgot to tell you this, but yeah. Nice to meet you Asher, maybe when you better when can fly together.”

“Yeah and now we’re all your new friends! Isn’t that great!” The Pink Pony could barely help herself at this point, jumping up and down with excitement. She was taken down by Applejack.

Oh Goddess This pony is just like Cloud! This can only end well... I thought to myself.

“Now ya need to simmer down, don’t you see he’s had a long day there partner?”

“It’s fine. Cloud over there is the same way.”

“It’s true.” Interrupted Cloud. “If I started lying now what would that make me?” Joked Cloud.

“Ha, You should go over and say hi, sometime. I think you two would get along, nicely.”

“It’s true.” Stated Cloud.

The pink pony gave out a small chuckle. “Sure, I would like that. HEY! That gives me a idea, let’s throw a PARTY!!!! You know for you, Cloud and Shadow, moving into Ponyville ! It’ll be fun! We’ll have games, food and tons of balloons, oh and some…”

“Come on there little missy, you and cloud, can plain this thing out in the hall. y'all,need to give him a break,” said Apple Jack as she pushed the two earth ponies out of the room, they were already choosing the dance music.

“Sorry about, that, dear. She can be as proper as a Diamond Dog at times. It isn’t her fault though, she’s just that kind of pony.” Stated Rarity, while fussing with her curls.

“Oh its fine, my friend Cloud acts the same way, well… he usually, this whole Discord thing has really gotten to him I think.” Looking down into my lap, I felt a hoof on my shoulder, which turned out to be a claw.

It was Shadow, still red-eyed form crying. “I might have only met you a few days ago, but... The way you looked after me, while making me laugh during our conversations together, has made a great friendship. And I know that both you and cloud are going to be fine. But I’m going to tell you the truth, when you were passed out I thought you were…” He started chocking up “I… Thought you were dying and, if you did and if Cloud was gone too, I would be…”

“... Alone?”

“Yeah.” Slouching down, the young dragon took a seat next to the bed.

The sun was setting, giving light a perfect angle to shine through the two dusty windows. It felt like the end of something, casting the room in an orange glow, as life started to settle back down. As every pony stood in silence, they reflected on the day and how life for all of them had changed due to Discord. I sighed, and before I knew it, I was crying.

Finally, this long and horrible trip was over, during which I never really cried once. I didn’t have the time; I was always running from somepony, or something. I was crying now because I could finally take the time to look back and see, what I was, what I had lost, and I had become. And I could finally weep for my family and friends.

Salty tears ran down my face, in silence, the only thing you could hear was my irregular breathing, and a few whimpers.

With everypony watching, I said few words. “It's gone... Everything, My Family, friends, even my house is gone.” Placing my hoof on my forehead, my sobbing became stronger. I felt the touch of Twilight as she came in for a hug. She was followed by Rarity, Fluttershy, and soon every other pony in the room, went in for a bug group hug. Shadow and Spike were being crushed near the center. Finally Both Cloud and I could mourn. With heavy hearts, they all took a step back as they spoke words of advice, comfort, and understanding, ending with Twilight and Spike.

“I know this isn’t the time but there’s this spare room at the library that we’re not using. I want you and Shadow to stay with me and Spike as long as you want. and don’t worry about Cloud because, Pinkie was able to talk, her folks in to letting them stay with them. And I just want you to know that you’re not alone.” Pointing to the small crowd behind her. “I think I can speak for everypony when I’ve just made a entire new group of friends, who want nothing more out of you than to be your friend, and the love you deserve. Am I right guys?”

Speaking in unison, everypony yelled ‘Yes’ at once.

The last thing I heard was AJ’s southern voice. “Come on ya all, he needs his rest now. How about we all head back to the farm, we have enough grub for everypony.”
One week later…

“Hey cloud? Cloud, wake up. It time to get up.”

“No it’s time for you to get up.”

“WAKE UP.”

Grabbing a bucket of water, the pink pony decided that if words weren’t going to wake him up, this would. Throwing the water into the air, it came crashing down onto Cloud’s Face, causing him jump out of the bed, as if he was being shot out of a cannon.

“What they hay?!” Screamed the drenched earth pony “Oh morning, Pinkie.” His expression went from anger to playfulness at sight of the party pony.

“Oh sorry, I hope that wasn’t too much. Well at least I used warm water!”

“Oh it’s fine, I always need a drink when I first wake up anyway.”

“Still sorry about that. It’s just that I’ve just been given great news!”

