//-------------------------------------------------------// The Secret Heart -by Chihotaru- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// The Map //-------------------------------------------------------// The Map “Twi…light” “…” “TWI…light” “Whaddya want spike?” The unicorn grumbled, she opened her eyes halfway to get a better view. “Gahh!” Twilight’s eyes shot open to see a cyan, rainbow-mane, Pegasus hovering right above her. “R-Rainbow Dash?! How did you get in here?” Rainbow laughed “Spike let me in! Apparently SOMEpony was up all night studying!” “Well of course! Those Tartarus Archives aren’t going to read themselves.” Twilight thought for a moment, actually… I think I have a spell for that… “Anyways… I wanted you to look at this map I found…” she landed on the ground and picked up the map, she then set it right in front of Twilight for her to inspect. The map was made of purple linen, it had golden corners that were mostly torn and/or faded away. The map showed a range of mountains followed by a dotted trail; the trail made zigzag path through the mountains until coming to a halt next to a red X. “This map…” Twilight pondered for a minute, she knew this place was familiar… but she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it. “Aha!” She ran down the steps into the library and pulled out a book. “What is it?” Rainbow Dash came flying down right after her. “Maps of Equestria Part II: Beyond Canterlot” She read aloud. “What the hay is that for?” “Because the mountains in that map,” Twilight explained while setting down the opened book for Rainbow Dash to see. “Are the same ones behind Canterlot!” “Ohhh… so what do you think it is? Could it be TREASURE?!” Rainbow Dash’s eyes sparked with excitement. “Well no, not exactly.” Twilight picked up the map. “This linen was used back when ponies were separated by race, to be more precise, the unicorns from that time.” “Oh.” Dash said. “But what’s that got to do with treasure?” “Back then almost everypony was poor,” Twilight explained. “If there really was treasure it would be pretty foolish to go out and bury it!” “So what is it?” “My guess… a hideout” Twilight had read about many occasions in which ponies from different races would meet in secret, be it love, friendship, or just having the same mindset that everypony should love and tolerate each other. “Well whatever it is, it sounds awesome!” Rainbow Dash flew up and did a twirl in the air. “Pack your bags Twilight! You and I are going on an adventure!” Rainbow Dash had begun to race out the door but was soon put to a stop by Twilight’s telekinesis. “Hold on a second!” “What’s the matter?” Rainbow stared at her with the most innocent look possible. “You expect me to follow an old map, just to get to some hideout?” Twilight knew it would take at least a few days, maybe even a week. “Yep!” “Without any planning, or telling anypony what so ever?” I already made this month’s checklist! “Yep!” “Walk out the door, just like that?” No way! No way! “Yep!” “No!” Suddenly, Dash fell to the ground, her ears flopped down, and her eyes watered up. Twilight was a bit shocked to see her friend in such a state, and started to waver on her answer. “We can’t just-“ Rainbow Dash started sniffling. Oh pony feathers! I can’t say no! Great going Twilight, you can’t even say no to her just because she’s so cute!  Wait… did I just say cute?! Twilight blushed at the thought, and Dash must of noticed too because her eyes widened a little. “Oh alright, but we’ll need to get the others so-“ “NO! Err I mean, before I came to you I asked them and they were all… busy.” “Are you sure?” Something doesn’t seem right… is she lying? Twilight read a book on how to detect liars, maybe if I… no! Dash is a good friend; just believe in her. “…yes” Rainbow looked almost a bit guilty as she said that… but quickly went back to her beaming excitement. “Ok… well we should at least tell them that we’re going to be-“ “On it!” And just like that, Rainbow Dash sped out the door. I have a bad feeling about this… Twilight looked down at the map. Just were in Equestria did Dash find that map anyways?! ______________ YES! YES! YES! YES! Rainbow Dash was zipping through the town with joy. I knew it was the right thing to tell them my feelings! They even help me set this up! Rainbow came to a screeching halt at the doors of Sugarcube corner. Inside were a group of four ponies chatting amongst each other. The group consisted of Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. Dash trotted up to them with a wide grin. Fluttershy spoke no louder than a whisper; “Um… so I’m guessing the plan worked out…” “OH BOY! OH BOY! OH BOY!” Pinkie jumped up and down with excitement. “When you guys get back I am DEFINITELY throwing a party!” “Oh I would just hate it if she took it the wrong way…” Rarity fretted. “You know how Twilight would feel if she knew we were deceiving her.” “Ah reckon she’ll know we mean well.” Applejack replied. “Y’all just make sure to act mighty busy when Twilight comes into town.” “Uh… thanks guys.” Rainbow muttered while smiling sheepishly. She wasn’t really comfortable with sincerely thanking others, but they really deserved it. “No problem!” They all chimed in. “Now go an’ tell’er how yah feel Dash.” Applejack nearly pushed her out the door with a saddlebag. “Right!” Yes, Rainbow had truly fallen for Twilight Sparkle.