Seeing the look in her eyes was all he needed “What?! Is it with Asher? Is he coming home today?” holding his soggy breath he got the answer he wanted.

“YEAH!”

Tears swelling from within, the sliver pony almost killed Pinkie in a crushing hug. “That great, now all we have to worry about is that party!”

“Oh I’m never worried about a party. In fact I have a party cannon standing by at all times. The Cakes are going to bake a cake just for you guys.”

Blinking at the pink pony, Cloud was a little shocked. “For all three of us? But Asher is the one hurt, it should be his party.”

Her hair went from, being, fluffy ending in curls, to long straight and flat. It gave her a look of depression. For a moment, it was so strong, even the little alligator behind them felt moved.

“No... No you’ve all been through a lot.” She placed a hoof onto his shoulder. “You Asher, and Shadow are my friends. The one thing I do best is being there for my friends... To make sure they have a smile. In fact that reminds me of a song, but that’s for another day. I guess you could look at it this way. This party is my way of trying to help cheer you three up a little. How’s that sound?”

He knew her words were true he could only agree. But while taking a step through the door of their shared room. He couldn’t help but to hide a smile. He saw Pinkie’s small party cannon laying in the corner, with the words ‘Warning: Use in case of party’. He knew what had to be done.

“Oh, Pinkie?”

“Yeah?”

“Say hello to my little friend!” Grabbing the Cannon nearby, he was able to push the big red button before both the pinkie pony, her pet alligator could evade.

BOoM!!!

“Hahahahahahahaha,” The cloudy pony was rolling on the ground in fits of laughter. At the sight of the party pony being buried in here own confetti, while the green alligator dove into the pile, like a swimming pool. Poking her eyes out of the multi-colored paper, Pinkie decided to have a little more fun with Cloud.

“Brrrrraaainnns...” She moaned.

“What they hey?”

Sticking her arms out of the mess, pinkie started rising ever so slowly, mimicking a dead ponies movement, calling out the word ‘brains’.

“What the hay?” Playing along, he ran down the stairs, shouting at the top of his lungs. “ZOMBIE!!!!! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!”

“I WANT YOUR BRAIN!”

Running down the stairs, both ponies Barely missed Mrs. Cake, during their little zombie chase. Mr. Cake wasn’t so lucky; a fresh batch of donuts flew in the air. As the three ponies crashed in slow motion, Miss Cake could only watch in humor, imaging breaking glass and metal screeching together, as if there was a massive train wreck unfolding in front of her.

But her husband wasn’t has amused. “Pinkie, Cloud why don’t you two head over to Twilight’s house or the hospital, anywhere, in fact. I think you have been cooped up a little too long. Go get some fresh air, ok?”

Both ponies were a little embarrassed, and weren’t able to look the Cakes in their eyes.

“Yes sir.”

“Yeah what he said.”

Walking out the door though, they could hear something. “Oh honey don’t you think you were a little to tough with them on them?”

“Maybe, but aren't ponies supposed to be calmer at that age?”

“Oh they can be anything their hearts wish.”

“Yeah well those donuts were going to be sold at their party tonight.”

“Well I guess I’ll make a cake or something instead.”
_____________________________________________________________________

“Come on Spike is time to get up.”

“...”

“LET’S GO COME ON!”

“Come on Twi, don’t you know what time it is?”

“Yeah, it’s One in the afternoon.” Said a rather annoyed Twilight.

Cracking one eye open with a smile, the dragon hopped out of bed. “Exactly.”

Scratching his back spikes, he noticed something. “Hey Twilight? Where’s Shadow?”

Twilight was cleaning paper from the night before. She looked up, and answered him. “Oh. I think he’s out with Cloud and Pinkie getting stuff for the party tonight. I was about to head over to the hospital to get Asher today. Want to come with me?”

Still stretching, the young dragon agreed. “Yeah that sound fine with me. I mean me and Shadow were going to help out the Crusaders with something today, but I don’t think they’ll care if we’re late, or something like that.”

Giving out a little chuckle the purple unicorn couldn’t help but to mess up his spikes. “You guys are still doing the cutie mark thing?”

“Yeah so?”

“Oh nothing... You know that you can’t get a cutie mark right?”

“Yeah well Sweetie Bell said she was going to find a spell to change that for me.”

With a sarcastic tone the unicorn waved him off. “Oh I see... Well, have fun with that.”

“Oh, whatever. If we’re going then let’s get out of here, ok.”

“I’m right behind you.”

Shutting the door behind them both Twilight and Spike were greeted by a couple of birds passing by, while a few ponies were heading into town as well. While a fresh scent of flowers filled the air, form Rose’s garden down the road. Still tired spike remained quite, which didn’t bother twilight much, as she was going through a mental check list.

I really wish he hadn’t gone off with Cloud of all days like that, Shadow and I were supposed to have some alone time to talk about my kind. I mean all my life I wanted to know where I had come from, and finally when somepony with all the answer shows up he’s never has the time for me. And it sure didn’t help know, that Celestia could have told me everything at any given time, but choose not to.

Didn’t she know how much pain I would be in at times? No...I Know for a fact she did, what I don’t know is why? Why would she keep something like this a secret, it was uncalled for. And how Twilight acts about it isn’t any better, in fact it’s how she doesn't. It’s like she doesn’t even care. She’s all like “Don’t worry about I’ll explain every thing when your older” Oh what does she know, I have plenty of age.

“Hey Spike we’re almost there, do you want to stop somewhere to eat before we get Asher?”

More annoyed about losing his concentration, he gave out a small answer “No, I’m fine. I never was really one to liked eating in the morning, anyway.”

“Really? You know it’s not morning right?” Said the purple unicorn with a condescending tone.

Spike’s response sounded a little more tiresome. “Yeah, well... It’s morning to me.”

“Oh well, we’re here anyway.”

Waiting outside the massive grey building, Twilight saw familiar dark pegasus. Which was no other then Asher. After a long week of physical therapy, and plenty of bed rest, he was able to leave the hospital.

Still thinking of me as a victim, her tone sounded sorry. “Hey there Ash... Can I call you that?”

“Oh I’m fine, and Ash is ok with me.”

“Good well, are you ready to head of home? I think you can fill me in on all your adventures on the way home. If you’re up to it.”

“I’m ok with, and...” I lowered my voice, the less ponies knew my background, the better. “You don’t have to keep acting like I’m some kind of victim. Trust me I’m fine... Trust me.”

Still concerned, the mare came in for an embracing hug. “Well if you ever need to talk about anything, and I mean anything, you just find me. I’m always going to be here for you...ok?”

“Thanks. I really appreciate that, really. Thank you.”

The purple pony waved him off. “Oh don’t worry about it. Now let’s have a look around town shall we?”

“That sounds fine with me.”

Taking a tour about Ponyville, our first stop was Sweet Apple Acres. We were able to sit down and have some brunch with the apple family. After this we headed to Fluttershy’s cottage, where I tried to get to know better. In the end I was only able to hold a small conversation with the shy pony. So we went on our way after only a few minutes. After that we met up with the fair Rarity, for a trip to the local spa. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. Even though I only got a back massage, I still loved it, which is something I thought I would never say. The best part was the fact that Rarity paid for the entire thing! She by far the most most generous pony I had ever met. But not able to find either Cloud, or Pinkie, we deiced to head off home. For some reason, we couldn’t help, but to think about Rainbow. To me she has to be the most beautiful mare I had ever seen in my entire life.

But something was off. As we opened the door to the library, it was dark. Filled with a black void, I knew what was about to just happen, I could see it on Spike’s face.

“SURPRISE!!!!!!!”

Now I would be lying if I said I was surprised, but never the less I acted like it. “OH WOW! Thanks guys!.”

“Oh you’re welcome! Cloud and I planned the whole thing.” Said, a bright colorful pony jumping form out of the group, along side with my best friend.

Hopping into a circle around the two, hyper ponies started singing, ‘For He's a Jolly Good Fellow’.

Meanwhile, Twilight and Fluttershy rolled a huge cake up to me, with a single candle on top. I knew they were up to something because of the look the two ponies had on their faces. Twilight’s face was all bunched up, like she really wanted break out laughing, but she wouldn’t dare, while Fluttershy wouldn’t even look me in the eyes, as if she was ashamed of something.

And right before, I blew the candle out, a small green alligator popped out form the cake, latching onto my nose, casing me to topple backwards. Still flapping its tail every which way, I was able to detach the small creature, placing him onto the floor. Blinking at me a few times, the baby alligator waddled off.

Seeing every pony giggling, taking it like a good sport, I gave the the two mischievous ponies a big hug. I was thankful I was able to enjoy punch, and the cake, instead of it being used to hide little green reptiles, and gifts. I received a large scarf form rarity that she knitted herself, while AJ was able to supply the food, which was gift in its self. Twilight got me a book on magic, and much more form the other ponies. But all and all, it was a great night. Well till I blacked out.